May

May sat with her mother on her bed. She thought her mum’s expression was full of love, but there was a sad note about it. Her mother’s finger pushed a lock of hair out of May’s face and behind her ear. “You haven’t been a little girl for a very long time,” Lady Cottrell said. “But in every way, you are still my little girl.” The air around them seemed thick with emotion.

“Growing up, I never understood how you could leave the twenty-first-century to stay here with Father, and even six months ago, I didn’t understand.” May wondered what it would be like to call another place home. Her parent’s home would still be that to her, but she felt a separation stretching her away from them but toward Henry.

Bethany smiled, then with a little laugh said, “It’s funny how time changes things, isn’t it?”

“My mind was so made up. I knew what my future was, and it wasn’t going to include Henry. It tore my heart apart. Every time I went back into the future, I tried to fill my life with more people and more experiences.” She stopped speaking and looked at her hands in her lap, shaking her head. “None of them could push Henry out of my heart. I finally realized how few trips I had left. I knew I’d have to save them for important times in my life.”

May’s mother squeezed her hand and leaned her forehead against her daughter’s for a moment. May knew that her mother was probably the only person who understood the pain that it took for them to travel. It had become so intense for her that she hadn’t traveled in years.

May hadn’t yet said what she wanted to and started again. “I knew I would spend those travels on my family. And I do want to have a family, but only with Henry. I want my children to look like him and have his tender heart. I want him to teach them loyalty, and fairness, and tenderness. Mother, if you had not made the choice you did so long ago, I would have never known him. And perhaps I would have never known myself quite so well.”

“I’m proud of the woman you’ve become. Henry is very lucky, and I think he knows that. Let’s get you ready for your wedding.” Bethany removed a sapphire ring from her right hand and slipped it onto May’s. “Something blue.”

There was a knock on the door, and Bethany opened it. Shamay walked in. “I’m here to help you dress. And I brought something for your tradition.” She stood in front of May and pulled a gold chain over her head, removing an ornate necklace adorned with tiny raised roses. “This is the only thing I have of my mother’s. Father and I fled France and the plague with only what we were wearing.”

Shamay’s fingers pulled the two layers apart to reveal four tiny paintings on enamel hidden inside the reliquary pendant. “The Garden, the Nativity, the First Miracle, and the Crucifixion,” she said pointing to each in that rich French accent May adored. “You will wear it? Something old and something borrowed.” She held the necklace toward May.

May took the item into her hands carefully, realizing that it was five hundred years old. “Thank you. I would love to wear it.”

Shamay hugged her. “Good. Now we do your hair.”

Cora entered the room as the women brushed May’s long locks. “I have a gift for you.” She held out her hand with two diamond earrings in the center. “Something new. These came from the twenty-first-century—they are so new they haven’t even been quarried yet.”

The women laughed.

“If someone could hear this conversation, they’d think we’re crazy. What unique lives we all have.” May stood and threw her arms around her friend. “I’m glad you traveled—that the magic chose you.”

“I’m glad you chose to stay,” Cora replied, tightening her embrace before she released her. “I’ll see you downstairs.”

Shamay and Bethany fussed over May until they pronounced her ready. Shamay left and May stood before the mirror with her mother. Her image portrayed the choice she’d made. The pink gown had a full bell-shaped skirt. Tiny bows tied on the ends of embroidered bouquets were scattered all over the fabric. Tatted lace edged the full sleeves and ruffled collar.

“This is the first day of a whole new life for you, sweetheart. I lived part of my life as Bethany Johnson. Then I became Lady Cottrell. After that I became Mum. I’ve had a wonderful life so far, and I wish that for you. Whatever the years bring, you and Henry will have them together.”

May looked at herself in the mirror one more time. She’d always thought she’d have to choose a century. She didn’t. She had to choose love and that would lead her to her life. “Thank you,” May whispered. “I love you, Mum.”

In the hallway, her mother left her on her father’s arm. “I couldn’t be happier for you,” he said. “Saalfeld’s a good man, and a very lucky one.” He kissed her cheek and led her downstairs to the chapel where James waited.

“You’re late,” Lord Cottrell told James.

“I think we’re rather early since we helped Everett and Lucy elope. It went splendidly, by the way. They’re married and are tucked away in his ancient home. Vera and I jumped into the twentieth century, caught another full moon, and we’re back just in time.” James winked, then leaned over to kiss May’s cheek. “I’m happy for you, little sis.” He took Vera by the hand and led her into the chapel, leaving May and Lord Cottrell at the door. May looked inside. Henry stood at the front, his back toward the door. Simon stood beside him, whispering as he looked at May. She often imagined at weddings that the best man was telling the groom what he couldn’t see.

A small harpsichord in the corner began playing and May’s heart leapt with excitement. She took a sure step over the threshold toward Henry.