Page 75 of Rose
“Nah,thisone is the best,” he said, handing her a box stamped with theIceboxlogo.
Her heart fluttered the moment she saw it. She slowly opened the lid—and gasped.
Inside sat a delicate gold necklace, the nameWillowspelled out in brilliant diamond script.
Tears fell instantly. “My baby…” she whispered, voice cracking.
“So she’ll always be with you,” A’Mazi said gently, getting up to hug her as she crumbled into his arms.
A knock sounded at the door just before it opened. Kyre stepped in, pausing as she saw the twins hugging. She smiled softly.
Ahzii quickly pulled away, wiping her face as A’Mazi opened the box and moved behind her. With careful fingers, he clasped the Willow necklace around her neck, where it joined the other she never took off.
“Food’s ready,” Kyre called softly, stepping further into the room with a small ring box in her hand. “But I also have a gift for you, Zii.”
Ahzii took the box curiously, opening it—and instantly froze.
Inside sat a wedding band.
Not justanyband.
It washis.
The exact diamond-studded ring she had slipped onto William’s finger on their wedding day. The one she thought was gone forever. The diamonds still sparkled like they were brand new, catching the light and slicing through her chest like a memory.
Tears fell instantly as she covered her mouth, then sobbed into her hands.
“How did you… I thought it was lost in the fire. He took it off while cooking that night, and… he forgot to put it back on.” Her voice cracked as the grief poured through every word.
Kyre stepped closer, her own eyes glassy. “It was delivered to my office. No name or address. I had it cleaned... and I was just waiting for the right time to give it to you.”
Ahzii pulled her into a tight hug. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”
“They’ll never leave you, Zii,” Kyre whispered into her shoulder. “No matter how far you go, how many years pass—they’re with you. Always.”
Ahzii nodded through her tears, believing every word.
She stepped back and unclasped the necklace from around her neck—the one that carried her own wedding ring. Carefully, she added William’s wedding band to it, then fastened it again behind her neck. Now both rings rested over her heart.
“Thank you both,” she said, voice trembling. “I couldn’t keep pushing without you two. And Ma, of course.”
“You don’t ever have to push alone,” Kyre said, brushing a tear from Ahzii’s cheek. “We’re always gonna be here to catch you when you fall, hold you when you cry, and lift you when you don’t feel strong. I know you feel numb after losing them—but youstillhave family. And we’ll walk through fire if we have to.”
“I love you, sis,” Ahzii whispered, pulling her back in for another hug.
“I love you too, boo,” Kyre said, kissing her cheek. “Now come on. Sin and RayRay are here. Food’s getting cold. And I think Ma ate one of those cookies Sin brought… cause she hasn’t stopped laughing since they sat down.”
Both twins widened their eyes.
“Awl hell,” A’Mazi said, already halfway down the stairs. “Sin ass done got my mama high.”
Ahzii laughed for the first time in what felt like forever.
“You’re not alone, Zii,” Kyre said one last time, her tone gentle but firm. “We got you. Always.”
Ahzii nodded, the weight of her grief still present—but lighter now, shared. “I know. And I’m sorry if I ever made you—or anyone—feel like I didn’t see all you do for me.”
Kyre smiled, brushing it off with a wave. “That’s what sisters are for.”
