“What about this one?” I point to a sparkly emerald-cut diamond roughly the size of my thumbnail.

Charlotte scrunches up her nose. “That thing could double as a weapon!”

I shrug. “Wouldn’t be the worst idea.”

“No way. I don’t want anything gaudy or flashy, Tate. I want it to be more…me.” Charlotte sighs and moves to the next to last case.

I glance around the store, shaking my head at the lead salesman. It looks like Harry Winston is a strikeout, along with Cartier. For a woman who’s incredibly laid back in every way, Charlotte’s awfully adamant about this ring being the right ring for her.

Sure enough, Charlotte peeks in the last case and frowns. I move up behind her and glide my hand up and down her back. “What’s wrong?”

Charlotte palms her head. “I don’t know.”

“I thought most women dream of Harry or Cartier on their finger.”

She gives a faint smile. “I know, and I know I should be grateful, but…” She looks up at me. “This doesn’t feel right.”

“What doesn’t?”

“All of this.” She darts her eyes around the showroom and lowers her voice. “Me, here with you, shopping for something that’s not real.”

I nod. “I know. But we’ve got to make the best of it.”

“Two days ago you asked me to be your real girlfriend, and now we’re engaged?” She bites her lip. “I guess I’m still wrapping my head around all this.”

“Don’t,” I say, sliding my hand up to the crook of her neck, “because your head will explode.”

She gives a little laugh and bats my chest with her hand.

“But seriously, this is all that matters, Char. Us—you and me. We haven’t changed, just our label. Consider it a new part to play and nothing more.”

She smiles up at me—the first genuine smile I’ve seen all day. “Thanks. I’ll try.”

“Why don’t we thank the good people of Cartier and then head to our last stop?”

Charlotte groans. “I don’t think I could stand the sight of another diamond.”

“I know, babe. But I think you’ll change your mind once you see what I’ve got in store for you.”

We thank the disappointed salesman and step out onto the hot pavement of Rodeo Drive. I saved the best for last because I figured this would be a long day. Based on Charlotte’s weary look and dragging steps, I’d say I guessed right.

“Where are we going, anyway?”

“It’s a surprise,” I say coyly. I take out my phone and send off a quick text, letting them know we’re headed their way. I glance at my watch. They should have enough time to clear the floor before we get there.

“So, have you told your dad and Camila yet?”

Charlotte nods. “Called them last night. They’re both really happy for us. A bit surprised, of course, but happy.” She nudges my arm. “It helps that you charmed the socks off of them.”

I give her my most winning smile. It never fails to bring a flush to her cheeks. “Can’t help it. The Gunner Charm is infamous, you said it yourself.”

She rolls her eyes. “And you? How’d your family take it?”

My smile slips. “I called this morning, and Harper’s thrilled. She really wants to meet you, by the way. Would, uh, that be okay?”

“Of course!” The heavy cloud looming over her lifts for a few moments. “I can’t wait to see where you grew up and your high school and your room.”

“Christ.” I run a quick hand over my jaw. “That’ll be an early two thousands time capsule. Be prepared for some pretty awful posters of 50 Cent and Slim Shady.”

“I think you mean Eminem.”

“No. I mean Slim Shady. I’m six years older than you, remember? That’s a lifetime in the entertainment industry.”

She laughs. “Well, I can’t wait. But you didn’t mention your mom.”

I shrug. “Not much to say. I told her…”

“And?”

“She won’t remember.”

Charlotte stops to take my hand. “You never know.”

“I’m afraid I do.” I meet her gaze. “She didn’t even know who she was talking to.”

“Oh, Tate…”

“It happens,” I say quickly, trying to brush it off like it doesn’t kill me every time my own mother doesn’t recognize my voice. “The dementia is so bad now. She doesn’t do well unless you’re standing right in front of her.”

“Then that’s what we’ll do,” Charlotte declares, throwing her chin up. “I’d like to personally introduce myself, anyway.”

I stare down at the amazing woman in front of me. What have I done to deserve her?

“Come on,” I say, tugging her forward, “or we’ll be late.”

I ignore Charlotte’s attempts to get me to talk as we hustle up the Drive, and soon the iconic clock comes into view. I slow down as we turn the corner, waiting for Charlotte to figure it out. I know she’s spotted it when her hand tightens in mine.

“Tiffany’s!” she cries, her other hand flying to her mouth. “As if Harry Winston and Cartier weren’t enough.”

I guide her toward the entrance. “If you want to skip it—”

“No! Um, no,” she says in a quieter voice. “I think I’ll, uh, manage.”

I grin and pull her close. “Good, because I have a bit of a surprise waiting for you inside.”

The double doors open as we approach, the doorman graciously smiling us into the air-conditioned foyer. A tastefully dressed and perfectly coifed saleswoman approaches.

“Mr. Gunner,” she says, her voice smooth and silky. “Thank you so much for choosing Tiffany’s to celebrate your special occasion. I’m Brenda, your dedicated specialist for today.”

“Thank you.” I stand back and gently guide Charlotte forward. She’s glancing around the beautifully staged space with wide eyes. “This is my fiancée, Charlotte Laine.”

This is the third time today I’ve introduced Charlotte as my fiancée, but it still sends my stomach rolling.

Brenda steps forward and takes Charlotte’s hand. “Such a pleasure. I’m here to make sure you have the most pleasant experience today. It’s our Tiffany’s promise to make sure that your every need is met.”

“Th-thank you,” Charlotte mumbles.

Brenda steps back and sweeps her arm around the spacious showroom. “First, I’d like to let you walk the floor. Please take your time. We have all cuts, designs, and sizes, so I’m sure we’ll find something for you, my dear.”

Charlotte nods mutely and starts forward. “Wait.” She stops and glances around the store. “Where is everyone?”

Brenda smiles and nods to me. “We have reserved Tiffany’s for your visit at Mr. Gunner’s request. You have the rest of the day to peruse at your leisure. No one will interrupt you.”

Charlotte’s eyes go even wider as they meet mine. “You what?”

I suppress a laugh. Looks like my plan had the desired effect. “I thought it might be nicer this way…more intimate.” I bend down and press my lips to her ear. “No pressure here, Char. Just you, me, and Tiffany’s.”

Charlotte tilts her head back, cups my face in her hands, and gives me a hard and passionate kiss. It says more than words ever could.

Brenda clears her throat softly. “Champagne while you browse?”

Charlotte pulls back and gives me a steamy stare. “Yes, please.”

Brenda moves off, leaving us alone with the entire showroom at our disposal. We pass case after case of glittering jewels, until reaching the engagement section. The light sets fire to the diamonds surrounding us, and soon my head is swimming.

“Where do we start?” I ask, glancing around a half-dozen cases.

Charlotte does the same. “I don’t know…”

She walks toward one of them, bends down, and sighs. “You know, I’m starting to think I’m looking in the wrong place.”

“The wrong place? I don’t think Tiffany’s falls into that category.”

Charlotte shakes her head. “It doesn’t, at all. I meant diamonds.” She stands up and edges around to the last case on the left, the one with precious gemstones.

I instantly see a transformation come over her as she scrutinizes the spectrum of colors. They have everything, from the pale, watery blue of the aquamarine to the rich evergreen of the emerald. Charlotte pauses at the case of deep blue sapphires. A small smile tugs up the corners of her lips as she focuses on one in particular.

I sidle up next to her and rest my hands around her waist. “Which one?”

Charlotte points to a stunning oval cut sapphire set in a halo of diamonds.

“It’s beautiful.”

Charlotte nods, her eyes remained fixed on the dazzling ring glaring up at us. “Sapphire is my birthstone.”

“What month is that?”

“September…September 30th,” she murmurs.

I file that important information away and step back. “It’s settled, then.”

Charlotte looks up at me. “Really?”

“Absolutely. It took you five seconds to find it, which means you love it.”

“But don’t you think it’s rather unconventional?”

I shrug. “Perfect, because we’re unconventional.” I turn and see Brenda walking toward us with two champagne flutes. “Looks like we can toast to your decision instead of—”

I pause as my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out and see an unfamiliar number. The 212 area code catches my eye, though. New York City.

“I need to take this,” I tell Charlotte. I pick up as Brenda hands Charlotte her glass.

“Hello?”

“Tate Gunner?”

“Yes. And this is?”

“Hi, this is Gerry Lowes.”

My eyebrows shoot up. The Broadway producer?

“My lead just broke his leg and won’t heal in time to complete our upcoming production. Your name came up as a possibility, so I thought I’d call.”

“Oh, thank you.”

“So are you?”

“Am I what?”

“Still interested.”

Christ. Could I sound any more like a bumbling idiot?

“Yes, of course. What’s the show?”

“Hamlet. It’s a contemporary version—very compelling. I think your action/suspense background would be perfect for it.”

Hamlet. I could get behind a badass play like that. “Sounds great.”

“I’d like to go over more details with you in person, as well as hold an audition. We have your films, of course, but this being your first play, I don’t have any stage experience to view. It’s very different from movies, as I’m sure you know.”

“Absolutely. When do you need me out there?”

“This Thursday. Sorry for the short notice, but we need to fill this spot, like, yesterday.”

Thursday? That’s the day of Charlotte’s big audition.

I turn around and find her with my eyes. She’s pointing at the ring as Brenda pulls out a key and unlocks the case. Brenda bends down, picks up the sapphire, and sets it on the black velvet pad waiting on the glass counter. I can feel Charlotte’s excitement from here.

“Thursday might not work,” I answer. I had to be there for Charlotte.

“Then we won’t work, I’m afraid. You were first on my list, but there are people after you, Mr. Gunner.”

I stifle a groan. Broadway is just as cutthroat as L.A.

I glance back at Charlotte as Brenda tries to convince her to put on the ring. Charlotte finally takes it and carefully slides it onto her finger.

“Okay,” I say. “Thursday it is.”

“I’ll have my assistant email you the logistics and book your flight. I look forward to meeting you.”

I end the call with mixed feelings. On one hand, this is exactly what I’ve been working toward—my big break onto the stage. On the other hand, it means leaving Charlotte when she needs me the most.

Charlotte turns to find me. She waves her hand and points to the glittering gemstone adorning her ring finger. I nod my approval, putting a huge smile on her face.

That’s the ring. It’s perfect for her hand…

And she’s perfect for me.