A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

"Archie! How the hell did I end up with a son like you?!"

Archie barely flinched when the coffee mug smashed against his cheek, raising a nasty welt. He just glanced at Gavin, cool as ice. "Trust me, I wish you hadn't."

"You—!" Gavin's face turned beet red as he glared at his son.

"You're no son of mine!"

"Well, I'm sure as hell not looking for a dad like you," Archie shot back with a mirthless laugh.

He rubbed his stinging cheek and made for the door.

"Hey, bro, where are you going?" Chester called out from the dining room, "Christmas dinner's not even on the table yet! At least stay for the turkey, man!"

"Wait, weren't you into that girl Callie? Since when do you like guys?" Chester's face was a mix of confusion and shameless curiosity. "I mean, can a guy even be called Callie?"

bowl of mashed potatoes, glanced over as well,

just friends or something more. Archie always seemed to care a

She knew Gavin didn't really like Archie all that much, but he was still his son. There was no

of the old-timers even said Archie would make a fine successor

son, Chester? That's why she'd always pushed for Archie to get married off, so he wouldn't get

was a blessing in

room and blocked the door, arms

Eve of all nights? Did I say you

off?" Gavin's voice was shaking with anger. "You've got no manners, Archie. I don't understand you at

laugh. "You don't understand me? That's because you've never

"Step aside, I'm leaving."

if you like men, women, or your damn dog. Just keep your mouth shut about it, and

it to yourself! You're still going to meet Ms. Yalton like we agreed! I promised the