The Town (Book 1, Lonstino & Greenwood Series)

Chapter 50 - Welcome Party

Two months later

XIMENA

With the winter holidays behind, our world has returned to a certain normality. I'm glad we have at least one more occasion to celebrate while indulging in good food and the company of friends and family. Today is all about Greg, Oliver and Tristan. 

The boys moved into Greg's house and they had a rocky start, mostly on his side. It took him some time to realize that his strict ways don't always work well with children and by doing that he made them feel unwelcome. Luckily, Greg is a fast learner and it took him no time to accept that a bit of mess around the house made the boys feel like they belong.

"You are really looking forward to this party," Lewis says as he drives. "I can see it in your face."

"It's a happy event. Can't get enough of those. I'm also looking forward to spending time with Greg's parents. They are so much like yours. I enjoyed spending Christmas with them and find it too bad they couldn't come, but totally understand that rescheduling their trip wasn't an option."

"I get what you mean. Luke and Michael are lucky to have excellent grandparents," he watches the boys who are completely oblivious of our conversation while playing with the handheld games they got for Christmas. "Guys, you need to put your games away. We are here."

Luke and Michael groan, but do as they are asked to. I recognize the cars parked next to Brian's house as those from our friends and the tent set up in the distance looks really inviting with the colored lights and music coming from it. We walk towards it and I'm pleasantly surprised by what we find inside. A long table has been set in the middle and on each side of the tent, Charlie's employees are busy setting up food stations.

"Here you go, and if you are not sober after all the food I can call you a taxi," Brian says while pushing two glasses of champagne in our hands.

"Ximena! Lewis!" Greg's mom says with delight when she spots us.

After greeting her, Tristan comes to her to ask for help opening a can of soda. She helps him and watches him walk away with so much tenderness.

"I'm the luckiest of grandmas with four handsome grandsons. Tristan looks so much like Greg did when he was a boy."

Piper calls our attention and invites us to take a seat at the long table. It takes us a while to find where the kids went to, but once seated, Greg addresses us.

"I want to thank you all so much for being here on this special occasion. You all know that my life has taken a turn by bringing Oliver and Tristan in it, but most of you don't know the details of why I took this decision. Months ago, I found out that Sophia gave birth to a child that was taken away from her without her consent. This happened before we ever met and that child is Oliver. Together with Vivian, we spent a lot of time trying to find his whereabouts. Her help, love and support have been invaluable in this strange and somewhat painful quest. On the day I met Oliver, I learned he had a best friend, Tristan. My heart told me that I couldn't split these brothers and I don't regret my decision. I'm happy to announce that we are almost done with the adoption process and soon Oliver and Tristan will become my sons, at least officially on paper, because they already are my kids."

The group claps and cheers, and we all toast for their happiness and well being, while the boys look slightly embarrassed. Greg calls once more for our attention. Our collective happy gasps is all that can be heard as he gets on one knee next to Vivian.

"But I won't feel complete without you. It would make me so happy if you accept to be my wife and a mother to Oliver and Tristan."

Vivian nods as she fights the tears and stands up to hug Greg.