Page 110 of A Rancher's Love
“Now use your magic and open it,” he said softly.
Everyone settled on the bales. Luke and Kelli cuddled together, Ivy and Walker doing the same. Tamara and Caleb were surrounded by their children, all wide eyes and eager smiles.
Dustin sat to one side, feet up, elbows on knees. “Is it a trick box? Walker, you know how it works.”
Walker shook his head. “This is her moment. I know Ginny can figure it out,” he said quietly.
Ginny took off her coat and spread it on the bale that was usually their footrest. She placed the box in the middle, turning it slowly as she examined it.
Her eyes lit up as she figured something out. “That’s wonderful.”
She slipped the necklace over her head and tucked the strangely-shaped wooden piece into a small slot on one side of the box.
The top of the box pivoted. The side slid open, and a brightly coloured bag fell to her coat.
“Treasure,” Emma said excitedly.
Ginny’s eyes had filled with moisture. Tucker couldn’t stop himself; he dropped next to her and slipped an arm around her waist, supporting her the best he could. “Emma’s right. It’s treasure from your mom.”
A collective inhale echoed through the space as Ginny opened the bag and tipped the contents into her palm.
Coloured stones flashed in the light from the window.
“Oh.” Ginny glanced up at them all. “It’s Mom’s family ring.”
She slipped it on her finger and held her hand in the air.
Tucker thought it was Luke who started the slow clap of approval. But whoever it was, the rest of them picked it up. Laughter rose as well, and the next minutes were filled with a happiness Tucker was so grateful to be a part of.
When the hugs and back pats of congratulations were done, Tucker was amused to discover the four sets of couples had remained settled in place, while Uncle Dustin did his duty and took the girls and Tyler to say good night to the kittens.
Tamara held Ginny’s hand and admired the ring. “It’s very pretty, but do you know why there are eight stones? There are five of you, plus your parents.”
“Mom got the ring when I was about ten. I just remember thinking it was wonderful because it sparkled.” Ginny shook her head. “Caleb? Do you know?”
He looked thoughtful for a moment. “Don’t remember them telling us anything more than Dad bought it for Mom to represent all of us. I didn’t really understand what the ring was about, so I didn’t know it was slightly off.”
“I thought maybe they had a baby they lost somewhere in there, but they never explained. And we never asked,” Walker admitted.
“Well, it’s beautiful,” Tamara said. “And a very wonderful sweet-sixteen present.”
“Plus the journal,” Ginny reminded her. “Maybe I’ll find an explanation for the ring in one of her entries.”
Then she turned her bright eyes to Tucker’s, leaning hard into his side and wrapping her arms around him, silent but happy.
He leaned in close, ignoring the fact that all her family were right there, watching closely, because this moment was too important to let pass by. “Love you, goddess. I’m very happy for you right now.”
“I love you, too,” she whispered, lifting her lips for a kiss before resting her head on his chest and letting a huge sigh escape. “Happy birthday to me.”
23
June 18, Ginny’s 30thbirthday
The birds were singing, calling back and forth to each other. One on a nearby tree would sayhey you, and a second later, one farther in the bush would respondhey youback.
Tucker sat a little straighter in the saddle to stretch his back, breathing deep and truly enjoying where he was.
“Need any help later today getting things set up?” Luke swayed comfortably as he rode at Tucker’s side, lazily covering a yawn. “Damn, I need a nap before the party.”
