(Ruby's POV)
The morning of the christening, the sky was clear.
I woke before the sun, before Nicholas, before Elle. The room was dark, quiet. The fire had burned down to ash, leaving only the faint smell of smoke. The curtains were open, and the first light of dawn was creeping through the windows, pale and golden.
Elle was in her crib by the bed. She was awake, her gray eyes watching the ceiling, her tiny hands waving in the air. She made small sounds, not crying, just letting me know she was there.
I slipped out of bed and crossed to her.
"Good morning, baby."
She turned her head toward my voice.
"Today is a big day. People are coming to see you. To welcome you."
She grabbed my finger. Her grip was strong for such a small person.
"You're going to wear a pretty dress. Your grandmother made it. White lace, very fancy. You're going to hate it."
Elle cooed.
"I know. You'd rather be naked. But people expect things. They want to see you looking like a little doll."
