A long, ck luxury van waited at the curb.


    When the door slid open, Haynes, Rachel, and Keen were already inside.


    Keen looked up as Deanna and Callie climbed in, greeting them politely.


    "Grandma. Aunt Callie."


    Deanna''s response was little more than a dismissive nod. Her gaze, however, lingered on Rachel.


    Rachel was dressed beautifully that day—a tasteful, elegant dress that made her look delicate and gentle, every bit the picture of grace.


    Deanna''s brows knitted together. "Why are you bringing her to Mr. Burton''s birthday party?"


    Haynes''s voice was calm. "The invitation I received included Rachel."


    Deanna looked genuinely surprised. "They invited her? Since when does the Burton family have ties with her?"


    Rachel spoke softly. "Maybe it''s because I''m now Mr. Walden''s apprentice. Perhaps that''s why they asked me toe."


    Deanna''s expression eased a little at that.


    She''d considered letting Rachel into the family-if Haynes was set on remarrying Ste, perhaps it wasn''t out of the question. Buttely, Haynes hadn''t mentioned Ste at all. Maybe he''d finally let go of that woman.


    Deanna''s mind began to turn over new possibilities.


    If Haynes could marry a woman from a distinguished family, why settle for Rachel? Rachel was certainly better than Ste, but there were plenty of young women from good families who were just as aplished-some of whom might not even mind that Haynes already had a child.


    This party was the perfect opportunity to meet those young women.


    She knew better than to hope for someone like Aurora or Lauretta, but the Burton family still had several eligible daughters. It wouldn''t hurt to see if any caught Haynes''s eye. If nothing worked out, she could always reconsider Rachel.


    Now that Rachel was Mr. Walden''s personal apprentice, she was a catch-if only her family background weren''t socking.


    Deanna asked, "Is Mr. Waldening tonight?"


    Rachel smiled and nodded. "Yes, my mentor will be there."


    Atst, Deanna looked away from Rachel and turned to Keen, who had been silent the whole time.


    "Keen, how''s school going? Are you keeping up with your sses?"


    Keen shook his head to say he wasn''t falling behind.


    Deanna sensed his downcast mood and gently asked, "What''s wrong, sweetheart? Are you feeling sad?"


    She''d asked Haynes to bring Keen along to the party on purpose. Older folks always adored children, and Keen was clever and sweet—maybe he''d win Mr. Burton''s favor, and they could start building a connection with the family.


    Keen finally lifted his head, his voice barely above a whisper. "I miss Mom."


    It had been a while since he''d seen her. Not too long ago, he''d spotted her picking


    up that troublemaker from kindergarten a few times, but recently, she hadn''t even shown up for that.


    He had no idea what his mother was doing anymore. He wanted to call her, but pride held him back.


    Before, every day after school, his mom would be there-hovering, bustling around him, fussing over what he could and couldn''t eat,


    making sure he dressed wa


    when it got cold. Back then, he''d thought she was just in annoying.


    But now, the house was so quiet it felt almost scary. It didn''t feel like home at all.


    When Deanna heard him mention Ste, she scoffed.


    "You miss her but she probably


    herb


    doesn''t miss you. If she cared, don''t you think she would''vee to see


    you even once all this time? Right now, she''s busy cozying up to е Marvin''s father. She doesn''t have time for you.


    Instead of wasting your thoughts on that cold-hearted woman, why not start


    thinking about finding yourself a new mom?"