Page 33 of A South Hill Christmas Keepsake
Nate leaned forward, lowering his voice. “I don’t think he meant to leave you, Ruthie.”
She looked up sharply. “You don’t have to say those things.”
“I’m not.” He shook his head. “I think something kept him from getting there. And I think we have proof of that.”
“How?”
Hannah Leigh reached into her tote and placed the small gold locket in Ruthie’s trembling hands. “We believe he was going to give this to you that night.”
Ruthie gasped, brushing her thumb over the worn surface. “I’ve never seen this.”
“Check the back,” Hannah Leigh said.
Ruthie turned it over, eyes widening as she read the faint inscription aloud. “‘I found my love under the dogwood. RD + HB.’”Her voice broke. “This was for me?”
“Those are your initials,” Hannah Leigh pointed out. “Right?”
“We found it buried beneath the tree,” Nate said. “We think it may have gotten covered up in that snowstorm, maybe he’d left it with one of his letters to you or something.”
“It was there all this time?”
“We can’t be sure. But it seems he never meant to miss that date.” Hannah Leigh hitched a breath. “That locket is a fine gift, expensive in its day. We confirmed Harper’s Jewelry in South Hill engraved the inscription. That’s not just a Christmas present. It looks like a promise to me.”
“I can’t believe it. All these years…”
Ruthie clung to that locket, staring at his picture.
“The chain broke, and the dirt messed up the clasp a little. We’d like to take it back to Harper’s Jewelry so they can clean it up for you. If you don’t mind.”
“I can’t believe it’s mine to keep. I hate for anyone to spend money on it. It’s a keepsake no matter what the condition,” she said.
“The Chamber of Commerce will foot the bill. Please allow us to do this for you. I can’t promise how long it will take with the holidays and all, but if you can be patient, I think it would certainly be worth it. Plus, it would be in condition to wear.”
“Oh my. Yes, I would love to wear it.” A tear slid down her cheek. “Just knowing he’d meant to get that to me. That he didn’t just leave me there. I’ve lived without the locket all these years, the information is most precious. I’d appreciate you getting it fixed.”
“Then that’s exactly what we’ll do. Ruthie, it has been such a pleasure getting to meet you,” Hannah Leigh said.
Nate couldn’t take his eyes off the old woman, wondering how lonely she must get here with no family nearby. He raised a hand. “Pardon me, if I may, Ruthie, can I ask if you drive?”
“Oh no.” She shook her head vehemently. “Haven’t in years.”
“I was wondering. Would you like us to take you to see the dogwood tree one day? It’s beautiful, and you know it’s the oldest dogwood in Virginia now. South Hill is pretty proud of it. Once the weather breaks, I’d love to take you on a tour of South Hill and to see the tree once again.”
Her face seemed to brighten. “Really? I haven’t been there in years. Why would you do that?”
“Why wouldn’t we?” he said, hoping she’d accept the offer.
“And you can see where I found your locket!” Hannah Leigh’s eyes brightened.
“Thank you for taking the time to bring this to me.”
The locket opened with a soft click. She looked inside only a moment before shutting it again, her touch lingering, as if the memories might scatter if she let go too soon.
When Nate and Hannah Leigh stepped outside, the cold met them head-on, sharp enough to sting their cheeks. Neither spoke at first. The weight of Ruthie’s story hung between them, fragile and aching.
He exhaled, watching his breath fog in the air. “Hard not to think about how long she’s carried that kind of love.”
Hannah Leigh nodded. “It’s heartbreaking. All those years thinking she wasn’t enough.”
