The Coffee Shop Heiress

The rain hits the ring box. The navy velvet darkens fast.

I'm standing under the awning at Caroline's on Windsor Street, fingers stiff with cold, and I can't make myself loosen my grip on the box.

The ring is mine. I bought it with three years of tips from Lux Bond & Green over on Pratt Street.

Plain platinum band. Men's. Engraved inside: L.W. — M.

I'd planned to propose to him tonight.