The Ring in the Garden

James Whitfield spent three days on his hands and knees in the backyard, sifting through mulch and overturning stepping stones. His wedding band had slipped off while he was pulling weeds, and he was determined to find it himself. He borrowed a metal detector from his neighbor. He raked the flower beds into neat rows and searched them inch by inch. He even shoveled out the compost bin.

What James didn't know was that his wife, Linda, had spotted the ring glinting near the downspout on that first afternoon. She'd picked it up and tucked it in her apron pocket, waiting for him to simply ask her.

On the evening of the third day, sunburned and discouraged, James finally sat down at the kitchen table and said, "I can't find it anywhere. Have you seen my ring?"

Linda smiled, placed it in his palm, and said, "I've been holding it for you since Monday."