The couple had been married for eight years. He did everything for herlooked after her, protected her, lavished attention and affection on her. Friends and family were always telling her just how wonderful her husband was. Once, she had lost her wedding ring in the sea, and that very same week, he had replaced it with a brand new one.
“So everyone will see youre spoken forand that youre mine,” he explained warmly, placing the little box in her hand.
She adored his attention and the exquisite gifts he showered her with. Still, she was like a stone wall behind him, never quite realising she was giving him far less in return. For his birthday, she offered a candlelit dinner, but never anything more; he, on the other hand, would always surprise her with something extravagant along with a lush bouquet of English roses. In truth, she seldom pampered him with home-cooked meals, convincing herself that both of them were too knackered after work for much more than a sandwich or a takeaway.
Her husband never said a word about it, but her mother certainly did.
“Youre already on your second wedding ring, yet your husband still hasnt got one of his own. Why has it never occurred to you to buy him one all these years? All those young women at his officehow are they to know hes married?”
The words stung. She knew her husband was rather handsomehandsome enough to turn heads and pique interest. Yet it had never crossed her mind that the absence of a wedding band played its part.
During their wedding, they hadnt money for two rings. They only managed one for her, and hed borrowed a simple band from a mate for the ceremony, returning it straight after. Even when theyd come into a bit more, he never did buy himself that “luxury.” It just hadnt been a priority.
She didnt wait for an anniversary or an occasion. She simply went out and bought him a ring: a plain gold band, nothing flash. That evening, when he came home from work, a small velvet box rested on his bedside table.
“Whats this?” he asked, brow furrowing. “Have you bought something new?”
“Its for you,” she said softly, her voice trembling with emotion.
He clearly hadnt expected anything. But as he lifted the lid and saw the ring, his eyes shimmered with surprise and gratitude.
“You bought thisjust for me?” He slipped the band on his finger and pulled her close, holding her tightly. “Thank you! Id thought of asking if we could pick one out together, but this this is so special. It feels like youve proposed to me all over again!”
They laughed, wrapped up in each others arms, then wandered to the kitchen hand in hand, smiling like love-struck teens as they made dinner together. The weekend stretched ahead, and happiness had never tasted so sweet.
