To Catch a Sunset

Chapter 24

Ally nervously applies her makeup. Everyone should be here soon. Mark and Adam are downstairs helping Jack and Nancy get the tables set. Ally hears commotion and realizes someone has arrived. She is frantically trying to finish getting ready as she hears Allen's voice. She did one last check in the small mirror from her bag.

"Hmm I guess this will have to do." She mumbled to herself. As she began to go downstairs, Mark was walking up to get her.

"Hey you. Your brother and others are here."  He says with a smirk. She raised an eyebrow at him.

"Really? Others? That's how we are describing my guests now?" She shook her head and laughed. They began their descent back downstairs. 

Ally could see and hear Allen, but there was another familiar voice echoing through the house. As she reached the bottom step Brad's face came into view. Her mouth fell open in shock. He rushed to her and scooped her in his arms. She was overwhelmed by his greeting. Surely they had made some progress since their last meeting. But this was a little much for her. She was fighting back tears, this was the brother she remembered from years past. She couldn't help but wonder if it was sincere.   Mark smiled in disbelief, he remembered the cold meeting last time. He wasn't sure how to react. He would just smile and support Ally no matter what. He was still skeptical of Brad, mostly due to Rinny. But still he knew how much Brad has hurt Ally, he was keeping his guard up for sure.  Nancy made her way out of the kitchen to meet everyone. Ally did her best to calm herself, she made casual introductions. She hadn't noticed Chad and his wife Maggie. She felt Maggie eyeing her suspiciously. Maggie was always uneasy around Ally. She was reassured by Chad even Ally once. Reassured that there was nothing between them, but she couldn't help but notice the way her husband looked at Ally. But now here she was watching Ally with Mark. It was obvious there was something special between them. Ally made her way over to Maggie, hugging her.

"Maggie, how are you?" Ally asks. Maggie smiles sincerely, feeling instantly at ease.

"Good Ally how are you?" They exchange pleasant hellos.  Ally makes her way to Ashley and they squeal as they embrace. It's obvious to all in the room, these two are very fawned of each other. Ally grabs Ashley's hand and leads her to Mark. Ashley and Mark make casual introductions. Jack clears his throat and quiets the room.

"I want to thank all of you for coming. It gives me great joy to have Hank and Bev's grandchildren here tonight." He pauses trying to calm his emotions. He continues after a quick beat. "I hope this is the beginning of life long friendships." He raises his glass and everyone shouts here, here.  Chad shakes hands and makes his way around the room. He finally reaches Ally, slowly tugging on her elbow. She spins around, offering her happiest smile.

"Hey you. Looks like you're having a good time." She nods her head and lets out a loud boisterous laugh. Her laugh is infectious, he can't help but mirror her.

"You think? What gave it away?" She asks sardonically. He smiles and slightly brushes her arm. She tries to act like she doesn't notice. It makes her very uncomfortable, she steadies herself and moves away from his touch. Hoping he doesn't notice, she tries to excuse herself but he pulls her back.

"Hey, are we ok? I mean you're acting a little off." She shakes her head.

"Why wouldn't we be fine? I'm just busy, I'll find you later. Mingle meet everyone have fun." She wonders to herself, why he came.

Mark introduces himself to Maggie and notices her staring at the exchange between Chad and Ally. "It's hard to watch them, isn't it?"  Maggie asks, Mark nods agreeably. He suddenly feels nervous. He smiles at Maggie as he studies her. She is a stunning woman in her own right. Beautiful long dark hair, tall slender with darling features. But still, she paled in comparison to his Ally.