Three months later...
Jackson
“Where are you taking me?” Ros asked for the fifth time.
The car stopped on Melrose Avenue, outside one of the most exclusive vintage jewellers the city could boast. It had taken Jen weeks of research to find this place.
That delay might be the only reason I’d found the patience to wait to do this.
Only the absolute best would do for my pixie. Jen and the owner had assured me that this was the perfect avenue to fulfil that.
But time was running out.
In a week, we would leave for Romania, and I refused to get on another plane with her wearing that ring.
I’d considered it beautiful once, but pink would never suit Ros.
“Just wait and see,” I said as the driver opened my door. I shot her a grin. “You trust me, remember?”
She glared at me and I chuckled, stepping out of the car.
“The longer you keep up this guessing game, the more debatable that fact becomes,” she grumbled as she shuffled towards me, a glint of annoyance mixed with curiosity in her eyes.
“I promise you’ll like this surprise.”
I took her hand and led her towards the entrance of the jeweller. Stepping into the shop felt like entering another world. The interior was a blend of rich velvet and warm colours, showcasing an array of vintage jewellery that sparkled under the lighting. Each piece seemed to tell its own story, a history waiting to be discovered.
Ros’s eyes widened as she took in the surroundings, her initial hesitation giving way to awe.
“Why are we here?” She glanced at the display cases, her fingers twitching at her side as she held herself back.
“Welcome to Timeless Elegance Vintage Jewellery,” the owner, Eleanor Grayson, called out from her spot behind the glass display cases. “It’s nice to meet you in person, Jackson.” She moved around the cases, her hand extended to shake mine.
I shook her hand, her grip stronger than I expected for a woman who appeared to be in her seventies.
“Thank you for pulling out all the stops at such short notice.” I gestured to the blissfully empty shop. Something Jen had orchestrated with Eleanor a week ago.
“No need to thank me. This is normal protocol for us when dealing with someone of your calibre.” Then her shrewd eyes shifted to Ros. “And this must be your bride-to-be.”
Ros’s gaze shifted between us, something akin to panic flitting across her face. Things had gotten a wee bit confusing between our private and public lives since London. I’d had to start prepping her before every outing, almost reminding her what the public thought our situation was.
Today, I would fix all of that.
If she said yes.
“Yes.” Ros eventually nodded, a polite smile claiming her lips. “Nice to meet you.”
“I spent the week going through my collection, and I think I found some wonderful options.” She tilted her head, meeting my gaze with a knowing smirk that would be driving Ros insane as she tried to figure out what we were up to.
I nodded and she pulled a velvet-covered tray out from beneath the counter. Ros followed her movements like a hawk stalking prey.
Eleanor set the tray down on top of the glass counter and pulled back the cover with a practised flourish, unveiling an array of vintage engagement rings. Each unique, design telling a story of a bygone era. I didn’t need to see her reaction to know she would love all of them.
“These are beautiful, but why do I need a new ring?” Ros’s question cut through my thoughts. “Our engagement is for the media and fans, Jackson. What does it matter if I’m wearing Bree’s ring?”
I took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement. This was the moment I spent three months planning for, the moment I wanted to change everything between us for real.
“Because I want to ask you to marry me,” I said, my voice steady despite the rapid beating of my heart. “For real. Not for the media, not for the fans, but for us.”
Her eyes widened. “Are you serious?”
“Never been more serious in my life.” I held her gaze, willing her to see the truth in mine. “I love you. And I want to spend the rest of my life with you, not as a publicity stunt, but as your husband.”
Her hand trembled slightly in mine, and for a moment, I worried I had misjudged the situation. Maybe it was too soon. Maybe she wanted to wait until she was absolutely sure of us...
Then, she smiled, a genuine, radiant smile that lit up her entire face and set the rumblings of old doubts to rest.
“I... I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll marry me. For real.”
She looked down at the rings, then back at me. “Yes.”
“Yes?”
Hope like nothing I’d ever felt unfurled in my chest, but I needed her to be clear.
“Yes, I’ll marry you for real.”
I blinked at her, almost unable to believe those words had left her mouth.
“Quit staring at me like that.” Ros crossed her arms. “I’m not going to change my mind. I’m not going to throw the ring at you. I said yes, jackass, so get your ass over here and kiss me!”
Snapping out of my dazed state, I pulled her into my arms, closing the small gap between us. My lips met hers in a kiss that was a mix of relief, joy, and a promise of a future together. It was a confirmation of everything we had been through, a seal on our commitment to each other.
As we broke apart, her cheeks were flushed, her eyes shining with unspoken emotions. “So, which one of these do you think I should wear?” she asked, gesturing to the tray of rings Eleanor had laid out.
Each ring was unique, carrying the essence of its era. But there was one that stood out to me, a ring that seemed to echo Ros’s spirit — bold, unapologetic, and beautiful. It was a vintage Art Deco, with geometric lines and a bold blue sapphire surrounded by a sleek circle of diamonds.
“That one,” I said, pointing it out. “It’s as unique and captivating as you are.”
She tugged off the pink monstrosity and replaced it with the sapphire, twisting her hand beneath the shop lights. She couldn’t tear her eyes from it as the light refracted.
“It’s perfect,” she whispered.
And I couldn’t agree more. It fit like it was made for her, echoing the same vibrant, unyielding charm that defined her.
“What are we going to tell them when they notice the ring’s different?” Ros peeked up at me from beneath her lashes. Then her attention shifted to Eleanor. “And why are we discussing this in front of outside company?” she whispered.
Eleanor chuckled. “A certain level of discretion is needed to do business in this town, especially with the calibre of my clients. You don’t need to worry about me selling your secrets.”
She stared at her, her lips pursed. “That’s all great, but doesn’t really make me feel any better.”
“She signed an NDA, pixie.” I wrapped an arm around her, pulling her back into my chest. “No one is going to find out.”
“You’re sure?” she asked, turning in my arms as she bit her lip.
“Yes. Absolutely sure.” I smoothed my thumb across her lower lip, freeing it from her torture. “Now, what do you want to tell the press? We’ll make up a story, but I think you’re creative enough to come up with something convincing for us both.”
She laughed, a sound that filled the room with warmth. “Audra would never have let me handle that, but—”
“No buts. Audra’s gone. It’s our lives. You pick the story.”
A month after we got back from Scotland, she’d pushed too hard on the new rules I’d set for her. Somehow when I said ‘my relationship with Ros comes first,’ she heard ‘full steam ahead on the breakup plans.’
I couldn’t say I was surprised, honestly.
But Jimmy supporting the decision and having a list of replacements ready for vetting shocked me. He even let Ros help in filtering through them. Which of course earned my agent brownie points, like he intended.
“Alright.” She grinned up at me and I bit back a groan of despair.
“What are you going to say?”
“You’ll find out when I decide.”
It sounded reasonable enough. Only the glint in her eyes made my stomach twist with dread. I loved her, but she didn’t half scare me when she got an idea in her head.
* * *
Ros
“Guys, this is just too much!” Abi said, holding up a tiny pair of knitted booties. Her eyes were shiny, holding back tears. Pregnancy had turned my strong, independent friend into a sentimental mess.
I leaned back in my chair, a smile tugging at my lips as I watched her sort through the baby shower gifts. Laughter and chatter filled the room, a warm, comforting buzz that made me feel at home.
Everyone had turned up at Finn and Abi’s house for a very late-in-the-game baby shower. And I mean seriously late — Abi was due to pop any day now.
Add to that the fact we had just a couple of weeks left before the Kings of Screen and their partners flew to Romania to start filming Rogue Squad 6? Life had gotten a little stressful for Abi.
But we were all here, supporting her in any way we could.
Even Eva had tuned in via video call from Hoi An in Vietnam, her smiling face displayed on a tablet propped up on the mantle, despite the fact it was the early hours of the morning for her.
“Those booties are adorable, Abi!” Her voice echoed slightly in the spacious living room. “Who made them?”
“Mona.” She rubbed her swollen belly. “Can you believe it? She knitted these herself.”
Mona, sitting across from me, just waved her hand dismissively, but her cheeks turned a shade of pink. “It was nothing, really.”
“But they’re perfect,” Abi insisted, carefully placing the booties back in the gift box. Her gaze met mine, and I could see the mix of excitement and anxiety in her eyes. “I can’t believe I’m going to be a mom soon.”
“You’re going to make a fantastic mom,” I said sincerely.
Abi’s smile wobbled a bit as she folded a blanket carefully. “I hope so. I’m just... it’s all becoming so real, you know? Any day now, there’s going to be a little human here who’s completely dependent on me.”
I reached out and squeezed her hand. “You’re going to be amazing. You’ve got this incredible maternal instinct. Eva can attest to that.”
“Don’t remind me,” Eva groaned, her tone and expression teasing.
“Plus, you’ve got Finn, and all of us, to back you up.”
She nodded, taking a deep breath. “Thanks, Ros. That means a lot.”
The rest of our group was scattered around the room. Finn was deep in conversation with Shaun, both of them laughing about something. Nathan, Jen, and Charlie, Finn’s agent, leaned against the breakfast bar, nursing glasses of wine, chatting and watching Cat coo over Emma and Charlie’s five-month-old baby. Nathan had this slack-jawed look of terror on his face that would amuse me for days.
Jackson joined me on the sofa and leaned in, his warm breath tickling my ear. “Thinking of getting any of those for our future kids?” His voice was light, teasing, but I heard the underlying note of hope.
I rolled my eyes. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We’ve got a wedding to plan first, remember?”
And I had a story to concoct.
He chuckled, his hand finding mine and giving it a gentle squeeze. “Right. One step at a time.”
As Abi continued opening gifts, her eyes suddenly widened, a hand flying to her mouth. She pulled out a tiny onesie, the front reading ‘Daddy’s Little Co-Star.’
Finn glanced over, a proud grin spreading across his face. “Couldn’t resist that one,” he said, winking at Abi.
The room erupted in laughter.
“Did you get yourself a matching one?” I asked.
Finn kept a straight face, nodding solemnly. “Of course. What kind of father do you think I am? Can’t have my kid out-styling me.”
“Wait, wait,” Nathan cut in, his grin wicked. “Are you telling us you’re going to parade around in a onesie too?”
“Only on weekends,” Finn said, deadpan.
Abi shook her head, but her eyes were bright with amusement. “He’s kidding... I think.”
I couldn’t help but join in the laughter. “Well, that’s one paparazzi shot I can’t wait to see.”
“I bet he’d do it too, just to make Abi laugh,” Jackson said.
I glanced at him, seeing the affection in his eyes as he watched Finn and Abi. It reminded me of how he looked at me sometimes, like I was his whole world. It warmed me from the inside out.
“Okay, but Finn, you know they make dad versions of those, right?” Jen said.
“I’m way ahead of you, Jen.” Finn winked at her. “Got the T-shirt and the matching mug.”
“Talk about being prepared.” Charlie laughed. “You’re going to be one of those dads, aren’t you?”
Finn shrugged, a mock-serious expression on his face. “Got to embrace the role, you know?”
Abi, still holding the onesie, chuckled, rolling her eyes lovingly at Finn. “I can just imagine you two wearing those on your Sunday strolls.”
I couldn’t help but laugh along with everyone else.
“Ros, is that a new ring?” Eva’s voice broke through the chatter, her tone a mix of curiosity and excitement.
Everyone’s attention turned to me, and the burn of a blush crept up my cheeks.
“Yeah, it is,” I said, lifting my hand for everyone to see. The ring glinted, a beautiful contrast against my skin.
“Do you want to tell them, or shall I?” Jackson asked.
I glanced at him, smirking. “Why don’t you take the honours?”
He cleared his throat, a proud smile on his face. “Ros and I are getting married.”
“Yeah, yeah, we know that already,” Nathan muttered.
“For real,” Jackson said, his tone dead serious.
For a moment absolute silence fell around us. Then a chorus of excited gasps and congratulations filled the room.
Abi was the first to jump up and tug me to my feet. She wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug. “Oh my God! That’s amazing!”
“Congratulations, you two.” Finn clapped Jackson on the back.
As the initial wave of excitement settled, I smirked at Jackson before announcing to the room: “I’ve got the perfect story to tell the press about the ring change too.”
I turned to Abi and Mona, a playful glint in my eye. Jackson groaned.
Mona leaned forward, her interest piqued. “Do tell.”
“Well,” a mischievous smile claimed my lips as I snuck a peek at Jackson, “I thought we could say Jackson was so swept up with wedding fever, he got ahead of himself and bought me a ring right after Finn and Abi’s wedding. Before he really knew me.”
He chuckled, taking it all in stride. “If that’s what you want the narrative to be, I’ll go along with it.”
I stared up at him, almost struck dumb. Say what now?
“You’re okay with that?” I asked, touched by his easy acceptance. “But it makes you look like a lovesick man.”
He shrugged. “Who said I wanted to deny that I was?” He smiled, a smile that spoke volumes — of love, commitment, and a shared future. “Anything for you, pixie.”
His willingness to let himself look a little silly for my sake was touching. It was just so him — putting me and my feelings first.
I leaned against him, a sense of contentment washing over me. This was right, us being together, planning a future. It felt like everything had finally fallen into place.
Eva’s voice came through the tablet, breaking the moment. “So, when’s the big day? Have you set a date yet?”
I exchanged a look with Jackson. “Not yet, but we’re thinking sometime next year. We want to make sure it’s perfect.”
In that moment, surrounded by friends and family, with the man I loved by my side, it was impossible to ignore how far I’d come. From letting fear of things I couldn’t control rule me and keep me from any meaningful connections beyond my two best friends, to the comfort of knowing I could rely on Jackson and the people in our lives.
It made the ups and downs of the last eight months more than worth the pain and heartache.
