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

stormed over to the dining table, her eyes sweeping across 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, and Chester. But there

Calliope nearly

for Archie? You don't treat

her arm across the table, sending dishes crashing to the floor, gravy and stuffing

of them stared at her in shock, totally blindsided by this sudden hurricane

the hell are you?" Gavin sputtered, incredulous. "What gives you the right to wreck our dinner?

het

are you? What's your problem? Chester added, glaring then glanced uneasily at the group

I am doesn't matter," Calliope shot back, her eyes blazing, "What

She scanned the room, then spotted

recognized it instantly, it was a rare prototype she'd given him, not even out on the market yet. She picked up the broken pieces,cher suspicions

phone. What did you do to him?"

stepmom!" Portia snarled, rolling up