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"I know many of you came because you believed I was going to announce my bid to run for the next governor of Louisiana, and I'm not saying that's off the table. But today's not about my future in politics. It's about the past."
Everett turned and looked at Leif, a glimmer of tenderness in his eyes. "When I was young, I fell in love. As a college junior, I wanted a great many things, but I'd never wanted anything as much as the beautiful artist I met one summer. She made me see the world in a whole new way. Things happened, as they are wont to do when you're young and stupid, and I lost contact with this woman. I mourned her loss, but moved on in life, finding a wonderful wife and making a good life here in Magnolia Bend."
His father then glanced toward his wife of twenty eight years, a woman who, despite Leif's fears, accepted what had happened between Calliope and Everett and had treated Leif with great kindness.
"We were never blessed with children, though we enjoyed watching our nieces and nephews grow and blossom. Several months ago, I discovered life is still full of surprises. A most unusual gift was laid at my feet."
A rumble in the crowd started as many began to whisper.
Everett ignored the buzz and continued. "I learned my first true love, who had left Magnolia Bend under misconstrued circumstances, had taken with her a child in her womb, a child who was my son."
One woman gasped and the hum of conversation amplified. A few cameras snapped photos.
Leif thought he might vomit, and if it weren't for the steady pressure of Abigail's hand, he might have bolted off the platform. As it was, he tried not to look like a hunted animal. His smile felt stupid and he kept licking his lips.
"For thirty-four years, my son and I did not know each other, but a final gesture from a dying woman put him on the road to Magnolia Bend, to the place where his mother and I fell in love. Many of you might think it sinful or shameful I conceived a child out of wedlock, and I can't change your opinion. I can only tell you my life has been blessed by this incredible gift. I was given a son, and I want the world to know him as part of me. He's incredibly talented, generous, and conscious of others' feelings. His kindness is the measure of a true man."
Leif felt a ball of emotion well inside his chest at his father's words. The past few months had been difficult, but through much patience- and a blood test- Everett had finally embraced the idea that Leif was his son and had spent several days a week with Leif, getting to know him, sharing their pasts, edging around an official commitment of being father and son.
Everett had asked Leif to attend a small press conference several days ago. He'd said it was to announce his intention to run for state office.
The man had lied.
"So today I want to introduce you to my son," Everett said, motioning to Leif.
Abigail gave him a nudge, smiling at him with eyes that sparkled as much as the diamond engagement ring he'd given her on her birthday last month. "Go."
Leif stood and moved toward his father. Everett placed an arm around Leif, squeezing him tight. Leif blinked away the sheen of tears in his eyes.
Everett wrapped him in an embrace as a smattering of applause broke out. Releasing him, Everett turned to the crowd. "I'm so proud to be this man's father. Some people hide the mistakes of their past, and I won't lie, at first I wanted to sweep this all under the rug. It’s a first inclination for a politician. But I promised I would never be a true politician. And when I saw the goodness in my son, I knew he was meant to be in my life. He was a second chance for me to do the right thing."
Leif swallowed hard and looked out at the people of Magnolia Bend. Many smiled, a few ladies swiped their eyes with wadded-up tissues. Birdie looked bored.
''All I have left to say is welcome home, son."
Leif swallowed the emotion threatening to sweep him away and managed to say, ''Thank you…”
He wasn't sure what to call the senator.
Everett leaned forward and said clearly into the microphone, "Dad."
"Dad," Leif said, catching Everett's gaze. Smiling he looked at Abigail, who wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.
And just like that, Leif Lively found something worth holding on to. He found who he was meant to be.
He had come home to Abigail...and Magnolia Bend.
