A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Silas didn't really think she'd gone out of her way just to see Gideon. Still, he couldn't help feeling a little bothered that Calliope had run into Gideon at all.

"I did see Gideon." Calliope grinned, her tone teasing. "Would you believe me if I said it wasn't on purpose?"

"Of course I'd believe you," Silas replied. "You probably had something else to do at the hospital, right? I just wanna know, did he try anything with you?"

"Oh, and by the way, Yvette sent me a picture. That lunchbox wasn't yours, was it?"

Silas knew Calliope too well. If she were really visiting someone in the hospital, she wouldn't show up with some crummy takeout box. She'd bring something fancy or thoughtful. Besides, after the way Gideon had treated her before, the idea that she'd go see him for no reason was just ridiculous.

"See? I knew you wouldn't buy it," Calliope laughed. "But I didn't think you'd call me so fast!"

"Yvette brought the lunch. She made up some excuse about needing the bathroom and then snapped a few photos while she was at it."

"I noticed her taking them, by the way," Calliope added, her voice calm. "But I didn't call her out on it right away. I knew you wouldn't be dumb enough to believe her anyway."

"I only believe my wife," Silas said, voice warm and sincere.

I just want you to know what happened," Calliope said softly. "I went to the hospital for Horatio's surgery. I needed to borrow an OR and some extra hands, so I had to talk to the ortho team. That's how I ran into Yvette, and

of it had

at all. "I know, Callie. I'd believe you even if you didn't explain. To me, you're perfect, and everything you do has a reason.

words left Calliope speechless and deeply moved. After a few more minutes of chatting, Calliope asked, "Did

how confident Yvette had seemed, like she was sure Silas would care

wanted to talk about what

gleaming with curiosity. "She's probably got some other scheme her sleeve. You might as

whole thing amusing. She was honestly curious where Yvette's confidence came from? Was it

I'll do whatever you say. But you're coming with me, right?"

want me to

want

"Absolutely!"

of them laughed darkly, both enjoying the

...

Calliope got swept up in her work and didn't