No... no, it can't be. He wouldn't.
 He wouldn't do that to me. He couldn't.
And then came the sound.
The soft, unmistakable chime of glass clinking against glass—a signal. A summoning.
Conversation quieted, laughter dimmed, and all eyes turned toward the center of the room, where James stood proudly with a drink in hand, his cheeks flushed and his smile wide enough to split the evening in half.
He raised his glass, commanding the attention like a man who'd never had to earn it.
"Alright, alright. A toast," he boomed. "First off—thank you all for coming. What's life without family and old friends, huh? A house is just a house without laughter, love... and good scotch."
A few polite chuckles.
"And speaking of family," he said, drawing the word out like a magician before a reveal, "I want to give a little shoutout to someone who's become like family real fast."
He turned with exaggerated fondness toward Laura, who stood poised and gleaming under the lights like she'd rehearsed her pose in the mirror.
"Laura, you know, Thomas' workwife, has been an incredible asset—not just to the company—but to this family. She brings grace, brilliance, and just the right amount of fire." He winked. "Thomas is lucky to work beside her every day, we all are."
 I froze. Laura gave a soft, humbled laugh, pressing her hand to her chest as though this was all so unexpected, so touching. Thomas... looked like he might be sick. But he said nothing.
"And now, the real news," James continued. "It's almost time for our annual family trip. This year, we're switching things up. Portugal."
He paused to let the word land. "Beautiful coastline. Quiet. Romantic. I believe it's the place where our very own Thomas got down on one knee." He nudged Thomas's shoulder with his elbow. "Right, son?"
The room laughed again. Louder this time. Easier. I felt the world go still around me.
James turned toward me then, his smile sharp and his voice dripping with mock sympathy.
"October, sweetheart. We know you've got your hands full these days. All that hard work raising the kids—managing snacks, cartoons, nap time. Not easy..."
A few more laughs—some unsure, some indulgent. My mouth went dry.
" So, this year... It'll be us, of course—Thomas and Laura. Our golden duo. And me and Linny and other friends."
That name—Linny—sent a wave of tension through the room. "She's had a hard year," James added, like that explained everything. "And she's earned a little joy. She works hard, just like Laura. These women deserve to unwind. Strong, capable women,... you know..."
He looked right at me and Jeanine as he said it. My heart stumbled.
A slow, icy laugh slid through the crowd. Jeanine went stiff beside me, her jaw clenched. I didn't even feel the glass in my hand anymore.
"But don't worry, October," James said, with a faux-reassuring smile. "If you need help with the little ones, Jeanine's staying back this year. She can give you a hand."
He paused—tilting his head in mock sincerity.
"After all, raising kids is a full-time job. That's what they say, right? Though, between naptime and Netflix, I'm sure you'll both manage just fine."
Laughter again. Louder this time. Crisper. Meaner.
James lifted his glass again. "But Hey, we'll toast you from the cliffs."