As the days passed, Autumn's focus shifted entirely to Evette’s upcoming wedding. The air was electric with excitement and chatter, and the house was rarely quiet. Evette and Autumn spent most of the time sending Invitations out, and every corner of the house seemed to hold a trace of wedding preparation—color-coded seating charts, flower arrangements, and swatches of fabric spread across tables.

The wedding was a good change of scenery. Everyone was happy. Lucas hadn't gotten into trouble and his pickpocketing days seemed to be behind him.

He was definitely thrilled by his role as the ring bearer, could hardly contain his excitement. Every now and there he would boast...