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“Me too,” I agree. Cultivating wonder and curiosity in children is important to me. I want our guests to connect with nature.
Lisa glances around. “Is your hunky bodyguard here?”
I chuckle at her candidness. Some things never change. I scan the crowd until I spot him. Dylan with his siblings, smiling at something his brother Logan says.
Even from a distance, Dylan's presence stirs that now-familiar warmth inside me. His handsome features are relaxed, reflecting the man I've come to know beneath the stern exterior.
“Over there, with his family,” I say, nodding toward Dylan. Dylan chooses that moment to meet my eyes across the patio. The crowd seems to fall away. His expression softens as we share a quiet smile.
Lisa nudges me playfully. “He still can't take his eyes off you.”
She isn't wrong. Over these last few months, Dylan has proven he's a steadfast partner who believes in me when I doubt myself. Lisa slips into the crowd as Dylan crosses the patio.
He wraps his arm around my waist, his hand resting lightly on my hip. As our bodies press together, I lean into him, soaking up his warmth. I glance up, meeting his deep brown eyes. He gives my hip a subtle, affectionate squeeze just as the emcee invites my father to say a few words.
Dylan and I remain wrapped up in each other's arms as my father reflects on the changes to Caldwell Estates and our shared journey. Dylan lightly strokes my hip bone with his thumb.
“Most importantly, none of this would be possible without my brilliant daughter, Gemma,” my father continues. “Her talent, passion, and vision breathe life into this eco-resort. Gemma represents the future of this company and the Caldwell Estate.”
Dylan proudly squeezes my waist. After years of being overlooked, my father publicly acknowledges my capabilities.
“Gemma's mother would be so proud of the woman Gemma has become,” Dad continues, his voice filled with emotion. “Strong, poised, and as stubborn as ever. Her determination paid off. Gemma made me say all of this, you know. She has quite the right hook these days.”
Laughter ripples through the crowd. I hug him tightly. He steps back as I take the mic, expressing our gratitude to our devoted staff, community partners, and the families who will make memories here.
Finally, I turn to Dylan, locking eyes. “Above all, I'd like to thank the love of my life, Dylan. You are my greatest supporter and the most wonderful partner I could wish for.”
Dylan's eyes glisten as he nods. The crowd erupts in enthusiastic applause around us as I finish, “Alone, we are strong. But united, we can change the world.”
My father is waiting for me, with a gift in his hand. I briefly hesitate before taking the velvet box containing a gold necklace.
The intricate design of intertwined yellow gold, dotted with small, glistening emeralds, is stunning. However, its allure is eclipsed by what it represents—my formal entry into the family empire.
“It was your grandmother's and her mother's before her. Every Caldwell woman has worn it,” Dad says, his voice thick with feeling. “It's your turn.”
His eyes glisten as they search my face, searching for a glimpse of the little girl I used to be. But that innocent, dutiful daughter is gone.
I meet his gaze. “And if I refuse?”
Dad's expression clouds. “Gemma, please. I'm trying here.”
“Thank you, it's beautiful,” I say gently.
After all we've endured, accepting this olive branch feels right. The metal is cool against my skin.
Dad's face relaxes, some of the tension easing from his frame. He nods, apparently satisfied. Over his shoulder, I notice Dylan watching.
Sensing the gravity of this moment, he keeps a respectful distance. But his presence grounds me, as it always does. I draw strength knowing he has my back.
“Thank you, Dad.”
This gesture gives me hope. Family legacy means so much to him. Accepting the necklace shows him I value the parts worth cherishing.
Making my excuses, I weave through the crowd until I reach him. Dylan straightens from his relaxed posture against the wall, standing at his full imposing height. I'm not intimidated. I know the tender heart behind the warrior's facade.
“That was big of you,” he says approvingly. “I'm impressed.”
“Well, you know me. Little miss sunshine,” I tease.
