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Lyssa nodded. “She came with Evan and Paige.” Which meant Tony and their mother were somewhere in the throng too. “They also picked up Chi.”
Gideon glanced at his watch and turned to Cal. “Should we gather up our guests of honor?” He grinned. “That way we can get to dinner.”
Cal asked Lyssa, “Are you sure you don’t want to join us behind the mic? After all, none of this would have been possible without you.”
“I’m sure.” She kissed him again before sending him off. “Now go. Gideon’s not the only one who’s hungry.” To prove her point, her stomach growled loudly enough to be heard over the music and chatter.
Watching their men go, Rosie told Lyssa, “Gideon’s ecstatic about the gala and all the donations for the foundation. But most especially that he’ll be able to honor his old friends.”
Earlier in the day, before the gala, there’d been a small reception where everyone had been introduced—the Mavericks, Dane’s family, Gideon’s guests.
Gideon truly seemed to have reached a new level of peace and happiness. It was Rosie’s and Jorge’s love, of course, but it was also finally feeling like he was achieving something important.
The lights dimmed, signaling everyone to quiet down and look toward the dance floor, where a small dais had been set up with a lectern and microphone.
Cal stepped into the spotlight. “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m Cal Danniger of Lean on Us, and thank you for coming tonight. We’re glad you all seem to be having such a wonderful evening so far.”
He had such a strong presence and was so handsome and kind. His deep voice was like a caress along Lyssa’s skin. She put her hand on her belly and wondered how she could be so lucky. Not only had she found this incredible man, but she was also making a family with him.
“The foundation would like to thank Dane Harrington for providing this venue for our New Year’s celebration.” He saluted Dane, who was flanked by his brothers and sisters, a very attractive and compelling family group.
“We’re here tonight to dedicate the Lean on Us Foundation to the memory of Karmen Sanchez, a daughter, a nurse, a friend, a soldier, who lost her life in defense of her country and while rushing to the aid of her wounded comrades. I’ve asked Gideon Jones to tell you more.”
Rosie’s face glowed with love and pride as Gideon stepped into the spotlight beside Cal.
Gideon and Cal leaned in for a manly, back-slap hug. But Lyssa could see the emotion on Cal’s face. Lean on Us wasn’t just his job or responsibility. It was a duty and an honor, and something he believed in as much as Gideon did.
As Gideon took his place at the microphone, Cal left the dance floor, coming back to her, taking her hand as though there was nowhere else he’d rather be.
Gideon’s voice rang out. “This foundation is possible because Karmen Sanchez took a chance on me. She gave me a very special painting and trusted that I would do the right thing with it. It took me ten long years, and it was through my beautiful fiancée and her son that I finally understood what I had to do in Karmen’s name.”
His gaze rested on Rosie, and all eyes followed his, even without the spotlight. Lyssa saw the tears of love in her friend’s eyes. Ari and Matt had joined them, too, and Ari’s adoring gaze was riveted on her brother.
Gideon cleared his throat before he choked up. “Karmen Sanchez was a medic first and a soldier second. Her job was to save our lives. And that’s exactly what she did when she gave her life for us. She was one of my best friends. What you have to understand is that the friends we soldiers make overseas are our lifelines.” He looked and sounded every inch a soldier, his back ramrod straight, his voice strong and compelling. “When we lost Karmen and our comrades that day, we lost a huge piece of our soul. It’s been a long road back from that dark place for all of us. And that’s what Karmen’s legacy in Lean on Us is all about. We want to make that journey back to happiness and hope with our veterans. We want to provide our support to the wounded, to the families who’ve lost so much, to the children who sadly enough may end up as foster kids, to the men and women who return vastly changed from the young recruits they once were. At Lean on Us, we want to give back in the name of Karmen’s sacrifice, in the name of her love and friendship.”
He paused, his gaze roaming the room, taking in the crowd, and letting them think about why they were here beyond just a great party. “We want to thank Dane Harrington for hosting us, and we want to thank all of you for coming here tonight. Your donations will help us help so many. So please, find it within yourselves to dig even deeper. With your support, there are so many ways in which Lean on Us can do even more to help.”
