—Mabel—

“Mr. Laurent is here,” Ruth blurted, and hurried down the stairs. I followed at a measured pace, my gaze flicking from Émilie to Mrs. Chukwuemeka in the foyer.

“Thank you for coming, Émilie,” I said.

“I won't miss it for the world.” He took my hand and kissed it, then moved to Ruth's.

Footsteps echoed as Émilie's two assistants entered the foyer rolling a cloth rack, and behind them was the glam team.

“I'll go prepare the kids.” Mrs. Chukwuemeka winked an eye at ...