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White linen covers the tables, small candles flicker beside simple arrangements of greenery and flowers from the farm, and wineglasses catch the light. Beyond the patio, the land rolls away in darkening green, and the air carries the faint scent of herbs from the garden and something wonderful coming from our kitchen.

A cool breeze moves through the wisteria. Somewhere near the bar, someone laughs. I want to stand here and take it all in.

Our restaurant. Our opening night. Our people.

The patio is full. People from Oakridge, people from the farm, people I've known most of my life and people I met only after coming home. Nate and Luis are already arguing over which appetizer is better. Cole tells them they're both wrong. Betty has stationed herself near the entrance as if someone appointed her official greeter. Jack and Emma stand together near the bar, Ranger stretched out beside them. Atlas stays close to Javier, exactly where he always seems to know he belongs.

Then Diego appears at the edge of the patio. Javier sees him immediately. His whole face changes. Not dramatically. But I see it. I always see it.

Diego crosses the patio. Javier meets him halfway. Their hug isn't awkward anymore. That gets me.

"Hey, Dad."

Javier closes his eyes. Just for a second. Then opens them.

"Hey, son. I'm glad you're here."

Dad. One word, and I know what it means.

Diego steps back.

"I hope you don't mind, but I invited Mom and Michael."

Javier looks at him.

"I hope that's okay."

"Of course it's okay. I'm glad you invited them."

His gaze moves toward the entrance.

"Where are they?"

Diana approaches with Michael beside her. For the smallest moment, Javier goes still. Then Diego looks at him.

"You okay?"

Javier meets his son's eyes.

"Yeah."

Diana gives him a tentative smile. Michael offers his hand. Javier takes it.

"Nice to finally meet you, Michael. I'm glad you're here."

"It's good to be here."

Diana's eyes shine.

"Congratulations, Javier. On all of it."

Javier glances toward me.

"Thanks, Diana."

No tension, no old anger. Just people who survived the past and found a way to stand in the same place without letting it own them.

"Get some wine," Javier says. "There's plenty of food."