The Rocker's Muse

Planning to place it in my hair, I took it out of the box, but stopped when I felt the weight of something dangling from it.

That’s when I noticed it, a massive, rectangular-shaped diamond.

Tristan took it from me before getting down on one knee.

“Emily, when I first met you, I liked you because you didn’t know who I was. But I love you for the opposite reason. You’re the one person who knows exactly who I am, knows every part of me, every vulnerability, every fear. The day I met you was the most important day of my life.” He paused. “And today is the second most important day…if you say yes.” He held the ring out. “Will you marry me?”

Too stunned for words, I simply cried, wrapping myself around him, feeling the way his heart beat against mine. “Yes,” I whispered against his neck. I held my hand out as he placed the heavy rock on my ring finger. I looked down at it. “This is too much.”

Tristan winked. “I had to get that million dollars back to you somehow.”

My mouth dropped. “Oh my God. I would ask if you’re serious, but sadly, I know you are.” I wrapped my arms around him. “I can’t even be mad, because I’m too damn happy right now.”

“Me, too, baby. The only thing that could make this moment better would be knowing we have Jacob’s blessing.”

“You have to believe we do,” I whispered.

Tristan went inside for a bottle of champagne. As he brought it back out, I thought I heard someone at the door.

“Is that the doorbell?”

“Yeah.”

“Maybe it’s Atticus?”

We checked the security camera to find a man standing next to a police officer. A cop car was parked behind them.

Tristan immediately headed to the door and opened it. “Can I help you?”

“Hi, sir. You don’t know me—obviously, and I swear, I’m not a crazy fan or anything. My name is Bob Shields. My brother Ed here is a cop in town and let me know where you reside.” The police officer nodded as the man continued. “You always give the police department a heads up when you’re coming to Shady Hills so they can be on alert, and I asked him to let me know the next time you were here. When he told me you were back, I had him come with me, so your security didn’t kick me out.”

“Wise decision.” Tristan nodded. “I don’t actually have security here, although I probably should. But I checked the camera, and you’re right. I wouldn’t have opened if you weren’t with a cop. Anyway, how can I help you?”

“I’ve been holding something I think might belong to you, unless there are two Tristan Daltreys in town, which I doubt.”

He reached into his bag. To my utter shock, he took out Tristan’s weathered, gray bear, Duffy.

Tristan’s jaw dropped as he took the bear. “Where did you get this?”

“My son—he’s ten—found it on the side of the road. I noticed it in his room. Asked him what the hell it was and read the tag that said to return to you if found. I told him we’d better do what it said, that someone out there might be missing this thing, as ugly as it is. No offense.”

“None taken. And thank you. I appreciate this. I left it at my son’s grave. Not sure if someone stole it, or if it blew away or what.” Tristan stared at the bear. “Or maybe he wanted me to have it back.”

“Anything’s possible, I suppose,” Bob said. “Anyway, I’m really sorry about your son.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that.” Tristan reached into his wallet and took out two crisp, one-hundred-dollar bills. “I’d like to give your son something for his kindness. I appreciate him not just leaving this on the side of the road.” He held the money out. “Will you please take this?”

The man held his palms up. “That’s not necessary.”

“Please,” Tristan urged. “It’s the least I can do.”

“If you insist, I’ll take it. He’s saving for a new bike, so this will really help.”

“Well, good.” Tristan returned his wallet to his back pocket. “What’s your son’s name?”

The man smiled proudly. “Jacob.”