Grant adjusted his platinum wristwatch twice in quick succession, his voice dropping an octave.

“Caroline brought a few extra guests.”

Sloane looked down at the three children standing in a neat line near the boxwood hedge.

She leaned down slightly toward June and Rowan before her gaze stopped on Ellis.

She studied his face from his forehead down to his navy velvet bow tie.

“How old are you, young man?” Sloane asked softly.

“I’m ten,” Ellis said in his short, thoughtful voice.

“My birthday is October twelfth.”