“What are you doing here?” I ask, knowing it’s a stupid question the second it leaves my mouth.
Rupert and Callie walk toward me, stepping past another headstone.
“We thought maybe you saw us at the funeral,” Rupert says, holding out his hand.
When I take it, he pulls me in for a hug.
“I might have looked at you, but I’m not seeing straight today,” I say as he releases me.
“That’s understandable,” Callie says, hugging me. “Sorry for your loss.”
“Thanks.” I step back, sliding my hands into my suit pockets, the same suit they bought me. “It’s really kind of you to travel all this way.”
“Well,” Rupert says. “We couldn’t talk you and Zoya into coming back to Minneapolis to visit us, so this felt like a good reason to visit. Although Michigan is closer.”
I frown. “Yeah. I don’t think we’re going anywhere anytime soon. She’s restless. I think she needs to play again. I think the world deserves her music.”
“Well, I’m sure this is a big change in her family’s life. Give it time,” Callie says, tucking her hair behind her ear. “Let her decide when she’s ready.”
“Yeah. You’re probably right.” I reach into my pocket. “Also, a couple weeks ago, Juni gave me this ring and told me to give it to Zoya when the time comes.” I hold up the ring with the big yellow stone. “We got interrupted before I could clarify the actual time. But I wonder if today is the day. If she wanted her to have it before she died, I assume she would have given it to her herself. Right?”
Callie’s lips part, eyes wide. But Rupert shakes his head, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“What?” I ask.
“Put the ring back in your pocket,” Rupert says.
I slip it back into my pocket. “I should wait?”
“Are you going to marry her?” Rupert glances over my shoulder, and I follow his gaze to Zoya and Henna by Juni’s casket.
“I hope so,” I say.
“I think you should. And when you propose, give her that ring,” he says.
Callie bites her lips together.
You’ll know when the time is right. When you’re ready.That’s what Juni said. I’m an idiot.
“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 saysnoas Rupert saysyes.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.
