I wince at the metaphor but don''tment. Instead, I study his face, trying to


    decipher every line and twitch. Somehow, his expression is neutral, as if he wasn''t just telling Arthur that I''m not fit to be a mother or a wife.


    "I received your invitation," he says after a moment. "To the dinner party."


    "Oh." My stomach flips. "Yes, I hope you and Wendy can make it."


    "We''ll be there," he says, and I can tell that the promise pains him slightly. He pauses, then adds, "It was... thoughtful of you to include us."


    The admission seems to cost him something. I seize the opportunity.


    "What''s your favorite cocktail?" I ask, offering what I hope looks like a serene smile and not a painful grimace. I''d like to serve it at the party."


    Leonard''s eyebrows raise slightly. "You don''t have to-"


    "I want to," I insist. "Please."


    He studies me for a long moment, then nods. "Very well. There''s a drink I enjoy. It''s notmon-my own creation, actually. Kiwi muddled with mint, gin, lime juice, and a ssh of elderflower liqueur."


    Imit the recipe to memory. "That sounds delicious. I''ll make sure to have it ready."


    Something in Leonard''s expression softens, just slightly. It''s so faint I almost miss it, but the fact that it''s even there at all fills me with relief. This feels like a step in the right direction. "Thank you," he says.


    Before either of us can say more, I hear familiar voices approaching.


    "Mommy!"


    Mileses running around the corner, Arthur close behind. My sonunches himself at me, and I scoop him up, kissing him all over. "Hey there, little wolf. Did you have a fun sleepover with Daddy?"


    Miles giggles, trying to push me away as I tickle his neck with my kisses. "Yes! We watched movies, and Daddy even ordered a pizza!"


    Arthur''s eyes narrow when he sees his father. "What''s going on here?"


    "Your father just helped me with some... overeager journalists," I exin quickly.


    Arthur''s protective stance doesn''t rx. He moves closer to me, cing a hand on my lower back. "Are you alright?"


    "I''m fine. Really." I turn to Leonard. "Thank you again."


    Leonard nods to both of us. "Arthur. Iris." He nces at Miles. “Grandson."


    With that, he walks away, leaving Arthur staring after him with a confused expression.


    "What was that about?" Arthur asks once his father is out of earshot.


    "Didn''t you get the invitation?"


    "Yes, but-"


    "I invited your parents," I say, shifting Miles to my hip. "Along with Caleb. And you. And Hunter a. Alice, of course." I couldn''t help but invite my friends for support. I wish I could have invited Brian and Liam and the


    twins, but they''re busy in Bo''Arrocan.


    Arthur''s head whips back to me. "You what?"


    +25 BOARUS


    "A dinner party. This weekend." I take a deep breath, wanting desperately to tell him everything But we''re standing on a public street, Miles is right here, and Arthur keeps checking his watch.


    "I have to go away for a couple of days for a diplomatic issue," he says, confirming my suspicions. "But Iris, why would you invite them all together? That''s asking for trouble."


    "Trust me," I say, reaching up to cup his cheek. "I know what I''m doing."


    He doesn''t look convinced.


    "Arthur," I say softly, "I need to do this. Please."


    He sighs, but I cartsee him remembering his promise to respect my decisions. "Alright. If this is what you want.''


    I rise on my tiptoes and kiss him, and he responds in kind. When I pull back, I whisper, "This is going to be worth it. I promise."


    Arthur stares at me for a moment as if trying to believe me, but finally nods. "Very well." He brushes his thumb across my cheek before he sighs and pulls away, checking his watch again. "My ne is departing soon, so I have to run. I''ll see you on the day of the party, then."