Rhett jerks his head towards the crowd. “Let’s ask the people.”
“I like the way you think, son.”
My head jerks back in surprise.
Son? Whoa.
My bewildered eyes meet my father’s matching blue ones. His lips curl in a lop-sided smile.
I shift my gaze to my boyfriend.
Rhett is as taken aback as I am.
I’m relieved I’m not the only one.
This level of acceptance coming from Daddy is touching and highly unexpected.
I look at my mother.
“Rhett is part of the family, cupcake,” she says with a shrug.
“He is.” I nod, swallowing down another wave of emotions.Rhett Sullivan has officially been adopted by the Callahans.I glance up at my man. “Did you hear that?”
He nods. “I did and I’m damn proud.” My heart is about to burst with happiness. Rhett steals his gaze away from me and moves his attention to our friends and family. “What do you think, guys? Should we pop open the champagne?” Rhett turns Daddy’s question to the crowd.
Our friends and family offer rowdy answers.
“It’s about darn time.” That last reply came from Riley.
Rhett nods at Leah-Marie, and right on cue the doors fly open. A group of servers burst into the room, trays of champagne and appetizers weighing down their hands.
Happy birthday to me.
Chapter 32
Rhett
I’ve been planning this day since I came back from the locksmith’s shop with an extra key to my place. It was cocky of me. After all, Carina could’ve turned down my invitation to move in with me, but I just knew things would go my way.
Ever since the night of the cookout, when I slipped into the night after our steamy first encounter, I knew with every fibre of my being, this woman was mine.
And here we are.
We’ve been dating for nearly nine months and we’ve been living together for two.
It doesn’t get any better than this.
My girl’s family arrived yesterday morning.
When a few Callahans come to visit, they bunk up at the quaint bed and breakfast Rothenburg Mansion on Bellande Lane. It wasn’t possible this time around because the small lodging establishment only has a handful of rooms. Even if her family rented the entire house out, that’s still not enough space.
With so many of them debarking in town at the same time for the joyous occasion, they ended up staying at the near-century-old Bacharach Hotel, located in Summerville’s historic part.
The Callahans arrived at the distillery a couple hours before Carina and I did in chauffeured SUVs. While they were waiting for us to show up, they were stretching their legs while admiring the unparalleled beauty my town has to offer.
Jenkins and April were here early to serve as chaperones. It’s not easy to keep a rowdy clan like that a secret in a small town like ours. It’s a miracle of God we were able to pull it off.
Riley’s behind the idea of using the distillery as the venue for my girl’s birthday party. The owners know her well. Not only because she’s a celebrity, but also because this location is at the top of her list for her own catering contracts. Along with her guidance, and a lot of help from Allison and Miranda, I made this day happen.
