She stayed quiet, not offering an opinion on anything. She just took her time, sipping her coffee.


    She let everyone else argue, the tension in the room almost thick enough to cut with a knife.


    After Verity stopped snapping back at people, the old house finally quieted down a bit, and everyone settled into some casual, light conversation.


    When Calista Baker and Dahlia Baker arrived, they took seats beside Calliope.


    Calliope asked them about school, and also checked in on how Calista was doing at thepany. Lately, whenever Calista had free time, he''d go to the office to learn from Ss.


    Ss always said Calista picked things up incredibly fast. He was still young, but already way ahead of where Gideon had been at his age. It wouldn''t be long before Calista could handle things on his own.


    "Yeah, it''s been great," Calista nodded seriously. "Uncle Ss has taught me so much. Whenever I''m stuck, I ask you too, Aunt Callie, and I think I''ve got the hang of it all now."


    "You really are doing well. Your uncle keeps saying how impressed he is with you! At this rate, you''ll be running things yourself in no time."


    Calliope was clearly pleased with Calista.


    Dahlia chimed in from beside her, "Aunt Callie, howe you''re only praising him? I''ve learned a lot too, you know! I think I''m doing pretty well!”


    "You are, Dahlia! You''ve totally mastered every sewing technique I''ve shown you!"


    Calliope couldn''t help butugh at Dahlia, finding her absolutely adorable. That finally got a big, satisfied grin out of Dahlia.


    It wasn''t long before the whole family had gathered.


    Everyone moved to the dining room, chatting andughing as they settled in for their big holiday dinner.


    Calliope sat beside Eamon, talking with him and making sure his te was full. She mentioned she''d be spending Christmas Eve with her brothers tomorrow.


    Eamon didn''t mind at all. He said she should absolutely spend time with her family.


    "Don''t worry about me," Eamon chuckled. "The house will be full of visitors these next few days. I won''t be lonely."


    Then he nced at Ss and added, "Ss, you make sure to stay with Callie, alright?"


    "Yeah, I got it," Ss replied with a nod.


    Across the table, Gideon kept ncing their way, feeling a pang of jealousy toward Ss.


    Those two just looked so happy together. His own side of the table couldn''t have felt more awkward. Even though Yvette was expecting, there wasn''t much joy in their family.


    Gideon watched Calliope, realizing he''d run out of chances. He''d never regretted anything more in his life.


    If he''d married her, she''d be sitting beside him right now, not Yvette, the girl who had no sense of etiquette and made even eating dinner look awkward.


    While everyone else enjoyed the meal, Gideon''s family just looked miserable.


    After dinner, everyone gathered in the living room to chat some more.


    Eamon handed out envelopes stuffed with cash to the kids, an old family tradition. He even gave- Calliope an extra big one. She tried to refuse, but Eamon insisted, so she had to take it.


    He handed one to Yvette too. When he gave it to her, he said seriously, "Yvette, now that you''re Gideon''s wife, I hope you''ll do your part. The Baker family doesn''t look down on anyone, but don''t give us a reason to alright?"  s?novel


    "I understand. Thank you, Grandpa!" Yvette stammered, her cheeks ming red.


    Calliope watched her with a thoughtful look, but decided to keep her thoughts to herself.


    After some more chatting, someone suggested ying a game to wrap up the evening. A few people wanted to y poker, while others suggested Monopoly.


    Calliope chose poker, and Ss followed her to the game room.


    Calista, Dahlia, and a few others tagged along. Even Verity came over.


    As they left, Verity called back, "Hey, Ash, aren''t you usually up for a game of


    poker? Come join us! It''s the holidays. No need to sulk alone!"