AMELIA excused herself from Clara with a small apologetic smile and reached for her phone when it began to ring again. The name flashing on the screen instantly softened her expression.
“Hello, mom,” she answered, stepping a little away from the desk.
On the other end, Mrs. Harlow’s voice sounded bright, almost sing-song.
“Amelia, my dear. Are you busy?”
Amelia chuckled.
“I’m at work, but I can always spare time for you. What is going on? You sound… happy.”
“Oh, happy is an understatement,” Mrs. Harlow replied. “Sit down first,” she said as though she knew she was standing.
Amelia frowned playfully.
“Mom, don’t scare me. What happened?”
“He is coming home,” Mrs. Harlow said.
Amelia blinked.
“Who—”
“Valentine,” her mother finished.
For a split second, Amelia froze. Then the
