“He made me a promise,” Paul said. “If I outlive him, this was yours.”
My fingers shook as I took the box. It felt heavier than it looked. Ruth reached out, but I shook my head.
This was for me.
**
I pried the lid open, my hands trembling. Inside, nestled on a scrap of yellowed cloth, was a gold wedding ring. It was much smaller than mine, thin and nearly worn smooth.
Underneath, a note with Walter’s old, stubborn handwriting.
My heart hammered so loud I almost pressed a hand to my chest. For one terrible minute, I thought my entire life had been a lie.
“ “Mama, what is it?” „
I just stared at the ring. “This isn’t mine,” I whispered.
Toby’s eyes darted between us. “Grandpa left you another ring? That’s… sweet?”
I shook my head. “No, honey. This is someone else’s.”
