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I glanced from the gift to the beaming woman. “What do you mean?”
“After a hundred and twenty years, the gift should be returned to the giver”—Rosie folded her hands as if in prayer and held them to her lips—“returned to where its journey began. Open it.”
As I undid the drawstring and tipped the bag, a cameo brooch slid into my hand. “What—”
“This is the pin Cadence gave Marianna the day they met.”
Mentally replaying Grandma’s repertoire of stories, nothing came to mind, and I shook my head.
“This brooch has been in Marianna’s family for a hundred and twenty years. It’s time to return it to Cadence’s family.”
I studied the cream-colored carving on an orange-pink background. “What kind of material is this?”
“A conch shell.”
“I can’t accept this heirloom. It belongs in a museum.” I held out my hand, returning the pin.
“Nonsense, it’s back where it rightfully belongs.” Rosie folded my palm over the brooch. “When you gave me Marianna’s journal, I knew it was time to make this exchange.”
I pressed the brooch against my heart, then hugged Rosie. “Thank you so much. Until now, I’d had only stories—nothing tangible of my great-great-grandmother.”
“Hope it brings you luck.” Rosie’s smile included us both.
“Which reminds me…have you seen this dime?” Luke shared its story.
“Seems like fortune’s already smiling on you.” Rosie’s lips lifted in a half-grin. “That or you have an angel on your shoulder.”
“That’s the second time someone’s mentioned angels.” I pulled back my head, watching her. “What’s their connection with dimes?”
“Angels are messengers. Finding a dime means an angel or departed loved one is reaching out.”
Departed loved one…who?
“And the number ten symbolizes completion, coming full circle.”
I squinted, trying to follow. “Can you give me an example?”
“Cycles are personal—achievements or realized potentials that only you would recognize.” Rosie raised her index finger. “But maybe by coming here to find your roots, you’ve come back to where your ancestors started.”
“Or maybe I’m completing a journey that began in my imagination.” Memories of my grandmother raced through my mind. “First hearing bedtime stories about Fort Lincoln, and now seeing and experiencing it.”
“So, by closing one circle, you spiral to the next.”
“Like the threads of a screw, gradually rising.” I grasped her idea.
Luke flashed the coin. “Maybe finding this dime is the start of a new cycle.”
“Whatever the message, whatever the journey, keep your options open.” Rosie gave an emphatic nod. “Listen with your heart.”
****
Luke side-glanced as he drove Maeve back to town. “What’re your plans for tomorrow?”
“Other than checking on my car and researching the family history at the library, I haven’t any.” She canted her head. “Why?”
“The wind’s changing with a warming trend, which means I’ve got to start pruning the vines tomorrow morning, but in the afternoon, I’d like to check out that dime in Fort Stockton.” He took his gaze from the road. “Want to go with me?”
“Sure.” She shrugged. “Why not?”
