Chapter 17 - The Ring Becomes Evidence, Then Jewelry Again
Police held Marianne’s wedding ring briefly.
Then released it when it was no longer needed.
I gave it to Marianne in a small evidence envelope.
She opened it.
Stared.
Then said:
“I don’t want to wear it yet.”
I nodded.
She looked at my left hand.
I had stopped wearing my original wedding ring years after her presumed death.
It was in the same memory box.
“Do you still have yours?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
Nothing else.
The rings stayed in separate boxes for more than a year.
People expected symbols before the people were ready.
We refused.
Then one evening, after Melusine was asleep, Marianne placed her ring on the table between us.
“Do you want to stay married?”
I took time.
“Legally?”
She rolled her eyes.
“Rainier.”
I smiled despite myself.
“Yes.”
Then:
“I want to build a marriage with the person you are now.”
She watched me.
“I want that too.”
No ring yet.
Agreement first.
Months later, during a quiet backyard recommitment with ten people, Marianne put her own ring onto her finger.
Then put mine onto mine.
No white gown.
No floral arch.
No replacing the wedding Sabine destroyed.
May you like
That wedding did not deserve replacement.
We marked something new.
