A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

"What did you expect? That family is gross!" Portia rolled her eyes. "Honestly, they don't care about anything but themselves. But if they found out the truth? Oh, you can bet they'd come running back to try and take the company."

Calliope nodded. Portia was right. The Jewell family was just like that.

But honestly? She didn't care much, either. She never really gave a damn about the Jewell family's stuff in the first place.

After a little more gossiping, Calliope steered the conversation to something more fun.

"So, what's the plan for Christmas?" she asked.

Every year, they'd go somewhere together for a few days-hit the slopes in

Aspen, rent a cabin upstate, or take a city trip. This year would be no different, except it sounded like their group was going to be bigger than ever.

"I'm bringing Silas and my foster brothers," Calliope announced.

Portia grinned. "I'm dragging my boyfriend along, too."

Calliope's gaze shifted to Mavis. "What about you?"

reaching for her wine.

but don't worry. I

Silas can bring Uriah along. You know, just for you? Give it

Mavis a

mentor, and her longtime crush. And if you asked Calliope, she was pretty sure Uriah liked Mavis, too. Problem was, he had this whole 'I'm older, I'm your

maybe if Mavis put in a little more

a bigger sip of her drink. "He just doesn't get

eyes lit up. "Wait, I have an idea! What if you brought a fake boyfriend You've never dated anyone else, so Uriah probably doesn't even realize he should be worried. If he sees you with another guy,

Waters! If you don't give it a real shot, how will you ever know? And hey, maybe it'll work. If not, at least you'll know you

three godbrothers,

work," Calliope laughed. "My third brother, Julius Quillen is a great actor. He could totally pull it

her hands. "Perfect! Let's

know...

course it is!" Portia insisted, "I think it's

in, "Come

him for ages.