A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Calliope had no idea what was going on with Archie. As soon as Mavis showed up, Calliope started chatting with her.

Apparently, Mavis had originally made plans because of Uriah Stewart, so it was actually Uriah who'd bailed.

Calliope wanted to ask what happened, but Mavis didn't seem eager to talk about it, so she let it go. She knew there was some complicated history between Mavis and Uriah, but Uriah was just so uptight that things always ended up messier than they should be.

She could guess, though: Uriah had probably wanted to invite Mavis, his protégé, to his family's dinner or something like that. But then, worrying about appearances or whatever would raise eyebrows back home, he'd chickened out.

Mavis had been really looking forward to it. When Uriah backed out, she was pretty crushed.

Calliope tried to change the subject and cheer her up.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, her brothers and Silas were busy cooking. For a bunch of guys, they actually knew their way around the kitchen. It wasn't long before the scent of roasting turkey, garlic mashed potatoes, and fresh-baked rolls started to drift out.

"That smells amazing," Mavis couldn't help but say, glancing toward the kitchen. "Your brothers and Mr. Myers really know how to cook," she added.

Calliope grinned. "They're actually pretty talented. Wait until you see the spread." The two of them peeked into the kitchen. The guys were totally focused, working together like they'd done this a million times before.

"Wow, you all are incredible," Mavis said, genuinely impressed.

a grin over his shoulder. "You like what you see? If there's anything

satisfied!" Mavis laughed. "You guys

to

"Yeah, the

no place

out," Sil called over.

de smell of frying oil

said, giving in. "We'll stay out of

steered Calliope back to the living room,

half an hour, dinner was just about

went to help set the table, laying out plates and silverware. When everything was ready,

bean casserole, and even a couple of Julius's

looked at the table, feeling a in

warm

to much

having everyone together like this felt really