Page 420 of The Romance Adventure

After the ceremony at the tiny stone church in town, we all walk back to the cottages, aka the junk, where they’re hosting the reception. It’s a small affair—Lally’s parents, the McGregors, and a few people from Coco Key along with numerous dogs. Two older women join us and it takes me a long moment to realize it’s Lorena and Fernanda.

CJ must notice my shock. “I was surprised, too. When my grandmother got word that her daughter was still alive, Aunt Lorena said it was like she got a second wind. She insisted on coming home.”

Unlike the first time we met, Lorena seems frailer and Fernanda more vigorous. I guess the heart can cause transformation. The former was more than likely broken when she found out her son was involved with the bad guys. The latter discovered a renewed reason to live.

“My mom and her mom had the happiest reunion,” CJ says.

For a moment, sadness inches close, but with my hand on my stomach, I remember that I’ll soon be a mom. I’ll give our child everything mine withheld from me.

CJ kisses the top of my head and squeezes my shoulder.

“What about Lorena and Glandman?”

“She left a rotten pumpkin on his front porch.”

I almost spit my sparkling water. “She did?”

“The Pirate Defense League had her back.”

We both laugh.

The weather is lovely with barely a breeze and puffy white clouds that keep the temperature comfortable. The spread fills three banquet tables shaped like a horseshoe, piled high with two turkeys and all the fixings, including mashed potatoes, stuffing, dressing, sweet potato casserole, green beans, and tons more. In lieu of a wedding cake, they serve five kinds of pie.

We sit down at tables made of rough timbers that Magnus uses for his Boo’s Battle Bro gatherings. He and Lally say a few words about their thankful hearts for us gathering together to celebrate their union.”

They each lift their glasses and all the guests do too. “To family,” they say.

We repeat the sentiment and never have I been so thankful. Lucky for me, after the blessing, we go around and each share something we’re thankful for.

Isla says she’s thankful for Lola the Sassy Sea Cow, but most everyone else has sweet words to say about our blessings, our home, and that the treasure hunt is over...for now.

After dinner, we mingle, chatting about the wedding, the crown, which is now in a museum, and life in general. CJ doesn’t leave my side. He says it’s to make up for lost time.

He shakes Magnus’s hand and says, “Welcome to the club.”

Royal and Ryan turn and join us.

“Thanks, Brother.”

Royal smooths his hand along his tie. “On behalf of all three of us, I’d like to formally apologize for ever doubting you.”

“About anything?” Mischief sparks in my husband’s eyes.

“About things that matter,” Royal says, keeping it serious.

Ryan continues, “We have a newfound respect for you.”

“Is that so?” CJ asks as if questioning their motives, or something else. He discreetly picks up a Brazilian cheese bread roll from the banquet table. I only notice this because it’s hard to let old habits die. “What if I told you that I liked the way things were? What if it’s not so bad being the baby?”

They laugh.

Flipping the serious mood on its head, CJ tosses the roll at his brother. Ryan deftly catches it and tosses it back. In no time, the three of them are in an actual food fight. Then CJ’s phone rings.

My heart skips a beat because I’ve been worried he’s going to get called into the IIA. Given what he said about liking the way things were, what if he goes back?

“It’s Emmie on a video call,” CJ announces, answering.

“Boys! Stop this right now,” she hollers.