A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

"Callie, don't be upset, okay? Even after Lisette comes back, we'll still treat you right," Monty said, picking up on Calliope's sour mood.

He couldn't help himself and called out, "Lisette's back tomorrow. You should come over too! We'll have a family dinner. Whatever you're craving, just tell me, I'll have your mom make it!"

Calliope shot him a look. "Not worried I'll be in the way?"

"Of course not! You're my daughter. I'd love to have you there!" Monty insisted, suddenly very earnest. "Maybe I screwed up in the past, maybe I didn't pay enough attention to you, but that's over. I swear, it won't happen again."

"Callie, I mean it. Cross my heart, hope to die!" He even raised his hand as if making a pledge.

Calliope didn't buy it for a second. She'd heard it all before.

He'd once promised she'd always be his only little girl, that she'd have all his love. And then Lisette showed up, and somehow Callie's spot got smaller and smaller.

"Whatever," Calliope shrugged. "No need for the big promises. You should just focus on work right now. As for dinner tomorrow, of course I'll be there. After all, I'm the one who got her out, right? She owes me at least a thank you."

"And besides," she added, smirking, "someone's gotta help you all roll out the red carpet."

maybe it was good for her and

Lisette would be back to help. Callie had even promised no one's job would change, so Lisette would have

headed back to his office with a little more spring in

afternoon, Horatio

up

carrying a coffee, the other a pastry

cheesecake," Valerian

on the way up," Horatio

big brothers they used to be, dropping

both, eyebrow raised. "Okay, what's

looked almost wounded. "No, really! We just

a snack," Valerian

them watched her, waiting for

just felt. Odd. She wasn't sure if they genuinely cared, or if they were buttering her

them down. Free dessert was free