Megan's mate

She told me it would be mine on my wedding day. He didn't like her to wear it. Too plain, he said. Too ordinary. She kept them in the pouch, in her jewel case. She would often take them out and show them to me. She said that pearls given with love were more precious than diamonds given for show. She told me to treasure them as she did, and to wear them often, because Her voice broke, and

she reached for her glass, sipped to clear her throat.

Because pearls needed

warmth.

She closed her eyes and sat back.

I thought he'd sold them, disposed of them with the rest.

You're tired, Aunt Colleen.

Suzanna went quietly to her side.

Why don't I take

you upstairs? I can bring you a dinner tray.

I'm not an invalid.

Colleen snapped the words out, but her hand covered Suzanna's and squeezed.

I'm old, but I'm not feeble. I've wit enough to make some bequests. You.

She pressed the brooch into Suzanna's hand.

This is yours. I want

to see you wear it.

Aunt Colleen-

Put it on now. Put it on.

She brushed Suzanna away and picked up the book of poetry.

You spend half your time dreaming,

she said to Lilah.

Dream with this.

Thank you.

Lilah bent down, kissed her.

You'll have the watch,

she said to Amanda.

You're the one who's always

worrying about what time it is. And you, she continued, looking at C.C. and waving Amanda's thanks away,

take the jade. You like to set things around that gather dust.

Her eyebrow cocked at Jenny.

Waiting for your turn, are you?

Jenny smiled guilelessly.

No, ma'am.

You'll have this.

She offered Jenny the stone.

I was younger than you when I

gave this to my mother. I thought it was magic. Maybe it is.

It's pretty.

Delighted with her new treasure, Jenny rubbed it against her cheek.

I

can put it on my windowsill.

She'd have been pleased,

Colleen said softly.

She kept it on hers.

With a harsh

cough, she cleared her voice to briskness again.

You boys, take these, and don't

lose them. They were my brother's.

Neat,

Alex whispered, reverently holding a perfectly detailed soldier.

Thanks.

Thanks,

Kevin echoed.

It's just like a treasure box,

he said, grinning at her.

Aren't you going to give anything to Aunt Coco?

She'll have the photograph.

Aunt Colleen.

Overcome, Coco reached for her hankie.

Really, you mustn't.

You'll take it as a wedding gift, and be grateful.

I am grateful. I don't know what to say.

See that you clean that tarnish off the frame.

Bracing her weight on the cane,

Colleen rose and turned to Megan.

You look pleased with yourself.

Megan's heart was too full for pretense.

I am.

For a moment, Colleen's damp eyes twinkled back.

You should be. You're a bright

girl, Megan. And a resourceful one. You remind me of myself, a very long time ago.

Gently she picked up the pearls, letting the glowing strands run through her bent fingers.

Here.

Megan stepped toward her.

Let me help you put them on.

Colleen shook her head.

Pearls need youth. They're for you.

Stunned, Megan dropped her hands again.

No, you can't give them away like that.

Bianca meant them for you.

She meant them to be passed on.

Within the family. They.. .they should go to Coco, or-They go where I say they go, Colleen said imperiously.

It isn't right.

Megan searched the room for help, but found only satisfied smiles.

It seems perfectly right to me,

Suzanna murmured.

Amanda?

Amanda touched a hand to the watch she'd pinned to her lapel.

Completely.

Lovely.

Coco wept into her hankie.

Just lovely.

Fits like a glove,

C.C. agreed, and glanced at Lilah.

Destined.

She tilted her face up to Max.

Only a fool fights destiny.

Then we're agreed?

Suzanna took a quick survey and received nods from the men.

The vote's in.

Ha!

Though she was enormously proud, Colleen scowled.

As if I needed

approval to dispose of what's mine. Take them.

She thrust them into Megan's

hands.

Go upstairs and clean yourself up. You look like a chimney sweep. I want to see you wearing them when you come down.

Aunt Colleen...

No blubbering. Do as you're told.

Come on.

Suzanna took Megan's arm to lead her from the room.

I'll give you a

hand.

Satisfied, Colleen sat again, thumped her cane.

Well, Where's my drink?

Later, when the waning moon had tipped over the e.g. of the sea, Megan walked with Nathaniel to the cliffs. The breeze whispered secrets in the grass and teased the wildflowers.

She wore blue, a simple summer dress with a full skirt that swirled in the wind. The pearls, glowing like small, perfect moons, circled her throat.

You've had quite a day, Megan.

My head's still spinning. She gave it all away, Nathaniel. I can't understand how she could give away all the things that mattered so much.

She's a hell of a woman. It takes a special one to recognize magic.

Magic?

My practical, down-to-earth Megan.

He tugged on her hand until they sat on a rock together, looking out over the churning water.

Didn't you wonder, even for a