tress of light. Limousines lined the dr

front of the ful

ong-sleeved, with a high neck and a deep, plunging back. It was severe, elegant, and timeless. She h

le pearl studs. Her hair was swept

in. He was adjusting his cuffl

d, the room

re was no sneer. No mockery. J

aid. It was a statem

es

t's get this over with.

best," she

rough the layers of fabric-her velvet, his wool suit-she felt the heat of his skin.

allroom was packed. The air smelle

heads turned. The

the fos

oks...

re the s

Suddenly, a wall of floral

wearing a dress that looked like it was made of go

ght the charity case. And look at that dress. Black? For a birthday? It looks

rby tittered be

d. He opened his mouth to speak, t

his arm gently

a. It was a radiant

return of gothic minimalism." She paused, letting her eyes drift over Joanna's shiny, crinkled gold dress. "But I love your dress.

ink. A ripple of laughter

shade of beet red. Her mouth

corner of his mouth twitched. He

. She steered Cordero away, leavi

rdero murmured, lean

ing I could think of,"

hush fell o

opened. Amanda

ve, flat box wrapped in white silk. She was wearin

Mrs. Boone, who was holdi

Amanda cried out, her voice pr

ed her grip on

s," she sa