“Thanks, Mom. But you knew that how?”

A moment’s silence. “I just did. I’ve always had complete faith in you.”

Shallie didn’t understand what that faith was based on but she supposed her question was one that couldn’t be answered in any logical way. She changed the subject. “So you’re flying here tomorrow? You and Doug?”

“We already bought the tickets. But Eddie told me you’re having a big party. Is it still okay? We could always change the tickets.”

“No, it’s fine. When do you get in?”

“Early evening. We’ll take a limo from the airport—”

“All the way here? That’s expensive!”

“Not a concern. However, it means we won’t get to you until later. How do you want to do this? Meet us someplace the next day? And would you like to talk now or wait until tomorrow?”

“Come to the party,” Shallie said, feeling reckless. “And we’ll talk tomorrow night. Catch up on our lives.” That’s thirty-three years of catching up.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Saturday of Thanksgiving Weekend

CORD’S HOUSE WAS READY, logs in the living room fireplace lit, decorations in place, food and drinks ready for their guests. The buffet-style meal would consist of classic Thanksgiving fare, including turkey slices, gravy and cranberry sauce, salads and more. Brynne and two of her staff would do any serving and take care of the bar. Champagne would be the drink of the evening.

Cord and Shallie planned to make their announcements after dinner.

Meanwhile, The GateCrashers were setting up in a corner of the large room. Couldn’t have a party without them!

SHALLIE FELT NERVOUS, more nervous than she thought she’d ever felt before, her emotions a tangled mess of excitement and fear, uncertainty and hope. Every few minutes she found herself glancing around, although she knew they wouldn’t arrive for some time. The Elliots were planning to meet Eddie at Eli’s place, where he was staying, and he’d bring them here.

Eli and J.P. approached her with their fingers crossed—which made her laugh. One on either side, they kissed her cheeks and murmured encouragement. She’d also told Russ, who was astonished and said he was “absolutely thrilled.” He told her he’d invite the Elliots to stay at the motel. Shallie couldn’t speak for them, of course, but couldn’t help feeling that seemed appropriate—even though they obviously had money. She noticed that Russ, too, did his share of glancing around.

Shallie and Cord had discussed the final order of events and decided to let Carly make the first announcement. Just before she walked to the front of the living room, they poured some mock champagne into one of his grandmother’s crystal flutes, which Cord presented to her.