A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Meanwhile, Calliope finally had a little time for herself. With the holidays coming up, she decided it was time to head out to the countryside and sort out some things with her old family house.

Silas had offered to go with her, and of course he was happy to tag along. So, after checking their schedules, they picked a date and set off for the country.

The place where Calliope used to live with her grandfather wasn't exactly off the grid, but it was still a bit of a trek from Capitalton.

She and Silas flew to Albion City, spent the night there, and set off for the village the next morning. Silas had a driver waiting for them at the hotel.

As soon as Calliope arrived in the little village, she felt right at home. She strolled along the familiar streets, pointing things out to Silas as they went.

"That's the mayor's house over there," she said, nodding toward a cozy-looking cottage. "He's a really sweet guy. When I was a kid, he'd always sneak me a few jellybeans."

She pointed across the way. "And that's Nelly's place. Her son's a big shot now. He works overseas, married a girl from England, I think. I went to their wedding a couple years ago. The food was amazing."

"Nelly's the best," Calliope added. "She used to bring over homemade pies for me and Grandpa all the time."

a familiar old dog ambling by. "That dog's been around forever, but he's still sharp as a tack. Once, a burglar tried to sneak

kept up a steady

a bit slower these days, still recognized her. As soon as he saw her,

admitted. "After Grandpa passed, I barely came

around at the tidy houses and well-kept gardens. “Everything's

security guys trailing

and call out greetings to Calliope. When they noticed Silas, they'd ask if he was her husband and joke about not

with everyone,

called out, grabbing her hand warmly. "If you need a place,

supper! I'll pick up something nice and make a good old roast. How does

mayor probably doesn't know you're home yet," Martha went on, "I'll go tell him! You're

been keeping an eye on

so much! We'll go check