Was an antique pocket watch.
Beautifully engraved.
Its silver surface reflected the kitchen light.
On the inside cover were engraved words.
“To Thomas. Every second with you has been my greatest blessing. Love always, Eleanor.”
Mom frowned.
“Eleanor?”
Dad smiled softly.
“My grandmother.”
He explained that the watch had belonged to his grandfather before passing to his grandmother.
After her death, it disappeared during estate proceedings.
For years, everyone believed it had been lost forever.
Several months earlier, one of Dad’s cousins contacted him.
The watch had unexpectedly turned up while cleaning an old storage unit.
Because Dad was the oldest grandson, the family wanted him to have it.
“So why hide it?”
Mom asked quietly.
Dad looked almost embarrassed.
“Because…”
He smiled sheepishly.
“I was having it restored.”
He reached into another drawer.
Pulled out an envelope.
Inside were repair receipts from a local clockmaker.
“The watch wasn’t working.”
“I wanted to surprise you on our anniversary.”
Mom stared.
“Our anniversary?”
He nodded.
“I planned to tell you the whole family story while giving it to you.”
Then he laughed softly.
