“Where it all began,” Lovey said, and kept looking at everything they passed.

“Sully, where is it we’re going again?” Melissa asked.

“Dad made reservations at the Fontaine. It’s a really nice hotel near Country Club Plaza. He arrived last night. Our rooms are supposed to be near each other and on the same floor.”

“And tonight is ‘meet the family night,’” Lovey said. “I brought the same thing to wear that I wore for the big reveal. It may be too fancy, but it makes me feel good and I need that. I left this city with my tail between my legs, but I’m coming back a survivor and proud of it.”

“It’s going to be good, Mom. Dad and I will make sure of that for you,” Sully said.

“And I will sing your praises loud and long,” Melissa said.

Lovey laughed. “Then sing then loud enough for me because I only hear half of everything that’s being said these days.”

A short while later, Sully reached the hotel and stopped at valet parking. He sent a quick text to his dad that they had arrived, and within minutes a bellhop had their luggage and was leading them in to registration.

Marc was grinning as he met them in the lobby and then walked them to the front desk. When the clerk asked for their names, Marc took charge.

“The reservations are all in my name,” he said, and produced his photo ID and the same card he’d used to make the reservations.

“Yes, sir,” the clerk said. “And you have two more rooms reserved beside the one you’re in now?”

“Yes, and please make sure this beautiful lady is registered into the room next to me,” Marc said as he took Lovey’s hand. “Our son and his fiancée will be on the other side.”

The clerk smiled at Lovey. “So, beautiful lady, I will need your photo ID.”

Lovey was trying not to grin at all the attention, but she failed miserably as she handed over her driver’s license. As soon as Sully and Melissa were registered, too, the bellhop got their room numbers and went to take up their luggage as they headed for the guest elevators.

Marc had his arm around Lovey’s shoulders and they were talking like the two old friends they were, leaving Sully and Melissa to follow.

“Do you think Lovey and Marc could ever be a couple again?” she whispered.

“I think that ship has sailed,” Sully said. “Dad is planning a whole other trip on his own soon, and Mom isn’t budging from Blessings. I get the feel that they’re united by friendship and me, and I’m good with that.”

That conversation ended when they all reached the elevators, and a whole new one began about meeting the family tonight.

“Sully, are you nervous?” Marc asked.

Sully shook his head. “Never. You have no idea what an affirmation it will be for me to see myself in other people’s faces. Mom and I have already discovered we have the same smile. And seeing myself in your face was the best.”