Engagement Party Day

    Naomi was up by five in the morning, determined to make a good impression on Tristan. She moved quietly through the house, checking and double-checking everything for the big day. Sylvia, worried about her, got up too, and together the two women spent two hours making sure every little detail was perfect.

    Finally, exhausted, they made their way back to the kitchen, only to find Edwin Garcia-who''d been up workingte the night before-already bustling around. "Hey, you two! Breakfast is ready. Come eat while it''s hot," Edwin called out, waving them over.

    It was a Garcia family tradition: their kids would be sent out into the world when they were young to learn some life skills. Edwin''s cooking was a result of those years away-not exactly gourmet, but hearty and surprisingly good.

    He tugged Naomi down into a chair and gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze. Naomi managed a tired but genuine smile. "You got in sotest night. You didn''t have to get up and cook for us."

    Edwin grinned, pouring her a cup of coffee. "You two have been going nonstop these past few days. Making breakfast is the least I can do."

    Sylvia watched them, suddenly understanding why Naomi put up with so much for Edwin. She lifted her bowl and joked, "Alright, alright, enough you two. If you keep this up, I''m going to sneak off and eat alone."

    Naomi and Edwin bothughed, a quietfort settling over the kitchen.

    Edwin nced at his watch, then epted the suit jacket a housekeeper handed him. "You guys finish eating. I have to go meet Rupert and the other cousins-we need to check in with Tristan before the ceremony. And when the timees, we''ll be taking Ms. Sanford to pay respects to the family ancestors."

    Sylvia''s spoon paused mid-air. She''d almost forgotten: in the Garcia family, you only truly belonged if you''d participated in the traditional blessing. In herst life, she and Ste had never been invited to that. But Bridget, who wasn''t even family, somehow got her chance. Now, at least, Rupert was getting what he wanted.

    Sylvia stirred her oatmeal, eating slowly, lost in thought as daylight crept in through the windows.

    Naomi was about to lie down for a quick rest when a housekeeper poked her head in. “Mrs. Naomi, Tristan says everything for the blessing ceremony has to be set up early. He''s worried Ms. Sanford might not be used to our traditions."

    Naomi pressed her lips together and nodded. "Alright, I''ll take care of it."

    The housekeeper nced at Sylvia, who was sprawled on the couch scrolling through her phone. "Tristan also said Ms. Lloyd''s worked hard these past couple of days. She''s invited to watch the ceremony with the rest of the family."

    Sylvia''s thumb froze over her screen, but she just nodded. "Okay."

    After the housekeeper left, Naomi hurried over, tugging Sylvia up. "Why are you still sitting here?"

    "What else should I do?" Sylvia asked, giving Naomi a tired, wry smile. Tristan''s message was clear-he wanted her there just to make a point. She was used to it by now.

    Naomi clicked her tongue. "Wait here," she said, disappearing for a moment and then returning with a box.

    “Here, put this on. I know Tristan''s hoping people willugh at you, but you''re not going to give him the satisfaction."

    Sylvia opened the box, surprised. "Mom, what''s this?"

    "A while ago, the Garcias hired that famous dressmaker. I asked her to make you something, too-I was saving it for your engagement, but... things change. You can wearit today if you want." ''

    Naomi had always dreamed of Sylvia marrying well, living a

    that had happened, she realized it

    didn''t really matter

    anymore-married or not, Sylvia

    would be fine.

    Before she could protest, Naomi steered her into the bedroom to change.

    By the time Sylvia had put on the dress, it was almost time. Naomi grabbed her hand and they headed toward the family chapel.

    As they stepped outside, they heard fireworks crackling out front-Rupert had gone to pick up Reese.

    Sylvia hesitated at the doorway, ncing up at the clear blue sky. The sunlight caught in her eyes, sparkling like ss. But inside, she felt nothing.

    Her face was calm, a quietke-deep, silent, and unreadable.