the right response but found herself hesitating. Did she truly know how much she loved Tom? She w

aty replied, her voice measured and uncertain as she tu

. "Took you long enough to answer. And that look on your face

g to study a spreadsheet. Julia was

ds, but I've been around long enough to notice when something's bothering you. You're the

Julia's words pressing on her. Fin

hough her voice wavered. "That

nterjected, le

g. Sweet, thoughtful, reliable. I just... I don't know if I've figured myself out

Katy. Marriage is a big deal, and if you're not completely sure, you need to think carefull

's levity. "No harm in being sing

all," Jul

door. Katy's assistant, Sam, peeked in. "Sorry

hone on her desk. "H

ght," Lucy's voice came thro

ty asked, a hint of worr

onia's back from Alaska. S

. "Sonia?

We're having a family dinn

ng up. She turned to Julia, her express

led about your sister bei

e's always bad new

~

heart sank as she stepped out of the car. The sight of her younger sister,

eather pants, a sleek blue jacket, and towering six-inch heels. Her dark hai

striding forward to embrace Kat

replied, keeping

ed, hugging her again just as their m

old times!" Lucy beamed. "

ready seated-Katy's father, James, and her older brother, Ric. The

ined to avoid unnecessary convers

e dripping with faux sweetness, "

ng gaze. "It's going well," she replied careful

d theatrically. "And you

, who seemed oblivious to the growing tension. She

ontinued, feigning hurt. "But I guess you didn't think I'd ca

ou're never around for family events. I didn't think you'

," Sonia said with a sly smile. "You should always feel fre

but before she could re

eal. The important thing is you're here now. R

ccharine smile. "I'll be there every

ll well that Sonia's presence w

~

irling with frustration and unease. Sonia's return felt like

buzzed. It was a text from Julia: "Survi

d need all the support she c