Chapter 44 - The Ring Returns HomeOn the twenty-fifth anniversary of Julianne's real death, Emma visited her grave alone.
She removed the emerald ring.
For years it had been the most important object she owned.
Miriam's mystery.
Julianne's proof.
Adrian's recognition.
Evidence in a criminal trial.
A symbol repeated across newspapers.
Emma placed it against the headstone.
For a moment she considered leaving it there.
Then Adrian's voice came from behind her.
“Don't.”
Emma turned.
He approached slowly.
“I thought maybe it belongs with her.”
Adrian shook his head.
“I gave that ring to your mother because I believed forever started with her.”
He looked at Emma.
“I was wrong about one thing.”
“What?”
“Forever didn't end when she died.”
Emma's eyes filled.
“She gave it to you.”
“Through a lot of people.”
“Yes.”
Adrian smiled.
“So wear it.”
Emma looked at the emerald.
For the first time she understood.
Keeping it was not stealing something from Julianne.
It was continuing something.
She slid the ring back onto her finger.
Together they stood before the grave.
No lies beneath this one.
No stranger.
No false date.
May you like
Only Julianne.
Home at last.
