Once everyone gathered, we moved to the lawn for the vows. Just as Derick took the microphone, his low whisper of "Becky" echoed through the crowd. His gaze and Becky’s were like magnets, locked together even from across the crowd. People murmured, probably wondering if I’d react.
I just gave a small smile, interrupting Derick before he could continue. I slowly removed the plain ring from my finger, walked up to Becky, who was practically glowing with satisfaction, and stopped just a few feet away. Derick tensed up and rushed over to shield her.
“Penny, what are you doing?” he demanded.
I didn’t explain. I just stopped a few inches away, gently placed the ring in Becky’s hand, and said, “This ring was always a bit loose. Guess it was never really meant for me.”
I had seen him painstakingly make it over countless nights, and although it was a bit loose when he gave it to me, my tears flowed down my cheek. I was so happy. Then I found the engraving inside and realized the ring was never meant for me. I kept staring at it, noticing the initials—B, not P—just like the gift I had given him for his birthday, which I’d thought was a mistake at first.