Leander came home to a hero's welcome.
The mansion was decorated with balloons and a 'Welcome Home' banner. Fiammetta had arranged for his favorite foods. Friends and distant relatives came to celebrate his progress.
And Liora played the perfect wife, standing beside his wheelchair, smiling and accepting congratulations.
"Look at you," Leander said, pulling her close. His hand moved to her stomach, where the bump was now undeniable. "You're showing! God, Liora, you're beautiful."
Dashiell watched from across the room, his face carefully neutral. But Liora could feel his eyes on her like a physical touch.
"Speech! Speech!" Someone called out.
Leander wheeled to the center of the room. He could stand now, with support, and he did—gripping his walker, standing on shaking legs that were
