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As he let himself in the front door, the antique grandfather clock struck 7:15. That meant he’d missed the cocktail hour and they were probably holding dinner for him. Work had kept him late. His parents would understand since they had called the last-minute family dinner meeting just this morning. Austin already had important meetings on the books. He’d gotten away as soon as he could, given the short notice.
As he strode down the hall, he glanced in the living room and could see vestiges of what looked like predinner martinis. Something smelled good. Austin inhaled deeply, and his stomach growled in appreciation. There was nothing like a home-cooked meal. His mom employed a chef who helped her prepare for parties and family gatherings like tonight, but Sarah Fortune could hold her own in the kitchen. She made a mean beef Wellington. Judging by the delicious aroma, that beef Wellington might be on the menu tonight. Austin hoped so as he made his way toward the dining room, where he heard the sound of amicable chatter punctuated by peals of laughter. The sound warmed Austin’s heart.
For a moment, he stood in the doorway of the family dining room, taking in the sight of his parents with his four siblings, Beau, Draper, Georgia and Belle. Their brother Nolan and sister Savannah got a pass on tonight’s family dinner meeting because they lived in Austin, Texas. They would have to hear secondhand Miles’s misgivings about attending the wedding of his half brother Gerald to his long-lost love, Deborah. That was the topic of tonight’s summit.
Funny, though, Nolan and Savannah probably regretted missing an opportunity to get together with the family. That’s just how they were. They were a close-knit bunch and enjoyed each other’s company, respectfully listening when one of them felt it necessary to call a family meeting. To them, family was everything, which made the topic of tonight’s meeting so curious. They had all been invited to Gerald and Deborah’s wedding in Paseo, Texas. However, based on recent turns of events, Miles believed they should not attend.
“There he is.” His mother beamed at him and motioned him inside. “Come in here and give your mama a hug.” Even though Austin was thirty-two years old, he did exactly that, following it up with hugs for Belle and Georgia and solid handshakes and backslaps for his father and brothers.
His mother fussed about, offering him a martini. “It’s no trouble to mix one up for you right quick.” Her Louisiana accent was a bit more pronounced this side of the cocktail hour. Ever the lady, Sarah never overindulged, but she certainly did enjoy a predinner libation.
“Thanks, Mom. I’ll have a glass of wine with dinner. I have to drive to airport later.”
Soon dinner was served. Just as Austin had hoped, it was beef Wellington, with sides of asparagus with hollandaise sauce, baby carrots and garlic mashed potatoes. It was delicious. Austin hadn’t realized how hungry he was. He’d been so busy he’d only had time to eat half the turkey sandwich that Felicity had ordered for him at lunch.
Felicity. He made a mental note to talk to his father about creating an advertising position for her. He’d planned to present it as if Felicity had approached him about advancement opportunities within Fortune Investments. He knew his dad well enough to know if he told Miles that she was quitting, he would’ve thought her unimaginative.
Miles might not realize how hard Felicity worked and how good she was at her job. To Austin, she wasn’t just an assistant, she was his right hand. She was the person who kept him on track. She was one of the few people outside of his family that he trusted implicitly. Even though a new position meant she might not be able to do as much for him, he owed it to her. At least she’d still be with Fortune Investments. So, yes, before he left here tonight, he would plant the seed about promoting her.
In the meantime, he would enjoy his meal and this time with his family. During these family meals, food and catching up were first. Business second. They never broached family business until the coffee and dessert course was served.
True to form, after everyone had a generous helping of brandy-laced English trifle, Miles started the discussion.
“I called you here tonight because we’ve all been invited to Gerald and Deborah’s wedding. There’s been a lot of discussion about whether or not we should attend.”
