Zephany's mouth opened slightly. "Hello, Ma'am."
Christy stepped closer with a curious smile. "So… you're the mysterious Zephany."
Kendrick cleared his throat, almost too formally. "Mom, this is Zephany. Zephany, this is my mom."
Christy stared at Zephany for a moment longer than expected. Just as Zephany began to worry she was being silently judged, Christy broke into a warm smile. "Welcome to the family, dear."
Zephany blinked, stunned. Before she could even respond properly, Christy reached out and took both of her hands in hers.
"You're prettier than the photos," she added.
Zephany swallowed the nervous lump in her throat. "Thank you," she whispered.
They were ushered inside like guests of honor.
The house smelled sweet—something syrupy, baked with care. A cake maybe, or perhaps a pot of tea steeping. Zephany didn't know what comfort smelled like until now, and yet here it was, wrapping around her.
