Chapter 5 - The Party They Planned Too Soon
Brooke organized the celebration sixteen days after Leo’s birth.
It was not officially called a christening or a welcome-home party. The invitation described it as a “family blessing” at Oakhaven Court, which would have been funny if it had not been so bold. Audrey still paid the mortgage. Audrey still held legal control. Yet Diane sent invitations as though the estate had already changed hands.
Gavin texted Audrey the night before.
It would mean a lot if you didn’t make tomorrow uncomfortable.
Audrey replied once.
I won’t.
That was true.
She had no intention of making it uncomfortable.
She intended to make it undeniable.
The next afternoon, relatives and family friends filled the main hall of Oakhaven Court. White flowers lined the fireplace. Champagne glasses passed from hand to hand. Brooke sat in an ivory dress near the window, holding baby Leo while guests praised her glow. Gavin stood beside her like a proud father, though he seemed less relaxed than he wanted people to believe.
Diane wore pearls and moved through the room with the satisfaction of a woman watching a new family arrangement settle into place.
Martin stayed close to the bar.
Audrey arrived last.
She wore a black tailored dress and carried a pale gift box tied with a satin ribbon. The room quieted when she entered, not fully, but enough. People wanted drama. They expected tears. They expected the betrayed wife to either collapse or perform forgiveness so everyone else could feel comfortable.
Audrey smiled softly.
Diane approached at once. “Sweetheart, I’m glad you came with grace.”
Audrey looked at her mother.
“Grace is not what I brought.”
She walked to the center of the room and placed the gift box on the long table beside the flowers.
Brooke’s smile faltered.
Gavin looked at the box as if it might contain a bomb.
In a way, it did.
Audrey untied the ribbon and opened the lid.
Inside were four smaller envelopes.
One labeled for Gavin.
One for Brooke.
One for Diane.
One for Martin.
No text was readable to the guests from where they stood, but the names were enough to change the air.
May you like
Audrey lifted her glass.
“I brought one final gift.”
