“Dad and Uncle Ham didn’t set these up to reward us for being employees,” Mason said. “That’s what paychecks are for. They set these up to take care of their families, to provide for the people they loved. And that’s why we’d like to present you with the paperwork to put the share back in your name, along with all the proceeds from all the years, including from investments that Aunt Liz, our finance wizard, has ensured increased the value several times over.”

“No arguments. It’s rightfully yours,” Gabe said.

Cole swallowed, overcome and unable to speak as a shit storm of emotions thundered through him. He felt Sierra squeezing his fingers, felt the entire room gazing at him, then realized Gabe was still holding the business-sized envelope out in front of him. Like a robot, Cole took it, gauging from the weight of it there were two or three pages inside spelling out the details.

“Take it home, read it over, sign it, bring it in on Monday,” Gabe said. “It’s pretty straightforward.”

Cole nodded, or he was pretty sure he did anyway, but he was so overwhelmed he couldn’t swear to it. “That’s…” Shit. He worked at keeping his cool, tried not to let on that this was fucking with him big-time. Swallowing hard, still holding on to Sierra’s hand, he said, “Thank you.” He nodded. “I’ll look it over.” When he saw that Gabe was about to argue, he said, again, “Thanks.”

The room burst out into cheers and clapping and congratulations, then Mason interrupted by clinking his cake fork on his glass.

“Toast time!” Liz called out, and Cole realized Sierra was holding his flute out to him.

When everyone mostly shut up, eyes on Mason, he held up his glass. “To our brother Cole. It’s been a long journey, and I strongly believe that journey has forged you into the more-than-capable special projects manager you are today—”

“Badass special projects manager,” Miranda added.

With a grin, Mason amended, “Badass special projects manager. From all of us, welcome to North Brothers Sports, Cole. Here’s to a fulfilling, successful future.”

Various calls of hear, hear and cheers rang out around the room.

“To Cole,” Sierra said at his side, and he met her gaze briefly, reminded himself to smile as he clinked glasses with her.

As everyone drank to the toast, Cole tried his best to savor the moment, to look forward to a rewarding future, and to block out the little voice inside that said he didn’t deserve any of this.

Chapter Thirty