Secretly Hers (Sterling Canyon)(84)
“Oh my God!” Emma jumped up, her gaze fixed on the sparkling diamond ring now at home on Avery’s hand, and rocked Avery back and forth in a hug. “Oh my God, congratulations!”
Kelsey schooled her features, rose from her chair, and walked around her desk to join in the group hug. After easing away, Kelsey grabbed Avery’s hand, studying the ring: a round-cut diamond simply set in platinum. Probably somewhere between one-half and one carat in size. Very classic. Very Grey.
“I didn’t even know you guys were talking about marriage.” Kelsey mentally ripped apart the envy lacing her happiness for Avery. She smiled, although she couldn’t lie to herself and pretend it didn’t gall her that Avery, the girl who never wanted to be anyone’s wife, would be married before her. Avery, who’d kept Grey at arm’s length for months, was living out Kelsey’s dream of perfect romantic love and she wasn’t even pregnant!
“We weren’t. He totally surprised me yesterday afternoon.” Avery beamed as she recounted the details of Grey’s proposal. “We took Shaman on a hike, back to the place where we had our first official date. Then, out of the blue, Grey bent down on his good knee, all traditional, and asked me to be his wife.”
“And you said yes!” Kelsey shoved aside her petty envy and grabbed Avery again, bouncing a bit on her toes. After all, she’d always been a sucker for romance. “Finally you’ve joined the rest of the world in believing in love. This calls for a big celebration! Jeez, Ave, why in the heck did you choose now to share this news? I’ve got a full plate today.”
“Sorry! I was just so excited, and I didn’t want to risk you guys hearing it on the street before I had a chance to tell you.” Avery smiled and looked at her own hand again before clasping it in the other and bringing them to her chest.
Avery had succumbed to love. If Avery could be swayed, then so could Trip. That thought prompted a little jolt of excitement.
“Can I ask what changed your mind about marriage?” Kelsey leaned against the edge of her desk and crossed her arms, waiting for the key she needed to unlock Trip’s heart and drive out his reservations. “You pretty much swore you’d never be anyone’s wife.”
Avery shrugged. “I don’t know. Grey’s different. He lets me be who I am without trying to change me. I trust him.”
Kelsey frowned. Avery’s answers were too darn generic to be helpful. “When did you know that you wanted only him for the rest of your life?”
Avery cocked her head, looking thoughtful. She tapped a finger to her lips before glancing at Emma and Kelsey. “Maybe when he helped Andy with the prosecutor even after my family and I hurt him? I don’t really know. It’s not like something suddenly hit me over the head. I didn’t even expect the proposal, but I also didn’t hesitate to say yes. “
“You two make an awesome couple. I can’t wait for the wedding.” Emma clapped excitedly. “Can I bake the wedding cake?”
“Of course!” Avery laughed.
“Chocolate hazelnut cake with buttercream icing, right?” Emma smiled, knowing Avery’s favorite dessert.
“Perfect.” Avery glanced at her watch, then her ring finger, then her friends. “Well, hate to dash, but I’ve got a patient in ten minutes. Maybe we can get together for dinner this week?”
“Sounds great,” Kelsey replied.
The friends hugged again before Avery exited the office. Kelsey wistfully watched Avery jog down the street and then sighed.
“Are you okay?” Emma approached and placed her arm around Kelsey’s shoulder.
“Of course.” Kelsey patted Emma’s hand before shrugging out of her grasp.
Emma tipped her head. “You can be honest with me, you know. I’ve known you my whole life. Don’t tell me some part of you doesn’t wish you were in Avery’s shoes now, especially with a baby on the way.”
“Naturally I’d prefer being married to being a single mom. But I’m happy for Avery and Grey. I swear I am.” She really was, despite the brief appearance of the green-eyed monster.
“I know. I only hope their engagement doesn’t have some negative impact on you and Trip, especially since you two are doing well.”
“No worries. If anything, Avery’s news makes me more optimistic, not less.” When Emma frowned at Kelsey in confusion, she continued. “If Grey could convince Avery to get married, surely I can convince Trip. No one was less romantic than Avery. Not even Trip!”