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?"

kitchen with a bowl of mashed potatoes, glanced over as well, a hint

Archie's close friend, never quite clear on whether they were just friends or something more.

it caused a rift between Gavin and Archie, she'd be glad. She knew Gavin didn't really like Archie all that much, but he was still his son. There was no way

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

her own son, Chester? That's why she'd always pushed for

out was a blessing in

stormed across the living room and blocked the

Christmas Eve of all nights?

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

"You don't understand me?

"Step aside, I'm leaving."

"I don't care if you like men, women, or your damn dog.

meet Ms. Yalton like we agreed! I promised the Yalton family, and