to love.”
Katy nodded. “I’m sure.” She hugged Tommy. “The two of you are the cutest.”
More of the family arrived. Tommy’s uncle Ryan and aunt Kari and their kids. Also his uncle Landon and aunt Ashley and their kids—including Cole, who was home from Liberty University on Christmas break. Grandpa John and Grandma Elaine were here, too
Five minutes later Maddie’s parents—Tommy’s uncle Peter and aunt Brooke—hurried up. Maddie’s mother carried a bouquet of white roses and hydrangeas, and her face was lit up with joy. Her daughter was getting engaged, after all.
For just a moment Annalee tried to imagine how her own mom might look at a time like this. Full of love and happiness, but also aware of the passing of time. The way Maddie’s mother seemed to look right now.
Brooke was explaining why they were late and how the florist hadn’t had the flowers ready like they were supposed to and how Peter had driven so fast that water sloshed out of the vase onto her pants. And everyone was laughing and talking and Annalee let the thrill of the moment wash over her.
She gazed at the sky. A hint of blue was breaking through the clouds. Exactly how she felt about her life.
Another few minutes passed and three people joined them. Tommy’s grandpa John did the introductions. “Please say hello to Maddie’s biological parents—Larry and Louise Quinn.” Grandpa John’s voice seemed choked by emotion. “And this”—he patted the other man’s back—“is Dawson’s father, David Gage.” He grinned. “Today, we’re all family.”
At that, Maddie’s parents, Peter and Brooke, and their younger daughter, Hayley, approached the Quinns. According to Maddie, her real parents and her sister had never met her biological mom and dad. But she had expected they would one day.
This was that moment.
Annalee watched as the couples said a few words to each other and then Brooke and Louise Quinn embraced. For a long time. When they pulled away, both women were wiping tears.
Tommy leaned down and whispered near Annalee. “I can’t imagine.”
“Me, either.” Annalee didn’t look away from the two couples. To think the Quinns had given up a frozen embryo that had, years later, become the baby the Wests gave birth to. It was like something straight out of science fiction. Yet it wasn’t. Because here—between the two sets of parents—was a love that could only be divine.
Finally Tommy’s parents and his siblings rushed up the walkway out of breath. His mom tossed her hands and laughed. “Forgot my phone.”
“We had to turn back.” His dad gave a nervous laugh. “Lost ten minutes.”
“But we’re here now! And it’s only twelve-twenty!” Tommy’s mom waved at the group. “Hello, everyone! I see a few new faces.”
More introductions and then Maddie’s dad explained the situation. “Dawson asked us to wait till twelve-thirty.” Peter looked at his watch. “Which is in one minute. Then we’re supposed to stay together and head to the lion area.” Peter went on to remind them that Maddie and Dawson had gotten here an hour earlier. “By now, they’re probably watching the meerkats. Maddie loves those little guys.”
“Here we go.” Tommy bent down and kissed Annalee’s cheek. “This will be one of the happiest moments in my cousin’s life.”
“I can’t wait.” Annalee felt a thrill as Tommy began to push her again. Slower this time, since they were in the middle of the group. Maddie had been engaged once before. To a longtime friend of hers. Connor something. A relationship that at first seemed like Annalee’s and Tommy’s.
But their dating days had always been a little off according to Maddie. Something she hadn’t fully realized until she met Dawson. Apparently Connor was dating someone new now, too. Tommy said that Connor and Maddie had actually talked recently and they’d both agreed that their breakup was the best thing.
Hard as it had been.
The group reached the lions and Brooke’s dad organized everyone to line up along the exhibit wall. As if they had never in all their lives been more intent on watching wild cats. Sitting in her chair lower than the rest of them, Annalee caught a glimpse of Dawson and Maddie walking their way.
Maddie didn’t seem to notice the people crowded around the lion encounter. Dawson was grinning, talking to her about something Annalee couldn’t hear. He walked Maddie to a spot just behind Peter. Then speaking in a louder voice he looked right in Maddie’s eyes. “Maddie West… I have a surprise for you.”
That was the cue they’d all been given. Those words.
And