Chapter 171: A Joyful Announcement

The invitation to Mike and Rachel’s dinner party arrived on a crisp autumn afternoon. Jason and I were relaxing in the living room, Grace playing with her blocks on the floor, when I opened the elegantly printed card. I read the contents aloud, my curiosity piqued. “‘Join us for an evening of food, friends, and fun,’” I quoted, smiling. “‘We have some exciting news to share. Love, Mike and Rachel.’” Jason looked up from his book, a twinkle in his eye. “Exciting news, huh? Wonder what that could be.” I grinned. “Only one way to find out. We’ll just have to wait until the dinner party.” Grace babbled something incoherent, holding up a block as if she understood the importance of the event. Jason chuckled, reaching down to ruffle her hair. “Guess we’re all curious now, huh, Grace?” --- The evening of the dinner party arrived, and we found ourselves standing in front of Mike and Rachel’s cozy home. The warm glow of lights spilled out into the cool night, and laughter drifted through t