Kim looked back and forth between Sam and Redmond.
Please don’t ask questions. Sam held her breath.
“Yes. I’d like to see some wedding bands in white-gold and platinum if you have any,” Kim said.
“Great.” Sam caught herself before she walked straight to the case where the bands were. She looked at Redmond. “Where would those types of rings be?”
When Redmond pulled two trays of rings from a display case, Sam moved away. She stared unseeingly into a display case several feet away. You know she’s going to ask your opinion. So how do I keep from giving it without hurting her feelings or making her suspicious? Her brain was running a mile a minute, trying to come up with a solution. As much as she loved her sister and Kim, Sam couldn’t help cursing her involvement. How the hell did I end up in the middle of this?
“Sam. Come take a look. Please.”
Damn. Here we go. Sam made her way toward Kim as if she were dragging a fifty-pound weight.
“I’ve narrowed it down to these rings,” Kim said. “Which one do you like?”
Two rings lay on a piece of black velvet on the counter.
When she got a good look at the rings, Sam struggled to hide her reaction. No way! She glanced at Kim.
Kim’s bright smile abruptly faded. “You don’t like either of them.”
“That’s not true.” Sam picked up each ring and made a show of examining it. “They’re both beautiful.” And it was true. The rings were fantastic.
“So what’s wrong then?”
All these rings and those are the two you picked. Just kill me now, ’cause there is no way in hell I’m giving my opinion. “Nothing—”
“Sam.”
She flinched at the irritated tone in Kim’s voice. She knows you too well. Sam forced herself to meet Kim’s gaze. Don’t ruin this for her. “They’re both beautiful rings. I’m sure Jess would be thrilled and proud to wear either one. It’s just that…It’s such a personal thing.” Sam shifted and stuck her hands into the pockets of her jeans. “I mean this ring is supposed to be your expression of your love for Jess. I don’t feel comfortable giving an opinion.” Especially not on those two rings. She tensed, waiting for Kim’s reaction. Her breath almost whooshed out in relief when a stunning smile graced Kim’s face.
“You’re absolutely right.” Kim placed a quick kiss on Sam’s cheek. Without hesitation, she reached for one of the rings.
Sam bit her cheek to keep from laughing. Unbelievable. Looks like you’re in for more than one surprise, Jess.
Come on. Kim tapped the pen against her teeth. It shouldn’t be this hard. She stared at the blank sheet of paper, willing the words to come to her. The din of the busy hospital cafeteria was not helping her concentration any. Blocking out the sights and sounds around her, she focused on what she wanted to say. It’s not like it’s the proposal. Jess had almost caught her twice trying to write that. You just don’t want her to worry that you left work early.
Kim had been surprised that morning. She had expected more of a protest when she suggested they take separate vehicles to work. While it had made things easier for her plans, it also worried her. Jess had been uncharacteristically distracted and a little distant over the last two weeks. Ever since she found out you weren’t pregnant—again. Kim wanted it so desperately that she convinced herself that this time she was going to be able to fulfill her and Jess’s wish for a child. That was to be her Valentine gift to Jess. She had been devastated when once again she failed. Anxiety twisted Kim’s stomach. Maybe she’s regretting her commitment now that she knows I can’t give her a child.
Sliding her hand into her pants pocket, Kim felt for the ring box. She had taken to carrying it with her like a talisman. Her fingers tightened around the box. Now you’re just projecting your own fears onto Jess. She’s never been anything but sympathetic and encouraging that you try again.
She blew out a breath, then glanced at her watch. Write her a note so you can go home and get everything ready for her surprise. With that pep talk, Kim set to work on her missive.
Someone pulled the chair next to her away from the table.
Kim started. Instinctively, her hand covered the note to Jess.
Chris set down his tray and slid into the chair next to her. “Hey, Kim. Sorry. I’m running a