32

Jackie Young

"Ray, come this way baby," I said as the toddler looked around in amazement. That was my fault for brining her into the jewelry store though, knowing she had the taste of her mother.

"It's so prettyyyy," she whispered, making em laugh and scoop her up.

"You want a bracelet Nugget?" I asked as she nodded, eyes wide like saucers.

"JYO, long time no see. What can I do for you today my friend," Vincenzo, my jeweler greeted as he came from the back of the shop.

"What's up man. I'm actually in need of a few customs, you can squeeze me in?" I asked as he nodded, and led me to the back room.

"Hi Mr!" Arayah said as she finally tore her eyes from the large diamond earrings she'd been gawking at. Vinny smiled as he turned to acknowledge the Child.

"Well hello there Ms. lady. What's your name?" He asked as he held his hand out to shake hers.

"I'm Ray!" She said happily, placing her very tiny hand in the center of his large palm, and giggling at the size difference.

"Yours?" He asked as I nodded my head.

"Yeah my girl's daughter. Speaking of that's why we're here. I need a full set, necklace, bracelet, and ring for her. Promise gift sort of. And then a bracelet set for baby girl here," I explained as he nodded.

From there we started going over design options. He asked if I knew her favorite ring style and I paused because I actually had no idea. Angel rarely ever wore rings.

"Uh, let em call her best friend," I said as I pulled out my phone, praying that Rickea picked up.

"Hey Jackie what's up?" Her voice rang through as I thanked God.

"Hey, random question. Do you know what kind of rings A likes?" I asked as she chuckled and told me to hold on one second. I heard some rustling and a door close before she came back.

"My bad she was all in my mouth. Talking bout 'is that my Jackie'. But anyways, she really likes Marquise shapes. She prefers white gold over yellow. And she's a diamond girly so just make it really sparkly," she said as I nodded, repeating everything she said to Vinny.

"Okay perfect. Thanks Kea," I said as we got off the phone.

"Alright, I can work with that," Vinny said, sketching a quick outline. "You want initials engraved on the inside?"

"Yeah," I said, thinking for a second. "Just A.R. She hates when I get too extra."

Vinny chuckled. "You? Extra? Never."

I smirked, shaking my head. "Watch it, old man."

While he started pulling trays of stones, I felt a soft tug at my sleeve. "Mommy gonna like her ring?" Ray asked, her little face serious now. She had her tiny elbows resting on the counter, chin propped up like she was part of the business deal.

"She's gonna love it, Nugs," I said softly, brushing her curls out of her face. "It's a special ring, okay?"

"Cause her your girlfriend?" she asked innocently.

That made Vinny choke out a laugh, and I had to bite mine back. "Something like that baby," I muttered, trying to hide the grin tugging at my lips.

While Vinny measured and brought out marquise-cut diamonds, I couldn't help picturing Angel's hands — the way her nails were always done, the soft pinks and neutrals she loved, how her thumb would absently trace circles on my palm when we were on the couch.

"Jackie," Vinny called, pulling me back. "You want the stones set low or raised?"

"Low," I said immediately. "She's too active for anything bulky. Gotta be wearable, everyday type."

He nodded approvingly. "See, that's why you my favorite customer. You actually think."

"Gotta make sure it fits her," I said, but my tone came out quieter than I meant.

Vinny glanced up with a small knowing smile but didn't press it. "Give me a week, maybe eight days tops. You'll have both pieces ready."

"Appreciate you, man."

I lifted Ray onto my hip again as we left the back room. She pointed to a display case full of heart pendants. "Mommy would like that one too," she said, pointing to a small diamond heart with an arrow through it.

"She would, huh?"

"Uh huh. Mommy likes hearts," I laughed at how serious she was. She was obsessed with that mother of hers.

"Okay, Nugget," I said once Vinny finished jotting down the last few notes. "Your turn. You get to pick your bracelet."

Ray's eyes went wide like I'd just told her Christmas came early. "For Ray?"

"Yep. Anything you want, baby."

Vinny chuckled, walking us over to the smaller display cases. "We got a few kids' pieces in this section right here."

Ray pressed her little palms against the glass, eyes darting between all the sparkly colors. She looked so serious — lip poked out, head tilting side to side as she studied them like a grown-up. Then she gasped and pointed.

"That! Pink please!" She asked as she did baby sign of 'please', and I couldn't help but say yes. How can I tell her no?

I leaned down and followed her finger. It was a dainty pink-and-silver bracelet, diamond accents catching the light just right.

"Got expensive taste just like your mama," I teased, making her giggle.

Vinny grinned. "She's got an eye. That one's a beautiful choice, sweetheart."

He boxed it up and handed it to me after ringing it in. "$3,400."

I didn't even blink. Just swiped my card, signed the receipt, and took the little purple bag with Ray's bracelet and the sketches for Angel's set inside.

"Anything for my favorite girl," I murmured, watching Ray clutch the small box like it was treasure.

"Thank you," she said, as she hugged around my neck making me smile.

"You're welcome, baby."

⸻

We left the store and headed toward Angel's house, the soft hum of the car ride making Ray sing quietly to herself in the backseat — something about stars and candy. When we got there, the driveway was empty. Angel must've still been at Rickea's or running errands.

"Wanna go to the park for a little bit?" I asked, glancing in the mirror.

"Yes!" she squealed, instantly wide awake again.

I laughed and drove two blocks down to the little neighborhood park — swings, slides, and that same sandbox she always came home talking about. I sat on the bench while she ran from one thing to the next, curls bouncing, bracelet box clutched in her hand like it was gold.

She played hard — chasing a butterfly, sliding down the slide backward, and laughing until she hiccuped. Eventually, she slowed down, wobbling her way toward me with heavy eyes.

"Tired, Nugget?" I asked as she climbed up into my lap, curling against my chest.

"Mhm," she hummed, clutching my hoodie sleeve. Her voice was slurred with sleep. "Mama, I sleepy..."

I froze just for a second. She was half-asleep already, cheek pressed against me, breathing soft.

I swallowed hard and smoothed a hand over her curls. "It's okay, baby," I whispered, rocking her gently. "Close your eyes."

Within a minute, she was out cold — little fist still tangled in my hoodie, mouth slightly open.

I sat there for a while, just holding her. The late sun painted everything gold, the wind soft, the world quiet. And I couldn't stop thinking about how easy it was to love her — how natural it felt. Too natural, maybe.

"Yeah," I muttered under my breath, kissing the top of her head. "You got me bad, Nugget."

Excuse all errorsAjah