At His Majesty's Convenience by Jennifer Lewis Read Free Book Online Page B

bowed his head slightly in Andi’s direction. “My best wishes for you both. And in time for Independence Day, too.” A smile creased his wrinkled face. “The whole nation will be overjoyed. I do think a custom creation would be most appropriate. Perhaps with the family crest?”
    â€œWhy don’t we take a look at what you have in stock?” He tightened his arm around Andi’s waist, then loosened it, suddenly aware of how intent he was to hold on to her. Not that she was resisting. She leaned into him, perhaps seeking reassurance he was happy to provide.
    A large tray of sparkling rings appeared from a deep wooden cabinet. Jake glanced at Andi and saw her eyes widen.
    â€œSee if anything appeals to you.” He spoke softly,suddenly feeling the intimacy of the moment. The first step in their journey through life as a married couple. The rings were nearly all diamonds, some single and some triple, with a large stone flanked by two smaller stones. A few more had clusters of diamonds and there was a large sapphire and a square cut ruby.
    Andi drew in a long breath, then reached for a small single diamond in a carved platinum band. She held it for a moment, then extended her fingers to try it on. “Wow, this feels weird. Like you should be doing it, or something.” She glanced shyly at him.
    Jake swallowed. He took the ring from her—the diamond was too small, anyway—and gingerly slid it onto her slender finger. His skin tingled as he touched hers and a flutter of something stirred in his chest. The ring fit well and looked pretty on her hand.
    â€œWhat do you think?” She turned her hand, and the stone sparkled in the light.
    â€œNice.” He didn’t want to criticize, if that was her choice.
    The jeweler frowned. “It’s a fine ring, but for the royal family, perhaps something a bit more…extravagant?” He lifted a dramatic large stone flanked by several smaller stones. The kind of ring that would make people’s eyes pop. Jake had to admit it was more appropriate under the circumstances.
    Andi allowed the older man to slide her choice off her finger and push the big sparkler onto it. His face creased into a satisfied smile as it slid perfectly into place. “Lovely. Much more suitable for a royal bride, if you don’t mind my saying.”
    She tilted her hand to the side and studied the ring. Despite the large size of the stones it also looked elegant on her graceful hands. Jake wondered how he’d never noticedwhat pretty hands she had. He’d been watching them type his letters and organize his files for years.
    â€œIt’s a bit over the top….” She paused, still staring at it. “But it is pretty.” She looked up at Jake. “What do you think?”
    â€œVery nice.” He intended to buy her many more trinkets and baubles to enjoy. It was worth it to see the sunny smile on her face, and they were supporting the local economy. “Let’s buy it and go get a hot chocolate to celebrate.”
    She hesitated for a moment more, studying the ring on her finger. When she looked up, confusion darkened the summer-blue of her eyes. She seemed like she wanted to say something, but hesitated in front of the jeweler. The shop owner tactfully excused himself and disappeared through a low door into a back room.
    â€œI guess he trusts us alone with the merchandise.” Jake grinned. “There must be a million dollars worth of rocks on this tray.”
    â€œI’d imagine a crown inspires a certain amount of trust.” She looked up at him, eyes sparkling. “I’m still getting used to the idea that you’re a king.”
    â€œMe, too. I’m not sure I’ll ever be completely used to it, but at least it’s starting to feel like a suit that fits. How does the ring feel?”
    Andi studied the ring again. “It is lovely, but it’s just so…big.”
    â€œHe’s