When your only son calls to say he’s bringing the woman he plans to marry, you don’t pick up takeout. You make the evening matter.
I wanted Claire to walk into a home that felt like love. I had no idea what she’d be wearing when she did.
Will came through the door first, smiling the way he used to on Christmas mornings as a boy. Claire followed right behind him. She was beautiful.
I embraced them both, took their coats, and turned toward the kitchen to check the oven.
Then Claire unwound her scarf, and I looked back.
The necklace rested just beneath her collarbone. A delicate gold chain with an oval pendant. At its center, a deep green stone, bordered by tiny engraved leaves so intricate they resembled lace.
My hand reached for the counter to steady myself.
I knew that particular shade of green. I knew those carvings. I recognized the tiny hinge hidden along the left side of the pendant — the detail that revealed it was a locket.
