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.

want to get married, and you're just going to

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 was no

Calliope

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

arm across the table, sending dishes crashing to the floor, gravy

her in shock, totally blindsided by

"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 of

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

is he?" She scanned the room, then spotted Archie's

it was a rare prototype she'd given him, not even out on the market yet.

Archie's phone. What did you

be Archie's wicked stepmom!" Portia snarled, rolling up her