Better late than never! My contribution to yesterday's prompts.
October, 1963
Ennis and Alma sat in the front seat of his truck, Ennis’s arm loosely draped across Alma’s shoulder. She turned her head and smiled at her husband-to-be. “Y’know, Ennis, I was thinkin’, we’re gettin’ married in three weeks, mebbe we should go to the jewelry store, buy some rings.”
Ennis looked at her. “I ain’t got much money…Aguirre cheated me out of a month a pay. Can’t buy anythin’ fancy.”
“I don’t need a diamond, Ennis. Just a plain gold ring, ta show we’re married.”
Ennis turned his head and looked at Alma soberly. “Ya still want ta go through with this?”
“A course I do. I love you.”
Ennis nodded, but didn’t say anything in response.
October, 1965
Lureen leaned over the glass case, pointing to a large emerald cut diamond. “Oh, Jack, look at that one!” she exclaimed. “It’s exquisite!”
“And it probably costs a fortune. I ain’t got that kind a money,” said Jack, frowning at the ring as the jeweler took it from the case.
“Oh don’t worry ‘bout that. Daddy said he’d make us a loan…hell, he’ll probably just buy the thing for us, if I ask.” She looked at the jeweler. “What do you have for men’s rings? Something with a diamond.”
“A diamond for me?” stammered Jack. “Ain’t right. I just want somethin’ plain and simple. Hell, I don’t know that I want a ring at all.”
“A course yer gonna have a ring, and it’s gonna have a diamond. We’re gettin’ married, after all.”
Jack nodded, but didn’t say anything in response.
262 words