“That one,” I say pointing to the perfect ring.
“Oooo, Daddy. It’s so pretty. Mama is going to love it.” Who knew that validation from a child would mean so much? Knowing my daughter approves, makes it mean all that much more. It is quite gorgeous. Torran hands me the card. Apparently, it was owned by our Great-Great-Great Aunt Caitriona. It says she was the maid to the sister of the Queen. Apparently, her heart was so pure, she was permitted to marry the Queen's son because the Queen wanted her grandchildren to be honest and above reproach. She was gifted with this ring by the royal family. It is a gold band, surrounded by what appears to be vines, leading up to an open rose, with a diamond seated on top. It’s perfect. Roses have always been Lissi’s favorite.
He promises to have it cleaned and sent over by the next day. Now to figure out how to do it.8LisetteI am sitting on the couch wearing Troy’s sweatpants and an oversized shirt watching some Real Housewives when the doorbell rings. I look at the phone Troy got for me. It’s only four o’clock. Can’t be Troy and Kari. They were going to some pottery place and out for dinner, so I rush to answer the door. I am surprised to see Taryn, Jaymes, Kensi, and Missy. They are all of Troy’s brother’s wives. Only one, Danhy, isn’t married yet.
“Uh, hi ladies. Please come in,” I say stepping aside so they can brush past me.
“Listen, we’re sorry about last week,” Taryn says. I guess she is the spokesperson.
“No worries, guys. Really. I get it.”
“We thought we should explain about the Jorgensen way,” Kensi says.
“Girls, really. I hate to be a bitch and state the obvious, but I was a part of this family a long time ago. I know all about the Jorgensen way. It would be terrible if you guys didn’t act that way. You didn’t know. I don’t hold anything against you.”
“Oh good. We are really glad that you stayed and that you let us in,” Missy says smiling, hugging me.
“Yeah, I really really really have to pee,” Jaymes says. Her cute little baby bump is probably the cause behind that. I smile. I miss being pregnant. It was hard to do it alone, but I definitely want that again and again.
I point to the hallway and giggle as she takes off at a sprint.
“I was just watching tv. What are you guys up to?”
“We are taking you out. Get dressed.”
“Where are we going?” I ask.
“The boutique and dinner,” Taryn says.
“Boutique?” I question.
“We girls have a stake in a boutique with the Crawford’s from Moosehead,” Missy chimes in.
“Those guys have a boutique?” I ask. Last time I saw those guys was at the Dairy Shack about a week before I left. Bleak/Moosehead High had just beat the rival football team from St. Cloud. It was such a close game. 10-14. The guys were celebrating while Troy and I shared a chocolate shake like it was 1956. I hadn’t found out I was pregnant yet. It was a simpler time.
“Oh no, their wives.”
“Oh, that makes sense,” I say laughing. “Give me a few minutes and I’ll be ready to go.” I text Troy and let him know I am going out with the girls. His response is quick and to have fun. I love him so fucking much. He gave me a debit card after he added me to his bank account and told me I could buy whatever I wanted. So far, I bought Kari a new dress from Walmart and groceries. I guess I could get a few things for myself. I pull on some jeans and a shirt from when I was younger. Working on the compound insured I weighed less than when I left, but I am starting to fill out now that I can eat whatever I want.
I climb into the middle section of the minivan being driven by Missy and we are off. A little bit later we pull up in front of the boutique. Wow. It’s gorgeous. The clothes inside are gorgeous. I literally want one of everything. I settle on two new pairs of jeans that fit perfectly and a couple of blouses. I learn that Troy’s nephew Torran’s wife, Migan is the designer. Which is super cool. She is very talented. She is the only one in the store right now, so we chat for a few minutes while she rings up my purchases. She throws in a bracelet that I had been admiring.
After the boutique, we decide to head into St. Paul for dinner. I chose not to drink since no one else is and I never have before. I really think it would be a disaster. I had a really nice time, but we don’t leave until late. We go to a steakhouse. I order a huge hamburger and an actual soda. Oh my God, it’s fizzy amazingness! It’s been so long since I’ve had a burger, that my mouth actually waters when it’s set in front of me.