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.”
