Chapter 38

Having been at home, still caressing her psychological wounds from the huge weight of relief passed between Rafael's forgiveness and their reconciliation earlier that week, Bernice sat in the living room. Her mind rivaled suddenly what the future held for them. Then, she heard a gentle knock at the door and rose to open it. Opposite her stood a man with a big package.

Delivery for Mrs. Bernice," he said, courtesy-smiling as he extended the package to her.

"Thank you," she said, taking the package and closing the door behind her. She set it down on the table, her heart racing with curiosity. Who could have sent her something?

She unwrapped the package carefully and had been so shocked to see an evening gown in deep emerald green. It was fabulous, the sort of gown which would make every woman look and feel like a queen. As she took it out, a little note fell into her palm from between its folds.

She reached for it, hands slightly shaking as she unfolded the note to read the words in Raf