My eyes drifted to my cedar chest. It was then I realized the flaw in my plan. I had no way to inconspicuously carry the Bound Book with me. The book was simply too large to hide under my dress, and it would look out of place for me to carry a pillow in our processional line. I wished I had left the book in its rightful place. Once I had made my announcement, it would have only been a matter of minutes before someone could have fetched it to confirm my claim.

My thoughts churned, trying to figure out another way to get the Bound Book under the noses of the Elders without my having to look like the thief I was.

Calla took my hand and we joined the rest of the girls, walking in a double line back to The Promise Ball. We were like tiny white flowers, spilling into the room in our wedding gowns. The two round tables had been removed. In their places sat the enormous rectangular-shaped one where we’d taken our meals.

The chairs had been crowded together to accommodate the twice-as-large crowd. The table was loaded with our feast. The boys were already seated at the table waiting for us, one empty chair between each boy. Several boys looked as if they were ready to pounce.

“It’s time for our ladies to dance with their One,” Sarabeth said.

The boys stood, some of them knocking over their chairs in the process. They rushed toward us, taking their place beside their mate. The girls giggled, their eyes glued on the boys.

“And now for the last dance of the evening,” Sarabeth said.

Another waltz started, and couples began to make their way to the dance floor, leaving me standing there without a partner.

Sarabeth joined me. “Don’t worry, dear,” she said, patting my hand while watching for an unmatched boy. “Your One probably had a case of nerves and went to the boys’ room. That happens sometimes. He should return at any moment.”

“I’m pretty sure he won’t,” I said.

“Now, now. You mustn’t think that way. Have faith,” Sarabeth said.

Out of the corner of my eye, I watched Calla glide across the floor with Haden and was relieved to see a smile beneath his eyes. The way he looked at her with such love, the way he danced with her, holding her gently, his eyes locked on hers, reassured me that she would be safe. This sense of relief gave me the strength to do what I needed to do next. I sucked in a deep breath, steeling myself for my confession.

“I’m sorry, Sarabeth,” I began. “But—,”

“Ahem,” interrupted a boy whose hand was held out.