The publicity team arranged for the three sisters and their dates to stand side by side next to the podium where her father was speaking. A few feet away, roped off and flanked by armed guards, the pink diamond was displayed on a base of black velvet. The overhead light gave it an otherworldly glow.

“Now, while some notable diamonds have been worn only by movie stars, that will not be the case for the Electric Rose,” Alan said. “This stone will only be worn by one of my daughters standing before you here tonight. Because Pavlin is about family.”

The room burst into applause. Celeste exchanged a surprised glance with Elodie. What was this all about?

“The Electric Rose will be gifted to the first of my daughters to get engaged,” Alan said, beaming.

Someone gasped. It might have been her. Or one of her sisters. She turned to look at Liam. He smiled at her and squeezed her hand, and there was no diamond in the world that was as valuable as the way he made her feel. And yet, she wanted that diamond. It was symbolic; the greatest treasure of Pavlin & Co should go to the daughter who was part of Pavlin & Co. And as her father always reminded them: A diamond says love.

She didn’t want Liam to feel pressured to propose, but a part of her was already fantasizing about it, how it was all coming together for her. The man, the ring, the company. She was the future of Pavlin & Co. The long competition she’d felt with her sisters was over, and she’d won.

Now, all these years later, on a strange beach in a distant town, she was still grieving for what should have been hers.

Celeste insisted on cooking Gemma a farewell dinner. Jack picked up steak at Mac’s market and she bought asparagus at Angel Foods and a bottle of sauvignon blanc from Perry’s. At the last minute, she made a quick trip to Connie’s Bakery for pie.

She set the beat-up picnic table in the back with citronella candles from Good Scents, and the blue and white striped runner in Turkish cotton she’d splurged on at Loveland. Shopping in Provincetown always felt delicious and special and a little bit like she was discovering things no one else had, even though everyone shopped at the same places. But the shop owners were such devoted curators that their passion spilled over into the experience for the buyer. It was a high bar that Celeste strived for with Queen Anne’s Revenge.

“This is delicious. Thanks, Aunt Celeste,” Gemma said.