A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

"I already brought all this out. Wouldn't it be weird to make me put it back?"

“Just take it, okay? You're just like Portia. If I'm giving it to her, then you guys should get it too!"

Crispin looked resolute, clearly not about to take back the envelopes.

At his words, Calliope and Mavis exchanged a glance, then finally accepted the envelopes.

Not long after, Quentin and the others came out of the kitchen.

Once the brothers had ditched their aprons, each of them pulled out an envelope as well.

They handed them out to Calliope, Portia, and Mavis, one by one.

"Oh gosh, you guys really didn't have to!" Portia said, though her hands were already busy tearing open her envelope to sneak a peek at what was inside.

Everyone burst out laughing.

bit more reserved. She thanked

a Christmas stocking or anything like this before. But every year, if she spent

envelope in her hands, feeling the weight of it in her heart too. Her eyes stung. She might not have the best family, but she

over to tickle her. "What,

too stingy," Quentin

it's already more than enough. Honestly, it's almost too much for me to handle," Mavis said, her eyes shiny with tears. She looked up at Quentin and

to be so formal with us!" Julius replied with a grin. "Don't be sad, we get it.

Quentin said. "Every year, you get an envelope, just like Callie and Portia. And when you get married one day, we'll be your family, helping you out with all the

No way would they let Callie handle all the wedding gifts

was it. Mavis burst

real family would never do that." She sniffled, voice shaky. "Why do

said, wrapping Mavis in a hug. "You're my family. And my family

chimed in. "We're all family here. But hey, don't cry too much, you'll

called. "It's dark out, and these fireworks are