The Little Adventures of Sofie: Book 1

Chapter 8

It was late Spring when Joe approached Sofie again about her ring.

"Baby girl, are you ever gonna pick out your ring? I would have thought that would be top of your to-do list," Joe chuckled.

"I know Daddy. I will eventually," replied Sofie.

"Eventually?"

Sofie gave a half nod and turned away. Joe, picking up on the fact that something was clearly amiss, determined to find out what was wrong. Joe moved around to the front of the couch where Sofie was sitting and knelt down. Sofie tried to act natural, even to the point of over doing it. Joe brushed a strand of hair back out of Sofie's face and cupped her chin in his hand. She looked at him but didn't say anything.

"Baby girl, I need you to tell me if something is wrong." Joe said finally.

"I will," said Sofie trying to look away.

"Are you having second thoughts? Do you not want to get married?"

Sofie looked on the verge of tears but said nothing.

"Baby girl, look at me. I can tell something is wrong, but I'm not a mind reader. If you don't tell me, I can't help, and that's my job as Daddy. My job is to help you through the tough times and support and guide you." Joe calmly yet firmly.

"It's hard to say Daddy," replied Sofie, a single tear now running down her cheek. Joe reached up and brushed it away.

"Can you try? For me please." Joe bargained. Sofie grabbed a tissue and blew her nose before starting.

"It's just that-" there was a long pause but Joe didn't press her. He waited for her to speak when she was ready.

"-What if we get married and you don't want me anymore? What if something changes between us? Everyone always says marriage changes you. What if we end up hating each other? I'll be the biggest mistake of your life-" Joe melted at her words and held her hands. All this time she had been so worried and he hadn't picked up on it. He kissed both her hands and said to her, "Baby girl, you will never be a mistake in my life. Even if something goes wrong between us, you will always be the happiest and most proudest thing that has ever happened to me. As far as marriage goes, its really just a formality. We get a few perks, such as a tax break and it entitles you to my possessions should something happen to me. That's all really. It doesn't corrupt who you are; you yourself have to become the change. So just don't go Disney villain on me and I think we'll be fine."

Sofie chuckled at the last bit despite herself. Was all this true? Was she really just worried over nothing? Joe was a great guy and a wonderful Daddy. Of course she wanted to marry him. She was just scared she'd lose him somehow. But he made everything seem so much clearer and less complicated. After a minute of silence, but what seemed like forever to Joe, Sofie turned and looked at him.

"Daddy," she began. "I do want to marry you and I'm sorry I got so worried over nothing. Thank you for talking me through it. I'd like to go look at rings now."

The biggest smile spread across Joe's face. Just to make sure he hadn't imagined it, he checked with Sofie that she did in fact want to go look at rings right now. Sofie giggled and said yes then gave her Daddy a kiss on the cheek.

Joe took Sofie to a very nice jewelry story in midtown. Sofie found many beautiful rings but none that she felt were right. So they went to another store and another store. Sofie even tried on a few rings just to make sure she wasn't being too picky, but with every ring she said it just wasn't right. It was starting to get late and they still hadn't eaten dinner. They walked to a nearby restaurant and asked for a reservation. They were told it would be an hour wait time. At first they planned on finding somewhere else, but then Sofie spied a little antiques store a block away and they decided they'd check it out while they waited. Inside were antiques dating as far back as the 1800's and from every point of life too. From farming equipment to kitchenware, from soda posters to- Sofie stopped. Up front by the register was several jewelry cases. It was a shot in the dark but maybe this place would have her ring. She walked up and began looking through the cases. She found one that had little sunflowers painted on the side. "Oh that's pretty," she exclaimed. The store owner came up and asked her what her favorite flower was. Sofie replied that it was pink star gazer lilies. The store manager reach down behind one of the drawers and pulled out a little box with a ring in it. He handed it to Sofie to examine and started telling her about the piece. It was created in the 1900's. It was a gift from a husband to his wife. It was 14K rose gold, and the side had a row of small diamonds going up it and what looked like branches. On top was a brilliant round cut diamond and just underneath it was lily petals with teardrop diamonds in them. Sofie was in love. She tried it on. It was a little small but that could be fixed. Joe walked up behind her and saw the ring on her finger.

"Look Sir! Isn't it perfect? It's a lily. It's so pretty," Sofie gushed.

"I take it you found your ring?"

"Oh yes Sir" said Sofie emphatically. The ring itself was just under $1,000.00. Joe paid the owner and Sofie slipped it over her pinky finger so she could wear it until it was resized.

By the time they left, their reservation was ready. They sat down and ordered drinks but had to ask the server to come back three times for their food order because Sofie kept staring at her ring instead.

The next day Sofie hurried over to the nearest jeweler that would size the ring up. After about 30 minutes, Sofie was finally able to wear her new ring on her ring finger. She couldn't wait to get to work tonight and show the girls her new ring. They were still jealous about her collar, but Sofie felt like an absolute princess. Nothing bothered her on this day. It was simply a beautiful day.