The party was set to begin in less than an hour, yet Kaleb still hadn’t shown up. Grace retreated upstairs to prepare. She slipped into a snow-white sweater she had knitted herself, its fabric patterned with intricate interlacing knots, and paired it with a set of black skinny jeans she hadn’t worn since moving to Longtooth. A pair of soft suede flats completed the outfit. She smoothed a little oil through the ends of her hair until it gleamed, brushed it carefully, then added a light layer of makeup. It was more effort than she’d put into her appearance in months, and the reflection in the mirror rewarded her with a smile.
By the time the festivities began, voices already carried through the house, blending with music. The front doors opened with a creak, letting in bursts of laughter an
