Star heard a knock on her door and heard Lucien go to answer. She came out wanting to know who was coming into her house. She heard them before she saw them.
"Poor girl, you've been crying!" She heard Charlotte's voice exclaim, "Aurora, did you miss us?"
She heard the sound of laughter that sounded like it belonged to Richard.
"She missed me most," she heard him say.
She turned the corner and saw her cousins, Xiamie and her brother-in-law, Tristian. Aurora was now in Richard's arms. She was playing with Charlotte over his shoulder.
"Hey, Star!" Tristian's cheerful greeting cut into Star's sombre mood and made her smile a little.
"Wow you look ready to pop," he said looking at her belly.
Star's smile widened a little and Lucien glared at his younger brother.
"Looks like almost everyone is here," Star said without thinking.
"You should be glad Octavia's husband convinced her to stay at home," Charlotte said with a grin.