The afternoon sun filtered through the tall windows of Robert Ryan's house as the last of Nora's extended family members exchanged warm goodbyes with Collins. The meeting had gone better than anyone could have hoped. Collins had charmed every aunt, uncle, and cousin with his genuine warmth and obvious devotion to Nora.
As the front door closed behind the final guest, a comfortable silence settled over the spacious living room. Nora stretched her arms above her head, feeling the pleasant exhaustion that comes after a successful gathering.
"That went incredibly well," Sophia said, helping to collect the empty teacups scattered around the room. "Your Aunt Margaret actually smiled – and she never smiles at anyone Nora brings around."
Nora laughed, her eyes finding Collins across the room wh
