A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

She stayed quiet, not offering an opinion on anything. She just took her time, sipping her coffee.

She let everyone else argue, the tension in the room almost thick enough to cut with a knife.

After Verity stopped snapping back at people, the old house finally quieted down a bit, and everyone settled into some casual, light conversation.

When Calista Baker and Dahlia Baker arrived, they took seats beside Calliope.

Calliope asked them about school, and also checked in on how Calista was doing at the company. Lately, whenever Calista had free time, he'd go to the office to learn from Silas.

Silas always said Calista picked things up incredibly fast. He was still young, but already way ahead of where Gideon had been at his age. It wouldn't be long before Calista could handle things on his own.

"Yeah, it's been great," Calista nodded seriously. "Uncle Silas has taught me so much. Whenever I'm stuck, I ask you too, Aunt Callie, and I think I've got the hang of it all now."

"You really are doing well. Your uncle keeps saying how impressed he is with you! At this rate, you'll be running things yourself in no time."

Calliope was clearly pleased with Calista.

Dahlia chimed in from beside her, "Aunt Callie, how come you're only praising him? I've learned a lot too, you know! I think I'm doing pretty well!”

totally mastered every sewing technique

couldn't help but laugh at Dahlia, finding her absolutely adorable.

the whole family had

to the dining room, chatting and laughing as they settled

with him and making sure his plate was full. She mentioned she'd be spending Christmas Eve with her brothers

mind at all. He said she should absolutely spend time with her

be full of visitors these next few days.

and added, "Silas, you

got it," Silas replied with a

their way, feeling a pang of jealousy

happy together. His own side of the table couldn't have felt more awkward. Even though Yvette was expecting, there wasn't much joy

out of chances. He'd never regretted anything more

she'd be sitting beside him right now, not Yvette, the girl who had no sense of etiquette and made even eating dinner look

enjoyed the meal, Gideon's family just looked

in the living room

out envelopes stuffed with cash to the kids, an old family tradition. He even gave- Calliope an extra big