"Look at her," Sadie whispers, watching Poppy charm the room. "She's in her element."
"Like mother, like daughter," I say, pressing a kiss to her temple.
She shoots me a look. "I am definitely not in my element."
"You're doing amazing. And they adore you already."
Before she can respond, Mom calls for everyone's attention, tapping a spoon against her glass. The room gradually quiets, all eyes turning toward her.
"I want to make a toast," she announces, her voice thick with emotion. "To Axel and Sadie—and our sweet Poppy. Welcome to the family, girls. We've been waiting for you."
A chorus of agreement rises from around the room. Sadie ducks her head, clearly overwhelmed by the sentiment.
"Slade men have always known how to pick strong women," Mom continues, raising her glass higher. "And Sadie, honey, you might be the strongest one yet. We're so proud to call you ours."
"To Sadie and Poppy," everyone echoes, glasses lifting.
I feel Sadie tremble slightly beside me, and when I look down, her eyes are rimmed with unshed tears. Not sad ones—I've learned to recognize the difference. These are the tears of someone who's finally found solid ground after years of drifting.
My mother, never one to let a moment pass without action, swoops in with the cake knife. "Who wants the first piece?"
The spell breaks as everyone clamors for cake, the room dissolving back into cheerful chaos. Poppy, now in my cousin Rachel's arms, is eyeing the cake with undisguised interest.
"I should rescue her before she face-plants."
I push through the crowd, intent on retrieving Poppy before she can get her tiny hands on that cake. As I approach, Rachel catches my eye and grins.
"She's got your sweet tooth," she says, adjusting her grip as Poppy leans dangerously toward the dessert table.
"Among other things," I reply, scooping my daughter into my arms. "Come on, Bug. Let's get you some actual food before the sugar."
As I turn back toward Sadie, I notice something that makes me pause. Rowan is standing slightly apart from the festivities, her back against the wall, watching everything with guarded eyes. She's smiling, but it's the smile of someone who's observing rather than participating, the same careful distance I've noticed in Sadie when she feels overwhelmed.
Mom notices too. Nothing escapes her radar when it comes to people feeling left out at her gatherings. She hands a slice of cake to Aunt Linda and makes a beeline for Rowan.
"You're too quiet over here," Mom says, linking her arm through Rowan's. "Come meet everyone properly."
I see Rowan stiffen slightly, that protective wall coming up. "Oh, I'm fine watching. This is Sadie's moment."
"Nonsense," Mom dismisses with a wave of her hand. "You're family too."
Rowan's eyes widen slightly at the casual inclusion. "That's very kind, but?—"
"No buts," Mom interrupts, already pulling her toward the cluster of Slade women by the fireplace. "Adrienne was just telling us about her disaster date with that lawyer. You'll love this story."
I watch with amusement as Rowan is absorbed into the circle, her body language screaming reluctance even as she allows herself to be led. Aunt Martha immediately presses a plate of food into her hands, while Aunt Linda starts asking questions about her job in Denver.
Poppy squirms in my arms, pointing toward her aunt. "Ro-Ro!"
"Yeah, they've got Ro-Ro cornered," I tell her, adjusting her on my hip. "Should we go rescue her?"
But as I move closer, I notice something shifting in Rowan's stance. The rigid set of her shoulders relaxes slightly. She answers a question from my sister, then actually laughs at whatever Adrienne says in response.
Sadie appears at my side, her eyes on her sister. "Is Rowan okay? Your family can be… intense."
"She's holding her own," I assure her. "Watch."
As if on cue, Aunt Martha says something that makes Rowan's eyebrows shoot up.
