Chapter 111

“You should probably open your eyes.”

Patrick did, to take it all in.

“See, I told you it was—”

He cut me off with a yank and a kiss once I was back on my feet. “I love it! Big man, big ring. I’ll wear it everywhere.”

I laughed, despite my swimming thoughts. Maybe I was the one who needed the pool floatie. “How?”

“Well, I’m not sure yet, but I’m never taking it off.” Patrick threw himself into me for another kiss.

Pop!

“Fireworks!”

“Shh.” I’d followed his glance toward the ceiling, even as I knew we knew better. “I don’t think so,” I said. “Your engagement ring is deflating. Cheap ass merchandise.”

“Hmm.” Out of air in no time, down at Patrick’s wrist now, the thing looked like a ruffle around his pajama sleeve. I was tempted to ask him to flamenco.

“That sucks,” I said.

“We can make it work. This piece that’s hanging, the plastic where it shredded. Can you see?”

“It’s dark.”

“Look closely.” Patrick brought it too close. It tickled my nose and my heart.