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“You and Justin seem better,” she said, watching Maggie, who seemed weary. “It seems like you’re not as on guard.”
“I’m better,” she said. “I’m really trying to let things settle down. I had an epiphany a few minutes ago.”
“You and your epiphanies.”
“I know. That whole embarrassing situation slowed us down, and that’s good. We’d jumped in way too fast and, you know, been there, done that,” she singsonged, chuckling. “We can take our time this time. The first evening he came here, I was disappointed that he left. Now it’s like I can’t wait for him to leave.”
“What’s that all about?” Annie asked, concerned.
“It’s just too much, too fast. I haven’t had a day alone since I moved in. There’s been someone here every day. I just need a day to unwind.”
“And then I come along…”
“Aw, I’m so glad, Annie. I’m thrilled you and Steve hit it off. He’s such a nice man.”
“What would you say if we got serious and I moved here?”
Surprised, Maggie turned to her. “Are you already talking about that?”
“Well, not exactly, but you know the signs. I feel like it has potential.”
“Look, if it comes to that, I’ll just say welcome to Cypress Cove!”
They’d returned to the cottage. “Let’s go through that trunk and see if we can find something to wear tomorrow.”
“Yeah, what’s with the garden party attire? I think your aunt might be losing it.”
“I thought the same thing. Let’s see what’s in the attic.”
Up in the attic of the cottage, kneeling in front of the trunk, Maggie opened the lid while Annie shined a flashlight down into the contents. “It looks like a bunch of old lace.”
“It’s all wrapped in tissue paper,” Maggie said reverently. “I wonder who packed it.”
“Your grandmother lived here, didn’t she?”
Not answering, Maggie lifted out the top bundle. “Shine that thing over here, won’t you? Look at this! It’s a wedding dress!”
They carefully unfolded the pristinely preserved fabric, which revealed a simple satin floor-length sheath.
“This is the fabric that will show every hair on your body,” Annie said. “What’s that under it?”
“Something lacy. Oh, look! It looks like a flapper dress. Is that what they’re called? Let’s try them on.”
Finding something to wear from the cottage for Aunt Elizabeth’s wedding party felt like a perfect ending. Now if only something positive could happen for Maggie. She was at a loss; although she meant what she’d said to Justin that day, there were still so many loose ends, it seemed.
“Annie, what’s wrong with me?” she asked.
“Oh, honey, you’re your own worst enemy. Just go with the flow. If you can at all stop looking back, do it. Justin isn’t Russ. Claudia is an idiot. I could have told you that a long time ago. I never trusted her when we were teenagers.”
“I feel like I need to have closure with her.”
“I’m not sure that’s possible. Acceptance might be a better thing to work toward. You lost a dear friend but one who couldn’t be trusted. You can trust me, however. I’m never going to make a pass at your boyfriend, whoever he is.”
“Okay, I’m going to try to accept it. And I know I can trust you.”
“Now that we have our garden party attire, I guess we can prepare for Saturday night.”
“And what will that entail?” Maggie asked.
