I snort in a totally undignified manner, and before long, we’re laughing uncontrollably until Dad shoots us a dirty look.
“As for the Neighpalm Industries Conglomerate, I am happy to make a few announcements. Not only will Neighpalm Sanctuary be joining our line this year, but we are also unveiling three other new ventures. For the first time ever, we have partnered with someone outside of our family. We are quite thrilled to be backing them and look forward to many happy years working together to build their business. I give you Neighpalm Construction!”
The image of Nyx and the cubs disappears, and the display lights up with a new logo. This time, tools take up the center spot to make it unique from the other branding. The crowd applauds even more wildly than before, with plenty of whoops ringing out. I think the champagne is finally helping everyone drop their reserved inhibitions from the start of the night.
“Next, I’d like to announce that we’ve bought a hockey team. The Colorado Grizzlies will become Neighpalm Shockwave, and we are excited to support the guys and their leadership in the next hockey season.” The construction logo is struck by a bolt of lightning that becomes embedded in the team’s name, with the silhouette of a hockey player brandishing his hockey stick layered behind the words.
“I can’t wait to go to all of the home games. The flight is only two and half hours, and when you have a private plane, why not?! Kai said he would fly us whenever we want to go.” I’m jumping up and down, my contagious excitement drawing Hope in, but Jacinta looks like we just asked her to eat dirt.
“Why would we want to go to hockey games?”
The logo melts away to show footage of the Colorado Grizzlies in training, and that skepticism gives way to appreciation.
“Okay, never mind, I see it now. Woo, go team!” she shouts, and Melinda, Emma, and Molly holler and cheer behind her.
“God help me,” Chuck mutters.
“At least she’ll sleep well tonight,” Oliver says, but the attempted consolation only makes Chuck shudder.
“The only time Melinda snores is when she’s been drinking, and she makes a grizzly bear sound delicate.”
The guys wince, sharing a look of sympathy with him, and Thomas hands him a glass of whiskey.
“If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em,” he suggests, and Chuck grabs hold of it like a lifeline.
“Keep them coming. Thank goodness we only have to go upstairs tonight.”
“Lastly, I’d like to announce a subsidiary to the Neighpalm Resorts and Clubs branch. I give you Neighpalm Cruise Lines.” The final logo shines bright and clear on the screen, showcasing a cruise ship atop the waves, with a bright sun behind it.
“When will all these launch, Brad?” someone shouts from the audience.
“Neighpalm Construction is already working on projects, and the Grizzlies are transitioning to the new brand as we speak. The cruise ships may take a little longer as we need to assess them for upgrades, but I assure you there will be an inaugural cruise. Anyone on tonight’s donor list will be invited to attend as a thank you for supporting all the wonderful charities we’ve connected with over the years.”
“Sneaky,” Jaxon comments, sounding impressed.
“Yup, Dad pretty much guaranteed that we make more money tonight than we’ve ever made,” Holden cuts in.
“What do you mean?” I ask, and Declan chuckles.
“Rich people are funny. Even though each and every one of them could afford to pay for any number of cruises, they like free shit as much as the next person.”
“They’re technically buying their ticket by donating, but they don't see it that way,” Oliver finishes up, and I watch with wide eyes as many of them move toward the donation tables set up on the side of the ballroom.
“Basically, rich people are stupid,” Hope says, tucking her arm under mine. “Thank god I’m never going to have to worry about that,” she muses, and Jacinta and the guys laugh.
“What’s so funny?” she asks, slightly confused, and the punchline suddenly occurs to me.
“Aww, babe, It takes some getting used to, but you’ll need to remember that by being adopted into this family, you just became stinking rich.”
She shakes her head, denying it, and before we can argue anything else, Dad, Nana, and Poppy make their way back to us. Poppy introduces everyone to Benjamin, his best friend from college, and we all make nice, only partially thanks to Nana’s glare of steel. We make casual conversation before the three of them depart to a quiet corner of the room to catch up.
“How freaking cute was that?” Hope gushes, and Dad rolls his eyes.
“I really don’t want to think about it too hard. Anyway, I forgot I had this earlier.” He pulls a bank card out of his pocket and hands it to Hope. “There you go, access to the family bank accounts. I’ve also made sure you’ve been added to our accounts just like I did for Harlow. Now, this is up to you, but I would be honored if you would call me Dad. Only when you’re ready, of course.” He adds the last part in a rush, probably realizing he might need to hit Hope with a little less than 200% of full Summers love at once.
His cheeks become pink as she gapes at him. It seems Molly and Emma have really been a good influence on him. Sure, he’s still a little socially awkward, but there’s some confidence that wasn’t there before.
The silence is a little heavy as we wait for her response, but I can see her scanning the rest of the siblings to check for any negative reactions. When she gets none, she throws her arms around his neck, her body shaking with emotion. Dad’s arms engulf her in a hug as we turn away and allow them to have a private moment.
