Kiara stepped inside the vast hall-like room, wrapped in soft fabric, though no clothing could mask the tight coil of nerves beneath her skin. The room hummed with muted voices and the clinking of teacups, but everything fell silent the moment her presence was noticed.
She saw her grandfather sitting, regal and composed. But it was the sight of the other guests that made her breath catch. Zander was seated with perfect posture. And beside him, the unmistakable figures of Asher’s parents.
Gabrielle moved beside her, slow and steady, the baby nestled against her chest, peaceful, unaware of the weight of eyes upon him.
Then, with theatrical surprise, Asher’s father rose from his chair.
“Oh... my... my grandson is here,” he exclaimed, his voice raised just enough to echo through the room.
