“Nice to meet you,” Cathleen said, waving back. “I’m Cathleen, and the fashion guru is my husband, Gus.”

Cathleen saw Ruby titter again, her shoulders quaking as she attempted to rein in her funny bone, and unable to stop it, a fit of giggles overtook Cathleen.

Bennett shot a nasty look at Gus, but she couldn’t hold it for long. She had noticed his tux instantly, but it wasn’t until that moment when Bennett saw something else. Gus usually had a day’s growth of beard, and his collar-length reddish-brown hair was normally hanging in his face. It wasn’t any longer. Not only was Gus clean-shaven, but his hair was trimmed and styled, the sides cut short in a fade while the top was long and brushed back. The scar on his face had always appeared so menacing, yet the haircut and the clothes had somehow changed that. Gone was the danger, the ugliness of a sword that had sliced him so horribly, and in its place was the air of a pirate, swashbuckling and strong. Bennett gazed at Cathleen and then back at Gus. The woman had married a seriously handsome man.

“I have to say, you look quite dashing,” Bennett said before looking at his wife. “And Cathleen, I’ve never seen you look more beautiful.”

“Thank you,” Cathleen said, slipping her fingers through her husband’s. “Though, I have to admit I’m a little anxious. Between the clothes and who we’re going to meet, it’s a little nerve-racking.”

“Not to worry, Cathleen. I promise you’re going to have a great time. Which reminds me,” Bennett said, changing her focus. “Gus, in the side pocket of that door is the jewelry I told you about.”

“Oh. Okay,” Gus said, taking the two jewelry boxes from the pouch. Opening the first, he quickly donned the lapel pin before removing a necklace from the other. “Let me help you with this, honey.”

Cathleen lifted her hair, and after Gus fastened the clasp, Cathleen lifted the pendant to look at it. She knew what it was, and she knew why she was wearing it.

“Gus told you about that, didn’t he?” Bennett said.

“Oh, yeah. I know what it is,” Cathleen said, sending an impish wink in Bennett’s direction. “I’ve just never had anyone claim me as their property before, honey. Does this make you my master? Because I have to tell you, I really loved that book.”

Ruby burst out laughing, followed by Gus and Cathleen, and Bennett dropped her chin to her chest. “I think I need a drink.”

***

They chatted in the limousine the entire way to Max’s house. The conversation was light, and they sipped champagne from crystal flutes, but when the car stopped, and the chauffeur opened the door, you could have heard a piece of lint drop.