"That's beautiful," Eleanor says softly. "I think I have exactly what you're looking for."
She disappears into the back.
Returns with a velvet tray of rings.
"Emeralds with diamond accents," she explains. "Various settings. Various price points. Let's see what speaks to you."
I scan the tray.
Some are too big.
Too flashy.
Some are too simple.
Not enough.
Then I see it.
Third row, near the edge.
A vintage-style ring with an oval emerald at the center, surrounded by a halo of small diamonds.
The band is white gold, delicate but sturdy, with tiny diamonds trailing down the sides.
It's elegant.
Classic.
But with personality.
Just like Ingrid.
"That one," I say. "Can I see that one?"
Eleanor lifts it from the tray, hands it to me.
It's heavier than I expected.
Solid.
Real.
"This is beautiful work," Charm breathes, leaning in to look. "Eleanor, where did this come from?"
"Estate piece. Came in about six months ago. The original owner was a woman who wore it for fifty years before she passed. Her granddaughter said she wanted it to find a new love story." Eleanor smiles. "I think this might be that story."
Fifty years.
A lifetime of love, contained in this small circle of metal and stone.
"How much?" I ask.
"Thirty-two hundred."
Under budget.
Perfect.
