The Key Trilogy

by Nora Roberts

  “I’m going to have to order more supplies.” Zoe sent a look up the stairs. “I should probably go up and do inventory now.”

  “Hell with that.” Malory grabbed her arm. “We’re celebrating. There’s champagne in the kitchen.”

  “I’ve had more champagne these past three months than I’ve had in my entire life.” Dana blew out a breath. “But what the hell. Who’s going to carry me back there?”

  Zoe took one arm, Malory the other, and hauled her to her feet. “Thank God we don’t have to go home and cook,” Zoe said. “We’ve all got enough leftovers to deal. I can’t wait to tell Bradley and Simon about today. What they saw this morning was nothing.”

  “I’m hoping to con Jordan into rubbing my feet for an hour.” In the kitchen, Dana poked her head in the refrigerator for the champagne.

  “Just don’t forget, we need to start hammering out the wedding plans on Sunday. February’s closer than you think.”

  “Slave driver.” Dana came out with the bottle. “What have you got there, Zoe?”

  “It was on the counter.” The box she held was wrapped in silver paper, with a gold ribbon. Three gold keys dangled from the bow. “This isn’t any of your wrapping paper, is it, Malory?”

  “No. Gorgeous, though, I should find out where it came from. But it’s nothing one of my customers left behind.”

  “Maybe one of the guys snuck in and left it for us,” Dana suggested. She gave it a poke before she reached for glasses. “That would be kind of sweet.”

  “Only one way to find out.” Zoe picked carefully at the seams of the paper. “I can’t rip it, it’s too pretty.”

  “Take your time. Builds anticipation.” Malory leaned back on the counter while Dana opened the champagne. “God, I’m exhausted, but in the best possible way. Almost like having really great sex.”

  Malory glanced over at Zoe as Zoe lifted the lid. “What’ve we got?”

  “There are three smaller boxes inside. And a note.”

  She took the boxes out first. “They’re for us. Each one has one of our names. Gosh, the boxes look like real gold.”

  Dana lifted hers, then yipped when Malory slapped her hand. “Don’t open it yet. Let’s read the note.”

  “Jeez, you’re so strict. What does it say, Zoe?”

  “Oh. Oh! It’s from Rowena.” She held up the note so they could all gather around it to read.

  My dearest friends,

  I know this finds you well and happy, and am glad of it. Pitte and I send our love, and our gratitude. There is still work to do in our world, but balance is being restored. Already, celebrations are begun. While shadows are never dispelled completely, it is due to them the light shines bright.

  I send this as I sit in the garden and hear the voices that were silent for so long. There is joy in them, and in me.

  These three gifts are from the daughters, who wish you to have a token, one that both cherishes and honors the link you shared with them.

  Know that on the day of your weddings, there will be celebration here, on this side of the Curtain, and that the gods bless you and yours.

  My love to you, to your men, and to all you hold dear.

  Rowena

  “She sounds . . .peaceful.” Malory sighed. “I’m so happy for her.”

  Zoe laid the note down, brushed her fingers over it. “We should open the boxes together.”

  They picked them up, nodded, then opened the hinged lids.

  “Oh.” As did the others, Zoe lifted out the pendant on a long gold chain. “The pendants they wore in the painting. The ones Rowena said their father gave them.” She gently touched the deep green of the emerald cabochon.

  “They’re exquisite.” Staggered, Malory stared at the rich sapphire. “Just beautiful.”

  “And personal,” Dana finished, holding up her ruby. “A kind of family heirloom. You know, it may be a little hokey, that something old, something new business for brides. But, these sure qualify as old. I think we should all wear them at the wedding.”

  “That’s a wonderful idea. Zoe?”

  “It’s a perfect idea.” She slipped hers over her head, kept her hand loosely fisted around the stone. “I think we should have a toast. Somebody think of something.”

  “To beauty,” Malory said, lifting her glass. “To truth and to valor.”

  “To the Daughters of Glass,” Dana added.

  “And what the hell. To us.” Zoe held out her glass.

  As they clinked crystal together, the silver mist of the Curtain of Dreams slid gently closed.

  For now.