Chapter 52

• —Ellie—
• I sat in front of my vanity and brushed my hair, stroke after stroke, trying to find calm. I could hear the first guests downstairs, could hear laughter and music. I needed to go down. Taking a deep breath, I stood. I’d chosen a floor-length form-fitting dark blue dress matching the color of Mateo’s shirt.
• I touched my stomach, still flat, but I knew in a few months I couldn’t wear dresses like this anymore. Tristan’s baby. I closed my eyes. I was happy and sad, terrified and hopeful.