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."

blinked. He'd half-expected her to refuse. But thinking it over, maybe it was good for

be back to help. Callie had even

thought cheered Monty up, and he headed back to his office with

afternoon, Horatio

showed up

One was carrying a coffee, the other

your favorite cheesecake," Valerian grinned, setting it on her

on the way

the big brothers

them both, eyebrow raised. "Okay, what's with the sudden sweetness? You guys

wounded. "No, really! We just wanted

a break, have a snack," Valerian chimed in,

watched her, waiting for her

kids, they used to look at her like that, like she was the center of their universe. But now, it just felt. Odd. She wasn't sure if they genuinely cared,

down. Free dessert