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I took the lid off the box and set it on the table. Inside, there was a folded piece of paper. I opened it, and a necklace fell out into my hand. I held it up and looked at what hung from it. There were five silver rings, and inside of them, there was what looked like the blossom of a calla lily, and where the stamen would be, in its place was a heart.
“It’s beautiful,” Maeve gasped. “Let’s put it on you.”
I moved my hair, and she fastened the clasp. “Go on. Read what he wrote.”
My beloved wife.This chain holds a ring for each year we’ve been married. Sometimes apart, but always connected. My love for you is eternal, symbolized by the heart inside you, my beautiful Calla lily. My heart has always been yours, and yours has always been mine. I’m counting the minutes until I hold you in my arms once more. Beau
A sob sprungfrom somewhere deep inside me. I handed the piece of paper to Maeve and put my head in my hands. She rubbed my back as I cried harder than I had in as long as I could remember.
“Why now?”I said when I could finally speak. “Why didn’t they find this four years ago? Why now, when I think I’m finally ready to move on?Why?”
She held up the piece of paper. “I know not everyone believes in a higher power, but I do. Would you like to know what I think?”
I nodded and looked into her eyes.
“You just told me you thought you were finally ready to move on.”
“Yes.”
“With Spider?”
Tears spilled over my eyelids and down my cheeks. “Yes,” I repeated.
“Tell me what you’re feelin’ right now? Other than profound sadness.”
“I don’t know.”
“Guilt?”
I nodded again. “There’s guilt.”
“Why?”
I turned my head and stared into the fire, toying with the necklace Beau had given me. My last gift from him.
Maeve rested her hand on my arm, and I looked from the fire to her.
“I want to be with Spider,” I whispered so quietly I could hardly hear myself.
Maeve nodded. “Beau isn’t coming back.”
“I know.”
“And you have feelings for Spider. Spider? Isthathis name?”
I smiled. “No, it’s Corbin.”
“Corbin.It’s a nice strong name. Corbin what?”
“Vaughn.”
“Aye, he’s Welsh, then, is he?”
I looked at her with wide eyes. “He is. I mean, his ancestors are.”
“He’s a good man, isn’t he?”
“He is. He makes me laugh and want todothings.”
