Descension (29 page)

The ring had a dainty band comprised of two spiraling ribbons of gold, and it was set with a round, pink champagne gem encircled by much smaller diamonds.

“I have the stone in the middle,” Aedan said, pointing to the bag, “but I’ll need the diamonds and the rose gold for the band.”

“I generally find custom orders tacky,” the jeweler mumbled, still scanning the sketch, “but this ring is quite impressive.” He set the paper aside and picked up the bag. “May I?”

“Of course,” Aedan allowed, so the jeweler tipped the bag upside down, catching the gemstone in his palm.

His lips parted as he stared at the translucent, sage green stone—at least eighteen carats of pure perfection. He glanced at the pink stone in the drawing then back to the green stone in his hand. “What is this?”

“Zultanite,” Aedan answered.

The hand holding the gemstone twitched as the man’s eyes widened. “Do you now how rare this is?”

“I do,” Aedan assured, “and I’m glad you’re aware as well. That will make me feel better about leaving it with you.”

The jeweler walked to a window and examined the stone in the sunlight. Then he held it under a lamp, then back up to the overhead lights, watching a few of its many colors make an appearance—khaki, canary yellow, champagne and rose pink. “It’s exquisite.”

“Yes it is,” Aedan agreed, remembering how hard he’d worked to obtain the zultanite, which had only one source—Turkey’s Anatolian Mountains. “Do you have the required diamonds and rose gold?”

“Yes,” the jeweler answered, “but it’s a good thing you brought this, because we’re fresh out of zultanite.”

Aedan laughed as he tapped the sketch. “That’s the size specifications in the upper right hand corner. And I want the finest stones you have. Money’s not an issue.”

The jeweler looked him over appreciatively then nodded toward the zultanite. “I’d hate to tarnish this beauty with imperfect diamonds. I’ll use my best material.”

“Great. How long?”

“I usually tell people at least a week, but you’re dropping a nice chunk of change and I’m intrigued by the job, so… three days.”

“Are you sure? Because I’m leaving town Saturday.”

“I’ll probably finish Thursday night,” the man replied. “You can pick it up first thing Friday morning.”

“Do you need a deposit?”

The jeweler chuckled. “I generally ask for half, but this stone is worth more than your bill. I believe you’ll be back.”

“Thanks,” Aedan returned, searching the man’s indistinct aura. Then he headed for the door. “I’ll see you Friday.”

“Yes,” the jeweler mumbled, mesmerized by the rare gem in his palm. “Have a nice day.”

~ * * * ~

Aedan arrived at his parents’ shop with a heavy heart, but picturing Rhosewen’s face soothed him, so that’s exactly what he was doing when he walked in. “Hey, dad.”

Serafin looked up in surprise. “Aedan. I thought I gave you the day off.”

“You did. Where’s mom?”

“Checking out a customer’s living room. The woman’s a chatterbox, so she might be a while. Are you here to work?”

“Only if you need me to. I wanted to take you and mom to lunch. It’s clam chowder day at
Charla’s
.”

“Mmm… I haven’t had Charla’s clam chowder in ages. Your mom’s going to be sorry she missed out.”

“We’ll bring her a bowl.”

“We better, or I’ll get the look.”

“Oh no,” Aedan laughed, knowing Daleen could give Serafin any look in the world and he’d love it.

“Hey, Anton,” Serafin shouted, “mind the store. I’m going to lunch.”

They heard a muffled mmkay from the break room then walked out the door.

Once they sat on Charla’s patio, waiting for their order, Aedan broke the news. “I talked to Rose last night. She feels the same way I do.”

“That’s good,” Serafin approved.

“That’s putting it lightly,” Aedan agreed. Then he took a deep breath, letting it out with his confession. “I’m leaving with her Saturday morning.”

“Your mom and I figured as much,” Serafin replied. “Seeing you guys together reminded us of ourselves, which led to… very pleasant flashbacks.” He sighed, his eyes unfocussed. Then he shook his head clear. “What’s next, a wedding?”

“Maybe, but it might be a while. I’ll make sure she’s happy before taking that step. Not that a ceremony will change anything. I’m already committed. I’ll stay with her as long as she’ll have me. I know that sounds crazy, considering I’ve only known her since Saturday, but I’ve been soul searching for three days and all I find is her. If she wants a wedding, she’ll get one. If she wants to skip it, we’ll skip it.”

Charla delivered their soup. Then Aedan waited for her to walk away before resuming the conversation. “I know it’s short notice, so I’ll find someone to fill my spot at the store.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Serafin insisted. “I already have someone lined up. But there is something else you could do for me.”

“What’s that?”

“I want you to have dinner with your mom and me, just the three of us. It would mean the world to her.”

“Sure,” Aedan agreed. “How about three dinners? Tonight, tomorrow and the day after. What will that mean to her?”

“A lot of tears,” Serafin answered. “Good ones, though. She’ll be thrilled.”

~ * * * ~

Aedan stayed busy over the next three days—finishing projects at his parents’ shop, spending quality time with them and his coven, and flying to the Ballard/Lancing community every night so he could sleep with Rhosewen in his arms. By Friday afternoon, he still hadn’t found time to visit Kearny. Oh well. He’d have to wait and see him his first trip back. Both he and Rhosewen had roots in Virginia, so they would return soon and often.

Excitement hijacked his veins when he entered the jewelry store, anxious to see the finished product of his imagination—almost finished; it would need to be engraved. He’d considered hunting down the materials and forming the ring himself, easily and expertly. But there was something to be said for items created by physical expertise rather than magical ability. Or, in this case, both—a combination of dedicated hands and a devoted mind. Still, putting his trust in non-magical skill had been a big leap of faith.

“Ahh…” the jeweler beamed, “you’ve come for your ring.”

“Yes,” Aedan answered. “Is it ready?”

The man chuckled as he disappeared into the back room, talking as he went. “I was so enthralled, I finished yesterday afternoon. I would have called you, but you didn’t leave a number.” He returned, holding out the velvet bag.

Aedan took it and tipped it upside down, letting the ring fall into his palm. The zultanite glinted pale green under the florescent lights, casting its brilliance across the surrounding diamonds, and the smooth rose gold was professionally polished, displaying Aedan’s relieved reflection. The ring was the prettiest he’d seen. His beautiful Rose deserved nothing less.

“What do you think?” the jeweler asked.

“It’s perfect,” Aedan answered. “You’ve done a wonderful job, thank you.”

“It is perfect,” the jeweler agreed, “some of the best work I’ve done, but since it was your design, I can’t take the credit.”

“Let’s split the credit,” Aedan suggested, and the man’s smile broadened.

“Deal. Do you mind if I photograph it?”

“Not at all,” Aedan allowed, handing it over.

The jeweler arranged it on a piece of black satin, snapped two pictures, then handed it back.

“Thanks again,” Aedan said, tucking the ring away.

“It was a pleasure to work with such a rare stone and clever design,” the jeweler returned. “I should be thanking you.”

“Your fine work is thanks enough,” Aedan assured, pulling a thick stack of bills from his pocket. “What do I owe you?”

Rhosewen’s parents took the news about the seriousness of her and Aedan’s relationship calmly, agreeing to let Aedan stay in their home until he could build his own. Though they didn’t say it, Rhosewen knew they were thrilled with Aedan’s decision to relocate, having feared their daughter might stay in Virginia.

Ellena’s community hosted a farewell dinner Friday evening, inviting Aedan’s entire coven. And Serafin and Daleen were invited to stay the night, an offer they quickly accepted.

Aedan was running late, having just finished engraving the inside of Rhosewen’s ring, so the lawn was crowded when he landed. He sighed as he found Rhosewen’s smiling face, but then a wizard put his arm around her, and Aedan flipped his gaze over, finding his best friend, Kearny Gilmore.

Aedan smiled and walked forward. “What’s this?”

“Well,” Kearny answered, squeezing Rhosewen’s shoulders, “an angel came to me yesterday, claiming she’s taking you to a better place and that this would be my last chance to see you.”

Aedan stepped forward, lifting Rhosewen into a hug. “You’re amazing,” he whispered, kissing her ear. “Thank you.”

“It’s the least I could do,” she countered. “You’re giving up so much for me. I’m not the angel here. You are.”

“You’re wrong,” he disagreed, setting her feet on the ground. Only then did he turn to greet his friend.

Rich with eating, drinking, music and games, the evening’s tone was one of celebration rather than farewell. Aedan’s heart squeezed when he looked at the family and friends he would be leaving, but he was the happiest he’d ever been. To know he would be spending his future with Rhosewen made him feel like he was floating. Nothing could bring him down as long as he had her.

When the party died down and the crowd dispersed, Aedan and Rhosewen stayed on the lawn, tucking into a bed of blankets.

She purred and stretched, feeling more of him through her dress. Then she curled back up. “I can’t believe I get to take you home with me. You must be the best souvenir in the history of the world.” She pressed her lips to his heart, smiling as his hard body rumbled with laughter. “Thank you for giving me so much.”

“If you’ll let me,” he replied, “I’ll give you much more.”

“I just might,” she hummed, wiggling to his face. Her forefinger traced his brow and nose. Then she stretched her hands over his cheeks. “I love you, Aedan.”

He peacefully smiled, watching her eyes as he brushed her hair back. “I love you, too, Rose, for as long as you’ll let me.”

“Forever,” she insisted, her lips curving over his. Then she closed her eyes, melting into his tender kiss.

~ * * * ~

When it came time to leave, Aedan’s chest ached over the impending goodbyes. Seeing his mom and dad so subdued was tough. They were never that way.

“I have one favor to ask,” Daleen requested, giving Rhosewen a hug. “Every once in a while, wave a phone in front of Aedan’s face and tell him to call his mom. I know he’ll be busy staring into your gorgeous eyes, but if you block his view with a phone, he might remember me.”

“I promise,” Rhosewen agreed. “I’ll make it a priority.” And she meant it. She hated taking Aedan from his parents. “I’m sorry it has to be this way. I know it must be hard. I…” She wasn’t sure what else to say.

“It’s okay, darling,” Daleen assured. “Aedan’s happiness is our priority, and he’s found it in you. The distance is worth the peace of mind.”

“Thank you for understanding,” Rhosewen whispered.

“Don’t mention it,” Serafin cut in, giving her a hug. “You two take care of each other and come back to see us soon.”

“We will,” she agreed. Then she turned toward Aedan and laid a hand over his heart, wishing she could offer more support. But with nothing else to give, she merely offered his parents a crestfallen wave and floated away.

Aedan breathed deep, holding the air in as he wrapped Daleen in a hug. “I love you, mom.”

“I love you, too, baby,” she whispered, burying her face in his shirt.

“We’ll come back for a visit soon,” he vowed. “Really soon. I promise.”

Daleen took a ragged breath, letting it out slowly. “I know you will. Be safe, okay?”

“We will,” he assured, tightening his hold as he kissed her onyx hair. Then he let go and turned to Serafin, clasping his hand. “Thanks for everything, dad.”

Serafin pulled him into a firm hug then stepped back, meeting his sad stare. “Sure, son. You keep in touch now. We want to hear from you often.”

“I’ll bug you so much you’ll have to screen your calls.”

“That would be wonderful,” Daleen sighed, leaning into Serafin’s open arm.

Aedan smiled as he reached out, touching fingertips to Daleen’s heart while watching her pale green eyes. “I’ll know I’ve gone overboard when you change your number.”

“Never,” they whispered, shaking their heads.

Aedan watched them for another moment then dropped his hand and turned away, unable to say
goodbye
. Only Rhosewen’s eyes and smile kept him moving forward. She made everything better. When he reached her, he took her hand and pulled it to his lips, drawing comfort from her soft skin and lovely scent.