Celeste's hand was still in Albert's. She breathed and looked at him.
“You all right?" he asked, low.
“I am," she said. “You?"
“I've had worse meetings," he said.
“Congratulations. Cameras to the right. Ignore the left—press shadows fishing for quotes."
“No quotes," Celeste said.
Celeste nodded. She turned to the nearest aunt. “Thank you for coming," she said warmly.
“Young man, you look like a promise."
Albert inclined his head. “I try to be a plan."
Emily choreographed with her pen.
Marcus stood a few steps away, eyes fixed on the ring as if it were a knife. Blair tugged at his sleeve. “Marcus," she whispered. “Don't let them—"
“Not now."
Blair blinked. “I'm on your side."
Celeste heard it and didn't turn. “Celeste, one with the family," the planner called gently.
“Of cours
