But clean.
The pearls looked beautiful against the dark lining.
For the first time since Lauren told me not to come, I felt something close to peace.
I could give my daughter what was hers.
Even if we were hurt.
Even if she didn’t want me beside her.
That afternoon I drove past St.
Mark’s.
I wasn’t planning to stop.
I simply wanted to know whether the church office would be open before the wedding.
If I left the box with Helen, perhaps it could be handed to Lauren privately.
No confrontation.
No appearance at the ceremony.
No embarrassment.