“No.”
The horror on his daughter’s face was comical. “You can’t ask her without a ring! You’re supposed to go down on one knee and hold the ring box in both hands and stare into her eyes and ask her to spend the rest of her life with you because you love her.”
She’d been watching too many Hollywood movies.
“Oh! We could ask her together, so she knows I want you to marry too,” Lara continued. “We’d have to surprise her somewhere she’s not expecting it. How about at pony club on Tuesday night? It will give you time to get a ring.”
He appreciated her enthusiasm. “Lara there aren’t any jewellers in Retribution Bay.”
“Then we’ll make one, so she knows we’re serious.” She pursed her lips. “What about with a keyring?” Her mouth dropped open. “I know! What about Granny’s eternity ring that Georgie gave me?”
His breath stopped. “Pumpkin, that ring was your special item from Granny’s jewellery.” Gorgeous in its simplicity, a white gold band with diamonds in it, and would suit Faith perfectly.
“I know, but Granny would want her to have it. Besides, I’d still get to see it every day.”
“It’s a big decision, Lara. You need to consider it some more. It would mean you wouldn’t have any of Granny’s rings.”
“But I have some of Granny’s fancy necklaces and earrings,” Lara said. She scrunched up her nose. “Will Faith think the ring is boring?”
“No, she won’t.”
“Then let’s do it! Now we just need to figure out how to make the proposal totally romantic. I won’t let you mess this up.”
He laughed. “I love you, pumpkin.”
“I love you more.”
Chapter 18
Faith was a little distracted as she took the pony club lesson on Tuesday afternoon. Right before it started, she’d received news she was desperate to share with Darcy, but he hadn’t answered his phone and she’d been caught up talking to other parents when he arrived. Then he’d gone to get new tyres on his float.
Perhaps after she told him the news, she would propose. She was tired of waiting, and he’d had the opportunity to ask Lara how she felt when they’d gone to the wetlands on Sunday afternoon. She paused. Did that mean Lara didn’t approve, or was he waiting the few days she suggested he wait?
So stupid to be worried about it. She’d simply ask him.
Sighing, she focused on the lesson, correcting Mischa’s foot position and Natasha’s posture. She’d picked up her parents from the airport that morning. They’d bought both a caravan and a new car, though it would be several months before they were ready. Her brothers and their families were well, and they had enjoyed their stay. Her father had put the business on the market and would put the house up for sale if she didn’t want it.
She would definitely talk to Darcy about it tonight.
About fifteen minutes before the lesson ended, Darcy returned and parked at the far end of the stables, away from the cars and floats. Maybe he was avoiding Natasha’s mum.
“Faith,” Lara called. “I’m not feeling very well. Can I stop?”
Faith walked over. Lara looked a little flushed. “Of course. Why don’t you join your dad?” She opened the gate to let her out and waited until Lara reached Darcy before she continued teaching.
The barrel racing took all her attention, and it was a relief when the class ended.
“All right!” she called. “Good job, everyone. Keep working on those things I pointed out and I’ll see you all next week.” The kids dismounted and led their horses to their floats.
“Faith!” Kristy called.
She winced at the imperious tone.
“I’ll take Spirit, Faith.” Lara appeared next to her and took the reins.
“How are you feeling?”
Lara grinned. “Much better. Dad gave me a headache tablet.”
