My throat closes over. I blink quickly to stop the tears. “Whoa, it’s been a big day,” I say as though I’m just tired. “But thank you, as you’re the one who gave me the push I needed.”
Penny hugs me again. “He’s good at that. But it’s true. You look fabulous. There is a radiance about you, and I’m very, very happy for you both.”
“Thank you.” My heart swells. “Now head over to the bar with Byron and Gigi and drink our fabulous wine.”
As soon as they move, Mom and Dad shift forward andhug me. And then I lose it. After a few quick sobs, I dab my eyes and compose myself. “I’m so excited about you all being here to support us, but it’s brought on all the feelings and how much I miss you all.”
“Darling.” Mom pats my back. “Franklin is right. It’s a wonderful thing you are doing here. I assume, in time, you’ll have staff to manage the business, so you can come home for any length of time whenever you want.”
I nod. Dab my eyes again. “Yes.” I look around for Brandon, but he is talking to Byron. “We have discussed returning to LA when Nadine starts high school, but that is a while away, and anything could happen between then and now.”
My father lays a strong hand on my shoulder. “You’re free to do whatever you want, my girl. The family businesses are set for you to enjoy your life. However, we’re not getting any younger, and we miss seeing you most weeks. Rest assured, your home and BJ’s home are being cared for in LA.”
“Thank you. We don’t want to sell until we have a plan.” The truth is, while I love it here, I’m unsure if I want to stay forever, which is why I have already spoken about Nadine’s schooling. “We can talk more during the week. I’m so happy everyone is making a vacation out of the trip.”
“The kids are excited to see the Great Barrier Reef,” Mom says.
I laugh. “I think we all are just to be on a vacation together.”
When Mom and Dad move to the bar, Jobe and Zara embrace me.
“We waited for the riff-raff to move along,” Zara says jokingly.
I laugh at her. “How are you both? How is the hotel?”
“Well, you understand hospitality now you’re in the business,” Jobe says.
“We’re not at the level you are. This is enough,” I emphasize.
“Life is good,” Zara chimes in. “We miss you, but there’s never a dull moment in the Hendricks family.”
“Isn’t that the truth.”
Aubree,Hunter, Brandon, and I take the opportunity to talk alone. Brandon and Hunter have been ribbing each other about their kids’ sporting talents. While their older children play basketball and AFL football, there are jokes about the girls being on the same basketball team. The children have been entertained by our nannies, and before another joke begins, Brandon Jr. enters the room.
“What is it, son?” Hunter asks him.
“I’m a bit old for some of the stuff they’re all doing,” he grunts like a bored nine-year-old.
Brandon winks at him as though they have an understanding beyond sharing a name. “Wanna use my gaming room?”
“Could I?”
“Sure. I’ll get Mel to set you up.”
“Thanks, mate.” Hunter lands a hand on Brandon’s shoulder.
“What are the other kids doing?” I ask him. His little blue eyes, which he inherited from his father, look up at me as though he doesn’t want to say anything. Hunter ruffles his dark hair, and he frowns at his dad.
“Leigh is being a dick.”
“Language,” Aubree warns.
“He said I have to marry Nadine and wanted us to kiss,” he blurts.
Brandon chokes on his wine. “Did you?”
“No,” he exclaims at the accusation, looking every bit as disgusted as my man.
