Eleanor changed into a silky strapless sheath and joined Wes. He held a chair for her in front of a table set with a white cloth and more roses. He unveiled two dinner plates held in silver-footed servers with lids. Fresh sea bass, sautéed spring vegetables and small potatoes covered the plate. He uncorked a bottle of Chablis and sat across from her.
“You overwhelmed me with your trust. The guardianship and the will. When I got in that cab…I should’ve been more in control of the decision process.”
Eleanor reached across the table. “I don’t think we’d be here if you weren’t impulsive. How you kept me calm—and with a gun to your head, you saved that baby.”
Wes crunched his brow. “How did you know that?”
“Troy said they had ears inside. He told me what a hero you’ve always been as we waited to hear about you. He also told me how much you doubt yourself.”
Wes looked down and took a stabilizing breath. “He told me you helped him remember.”
“I think it was under the surface all the time. Being with you and your friends helped.”
They talked about Reed and Birdie. Eleanor allowed Reed to call him “Daddy.” Tuck had arranged for some developmental testing for Birdie. She was born prematurely and suffered encephalitis from the measles. Tuck hoped with some physical therapy, she’d catch up. They discussed the equine program and some ideas for the Knolls’ property.
Wes cleared the plates and placed one more platter between them. Inside was a chocolate lava cake.
Eleanor’s eyes lit up. “I love this. All gooey inside.” She dug her spoon inside, and a frown crossed her face. Frustrated, she dug again. “It’s empty,” she pouted.
“That’s weird, keep digging,” Wes coached.
Eleanor dug again. “Eww, there’s something hard inside.” She lifted her spoon. Sitting in it was a star ruby in a gold setting surrounded by diamonds. She hadn’t noticed Wes kneeling beside her.
“Eleanor, my Curly, will you marry me? And will you let me become the official Daddy to Reed and Birdie?”
The waterworks started. Her heart beat out of her chest. “Really?”
“No, I’m gonna lay in a pup tent till my dick falls off.” He smiled. “I want you and the kids to be part of my forever.”
Eleanor dropped beside him. “Yes.” She placed her hands on either side of his face and kissed him.
He pushed her back. “I have one more thing.” He lifted the tablecloth and handed her a vellum envelope.
Eleanor opened it. Inside were adoption papers.
“Once you become Mrs. Crockett, you can sign these; that is, if you want. And we will be our own family.”
She swatted him with the envelope. “We are a family with or without that paper. We have to work on this doubt thing.”
“One decision I’m very sure of is you.” Wes cupped the back of her head and pressed her to the carpet in front of the fireplace. The real chocolate cake rested uneaten.
* * *
Sunday, May 27th
The Leesburg Executive Airport was under tight security. Ian instituted a system-wide plan for all the senior executives. The three Chase jets and one helicopter stood waiting on the tarmac. Training Center vehicles drove out.
Wes and Eleanor stepped from his Tahoe and helped Kip and Kyle out. Christian drove Zach and Mike. TJ drove Troy and Gwen. When the group came together, Zach was the first to say goodbye.
After a quick shake of everyone’s hands and a kiss for Ellie, he turned to Troy. “I promised Smooth I’d take little Sadie to the zoo. I expect you to come along.” He winked. The others followed, all wishing Troy the best in their own way.
Gwen and Eleanor stood back, giving Wes and Troy some space. “You do what you have to do. I’ll have to get used to video-calling you again. I’ll be out for the July meeting, so you behave until then.” Wes hugged Troy tightly.
“You take care of those babies and Ellie. Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Taking a chance on a broken man.” Troy choked up.
