Chapter 72: The Family She Chose

Scarlett's baby shower was not traditional, mostly because the people in her life were not traditional.

Grace organized the guest list with legal precision. Dr. Cross inspected the seating arrangement for accessibility. Luca ordered security disguised as catering staff and then argued that he counted as emotional support. Marion Blake arrived with books instead of flowers. Clara Evans brought a handmade blanket and cried before anyone opened gifts.

Victoria sent a small package from Boston.

Inside was a silver rattle that had once belonged to Scarlett. A note rested beneath it.

I found this in storage. It belongs with your child, not with our past.

Scarlett held the rattle for a long time.

Alexander watched her carefully. 'Are you all right?'

'Yes,' she said. 'Just surprised that returning things can become a habit.'

The shower was held in the garden at Moretti House. White roses bloomed beside gold lanterns. Scarlett sat beneath a canopy while the people she had chosen as family surrounded her.

Luca lifted a glass. 'To the future Moretti-Whitmore. May they inherit Scarlett's intelligence and Alexander's ability to terrify contractors.'

'That is not a blessing,' Alexander said.

'It is practical.'

Everyone laughed.

Later, Clara sat beside Scarlett and touched the baby blanket. 'Your mother would have made something like this.'

Scarlett's eyes warmed. 'Tell me something about her I do not know.'

Clara smiled through tears. 'She sang off-key when she was happy.'

Scarlett laughed softly. 'Really?'

'Terribly. Your grandfather used to beg her to stop.'

The image was so ordinary that it hurt beautifully.

That night, after guests left, Scarlett sat with Alexander in the quiet garden.

'I used to think family was blood,' she said.

'And now?'

She looked toward the house, where Grace argued with Luca about leftover cake.

'Now I think family is who stays after truth arrives.'

Alexander rested his hand over her stomach.

'Then our child will have a very strange family.'

Scarlett smiled. 'A loyal one.'