Vanessa Saw It Twenty-Five Minutes Before the Ceremony

Olivia was helping one of the bridesmaids adjust a dress strap when Vanessa entered the room.

She looked beautiful.

Calm.

At least until she saw Olivia.

Her eyes immediately moved to the sapphire.

She stopped.

“Is that Grace’s necklace?”

Olivia touched it instinctively.

“Yeah.”

Vanessa’s expression changed.

“You’re wearing it during the ceremony?”

Olivia nodded.

“Dad said he liked the idea.”

Vanessa stared at her.

Then said:

“I wish someone had asked me.”

Olivia frowned.

“Asked you what?”

“Whether I wanted his first wife’s jewelry in my wedding photos.”

The room went quiet.

Olivia Thought She Had Misheard

She gave a small laugh.

“This is my necklace now.”

“I understand that.”

“Then what’s the issue?”

Vanessa looked uncomfortable.

“The issue is what it represents.”

Olivia’s expression changed.

“My mom?”

Vanessa immediately corrected herself.

“No. Michael’s previous marriage.”

Olivia stared at her.

“My mom wasn’t a previous marriage that ended because they broke up.”

“I know.”

“She died.”

“I know that, Olivia.”

“Then why are you talking about her like she’s an ex?”

Vanessa lowered her voice.

“I am not doing this twenty minutes before my wedding.”

Olivia answered:

“Neither am I.”

Then she turned back toward the mirror.

Vanessa didn’t leave.