Page 84 of Witchful Thinking
Lucy wished to not so gently shake some sense into him and say, “You’re home. Stay.”
On her way back to Alex, Lucy ran into Poe and Theo, who were shopping for the grand opening of Rain or Shine Bookstore.
“We’re looking at decorations for the store,” Poe said. “We’re thinking a cozy book nook house feel.”
“Why would people want to leave their house to sit in a place that feels like a house?” Theo pointed out.
“Eh,” Lucy said, smiling. “He does have a point.”
“Well, help us design and plan the store. We’d love to have your help.”
Lucy agreed to meet up with them early next month. Hopefully, the wish would hold out long enough that she’d be able to help them. When she returned to Alex, he thanked her for the drink and barely said three words out loud. He didn’t reach for her hand but stayed close to her side.
A vendor wearing a shirt that boldly stated COLLECT MEMORIES standing by a massive jewelry kiosk called out to Alex. He got his attention with a high whistle and a wave.
“Hey, bro. Buy your lady something nice.”
Alex looked to Lucy. She nodded. “I could use a little sparkle for the wedding.”
They went over to the booth. Necklaces of every length and jewelry of different sizes and shapes were displayed before her.
“This is you.” Alex pointed to one of the rings displayed on a large porcelain dish. “It’ll match your earrings. Try it on.”
“It’s a little much for a wedding.” It was a classic princess-cut platinum ring that could’ve been in an upscale jewelry boutique. Alex took the ring out of the holder. Lucy held out her hand and he slipped it on her finger. The emerald ring flanked by two small diamonds fit perfectly.
The vendor nodded with a smile. “Look at that. It’s made for you.”
She wiggled it, getting used to the weight. Her heart squealed in glee. It would go nicely with her earrings. She looked up at Alex. He placed an arm around Lucy and pressed his head next to hers in a supportive side hug. She breathed in his clean, sea-salt scent, and her body fit against his. He kissed her temple and whispered against her hair. Click. Every muscle in her body tensed. Click. He was hers. Even if he were on the other side of the solar system, he belonged to her and no other. She was overcome with the urge to fall to her knees and sob. Click.
She leaned away from him and shook her head. “This is too much.”
“It’s just enough,” Alex said. He paid the vendor.
“Do you want to wear it or hold it?” the vendor asked.
Lucy slid it off her finger and cradled it. “Um—I’ll hold it.”
Why could he give her something meaningful, but she couldn’t? It wasn’t fair.
“So, you can buy me a gift, but I can’t buy you anything.”
“You have a place to keep it.”
“So do you,” she snapped. “You have a whole home—wait, my fault. You have a house. For a second, I thought that maybe you might have changed your mind. That you’d—” She snapped her mouth before the truth slipped out. Wish for me. Wish for us. Every moment she spent with Alex felt as if she were grasping at sand—time slipped and spilled through her fingers, and what was left were haunting memories. She’d be in the shop or running errands, and she’d recall the rough stubble against her thighs or his hands teasing and stroking her until she cried out in release.
Lucy gave him back the ring. He stared at it then put it in his pocket. She could feel the hurt flash in his face.
She couldn’t wear it and not wish for him to be there. It was too much and not enough at the same time. She didn’t want the ring; she wanted him, body and soul.
“It looks like an engagement ring!” she exclaimed. “People are going to start asking when we’re getting married,” she said.
“We know the truth. You’re marrying your soul mate,” Alex said, a little too peppy for Lucy’s liking. “That’s what you wished for.”
“You don’t need to remind me. I know.”
A tense moment passed between them.
“I’ll meet you at the wedding?” Alex asked.