AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Brad, too, joined in the interaction, his love for children evident in his words. He chuckled, ruffling Harper's hair. "Just wait till you see the buffalo outside, kiddo. They're much more exciting and dangerous!”
Pausing for a moment from greeting the Rosedale crew, my gaze drifted back to Brad. His eyes were crinkled at the corners, his smile a testament to our joy and success. The love I saw in my husband warmed me from the inside out. It was in these ordinary yet extraordinary moments I realized how incredibly far we'd come.
Daniel and Sicily hugged each other spontaneously as they began to let their hair down after so many years of stress. Moments like these were also reminders of why we fought so hard to reach this point.
"Jesus, this place is amazing," Ryder glanced around. "Where's the chuckwagon? I'm starved."
We all laughed, and Brad thumbed over his shoulder. "Go check in. Then we’ll meet in the grand dining room for drinks and dinner afterward."
The moment was broken by the sound of more approaching boots. "We made it!" Guy whooped, carrying Jonathan in his arms.
"I'm so glad you decided on this place. Brings back so many memories of vacations with my family," Ariel raved, tugging on Guy's arm as they made their way to the desk.
Our joyous reunion was momentarily interrupted as the familiar sound of another set of boots echoed through the grand lounge. Turning, my heart skipped a beat as I saw my father striding in, a broad grin adorning his face. Following closely behind him was an unexpected guest, who was dear to my heart.
"Dad!" I exclaimed, my voice brimming with happiness. Letting go of Brad's hand, I ran toward my father, welcoming him with a warm embrace. The scent of earth and hay, so distinctive of him, brought memories of our ranch flooding back. I pulled back, my gaze landing on the man who followed in my father's steps. A gasp of surprised delight escaped me.
"Jedediah!" I exclaimed, recognizing the familiar rugged features of the old friend who had always been a steady presence in my life.
"I reckoned you didn't know I'd show up, eh?" Jedediah chuckled, his voice deep and resonant, like the comforting roll of distant thunder. He broke into a broad smile, his eyes sparkling with mirth under the crinkled lines of his weathered face.
"I didn't, but I'm so glad you're here," I confessed, unable to hide the joy in my voice. Then, without warning, Jedediah scooped me up in his arms and swung me around like he did when I was a girl, eliciting a squeal of surprise and laughter from me.
"I wouldn't miss this for the world, and oh, by the way. When your daddy told me you was starten back to school, I wasn't one bit surprised.... over the internet, too." Jedediah affirmed, setting me back on my feet.
“That’s right.” I nodded grinning. “I’m starting back online as soon as the next semester starts. Brad’s also decided to work on his master’s degree—in computer science.”
My father, watching the reunion unfold, finally chimed in, "Court, Jedediah's been a part of your life for so long you didn’t think he’d miss it did you? Celebrating your wedding wouldn't be the same without him here."
With our merriment reaching new heights, Brad signaled for our attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, we're here to celebrate. Not just any celebration, mind you, but a celebration sponsored by Rosedale Technologies," he announced, his voice brimming with pride. "And why not, given the considerable windfall we've received from the Golden Key Software patent award! Let’s get this party started!!”
A chorus of approving whoops and cheers resonated in the grand dining room. "After all, with Clint and Agent Carter behind bars, don't you all agree it's high time we partied hardy?” His words met with unanimous, enthusiastic cheers.
"Bring it on!" Chase's voice boomed across the room, a grin plastered across his face. His energetic spirit was infectious, radiating through the crowd. Suddenly, he shot to his feet, his chair clattering slightly behind him, his enthusiasm unable to be contained. Throwing his arms wide as if embracing the entirety of our celebration, he yelled again, "Where's the beer?" His laughter echoed through the room, urging everyone into even higher spirits. His antics elicited laughter and an eye-roll from his wife, Meagan, turning our hearty celebration into a truly unforgettable occasion.
"Grab me one, too," Amy chimed in, easing herself into the chair next to her mom, Elana. Her eyes twinkled with a mix of amusement and affection as she took in Elana's worried expression.
"Oh, would you relax, Mum? Ava's perfectly fine with the sitter."
"But what if she..." Elana began.
Amy, anticipating her mother's spiraling worries, quickly interjected. "Let's find out," she declared, pulling out her phone. With a few quick taps, she placed a call to the babysitter. Those around her fell into a hush, all eyes on Amy, humor dancing in their eyes as they anticipated the conversation.
"Yes, everything's great. And Ava? Oh, she's just finished her dinner. Playing with her toys now? That's wonderful. Thanks for taking care of her."
Amy hung up and turned to her mother, a triumphant smile on her face. "See? All is fine. Ava is having the time of her life. Now, you need a glass of wine."
Elana's relieved sigh and smile had barely settled in the room when Giuseppe, ever the good sport, was off in pursuit of a glass of rosé for his bride, a round of laughter following him. That tender, family moment seemed to hold the evening still for a heartbeat, a soothing pause amidst the joyous chaos.
However, even as Amy's mother eased into her chair, sipping her wine, the air around us remained charged with tangible gratitude, a silent toast to the trials we'd faced together and the invaluable allies we'd gained along the way.
In that moment of quiet, just a breath before the party resumed its lively buzz, I noticed how Mitch and Amy exchanged a knowing glance. Then, moving as if on some shared rhythm, they wove through the room. The rustic chandeliers cast a soft glow on their faces, giving them an almost ethereal look as they sought Kenneth Downing.
Agent Downing was seated next to Martha. His ever-watchful gaze was scanning the room. The usual sharpness in his eyes softened as he registered their approach. Mitch was the first to speak up, "Downing, we owe you big time," he announced, extending a hand and clapping the agent warmly on his back.
Amy was quick to echo her husband's sentiment, her agreement clear in her nod. "If you and Giuseppe hadn't gotten involved, who knows where we'd be now."
"I'll toast to that," Ryder said, raising his beer.
