Put a Ring On It Read online

  Praise for Beth Kendrick’s Novels

  New Uses for Old Boyfriends

  “[Kendrick’s] newest [is a] perfectly tailored tale of love, family, friendship. . . . Kendrick’s gift for creating endearingly flawed characters combined with her impeccable sense of comic timing ensure that her books will always be in fashion with discerning readers.”

  —Booklist (starred review)

  “Another enchanting, heartwarming Black Dog Bay–set story of reinvention and romance. . . . The lightly magical town feels like a welcome vacation to a favorite resort. Kendrick has a light, breezy writing style that manages to take readers on unexpectedly poignant journeys with some startling twists and turns on the road. An astute and charming look at friendship, love, and self-discovery.”

  —Kirkus Reviews

  Cure for the Common Breakup

  “Beth Kendrick has reminded me once again exactly why I love her books so much. Cure for the Common Breakup is packed with humor, wit, and a lot of heart. A charming and exceptionally entertaining story! I can’t recommend this book highly enough.”

  —Jane Porter, national bestselling author of The Good Wife

  “Beth Kendrick has written a sharp, sassy, surprisingly emotional story that will make readers laugh out loud from page one and sigh from the heart at the end. Light and lovely perfection!”

  —Roxanne St. Claire, New York Times bestselling author of the Barefoot Bay series

  “Utterly delightful! Summer Benson will charm and disarm her way into the hearts of readers as easily as she does the residents of Black Dog Bay.”

  —Meg Donohue, USA Today bestselling author of Dog Crazy

  “Kendrick’s impeccable sense of comic timing and flair for creating unforgettable characters make this effervescent novel a smart bet for romance readers everywhere, while the novel’s deft integration of the topics of family, friendship, and community ensure it can easily attract a broader readership as well.”

  —Booklist (starred review)

  “In Cure for the Common Breakup, you won’t be short on laughter, romance, or drama . . . a fun, lighthearted, romantic, and hilarious novel that is perfect for your summer beach read. The protagonist is sassy, spunky, and snarky. I loved each of the characters.”

  —The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA)

  “Kendrick’s writing is witty and captivating, and her characters are an endearing swirl of complexity. . . . The plot whistles along, taking a few unexpected turns that make the inevitable happy ending more textured and satisfying. With snappy dialogue and a breezy tone that still manages to support emotional depth, the author keeps us turning pages and rooting for Black Dog Bay and everyone in it.”

  —Kirkus Reviews

  The Week Before the Wedding

  “Kendrick proves she is the leader of the pack when it comes to fashioning cheekily clever love stories, and her latest will delight readers with its delectably acerbic wit and charmingly complex characters.”

  —Booklist (starred review)

  “In an engaging story about matters of the heart, Kendrick perfectly captures the struggle between who we really are and who we want to be. With its endearing characters and page-turning plot, this novel balances humor and emotion in a way that begs it to be read in one sitting.”

  —RT Book Reviews (4½ stars)

  “A delightful romp with depth.”

  —Heroes and Heartbreakers

  The Lucky Dog Matchmaking Service

  “Graced with a stellar cast of captivating characters (including an adorable pack of scene-stealing canines) and written with both sharp wit and genuine wisdom, Kendrick’s latest effervescent novel is a hopelessly, hopefully romantic treat.”

  —Booklist (starred review)

  “If the title does not grab your attention, Kendrick’s writing will. . . . An engaging, thoroughly enjoyable tale of finding soul mates of the four-legged and two-legged varieties. . . . When you put this book down, you will have a smile on your face and warmth in your heart.”

  —RT Book Reviews (4½ stars)

  “Kendrick not only shines in portraying the subtleties of female friendships, but also at rendering the unbreakable bond between man (or woman) and dog.”

  —Publishers Weekly

  “If you like dog stories, romance, a little kick to the characters, and a story with a happy ending, try this book . . . a funny, pleasant story. . . . [It] makes one want to go and seek out other Beth Kendrick books.”

  —Deseret News (Salt Lake City, UT)

  The Bake-Off

  “With her usual literary flair, Kendrick delivers a scrumptious literary confection expertly spiced with humor and seasoned with just the right dash of romance.”

  —Chicago Tribune

  “A warm, winning story about the complications of sisterhood—and the unexpected rewards.”

  —Sarah Pekkanen, author of Catching Air

  “A sweet, fun, and entertaining look at family, love, and the perfect pastry. . . . Fans of women’s fiction, foodie fiction, and novels about sisters will delight in Kendrick’s descriptions, vivid characters, and fast-paced, hilarious dialogue. A book that often had me laughing aloud—and wiping away a tear at points.”

  —Write Meg!

  “This story is sweet like a great dessert—just the right amount of sugar and spice. It’s a story that celebrates both sisters and the therapeutic benefits of baking.”

  —News and Sentinel (Parkersburg, WV)

  “Wonderful! Kendrick manages to cook up a tender, touching, and very funny story about the complicated relationship of two sisters torn apart by their own stubbornness and brought back together by love and pastry. With a fresh plot and richly layered characters, The Bake-Off is a winner.”

  —Ellen Meister, author of Farewell, Dorothy Parker

  Second Time Around

  “Kendrick deftly blends exceptionally clever writing, subtly nuanced characters, and a generous dash of romance into a flawlessly written story about the importance of female friendships and second chances.”

  —Chicago Tribune

  “A funny, charming story about the power of female friendship.”

  —Kim Gruenenfelder, author of Keep Calm and Carry a Big Drink

  The Pre-nup

  “Witty, juicy, and lots of fun! Say ‘I do’ to The Pre-nup.”

  —Susan Mallery, New York Times bestselling author of Yours for Christmas

  “A smart, funny spin on happily ever after!”

  —Beth Harbison, New York Times bestselling author of Driving with the Top Down

  “In the exceptionally entertaining and wonderfully original The Pre-nup, Kendrick writes with a wicked sense of humor and great wisdom about the power of friendship, the importance of true love, and the very real satisfaction of romantic revenge done right.”

  —Chicago Tribune

  Also by Beth Kendrick

  New Uses for Old Boyfriends

  Cure for the Common Breakup

  The Week Before the Wedding

  The Lucky Dog Matchmaking Service

  The Bake-Off

  Second Time Around

  The Pre-nup

  Nearlyweds

  Fashionably Late

  Exes and Ohs

  My Favorite Mistake

  NEW AMERICAN LIBRARY

  Published by New American Library,

  an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC

  375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014

  This book is an original publication of New American Library.

  Copyright © Beth Lavin, 2015 />
  Readers Guide copyright © Penguin Random House, 2015

  Penguin Random House supports copyright. Copyright fuels creativity, encourages diverse voices, promotes free speech, and creates a vibrant culture. Thank you for buying an authorized edition of this book and for complying with copyright laws by not reproducing, scanning, or distributing any part of it in any form without permission. You are supporting writers and allowing Penguin Random House to continue to publish books for every reader.

  New American Library and the New American Library colophon are registered trademarks of Penguin Random House LLC.

  For more information about Penguin Random House, visit penguin.com.

  LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA:

  Kendrick, Beth.

  Put a ring on it / Beth Kendrick.

  pages cm.—(Black Dog Bay novel; 3)

  ISBN 978-0-698-18848-8

  1. Single women—Fiction. 2. Man-woman relationships—Fiction. 3. Marriage—Fiction. I. Title.

  PS3611.E535P88 2015

  813’.6—dc23 2015018142

  PUBLISHER’S NOTE

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Version_1

  Contents

  Praise

  Also by Beth Kendrick

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Dedication

  Acknowledgments

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Readers Guide

  Playlist

  Excerpt from New Uses for Old Boyfriends

  About the Author

  For Kresley Cole, with love and proof of life

  acknowledgments

  Special thanks to Jill Edwards of the Estate Watch and Jewelry Company in Scottsdale, Arizona, for sharing her knowledge of fine jewelry with humor, charm, and style.

  Hugs, kisses, and cases of the finest champagne to . . .

  Danielle Perez, Amy Moore-Benson, Marty Etchart, Anna O’Brien, Jenn McKinlay, Chandra Years, Amy Serin, Tai Burkholder, and Joe and Bridget Lavin. You make my life sparkle.

  chapter 1

  “Give me the ring back.”

  Brighton Smith choked on a sip of lukewarm coffee as she stepped out of her fiancé’s blue sedan. She looked over her shoulder with a stunned smile. “What?”

  “You heard me.” Colin clenched the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles went white. “I want the ring back.”

  Brighton felt her smile fade as traffic whizzed by beneath the overcast morning sky. “You don’t mean that.”

  “Yeah, I do.”

  “Colin, you . . .” Brighton trailed off as she considered how long it would take her to say everything she needed to say. How long it would take to listen to everything Colin needed to say. “Listen. Let’s table this discussion for right now. I’m late for work, you’re leaving for the entire weekend, and neither of us has eaten breakfast. We’ll sit down and work this out after we’ve had some protein and some time to calm down, okay?”

  “I’m tired of waiting.” His voice was tight with tension. “This is it, Brighton: now or never.”

  She took a slow, deep breath as her mind raced. “This isn’t fair and you know it.”

  Colin held out his palm. “Give me the ring back.”

  “No!” She covered her bejeweled ring finger with her other hand.

  “Yes. I’ll find someone else—someone who will appreciate it. Someone who will appreciate me.” He waved his palm at her. “Give it back. Now.”

  So she did. She had to work to get the slim platinum band past her knuckle, but when she finally managed, she dropped it into his outstretched hand with regal, icy dignity. “Call me when you’re ready to talk about this in a rational manner.”

  “I’m done talking,” he said. “And I’m done waiting. I’m sick of all your rules and restrictions and terms and conditions.”

  She snatched up her briefcase from the passenger seat and strode toward the office building, pausing to glance behind her. Colin’s car was still idling by the curb. He was still watching her and clutching the diamond ring.

  She should turn around and rush back to him, she knew. They shouldn’t part like this when he was about to leave town. She always tried to fight fairly, to avoid drama, and to seek productive solutions. But Colin had just lashed out with no warning right in the middle of their morning commute. She felt bewildered and hurt . . . but also furious.

  She had a meeting in ten minutes, and she knew that it took an average of seven and a half minutes to make it through the lobby, wait for the elevators, and arrive at her office on the fifth floor.

  She straightened her shoulders and kept walking.

  When she walked into the insurance firm’s corporate headquarters six minutes later (the elevator doors had opened just as she arrived in the lobby), her assistant glanced up from her computer with evident concern.

  “Good morning.” Sherri put down her coffee mug and pushed back her chair. “Are you okay?”

  “Absolutely.” Brighton shifted her briefcase from her right hand to her left, then reached up to touch her necklace, earrings, and shirt collar to ensure everything was in place. “Why?”

  “Nothing.” Sherri kept staring. “You look pale.”

  “Everything’s fine,” Brighton said firmly.

  “Uh-huh.” Sherri’s gaze slid down to Brighton’s suit jacket. “You’ve got a little stain there. Looks like coffee.”

  Brighton frowned down at her black wool lapel. “Yeah, the ride to work was kind of, um, bumpy.”

  Sherri got to her feet. “Let me get you a paper towel.”

  “No need.” Brighton motioned for her to sit back down. “I keep a stain stick in my desk drawer.”

  “I should have known.” Sherri smiled as she handed Brighton a pile of papers. “Here’s the report you wanted me to print out.”

  “Thanks.” Brighton prepared to head into the firm’s weekly Friday morning meeting.

  “You’re welcome.” Sherri cleared her throat as she turned her attention back to her computer monitor. “And seriously, if you need to talk or anything . . .”

  “Don’t be silly.” Brighton squared her shoulders. “I don’t need to talk; I just need to work. Everything’s under control.”

  chapter 2

  “Where’s your ring?” Claudia Reilly nudged Brighton as they sat down next to each other at the huge oval conference table.

  “Um . . .” For a brief moment, Brighton yearned to confide in Claudia, who was her closest friend at work. They’d started in the actuarial department
on the same day three years ago, and they’d bonded over late-night analyses, networking happy hours, and night-before-deadline computer crashes. “It’s at the jewelers. One of the prongs was loose, so they’re fixing it and cleaning the stone.”

  “Oh.” Claudia tapped her pen against her yellow legal pad. “I’m surprised you didn’t just fix it yourself.” She turned to Francine, the claims processor on her left. “Brighton’s a woman of many talents, you know. She makes jewelry when she’s not working miracles with Excel worksheets.”

  “Really?” Francine helped herself to a croissant from the platter of pastries in the middle of the table. “I had no idea.”

  “Oh, I’m not really . . .” Brighton stared down at her paperwork as heat flooded her face. “It’s a hobby. I dabble.”

  “Stop being so modest. Check it out—she designed my wedding rings.” Claudia stretched out her arm so Francine could admire the diamond – and emerald-studded bands. “They get more gorgeous and sparkly every day.”

  Francine leaned her chair back to address Brighton. “You made those?”

  Brighton nodded, still studying the typeface on her financial report.

  “You made those?”

  Claudia laughed. “Try not to sound so shocked.”

  “No, it’s just . . .” Francine paused for another bite of croissant. “No offense, Brighton, but you never really struck me as the creative type.”

  “I’m not,” Brighton said. “Claudia’s husband told me exactly what he wanted. I just tried to capture his vision.”

  “Did you design your own ring when you got engaged?” Francine pressed.

  “No.” Brighton bowed her head so that her long dark hair hid her face.

  “Why not?”

  “My fiancé knows I have simple tastes. He picked out a lovely solitaire. It’s classic. It’s just what I wanted.” Brighton winced at the sharp edge in her voice.

  Their boss entered the room, dimmed the lights, and launched into a PowerPoint presentation packed with graphs and statistics. Ordinarily, Brighton would have been scribbling notes, asking questions, trying to look at the data from as many perspectives as possible. But today she couldn’t concentrate.