She leaned into me.
The shaking started again as soon as I touched her.
People saw courage.
I felt what courage had cost her.
Her muscles were rigid.
Her fingers were icy.
Her heart was racing.
I bent down.
“You okay?”
She whispered, “I think I might throw up.”
I nearly laughed.
“That was incredible.”
“I was scared.”
“I know.”
“Did I say something bad?”
“No.”
I looked toward Donna.
“Well…”
Mia giggled.
Then the ballroom doors opened.
Ben returned.
He carried a long white box.
Claire’s mother gasped.
“Oh my goodness.”
Ben handed the box to Claire.
Donna’s expression turned suspicious.
“What is that?”
Claire laid it gently across Mia’s lap.
“This,” she said, “is something I was going to give you later.”
Mia stared at the box.
“Me?”
Claire nodded.
“I was saving it until after the reception.”
Mia slid her fingers beneath the lid.
