"Just go, you big baby," Irene teased, straightening his tie as she did. "And maybe don't open with your usual charm this time. Try humility and soft spoken voice."
"Fine. You gonna be my bitch tonight anyway."
Irene winked at him and urged him out.
*****
The entire Kane family sat around the long conference table, joined by a handful of close Orchard family members, all dressed in solemn shades of black and navy. It was time for Grandpa George Orchard's will to be read.
Winn sat between Sylvia and his mother, his navy jacket draped over the back of his chair. Sylvia's fingers were wrapped around his—soft, trembling slightly, grounding him as much as they sought comfort.
Across from them, Tom lounged in his seat beside Anna, the faint smirk on his face betraying his eagerness for the spectacle that was about to unfold.
