But Emma wasn’t concerned anymore. She spent the rest of the party chatting with a few kind guests, dancing slowly under the garden lights, and stealing giggles with her mother.

When the evening ended, Rachel and Emma walked home under the stars.

Rachel glanced sideways. “So… are you okay?”

Emma nodded, her necklace catching the moonlight. “I’m more than okay, Mom. You were right. I do look lovely.”

Rachel smiled. “Yes, you do.”

As they reached their tiny apartment, a white envelope slipped out of Emma’s purse. It had been tucked under the necklace.

She opened it.

Inside was a letter: