103

I adjusted the ribbon on my dress for the tenth time that cold November morning, and once satisfied that it was in place, I paced back and forth, anxious that the fool wouldn't be smart enough to realize that I would be there.

Anyway, Hall and Black would give him more clues in case he didn't figure it out at first, but with each tick of the clock, my heart sank with terror.

Nervously, I bit my lower lip and let my gaze wander around the room, trying to distract myself from the tension coursing through my veins.

My mother was in the kitchen preparing the final dishes, Lucila was playing on the floor with Brooke and Blake, who happily lent her their toys.

Ryan and Nia were setting the table amidst jokes, Carl and Paul were double-checking the song they would play with their guitars, Katia and Lauren were inflating balloons with laughter, while the twins outside kept watch for Jack, who was taking too long to arrive.

Cody was sitting on the couch after placing the sign in its rightful p