“The only epiphany I’ve ever had in Letitia’s presence was that I was glad I wasn’t carrying.”

Marina smiled. “It was something like that, but I struck back with words instead. She tried so hard to get to me and it didn’t work. I turned it around, Halcyon. It shocked her and more importantly, it made her mad. And I’ve wanted to do that for so long. The best part is, I didn’t care what she said. It meant nothing. Just the hateful ramblings of a bitter old woman.”

Tears welled up in Halcyon’s eyes and Marina stared at her sister, surprised. “Are you all right?” Marina asked.

Halcyon threw her arms around Marina and squeezed her so tightly it was slightly painful. When she released her, she sniffed and patted at the corners of her eyes to remove the tears, careful not to smear her makeup.

“I’m just so happy for you,” Halcyon said. “I’ve wanted this for you all our lives. And I’d decided it was never going to happen.”

Marina nodded. “This week has given me an entirely different perspective. And whether I have another ten days or thirty years on this earth, I want them to be on my terms. I’m done living my life for everyone else.”

“Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition,” Halcyon said. “Or whatever is more applicable.”

“At the rate I’m firing off, mouthwash?”

Halcyon grinned. “Come on. Might as well look around. We’re not that far from Last Chance. It’s possible the ring could be here.”

Marina nodded and motioned to the saleswoman who’d been standing back from them, probably wondering what kind of breakdown was occurring and whether or not to say something.

“I don’t suppose you have any old rings—heirloom type stuff?” Marina asked. “We have an elderly aunt who lost a ring years ago. We keep thinking we’d like to find something similar to replace it but haven’t found anything suitable so far.”

“We have several older pieces,” the saleswoman said. “What were you looking for?”

“A silver twisted band and a good-sized ruby,” Marina said. “We don’t get a whole lot of detail out of her. She’s slipping, if you know what I mean.”

The saleswoman gave them a sympathetic look. “My grandmother is that way. Awful to see, isn’t it? Come over here and see if any of these will work.”

They followed her to a side counter and she pulled out a tray with three ruby rings on it. The stone was far too small on one, so Marina didn’t even bother to pick it up, but she spent several minutes inspecting the other two. They were both pretty but unfortunately, didn’t elicit so much as a finger twitch from her.

Marina shook her head. “I don’t think they’ll work. I think she said the band was twisted like vines, right?” Marina looked at Halcyon.

“That’s what I remember,” Halcyon said and looked at the saleswoman. “Thank you for showing us these.”

“No problem,” the saleswoman said. “I hope you find something that works. Can I get you water or coffee while you wait?”