Monica waved her hand with a grin. "Alright, alright, don''t rush me! When the timees, you''ll be the first to get an invite, promise."


    Anastasia knew, from the way Monica said it, that things were pretty much set between her and Jason.


    "I''ll be waiting for your wedding then," Anastasiaughed. "By the way, where''s Jason? He''s usually neverte."


    "He had something to take care of. He''ll head straight to the birthday party in a bit," Monica replied, then leaned down to gently pinch Pattie''s cheek. "Kids really do have the softest skin-like they''re made of clouds. Just wait seven or eight years, Pattie, you''ll have every boy in school falling for you."


    Teenage girls could be real stunners.


    Pattie blushed, making a little gesture with her hands: Godmom, where''s my birthday present?


    "You little money grubber," Monicaughed, and with a dramatic flourish, pulled a gift box from behind her back. "Happy birthday, Pattie! I hope you''re always happy, more and more beautiful every year, and when you grow up, you''ll find your own prince charming."


    Monica never skimped on gifts. She gave Pattie a pair of amethyst bracelets worth about twenty grand.


    Pattie opened the box and her eyes went wide with delight at the sparkling bracelets. "Thank you, Godmom! I love them!"


    Anastasia shook her head, half amused. "Monica, isn''t that a bit much? Pattie''s still a kid."


    "Come on, it''s Pattie''s first big birthday party! As her godmother, I have to set the bar high." Monica grinned. “Besides, with the Salstrom family''s kind of money, this is barely a drop in the bucket. Don''t go all formal with me."


    Pattie''s dress was a pastel green princess gown, custom made, and worth a small fortune.


    Anastasia nced at her beaming daughter and smiled. "Well, since you''ve already given it, I guess I can''t say much. But don''t make it a habit!"


    "Pattie!" Salma walked in, carrying a bowl of soft-boiled eggs. "Birthday girl has to eat eggs for lucke on, take a bite."


    Birthday eggs were a family tradition.


    Pattie happily finished her egg, and with that, they all headed out for the party.


    Herman had already left with Emmie and Nancy-he was the host, after all, and had to greet the guests.


    This birthday party felt different. It was more than just a birthday for Pattie—it was about officially weing her into the family.


    Rumors still swirled, with people whispering that Pattie wasn''t really Herman''s daughter, but Anastasia''s from a previous rtionship.


    Feiman and Katelyn had arrived early. Joseph came too, bringing Daria-it was his first time at a Salstrom family celebration.


    Of course,pany events didn''t count-this was family business.


    Joseph brought Daria along because Anastasia was always kind to her, and Flynn and Herman never let grown-up grudges get in the way of how they treated the kids.


    Flynn often took Daria out for fun.


    Herman and the others had fully epted Joseph and Daria as part of the Salstrom n.


    Still, what worried Herman most tonight was Anastasia.


    This was her first public appearance since the scandal broke, and he couldn''t guarantee people wouldn''t gossip.


    When Herman heard that Anastasia and Pattie had arrived, he hurried outside to meet them.


    No matter what happened, he''d stand by Anastasia.


    As soon as Anastasia stepped out of the car, she saw Herman in a deep blue suit, walking toward her with that calm, steady confidence.


    She instantly understood what he meant by it, and her heart felt warm and safe.


    Monica gave a yful whistle and


    teased, "Careful, Herman! Looking that good in a suit, you''re going to a


    e everyone to t


    Herman pulled off formal wear like he was born for it—imposing, but warm.


    "Thanks for thepliment," he replied with a grin. He naturally took Anastasia''s hand, then leaned down to pat Pattie''s head. "Happy birthday, sweetheart."


    He''d already been the first to wish Pattie happy birthday that morning, even bringing her a gift.


    The princess dress Pattie wore was custom-made, arranged by Herman himself.


    Watching Pattie twirl in her new


    dress,


    Hermaking every bit the princess,


    Herman felt a swell of pride-his little girl was really growing up.


    Emmie and Nancy looked so much alike; it was easy to picture Emmie as a beauty too when she was older.


    Every girl loved pretty dresses, and Pattie was glowing today, surrounded by presents, family, and so much love.


    "Let''s head inside," Herman said.


    Just as they were about to go in, a sleek Maybach pulled up to the hotel entrance.


    Another guest had arrived.


    Everyone paused as the car door opened, and out stepped Jonah Wisman, head


    of the Wisman family, along with his eldest son, Justin.


    When Pattie spotted Justin, she couldn''t hide her smile.


    Herman noticed it all the way his daughter lit up when she saw Justin.