The moment Genevieve and Dawn stepped back into the drawing room, every head turned towards them.
"There she is!" Mari announced dramatically. "I was about to send a search party."
Genevieve smiled apologetically as she took her seat. "I'm sorry."
Dawn quietly returned to her seat beside Genevieve as though nothing unusual had happened.
Only every now and then, their eyes met for the briefest moment and they smiled before they quickly looked away again.
Mari rubbed her hands together.
"Now that our bride has returned from her mysterious journey, let the guessing game begin."
The ladies cheered.
One by one, Genevieve opened the beautifully wrapped gifts.
Some she guessed correctly.
Others she guessed so badly that everyone laughed until tears gathered in their eyes.
Every gift came with a hug, laughter, and a story about why the giver had chosen it.
When they were done, Mari looked around proudly.
"I declare this bridal shower a tremendous success."
Everyone applauded.
