Page 46 of Save the Dance

“Well, there is this one thing.”

Uh-oh. Tara watched out of the corner of her eye as Kevin pulled a flat jewelry box from his back pocket. He slid the thin case across the table to his bride.

“A present?” Saundra’s voice filled with breathless expectation. “I thought we decided not to exchange gifts.”

At the young man’s hurried movements, the frequent clenching and unclenching of his fingers, Tara hoped the bride hadn’t set her expectations too high.

“It’s not exactly a gift,” Kevin said, confirming her suspicions. “It’s the Dobson Star. Dad’s family brought it over with them from the old country. Every bride in our family has worn it on their wedding day.” His voice faded. “It’s tradition.”

The bride gave the package a skeptical glance. “Honey, we’ve been planning to get married for over a year. Why am I just hearing about this now?” Saundra smiled through pouted lips.

“I’m sorry. It’s my fault.” Kevin gulped. “I forgot all about the Star. It honestly never crossed my mind until Dad handed it to me after the rehearsal dinner last night.”

Saundra tapped the unopened package. Her smile widened. “I’d be honored to wear it, Kevin.”

Across the table, Kevin grabbed a water glass and slowly rotated it. “Wait till you see it. It’s a bit, um, overwhelming.”

Tara tried not to stare as Saundra carefully untied the ribbon, but her curiosity got the best of her. She crossed her fingers when the box opened with a squeak of tiny hinges.

“It’s, um, it’s …” Tiny furrows wrinkled the bride’s brow. “Well, let’s see what we have here.” Saundra plucked the piece of jewelry out of its case and held it up to the light.

Tara sucked in a breath of air. A good three inches across and studded with chips of colored glass, the hammered-silver pin reminded her of a starfish. A misshapen starfish that was hardly beautiful.

At the next table, the bride swallowed. “It’s not exactly the Hope Diamond, is it?”

The groom’s face fell. “It’s too much to ask, isn’t it?” His shoulders slumped. He stared down at the tablecloth. “You don’t have to wear it if you don’t want to.”

“Nonsense.” The bride returned the pin to its case with all the tender care she might give the crown jewels. “I know you, Kevin. You wouldn’t have asked if it wasn’t important to you and your family.”

Wonder filled the eyes Kevin raised to Saundra. “They’ll all expect to see it.”

“That settles it. I’d be honored to wear the Dobson Star on our wedding day.”

When the firm lines around Saundra’s mouth softened, Tara ducked behind her computer screen to hide her surprise. Dreadful didn’t begin to describe Kevin’s family heirloom. That Saundra had agreed to wear the piece boggled Tara’s mind.

“You will?” Evidently as surprised as Tara, Kevin stared across the table at his bride.

“Of course, honey. Just tell me, are there any rules about how it’s displayed?”

Tara stole a quick peek while Saundra calmly sipped from a juice glass.

“I’m not sure I know what you mean.”

“Is it worn on a belt? Or at the shoulder?”

“Gosh.” Kevin brushed a stray crumb from the table. “I don’t think it matters as long as you have it on you.”

“Good to know.” Saundra’s smile deepened. “I’ll figure it out.”

“Thanks. You’re the best.” The groom heaved a relieved sigh. “I’ll go tell Dad. He’ll be happy to hear the news.”

“Don’t forget. We promised the caterer we’d drop off her final check this afternoon. Meet you there in an hour?” Gold glinted from an expensive watch when Saundra checked the time.

After agreeing, the groom hurried off. Seconds later, Tara spied his lanky form striding down the sidewalk.

At the next table, Saundra flipped the jewelry case over and over in her hands. At last, she lifted the lid and peered inside. “Nope.” The lid closed with a snap. “It’s not the Hope Diamond.” She lifted one shoulder and let it drop.

From her spot by the window, Tara leaned forward. “I hope you don’t mind. I couldn’t help but overhear. You’re really going to wear the Star?” At Saundra’s nod, her respect for the bride grew. “Do you have any idea how?”

---