Grace smiled once more before turning back to the children. Her laughter blended easily with theirs as she helped them sort through the gifts. Evelyn remained where she was, watching from a distance. The sight of Grace...of her hand resting protectively over her rounded belly, surrounded by warmth and life, stirred something deep and aching in Evelyn’s chest.
For a fleeting moment, she imagined a quieter life, with small hands tugging at her skirts. A child’s laughter calling her name. The thought was so tender it almost hurt to breathe.
She looked away before the ache could settle too deeply.
No one noticed when she stood. Everyone was too busy marveling at new clothes and sweets, voices overlapping in delighted chaos. Evelyn slipped out of the dining hall unnoticed, her steps soft aga
