The house was barely recognizable from the last time I had seen it. Renovations were obvious the moment we stepped onto the drive. The façade looked larger, brighter, as if Miranda had tried to expand the house by sheer will alone. Everything felt freshly arranged, polished for inspection.
We did not even have time to reach the doorbell.
Miranda flung the door open with a smile so wide it bordered on theatrical.
"Come in, come in," she said excitedly, ushering us inside as if we might disappear if she hesitated.
"You must be Gabriel," she added immediately, turning her attention to him. "It is lovely to finally meet you."
"Thank you for inviting us," Gabriel replied politely.
I had to restrain a smile.
"Oh, I am a hugger," Miranda announced, already wrapping her arms around him.
She lingered just a second too long before pulling back, visibly pleased with herself.
"I am a hugger too," Lena said from behind her.
