A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Gavin was deep in conversation with Willow about Archie's upcoming marriage.

Chester, half-distracted by his video game, looked up and chimed in, "Dad, you're totally right. Just go with your plan. Tie him down if you have to. What's he gonna do, run away? The Yaltons don't even care if Archie's on board. That Yalton girl... not the brightest bulb in the box, and she's got some mental issues, honestly. The fact anyone would marry her has the Yaltons over the moon!"

Willow frowned. "Isn't that a bit harsh for Archie? He'll fight back if he's forced."

Chester shrugged. "Let the Yaltons deal with their own mess. Our job's just to hand Archie over, that's all. Once we get what we want, Archie's their problem. If they want him to have kids, keep him locked up, whatever, that's up to them. We're basically selling him off."

He glanced at his father. "Right, Dad?"

Gavin nodded, "You've got it. That's what we'll do, then."

"Do what? Seriously?"

A furious voice cut through the room as Calliope practically kicked in the door.

doesn't want to get married, and you're just going to sell your own son off like he's

the spread. The table was piled high with food-roast turkey, glazed ham, mashed potatoes, pecan pie-all the classic holiday dishes. Three plates were neatly set for Gavin, Willow,

that, Calliope nearly

your Christmas dinner? And there's not even a place set for Archie? You don't treat him like

that, she swept her arm across the table, sending dishes crashing to the floor,

them stared at her in shock, totally blindsided by this

incredulous. "What gives you the right to

het

Chester added, glaring then glanced

Calliope shot back, her eyes blazing, "What matters is you can't treat

She scanned the room, then spotted Archie's shattered phone on the

was a rare prototype she'd given him, not even out

phone. What did you do to him?" She

Archie's wicked stepmom!" Portia snarled, rolling up her sleeves, "You're always stirring