Blake stood in the shadow of a towering hibiscus, its blooms a vibrant contrast to the turmoil churning inside him. With each passerby that glanced at the boutique's window, he edged closer, his fingers drumming against the small velvet box in his pocket.

　　"Come on, Blake," he muttered to himself, steeling his nerves. "It's now or never."

　　He pushed open the door to the quaint shop, its bell chiming a greeting that seemed far too cheerful for the task at hand. The ...