Susan Dudley was still processing it all when Sienna Prescott burst out excitedly, "He's really my brother-in-law now!"
Shane Sterling raised an eyebrow at Sienna. "I'll take that as a good omen. I'll give you a big red envelope for that another day."
"Alright, thanks, brother-in-law!"
"Oh, you..." Susan Dudley laughed.
The oppressive atmosphere in the hospital room suddenly lightened considerably.
Isla suddenly understood the old tradition of holding a celebration to ward off misfortune. It seemed a dose of happiness really could temporarily relieve anxiety.
Susan Dudley started chatting with Shane Sterling. She asked about his hand and when he and Isla had gotten together.
Shane Sterling and Isla exchanged a look, and he said calmly, "We've been together for a while now. Things weren't serious at first, so we didn't tell you."
Isla felt a pang of guilt but nodded along.
Susan Dudley was overjoyed. She patted Shane Sterling's arm. "Take good care of Isla."
