A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Gideon was in a lousy mood, but when Verity called out to him, he couldn't just sulk and ignore her. His pride wouldn't let him. So, he walked over, put on his best face, and joined the group.

Verity, Calliope, and Gideon sat down together. Verity glanced at Silas, who was lingering by Calliope's side. "Silas, aren't you joining the game?"

Silas shook his head and grinned, "Nah, I'll just hang out with my wife tonight." He slid into the seat next to Calliope, looking positively smitten.

Verity rolled her eyes playfully. "Alright, then who else? Dahlia, you in?"

"Absolutely!" Dahlia called out, immediately scooting over to join them.

So, the four of them started the game, Texas Hold'em, the unofficial family tradition whenever a holiday rolled around. Silas never took his eyes off Calliope, showering her with compliments every chance he got.

"Look at her, could she be any more gorgeous?" he'd say, then, "And smart as a whip, too. I got lucky, folks."

Verity laughed and nudged Dahlia. "Silas, if you keep bragging, you're going to make us all jealous. Is Callie really that amazing?"

Silas grinned, utterly sincere. "She's the best. The best there ever was."

thing that ever happened to me,"

"Can't argue with that.

than he let on. He kept his face

skin glowed with health, her hair pinned up elegantly, and she had that easy, ever-present smile that made everyone feel at ease. Her eyes sparkled, always

wife, was expecting a baby. He'd made sure she had everything she needed, good food, rest, but she still looked pale and worn out. She never seemed happy, always wearing

But now, sitting across from Calliope, he realized what real warmth looked like. Yvette's

hands, breaking Gideon out of his thoughts.

point

Calliope smiled. "I'm game."

chimed in. "I got some sweet Christmas bonuses this year, plus

eyes turned

hesitated, He hadn't

rolling in it, and his mom had never been good with money He really couldn't afford to

Calliope, he couldn't back down. Admitting

forced a smile.