Page 125 of The Wedding Favor

Hallie picked it up and brought it back. Balancing it on the edge of the bed, she pulled the ribbon and took the top off the box. Nestled inside was a tiara.

“That, my dear, is the crown I wore when I was Miss Two Harts.”

“I love it,” Hallie breathed.

“Come here and I’ll help you put it on.” Gloria fussed with the crown and getting it placed just so. “You look lovely.”

“Thank you, Miss Gloria. Can I give you a hug?”

“I would be offended if you didn’t.” Hallie climbed carefully on the bed and snuggled into Gloria’s side.

“Abraham, come here.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He stepped forward, dropping my hand.

“So polite,” Gloria said. “Your mother raised you right.” She pulled out a small box and placed it in his hand. “This is for you.”

“You don’t need to give me anything.”

“Please. I can’t take any of it with me and I know you’ll take good care of it.”

He took off the lid and whistled softly. “I can’t take this.”

“It’s an old watch. It hasn’t kept time in thirty years.”

I peeked around his shoulder as he pulled it gently from the box. “It’s not just an old watch. This is a Rolex.”

“Yes, Thomas loved that watch. Wore it everywhere. I almost had him buried with it.” She chuckled. “But what would be the point? I want you to have it. Maybe you could pass down to one of your children. I like the idea of that.”

“I’ll take very good care of it,” Abe said. He pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Thank you.”

“Speaking of children, Iris, your turn. The big gray box is for you.”

The box was large, but not heavy. I brought it over to the bed and opened it. “What is this?”

“Take it out of the box and find out.”

Inside was a dress in a beautiful shade of blue. The strapless chiffon gown had a fitted bodice and a full skirt that reminded me of a bell. Large, swirling rosettes accented with pale pink flowers completed the look. It was the most beautiful dress I’d ever seen.

“That is an exact replica of the dress I wore when I was in the pageant. My mother made my dress. Now, I’ve never had the patience for sewing but I do have the money to have it specially made for you. You’ll have to forgive me, but I called your mother to get your measurements.”

“This is too much.” I blinked back tears.

“It is not.” She gestured for me to come closer and grasped one of my hands. “I am so grateful we met. If I had a daughter or a granddaughter, she would be nothing like you at all.”

I laughed. “Thanks.”

“No, it’s true. She would have been just like me. I don’t need someone to tell me how wonderful I am. I can do that just fine on my own.” She squeezed my hand. “You have kept me on my toes. Despite your horrible clothing choices, you’ve been the best friend an old woman could have. Besides moisturizer, of course.”

“Of course.” A tear fell onto my lip. I swiped at it with my free hand.

“Crying? Must you be so dramatic.” She squeezed my hand. “Go try it on. I want to see you in it.”

In the bathroom, I slid the dress on. It fit perfectly. The serviceable thrift store dress seemed pathetic now. How had I ever wanted to wear that thing in public? But this cupcake of a dress was perfect.

“This is too much.” I appeared from the bathroom and couldn’t help myself from twirling.

“You look like a princess,” Hallie said. A compliment of the highest order.