Before You Go

Chapter Nineteen

It's not yet even six and I'm already up. I'm in the kitchen eating toast with my all time favourite, bacon.

Carter's getting ready. He got a call an hour ago needing him to fly. He's on reserve for the next couple of days. Occasionally, he does get called to fly when he's on reserve and unfortunately, today is one of those days.

"I'm really sorry about having to take a rain check." Carter says when he appears from the hallway fixing his tie. "I'll be back tonight." he walks behind me and gives me a kiss.

"It's fine. I need some time to think about it anyway."

"Have you seen my jacket?" he sets his bag on the counter and rummages through it. "I don't remember putting it in the laundry."

"I did." I say. "It's in the laundry room. You might have to steam it for a bit. I wasn't able to finish it."

"Thanks." he says and gives me another kiss before heading to the laundry.

I take a bite of the toast and grab the breakfast I had prepared for him. I'm about to put it in his bag when I forgot that it's on the counter and I knock it down on the floor, its contents spilling out of the open zipper.

With a groan, I bend my knees to pick up the items scattered on the floor. There's a bunch of toiletries, medicine, extra clothes, and his passport. But there's one odd thing out of it all.

A small black velvet box. A box that very much looks like it contains a ring.

I check the kitchen to see if I'm still alone, and I am. I open the box carefully, and sure enough, a diamond ring sits comfortably inside. I've never shut anything faster than I just did with the box.

Holy shit.

Holy. Shit.

Is Carter planning on proposing?

I quickly shove his breakfast in his bag and return it to the counter. I can feel my heart pounding fast, and it's not the good kind. It's beating so fast I can't even breath properly.

I suddenly feel nauseous. The food I just ate is fighting its way back up my throat. This isn't good.

"Am I presentable?" Carter's voice jolts me and the sick feeling in my stomach is manageable. He's smiling at me but all I see is the ring inside his bag. I can't deal with this.

"I'm going to have to take a rain check too. Barry just texted me about all the work we have and I need to stay late." I say, surprised at how quick I'm able to think of a lie.

"Oh." he says with disappointment but quickly hides it. "I'll stop by with dinner so you don't have to go out."

"No, it's fine." I shake my head. "I have a meeting that will last hours. I'd rather you use that time to catch up on sleep than waste it waiting for me."

He nods, but doesn't look pleased with my answer. "I'll text you." he says and I can only nod because I can feel my breakfast making its way back up.

When he leaves, I run straight to the bathroom and unload it on the toilet. The only thing in my mind is the ring in his bag, and it scares me.

***

"Miss Clarke." one of my colleagues call my attention and snaps me from my trance. "Are you okay? You seem to be spacing out a lot."

It's a good thing I reviewed their proposal yesterday because I didn't listen to a single word they just said. I already have all of my comments and suggestions in Post-Its all over their presentation. I don't even remember that this meeting started. All I could think about is the ring I found in Carter's bag and how it's not sitting with me so well.