A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

"Franco, did you manage to track down that sports car I asked about?" Calliope asked, standing next to Franco by the elevator doors.

Her second godbrother, Norton, was a total car enthusiast. He'd been talking about this particular model for ages, even before it hit the market. He'd dropped hints more than a few times.

Usually, her godbrothers always got her whatever she wanted, but this year, for Christmas, she wanted to get them the best gifts.

Franco shook his head. "That car's a limited edition worldwide, Callie. It's almost impossible to get!"

He paused, glancing at her. "I might have a way, but it'll cost a lot more than sticker price."

"Are you sure you want that exact model? It's really more of a guy's car, not exactly your style," Franco said.

"I know. It's not for me," Calliope replied. "Christmas is coming, and I want to surprise my second brother with it!"

Franco's eyes widened in surprise.

Just then, the elevator doors slid open.

out, looking oddly cheerful. He'd just overheard Calliope mention buying someone a limited edition sports

she really was getting it for him. After all, she'd taken back all the gifts she'd given them before, but things had been thawing out between them lately. Maybe she wanted to make amends

was planning a surprise, he could return the favor. It had been

thoughts flashed through Valerian's mind, and he couldn't help

Where you headed?" he

looked at Valerian, a little

out for a business meeting,"

Need any help? I could drive you,"

Calliope said, stepping into the elevator. Before Valerian could say anything else, the

Franco, watching Valerian disappear

your gifts before? They never even bothered to unwrap them! Meanwhile, those cheap little trinkets

car's for my godbrothers! I wouldn't spend a penny on those other

You're not exactly overflowing with kindness

relief. "You scared me for a second! Thought

were for your godbrothers, too?" he