Chapter 3

Dropping her phone on the vanity, Amelia turned fully to her daughter, her smile softening as she took in Hazel’s posture— arms crossed, one hip leaning against the doorframe, brows slightly drawn together in a way that spoke of thoughts far heavier than her years.

“Hey,” Amelia said gently. “What’s up? Why aren’t you sleeping?”

Hazel shrugged, pushing herself off the doorframe and walking a few steps into the room. She stopped near the foot of the bed, her gaze flicking briefly to her mother’s left hand before she looked away again.

“Couldn’t sleep,” she said. “I heard you laughing on the phone.”

Amelia chuckled lightly.

“I guess I was a little too loud.”

“A little?” Hazel muttered, then sighed. “So… it’s true. He proposed.”

Amelia nodded, lifting her hand instinctively, the diamond catching the light again.

“Yes. Tonight.”

Hazel stared at the ring this time, really stared, her lips pressing together.

“It is… big,” she sai