Page 42 of Feast

“Halley,” she said, her lips curving in what Maddie judged to be a genuine—if tense—smile. “And Madison. Don’t you both look lovely!”

“So do you,” Halley said and leaned forward to kiss Heather’s cheek with an ease that Maddie envied. “Your dress is amazing.”

“Do you like it?” Heather asked, skimming her hands down the ivory lace. “It’s not too ‘church wedding’, is it?”

“Not at all,” Halley soothed. “Right, Maddie?”

“I think it’s great,” Maddie said truthfully. The dress was flawless, with a high, wide neckline that left Heather’s delicate shoulders bare, long sleeves, and a slim fit that skimmed her torso and legs before ending in a short, swirling train that frothed around her ankles.

Her chestnut hair was down in long, elegant waves, her makeup somehow both subtle and vibrant. And underneath the nerves and the pissed off, she was glowing with happiness.

“It’s perfect,” Maddie said and smiled, discovering it wasn’t so hard after all. “Really.”

Heather beamed. “Thank you.”

They stood there awkwardly for a second, then Halley piped up. “Well, we don’t want to keep you,” she said and dug her elbow into Maddie’s ribs. “But we have something for you.”

“Right,” Maddie said, and lifted the forgotten bag. “Here.”

“For me?” Heather reached for the bag, her gaze darting between them. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“We wanted to,” Maddie said hurriedly before Halley could nudge her again. “Just a little welcome-to-the-family present.”

“Well, how sweet.” Heather dug through the layer of tissue and pulled out the box, fumbling it a little. “I feel bad, I didn’t get anything for you.”

“You’re not supposed to,” Halley teased. “Gifts flow to the bride, not the other way.”

“I suppose, but—oh.” She’d managed to flip the lid and was staring, stunned, at the necklace inside. “Oh.”

“It’s new, and blue,” Maddie pointed out, unease trickling in when Heather just kept staring at the necklace. “And it’s an aquamarine, which is Dad’s birthstone.”

Maddie exchanged worried glances with Halley. “If it doesn’t suit you, or you’d prefer earrings or a bracelet or something, we can exchange it.”

“Don’t you dare,” Heather said, finally lifting her head. Her eyes, nearly the same blue as the stone, shone with tears as she threw her arms around Maddie in a fierce hug. “I love it.”

“Oh.” Maddie glanced at Halley and mouthedthank God,patting Heather’s back awkwardly. “Um. Good.”

Heather let her go to treat Halley to the same wild embrace, then stepped back, beaming. “Will one of you help me put it on?”

“It doesn’t really suit the neckline of your dress,” Maddie pointed out.

“I don’t care,” Heather said stubbornly and began to tug the chain out of the box. “I want to wear it.”

Halley stepped forward to take it from her. “Here, I’ll do it. Maddie’s too short.”

“Sad, but true,” Maddie said as Heather spun around. “I got my height from Dad.”

“There,” Halley said, fastening the chain.

Heather spun back around, one hand cradling the stone. “How does it look?”

“Beautiful,” Halley said.

“It really does,” Maddie said, and going with impulse, leaned forward to kiss Heather’s cheek. “So do you.”

Fumbling for Maddie’s hand, Heather gave it a squeeze. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Maddie said, and meant it.

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