Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 96292 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96292 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 481(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
“It’s not a diamond ring, so I didn’t think—”
“Flynn, I can assure you that’s a diamond. A canary diamond. I’d say a good eight to ten carats. And worth a lot of money. But more than that, it’s sentimental, so don’t lose it,” Callie says.
“I’m an idiot.”
Callie says no as Rupert says yes. Then she elbows him.
“I’d hold off,” Callie suggests. “I don’t think proposing while she’s grieving is the best time.”
I nod. “Right. Of course.”
“We miss you,” she says. “And we’ll be in L.A. for a week or two. We’re going to head north and check out a few wineries. We’d love to take you to dinner. And if Zoya’s feeling up to it, we’d love her to come too. But if she needs time, I understand.”
“Thanks. Uh …” Again, I glance back at her. Juni wants me to propose. And I was going to casually hand her the ring. “I’ll check with her.” Just as I say those words, she stands, pulling a white rose from the arrangement on the casket.
Then she looks around and spies us. Her smile is sad. But she gives it her best effort while making her way to us.
“Sweetheart, I’m so very sorry for your loss,” Callie says, hugging Zoya.
They hug for what feelings like an eternity, drawing a few tears from Callie.
“Thank you so much for coming,” Zoya says, releasing Callie to hug Rupert.
“Of course,” Rupert says.
The ring feels like a hundred-pound weight in my pocket as I hold my hand over it.
“I told Flynn we’ll be here for a while. If there’s anything we can do, please let us know.” Callie squeezes my arm.
“Thank you.” Zoya hands me a few unused tissues, and I slide them into my pocket for her as she puts her arm around my waist and holds the white rose to her chest.
Before we can say more, a couple I’ve never met pulls Zoya’s attention away, giving their condolences.
“We’ll check in with you later,” Rupert murmurs.
I give him a nod. “Thank you.”
Zoya, having well-practiced manners, introduces me to everyone who approaches her. Then we join Henna and Bodhi by the casket after most everyone else has left the cemetery. Two guys with the funeral home maneuver a lever and straps to lower the casket into the vault.
Henna sobs, falling into Bodhi’s arms.
I stand behind Zoya, holding her tightly.
She sniffles. “I need a new tissue.”
“Oh, here,” I say, digging the tissues out of my pocket.
Shit!
The ring comes out with them, and it falls to the ground.
“What’s …” She bends down at the same time I do.
I grab it and make a fist.
“Is that …” her brow tightens.
Only this level of fuckery would happen to me. Yes, it’s Juni’s ring. No, I didn’t steal it. Just focus on the casket. But I don’t say any of that. Instead, I avert my gaze as if a bird has caught my attention.
“Flynn.” Zoya peels open my hand.
Now she’s drawn the attention of her parents.
“We’ll talk about it later,” I mumble, closing my hand again and sliding the ring into my pocket.
Henna wipes her tears, and Bodhi squints. Did they see it?
“Why do you have my grandma’s ring?” Zoya asks.
I feel a sliver of redemption after Rupert and Callie made me feel stupid. Clearly, Zoya doesn’t know why I have it. So it’s not obvious to everyone. But now I wish it were because it looks like I stole it. But I’m not proposing over her grandmother’s grave. That’s not the story I want her sharing.
“I’ll meet you at the car,” I say before turning and heading down the hill.
“Don’t walk away. Why do you have her ring?”
I stop and drop my head. “Dammit,” I whisper.
“Sweetheart,” Henna says. “Juni gave it to him.”
I open my eyes. Juni told Henna?
“Why did she—” Zoya’s realization happens in real time.
“Are you proposing?” Zoya asks. “Look at me.” She sounds a little angry.
I rub my hands over my face before dropping them to my sides and I turn. Shoulders slumped on a long sigh.
“We’ve been together for two years, and you chose today to do this?” She wipes her nose.
Henna and Bodhi are no help. They don’t look mad, but they’re not exactly jumping in to help me anymore.
I slowly walk back up the hill. “First. I’m sorry. So sorry. You’re grieving, and I’m a distraction.” My gaze points to Henna. I feel like I owe her the biggest apology.
Sorry for messing up the burial.
Sorry for getting your daughter worked up.
Sorry for being an idiot.
“Yes, Juni gave me her ring to give you. I just, uh …” I scratch my jaw. “I was a little confused. I didn’t know diamonds came in yellow. And well, I thought when she asked me to give it to you, when the time was right, I thought she just wanted you to have it. After she died. Like …” I feel my face cringing. “Like I was supposed to just give it to you. To have. Not like give it to you for, uh …”