Dani jumped and glanced around to find her mother closing the library door.
"Stay buried under these books, and you'll remain single forever," her mom said in a half-teasing tone.
"What a mean thing to say." Unfazed by her mom's comment, Dani straightened and put the book of folktales back in the case.
"Just being honest, sweetheart."
"You married Dad, and he's always buried under books."
"Touché." She shrugged and checked her makeup and short, dark hair in the mirror by the door. "I think there are a few single men out there. Like Rob. You remember him."
"I remember. That's why I'm in here.
Her mother grinned. "Someday, you'll find a man who's just perfect for you."
"That's basically what Mrs. Deweese said."
"A wise lady."
Dani hoped both women were right. Not that sheneededa man to complete her. It was simply no fun being the lone bystander in a sea of couples. She wanted someone to share her life with. But she was picky. She wouldn't settle for just anyone.
"What are you two doing? Reading?" her dad asked from the doorway, his salt-and-pepper hair almost shimmering in the lamplight.
"I noticed Dani had vanished from the party. I figured I would find her hiding in here."
Her dad smiled. "That's my girl."
"Hermit behavior is nothing to be proud of, Dan."
He chuckled. "We're not hermits, are we? We just love a good story."
Her mom rolled her eyes. "I'm going to check on our guests." She hurried out.
"I'm glad you're in here, Dani," her dad said. "There's something special I've been planning to give you."
"Oh? What is it?" She loved surprises.
He strode to his desk, and she followed. He took down a painting of a red stag from the wall and opened the combination safe behind it. After pulling out a small box, he opened it and handed it to her. Inside lay a beautiful silver and amethyst brooch she had seen many times.
She gasped. "Grandma's brooch."
Her dad nodded. "She always wore it with her tartan sash for the Highland games."
Her grandma had passed away almost two years ago. Dani blinked back the burning moisture in her eyes.
"She would want you to have it." her father said. "Your mother has no interest in it, by the way."
"Naturally. She loves modern styles."
"I had the brooch cleaned, repaired, and appraised. It's quite old and valuable. The exterior portion is sterling silver. It was made in the late Georgian era, but the central amethyst and its setting probably date from the mid-1500s. My father's family passed it down. Your grandpa gave it to your grandma right after they married."
"Wow. It's so old," Dani said, awed at the prospect of owning a piece of jewelry from the 16thcentury. "I would be afraid to wear it out anywhere."
"It's up to you. She knew how much you enjoyed Scottish folktales as a kid."
Dani motioned toward the bookcase. "I was reading some of them."
Dad grinned. "Well, who knows? Perhaps you will grow to love Scotland and Scottish history as much as your grandma did. Her ancestry was Scottish, as well."
