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!”

You've totally mastered every sewing technique I've shown

at Dahlia, finding her absolutely adorable. That finally got a big, satisfied grin

the whole family

laughing as they settled in for their big

plate was full. She mentioned she'd be spending Christmas Eve with

at all. He said she should absolutely spend time

Eamon chuckled. "The house will be full of visitors these next few

at Silas and added, "Silas, you make sure to stay with

Silas replied

table, Gideon kept glancing their way, feeling a

happy together. His own side of the table couldn't have felt more

he'd run out of chances. He'd never regretted anything more

beside him right now, not Yvette, the girl

else enjoyed the meal, Gideon's

dinner, everyone gathered in the living room

kids, an old family tradition. He even gave- Calliope