Authors Note: Without giving away spoilers, I hope this chapter doesn't seem unrealistic, or "too soon". I also hope it isn't too far from Zak's personality. I obviously have no idea what he's really like, but I kind of sense he has a romantic side too him.
Anyway, I'll shut up before I ruin the chapter. Lol.
Chapter 64: Birthday Gift
After I blew out the candle, Zak took out two spoons for us and we spilt the cookie and ice cream, Gracie standing up with her paws on the edge of the counter the entire time. I "snuck" her a few licks of ice cream with a third spoon - making sure there was no chocolate - before giving it to her. Zak was sitting right next to her, he obviously could see me. He just smiled.
As we sat at the island, after having finished out desert and enjoying the peaceful moment with just the two of us, I saw Zak open a drawer on his side of the island.
"Time for your birthday gift," Zak said with a smile.
He did get me something...
"You didn't have to get me anything," I said, although I was beyond curious.
Zak just smiled, before setting a small, very familiar shaped box in front of me.
A ring box! What the hell?!
I blinked in shock. It felt like my heart had stopped. I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out.
Zak laughed at my reaction.
"Relax doll, it's not what you think. I haven't lost my mind, yet," Zak teased.
I felt my heart start beating again and laughed quietly.
"Jeez..." I mumbled, feeling embarrassed and rather silly for having jumped to that conclusion.
Like he'd ever propose to you, come off it girl, I thought.
"Although, I'm a little hurt by your reaction, if it was a proposal," Zak said, pretending to look upset, his lower lip sticking out in a pout.
I found myself wanting to bite that lip...
I shifted slightly in my seat.
"I didn't mean it in that way. It was just because, well, we haven't even gone on a date or anything," I explained, not entirely sure if Zak was actually a little hurt by my reaction.
Zak smiled reassuringly.
"I know doll, I was just teasing you," Zak said, then motioned to the box. "Open it," he added.
I smiled a bit, relieved I hadn't hurt his feelings.
I reached forward and carefully picked up the velvet box, a bit nervous but also excited to see what it contained. I carefully opened the box and my eyes widened at the ring sitting within the velvet sleeve. It was a silver ring, with one, average size, purple stone - which I assumed was amethyst – and had two knot like designs on either side of the stone.
It was simple, but beautiful at the same time. My type of jewelry, which I didn't wear very often.
"Zak..." I started, again feeling like this was too much, but I didn't want to hurt his feelings either.
If he picked up on my doubts, he ignored it.
"I know amethyst isn't your birthstone," Zak said. "I picked it for a different reason," Zak added.
I looked across at him, curious.
"Amethyst is known as a calming stone, that provides calm, balance, and patience. It can also enhance spirituality, and protects against psychic attacks. It's energy can promote peacefulness, contentment, inner strength, and happiness," Zak explained.
Wow...
I was speechless.
"And the designs on either side...well, they're called Sailor's Knots," Zak said, almost hesitantly.
"What do they mean?" I asked softly, although had a feeling that it was going to be even more sentimental than the description of the stone.
Zak seemed to pause briefly to gather the right words.
"Sailor's knots date back to ancient times, when Celtic sailors - who spent long periods of time at sea - would use two ropes and weave mementos for their...sweethearts, back home," Zak started.
Oh boy...
Zak smiled a bit before continuing.
"Because they're two entwined knots, they symbolize harmony, friendship, affection and...deep love...but we'll say I only used those two words because you asked what the knots meant ," Zak said, looking as if he was worried I'd freak out.
My heart was racing, and all I could do was nod.
Zak smiled a bit to one side.
"It also represents the union of two into one...blending individual lives into one with a common purpose. They're simple to tie...but it's one of the strongest knots there is, and is a representative of a bond that grows stronger with time, and under pressure..." Zak finished.
The union of two into one...
I was still left speechless.
"And that's enough of our history lesson, because I probably have you freaked out," Zak said, chuckling.
I laughed slightly, but shook my head as I looked back down at the ring and swallowed carefully, trying to find the right words to say.
I suddenly saw his hands reach across the counter, and rest gently over mine.
"I know what you're thinking. Don't say it's too much, or that you can't accept it – unless...you don't like it..." Zak trailed off.
I looked up at him with a "are you crazy?!" look.
"Zak, I love it. It's beautiful..." I said softly.
I was still in shock at all the personal meanings behind it.
Zak looked relieved.
"I'm so glad...when Cheryl said your birthday was coming, the idea came to me and I did all kinds of research about what gemstone I wanted, and what I could use to express the symbolism I wanted. Then I went to the same guy who made that," Zak started, motioning to the cross necklace I was still wearing. "And told him what I wanted. But the order got mixed up somehow and came back with the wrong stone, only a few days ago. I had poor Ceci running all over the place and making calls-" Zak explained.
Ceci? Oh my god...
I reached up and put one hand over my mouth.
You're such an idiot...I thought.
Zak looked suddenly concerned.
"What's wrong?" Zak asked.
I shook my head a bit as I removed my hand from my mouth.
"I'm such an idiot...when I saw you and Ceci talking today at the photoshoot, all private like, and she ended the conversation when she saw me...I wasn't sure what to think. Then tonight...I was heading to the bathroom to freshen up after you had received that text...and I saw the two of you," I started.
Zak looked stunned.
"Oh jeez, Ali..." Zak said.
"I saw how excited you were, and saw you kiss her cheek, and...well...my inner negativity demon starting telling me awful scenarios about you two, and called you a douchebag...I'm so sorry..." I said, feeling the need to apologize.
Zak laughed quietly at the douchebag part, but didn't seem bothered by it, because he squeezed my hands.
"We were talking about the ring today at the shoot, she had informed me that the new order had come in, and I asked her if she'd mind picking it up after the shoot. She brought it to the club tonight and it was the first time I had seen it in person, and I was so relieved it had come out better than I expected," Zak explained honestly.
You-are-an-idiot, Ali, I thought.
Zak squeezed my hands again, probably seeing some form of upset on my face.
"It's okay...I'll admit...I saw that guy talking to you at the bar, and at first I thought...well, I thought you might have been interested in him, and I was gutted..." Zak said.
I looked at him in shock and Zak chuckled.
"Yep. I guess we both have 'inner negativity demons'," Zak said with a small smile.
"Or we're both idiots," I joked softly, trying to lighten the mood.
Zak laughed.
"I probably am, but you're not," Zak said.
I smiled.
"Although, if you still think I'm not interested in you...I might have to reconsider," Zak joked.
I couldn't help but laugh as I felt my face flush a bit.
"Yeah, yeah, I know," I replied.
Zak laughed, then smiled at me.
"So, are you going to accept my gift? Or do I have to make things more freakish and awkward by putting the ring on your finger myself?" Zak teased.
I couldn't help but laugh again.
Jeez...
I carefully took the ring out of the box, and gently put it on the ring finger of my right hand, mentally making sure it was my right hand, and not my left. The ring fit perfectly, how did he know the size?
Zak must of seen the question on my face.
"I had Cheryl measure your finger one night when you were asleep," Zak admitted, grinning.
I laughed.
"I should of known," I replied, looking at the ring on my hand and smiling. "Thank you," I added softly, looking up at him again.
Zak smiled.
"You're welcome, doll," Zak replied.