The afternoon sun was sliding down the sky by the time everyone finished freshening up and gathering their things. The Walkers’ home felt warmer than usual—full of voices, movement, and a kind of joy Maya wasn’t used to yet. It clung to her, wrapped around her like a shawl.
Mrs. Walker stood near the foyer table, her gold-rimmed glasses perched on the bridge of her nose as she checked her planner.
Then she looked up, eyes bright.
“Before you children go,” she said, clapping her hands together, her voice bubbling with excitement,
“We need to talk about the engagement party.”
Maya felt her heartbeat skip.
Mike gave her hand a light squeeze—quiet reassurance.
“Yes, Mom,” Mike said.
“What about it?”
Mrs. Walker exhaled like she’d been waiting all day to ask.
“A date. When are we fixi
