The house always sounded different when guests arrived in winter.
The entryway carried the sharp scent of cold air for a few seconds before it softened into warmth. Coats brushed against one another on the rack. Leather shoes tapped briefly against wood before settling into stillness. The house did not echo, but it held sound a little longer when the windows were sealed tight against the wind.
Arianne heard the doorbell from the dining room. She had been standing at the head of the dining table, reviewing the arrangement of seating cards she had rewritten twice already. The ink was still faintly glossy under the chandelier light. She placed the pen down with care before walking toward the foyer.
Franz reached the door before she did. He moved without hurry, but without hesitation either. The twins followed closely behind him down the short hallway, Lily slightly ahead, Leo keeping pace with his tablet tucked against his chest.
