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Jason was still acting cagey, stalking the door and checking his cell phone. I was beginning to think he’d planned another surprise. But no one mentioned anything, and I was all too happy to stay oblivious. Dinner was enough. I didn’t need, or want, anything else.
Once the server had plated up everyone’s desserts, Jason stood, clinking his fork against his glass.
“Speech,” Mr. Bennet drawled, earning him a swift elbow to the stomach from his wife.
We all snickered at him doubled over in pain.
“You’re worse than the kids,” Jason said. “Now, where was I? Ah yes, Peyton.” His eyes settled on me. “You came to this family at a difficult time. I didn’t always know the right things to say or do, but hopefully you knew that you had a place among us. You will always have a place among us. I might not be your dad but I’m proud to be the man who gets to watch you grow into a strong, confident, independent young woman. It took me a while to accept your decision, but I realize now that it was yours to make. And I can respect that.”
He lifted his glass in the air and everyone followed. Emotion pricked my eyes as I fought the tidal wave of tears building. “To Peyton.”
It was the second toast to me of the night, and this time, I couldn’t stop the slip of silent tears down my cheeks as everyone settled their gazes on me. It was my turn to speak.
“I just want to say a huge thank you to the Fords for taking me in and giving me somewhere safe to stay. I’ll never forget what you did for me. It’s true what they say, that family isn’t always blood, it’s the people who are there, no matter what.”
“Cheers to that,” Asher said, deflecting the spotlight from me.
Laughter filled the room as everyone dug into their desserts. They had all come here tonight for me. Not out of obligation, but because this group of people was family in every way that mattered.
They’d accepted me, flaws, baggage, and all.
And that was something to cherish.
* * *
“Good night,”Jason said to Asher and Cameron while their wives hugged and kissed. Poppy and Sofia had already left with Aaron since they were heading to Cole’s to watch a movie.
“We’re going to head out too,” Lily said, tucked into the crook of Kaiden’s arm. “You’ll be okay riding home with Mom and Dad?”
“I think I’ll survive.” I smiled.
“Bye.” They waved and took off after everyone else, leaving me with Jason and Felicity.
“Did you enjoy your night, sweetheart?”
“I did, thank you.” I glanced at Jason lingering by the door. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes, why do you ask?”
“He’s been acting kind of strange.”
“Trust me when I say that is nothing new.” Felicity smirked, pressing her hand against my cheek. “He meant every word of it, you know? We’re very proud of you, sweetheart.”
“Thank you.” I swallowed thickly.
“Okay?” she asked Jason as he approached.
“Yeah,” he smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Let’s go.” He wrapped his arm around her waist, and I trailed after them.
We spilled onto the sidewalk into a blast of cold air.
“Good thing your car is right around the corner.” Felicity chuckled.
“Cold, love?” He nuzzled her neck, not caring they had an audience. “Don’t worry, I’ll warm you up later.”
A pang of heartache went through me. Even now, after all this time—after college, a career in the NFL, Felicity’s career, two daughters, and a foster daughter with more baggage than the four of them combined—they were still fiercely in love.
I wanted that.
