51

3 months later

Kelli, time to take this to the party in the back room.” Denice breezed up to the hostess stand with the large birthday cake balanced on one hand. “Why don’t you do the honors?”

“You got it.” Kelli walked through the packed restaurant, taking care not to bump anyone. So far, Homestead had been a huge success. The critics had given it excellent reviews, the reservations were booked out weeks in advance, and it looked as though the dream of a successful restaurant was actually going to come true.

As soon as she entered the back room, a hush descended on the crowd assembled there, making Kelli very self-conscious as she set the cake on the table. Thankfully, Denice had followed close behind and announced to the room, “Jones has spent all day on this. You’re going to love it. He was determined that this would be the finest cake he’s ever made.” Denice beamed with pride as she looked up at her husband, who had followed them in.

Jones grinned. “Any family of Kelli is a family of mine. I’m so happy to finally get to meet all of you.”

For her birthday, Alison had requested a trip to California for the entire family. She wanted to come and see where Kelli had grown up and gain some understanding of where her husband had been all these years. They had spent the week visiting the places that had been important in Kelli’s life. Max and Valerie and their kids had come, and Beth and Rand. Kelli had gotten to know all of them better. And then Kenmore and Shane had arrived at the end of the week to spend the last couple of days with them.

“You all have been just amazing and welcoming,” Alison said. “I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be. What a fabulous restaurant you have here, too. We’re going to miss the food when we go home tomorrow.”

“I wish you didn’t have to go home so soon.” Denice frowned. “It’s been nice getting to know you guys over the past week—even if it was under what can only be described as really weird circumstances.”

“That’s for sure,” Alison replied. “I hope we’ll see the two of you in Tennessee someday soon.”

“I’d almost guarantee it.” As Denice and Jones became able, they were planning to hire a floor manager, then gradually buy out Kelli’s share in the restaurant. She would use that money to buy into Moore’s More Store.

“As busy as this place is, I’m thinking we’re going to need us a vacation. Tennessee is my number one destination from here on out.” Denice couldn’t seem to stop smiling. Neither could Jones.

“Okay, everybody gather round. Kelli is going to light the candles and then she has a surprise for Mom.” Beth waved everyone over into a little huddle by the cake.

Kelli’s hands were shaking as she attempted to light the candles. Finally, Shane took the lighter out of her hand and said, “I’ll handle this part.”

“Thanks,” Kelli whispered. She took a deep breath, looked at the assembled group, and began to sing “Happy Birthday” to her mother. When she finished, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

“That was amazing.” Beth jumped up and squealed. “Your very first solo, and you were amazing.”

Alison hugged Kelli tight, tears gleaming in her eyes. She leaned forward and blew out the candles in a single breath.

Beth nodded her approval. “Good job, Mom. Did you make a wish?”

Alison glanced around the room, then looped her arm around Kelli’s shoulders and held her close to her side. “Didn’t need to. It already came true.”