“Shep had it torn down since it contained bad memories. That’s where his first wife was killed.”
“Oh.”
He had told her a lot about Sheppard Granger before this trip, and she had been glad Sheppard’s story had a happy ending. “Whose house is that through those trees? It’s massive,” Toni asked, as they continued up the road.
“That’s where Shep’s oldest son Jace and his wife Shana live. They had it built and moved in a little over a year ago. And that other house you see under construction through the trees belongs to Shep’s son Caden and his wife Shiloh.”
“What about his third son? Does he live on Sutton Hills land, too?”
“Yes. Dalton and his wife Jules decided to move into the house that had once belonged to his parents, the same one he’d grown up in. Everybody was surprised he would do that since no one had set foot in that house since his mother’s death,” Drew said, slowing down and waiting for the car in front of them to unload.
“Dalton decided the house would work for him and his family. He had it renovated from top to bottom. Shep said it doesn’t even look the same. Dalton even went overboard by adding an indoor pool, a bowling alley, elevators, a theater room, and an extravagant indoor playhouse for the kids. It even has a custom-built carousel.”
When Toni turned and gave him a questionable look, he laughed and said, “I’m not kidding.”
Toni chuckled. “I’m sure it’s nice for Sheppard to have his sons close by after being separated from them for so many years.”
“It is. Whenever I talk to him, I can tell. He’s also enjoying his daughter, daughters-in-law, and his grandkids.”
“How many grands does he have?”
“Four. Both Jace and Caden have sons, and Dalton has twins, a son and a daughter.” He brought the car to a stop. “Looks like they set up valet parking. How convenient.”
Drew had pulled into the circular driveway, and when he glanced over at Toni, he saw her eyes widen. “This house is incredible, and the architectural structure is totally breathtaking,” she said.
Drew smiled over at her. “Wait until you see inside. This was Sheppard’s parents’ home. He and Carson had a complete interior renovation, and Carson added her own special touch. This is the first time I’ve been here with someone. I’m so glad you’re here with me, sweetheart.”
“I’m happy to be here with you, too, Drew.”
• • •
Toni was totally enjoying herself. From the time she walked into Sheppard and Carson’s house, she had been made to feel right at home. Drew had been right. The inside of the house was just as beautiful as the outside. Sheppard and Carson were the nicest people. Carson had given her a tour of their home and said she and Sheppard were happy to see that Andrew now had a special person in his life.
She had met most of the people here at Stonewall and Joy’s wedding. Some were probably surprised to see her and Drew together since they had basically ignored each other at the wedding. Then again, there were some who didn’t seem surprised at all.
“You need more wine in your glass?”
She glanced over at Drew and smiled. “No, I’m fine.” Except for the time Carson had given her a tour of the house, he had not left her side. Tomorrow, before leaving for the airport, they’d promised Striker and Margo that they’d stop by and see the baby. A short while ago, a happy Quasar and Randi Fuller Patterson announced they were expecting. Toni had been introduced to Randi’s parents, and had to admit to a feeling of awe at meeting Randi’s father - famed defense attorney Randolph Fuller. She recalled studying about some of his landmark cases while in college.
“Daddy!”
Everyone turned when a little girl who looked to be no older than two, with a mop of dark curly hair on her head, raced across the room in her pajamas and right into Sheppard Granger’s arms. Drew laughed and then leaned over to say, “The Princess is making an appearance.”
“Ahh,” Toni said, when the princess proceeded to give her daddy a huge hug and a kiss.
Everybody thought it was the sweetest thing. And then, as if not to be outdone, four other little ones raced down the stairs in their pajamas, running to their grandfather for hugs and kisses, too.
An older woman came down the stairs and called for the kids. “That’s Hannah,” Drew