It was Yoko who got up first, tears streaming down her cheeks. She rushed around the table to drop to her knees. Her head fell into Annie's lap. "I never knew my mother. I know you promised to adopt me when we were in Japan but I. . .I thought perhaps you were just being kind to me because you felt sorry for me. I don't know what to say, Annie. I am honored to have you as my mother. I know Harry feels the same way."

Then it was bedlam, with Lizzie screaming into the webcam.

This was Annie's moment, so Pearl Barnes, Judge Easter, Charles, Nikki, and Myra moved closer to the sideboard.

"This is so wonderful. Thank you for inviting me, Myra. I wouldn't have missed this for the world," Pearl said.

Nellie echoed her sentiments. Charles simply beamed.

Nikki hugged Myra. Her words were simple, and from the heart. "Everyone needs a mother, and every mother needs a child. Annie will love all of them with all her heart. I am so proud of her."

The lawyer in Nellie came through. "Her estate. . .that vast wealth of hers? Has that been taken care of?"

"Absolutely. Lizzie handled all the details, and while it was a bit tricky, it's all in order. All ten of her new children inherit equally," Charles said.

"Nine children," Nellie corrected.

"No, ten, Nellie. Annie included Nikki in her will."

Nellie nodded. The lawyer in her kept speaking. "And the name change?"

"Simple. Jack de Silva Emery. Harry de Silva Wong. Yoko de Silva Akio, Alexis de Silva Thorne, Isabelle de Silva Flanders, Kathryn de Silva Lucas, Elizabeth de Silva Fox, Margaret de Silva Spritzer, and Bertram de Silva Navarro.

The lawyer in Nellie continued to speak. "That will do it, then. What are the chances of these particular adoptions ever becoming public?"

"Zero chance. That's why everything took so long," Charles responded. "The adoptions took place in different courtrooms across the country. Lizzie knows her business. I hope she isn't feeling left out, being out in Las Vegas."

"Look!" Nikki said, pointing to the webcam where Lizzie was talking to the others. She was laughing and holding up a glass of champagne of her own. "I think that should address your worry. Lizzie always makes things work. By the way, what was the rush to get her to Vegas, Charles?"

Charles wagged his finger. "All in good time, my dear."

The cork flying out of the champagne bottle sailed upward, the signal that the last toast of the evening was ready to take place. Myra carried the tray to the table, and Charles carried the champagne bottle.

Suddenly the atmosphere turned solemn. The women all seemed to be teary-eyed, while Jack and Harry were trying hard to keep it together. Annie simply beamed, her face alight with joy.