Ember. | #1 Axis Series

17. The Promise

“Got your eye on a prize?" The sound of my father's voice comes from beside me, widening my smile.

"Always," is my response. "You think she'll like it?"

He nods. "No doubt in my mind, son. She loves you," he says, leaning in close so only I can hear. "I would make my purchase quick if I were you. Your mother and Ember will be returning shortly."

He walks away - I assume - to the table we will be dining at tonight. Listening to his words, I track down a woman involved in the sale of tonight's items and purchase the ring for a substantial amount, effectively removing it from the auction.

Though I know it's going to burn a hole in my pocket, I'm going to wait before giving this to Em. I would also like to have it engraved in the meantime.

I tuck both the ring and receipt into the pocket of my tux and make my way back to my family, my smile still evident. I occupy the seat Em has saved for me at our table, my family occupying the other chairs. While we wait for the auction to begin, I decide to bring up my plan to take her with me when I leave for New York at the beginning of next month.

I'll be staying there for a week acquiring the updates on my restaurants and townhouses and I don't want to leave Em here for that long. Not seeing her throughout the day is enough. Plus, I'm hoping the two of us can use this trip as a getaway.

"Maybe this is what you need, baby," I tell her. "Being in New York might help you figure out what you want to do about Berg & Abraham."

"Can I think about it?" She asks.

I smile and lean in to kiss her behind her ear. "Take all the time you need, baby," I whisper to her. I feel her shiver against me and my arm tightens around the back of her chair.

When I hear my mother's voice, I resume my position in my chair. She's overheard me asking Em about the trip and - more importantly - Berg & Abraham.

"I'm sure everything will work out," she assures her, a motherly smile I've seen many times on her face. "And if it doesn't - for whatever reason - come see me. I believe the two of us can work on something."

The joy in Em's smile is evident this time and I feel relief wash over me. I'll give her the chance to think about New York, but after she sees what I have planned, I'm positive her decision will be in the affirmative category.

After dinner is over, the auction starts. Besides jewelry and fashion, a series of cars are being auctioned off, along with private islands and multiple vacation arrangements in Paris, Rome, and the Caribbean.

None of these places arouse my interests, but the mention of them sparks a light in Em's eyes. From the pictures I've seen in her house, she traveled quite extensively during her adolescent years with her parents.

Around midnight, the auctioneer announces the beginning of the last item's sale. As he lists the details, my ears perk at the mention of it being yet another ring.

"This stunning diamond ring comes from a jeweler in Switzerland and will begin at the price of $50,000," he delves, eyeing the crowd. "Who would like to start the bidding at fifty thousand?"

Several people - mainly men - indulge in the bidding price, but I choose to wait until only a select few remain. It doesn't take long, however, and once the price of the ring has raised to over half a million dollars, I swoop in with my bid. If I wait any longer, the ring will be sold out from underneath me.

"One million," I respond, standing from my chair. I hear Ember and my mother gasps beside me in shock.

The other bidders back down from the ring and I am pronounced the owner. With a fat smile on my face, I make my way to the buyer's section to pay the balance, fully aware of Ember following closely behind.

"Troy," she starts when I stop at the buyer's desk, "please, tell me I've gone schizophrenic and just hallucinated you purchasing a ring for a million dollars."

I laugh. "No, I purchased a ring for a million dollars for you. Which, I have to say, will be a very good investment."

"How's that?"

"I'll be able to look at it on your finger when you wear it."

"I can't accept something worth more than my house."

"You'll wear it," I growl unintentionally.

Her eyes flare deliciously with anger. "I'm going home," she states, turning to walk away.

Before she can leave the room, I capture her arm and pull her into me. She refuses to make eye contact with me, confirming what I already know. I'm going to have trouble with her accepting this ring. I love her and would do anything for her, but my girl is stubborn and independent. She doesn't understand my view of her and my desire to gift her with the world.

"Em, I don't want you to be angry with me, but this ring isn't just some piece of jewelry. It's a promise," I kiss her hair, "A promise that one day I'll be lucky enough to call you my wife and the mother of my children. A promise that my love for you will always grow and never dwindle."

There are tears in her eyes when she finally raises her head to look at me. I wipe them away carefully as she releases a shaky breath and whispers, "I love the ring and I'm sorry for acting like a spoiled brat."

I wrap a hand around hers and slide the ring onto her finger, kissing her palm affectionately. "You're my girl," I tell her, a proud smile on my lips. "And you're far from spoiled, baby."

She smirks and shakes her head. "I love you, Troy."

I place a kiss on her plump lips. "I love you more, my Ember."