Karen held her hand out and turned it in every direction. The overhead light made the precious stone sparkle. Knowing that the ring had belonged to his grandmother made it that much more special. She would cherish this ring for as long as she lived.
“It’s a perfect fit. How did you know my size?”
Dom gave her a sheepish grin. “I had Ashley swipe one of your rings for me so I could give it to the jeweler to size it.” Reaching into the top pocket of his shirt he pulled out her birthstone ring, holding it between his fingers.
“I’ve been looking for that ring for the last two weeks. I thought I had lost it.” Taking the ring from his fingers, she placed the ruby ring on her right ring finger. Laughing, she promised, “I’m going to get that girl.”
Dom chuckled. “You better leave my princess alone.”
Karen playfully waved him off. Admiring her engagement ring again, she smiled. Tearing her eyes away from the brilliant diamond, she looked up at Dom. “Thank you.”
Pulling her into his arms, he gave her a tight squeeze. “Baby, you’re welcome.”
Chapter 28
Rushing in with her head held down, Karen swiftly made her way past the crowded waiting room. Depositing her things in her locker, she made a beeline to the front desk. Picking up the clipboard with the afternoon patient schedule, her eyes scanned the list. Preparing to call the next patient back into an exam room, she was startled by the yanking of her left hand.
“Is that an engagement ring?” Linda, the office’s receptionist, excitedly questioned as she held Karen’s left hand, turning it this way and that way to get a look at the sparkling gem.
“It is,” Karen beamed.
“It’s absolutely beautiful,” Linda gushed, pulling Karen into a tight bear hug.
Linda’s hug felt like warm sunshine, a gentle breeze, and puppy kisses all rolled up in one. Karen imagined this is what a grandmother’s hug would feel like. She lingered there in the woman’s arms just a little longer.
“Thank you, Miss Linda.” Holding her hand out to admire the ring, like she had done about a hundred times since receiving it, she added, “I think it’s beautiful, too.”
“You know my cousin is going to be upset.” Winking at Karen, the other woman teased, “You know he’s been holding out for you for the last three years.”
Karen’s face heated up in mild embarrassment. Miss Linda had been playing matchmaker for years. When she wasn’t trying to hook her up with her cousin, she was trying to hook her up with some church member, or a friend’s nephew. “You’re just too pretty to be by yourself. And those children need a daddy,” she would gently chide Karen.
Karen had always respectfully declined her attempts at matchmaking. Sheepishly smiling, Karen apologized.
Linda clucked her tongue. “Oh, no you’re not. I saw that handsome thing come in here earlier. I don’t blame you. I wouldn’t give that up either.”
“I know, right?” Patty chimed in, picking up the clipboard Karen had sat on the reception desk.
Like a hawk searching its prey, Patty’s eyes zeroed in on Karen’s left hand. While Linda had been discreet, the young woman screeched her excitement. “OMG! You got engaged on your lunch break?”
Putting a finger to her lips, Karen hushed Patty. But it was too late. The patients in the waiting area had begun to murmur among themselves. Eighty-three-year-old Mrs. Silver boldly shuffled her way behind the reception area. Her fragile hand held a slight tremor as she was the third person to inspect Karen’s left hand. Lifting her grayed head, she announced, “Yup, our girl is getting married.”
The small crowd went wild. Karen’s face flushed from the whistles and cheers filling the room. Patient after patient broke office protocol by going behind the reception desk to give her hugs and congratulations.
Eight-five-year-old- Mr. Silver led the crowd in a spirited song. “For she’s the jolly good fellow, for she’s the jolly good fellow…”
The staff and patients were so caught up in their celebration that Dr. Smith’s presence hadn’t been noticed. Crossing his arms over his chest, he demanded to know, “What is going on out here?”
The lively crowd and small office staff went silent. Mr. Silver slowly turned with the aid of his walker to address the dentist. What was his problem? It wasn’t every day that one was able to experience such good news. At his age, he’d grabbed on to any bit of happiness he could. No way was this young buck going to put a damper on the highlight of his day. Looking the younger man up and down, he answered for everyone. “We’re celebrating our Karen’s good news.”