320 MATRIMONIUM - PART 6

Sterling left Faye with the other women in the church's antechamber while he went to speak with his men. The ladies were chattering and laughing.

She watched as Mrs. Garvin fussed over Dahlia like a mother hen, tucking and curling her hair in place to perfection.

When she was satisfied with her handiwork, Merrick's wife took a box from her dress pocket and presented it to Dahlia. "This is your something borrowed," she said.

Everyone watched as the bride removed the lid on the velvet box. Inside was a gold comb designed to look like a cluster of white winter edelweiss flowers, accented with pearls and precious stones.

Mrs. Garvin explained the significance of the comb.