compassionate little lady…” She glances to her side, meeting Imogene’s smile before returning her attention to the rest of the table, “but I’m also able to celebrate my favorite holiday in this house of so many memories with not only the woman my brother loves more than I think he’s ever loved anyone, but also with her family.” She gestures to Hazel and Diego, who share a look. “And that’s the thing I’ve learned over the years.” She brings her eyes to mine. “Blood doesn’t make you family. Love. Devotion. Commitment. That’s what binds you together. And I’m blessed to call all of you my family. So, in the spirit of family, here’s one of Gampy’s favorite toasts.”
She raises her glass. “May the roof above these friends never fall in, and the friends below this roof never fall out.”
“I’ll drink to that,” Hazel says, about to bring her glass to her lips, but Londyn places her hand on her arm, stopping her.
“Not yet. There are a few more, including one I think you’ll like.”
“Do you want to go next, honeybee?” I ask. “I’d prefer to go last, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course not.”
Smiling, she pushes back from her chair and stands, raising her glass. She closes her eyes and clears her throat before refocusing her attention on everyone. “A drink to those who do and those who don’t,” Londyn begins.
Hazel bursts out laughing. I assume it’s an inside joke between the two of them. She jumps up, standing beside Londyn, her glass also raised.
“But not to those who say they will but later decide they won’t,” Hazel continues, then glances at her husband, who happily stands, as well.
“For the ones I’ll toast from the dawning of the day to the darkness of the night,” Diego states before looking back to Londyn.
“Are the ones who say I never have…,” she finishes, returning her attention to me. “But for you, I just might.”
Retaking her chair, she curves toward me, her mouth brushing mine, sending a shiver through me. I might be misreading the signs, but I can’t shake the feeling this is Londyn’s way of declaring in front of all the important people in her life that she’s finally made peace with her past. That she’s finally willing to only look forward to a future…with me.
“For you, I just might,” I repeat, momentarily forgetting we’re not alone as I swipe my tongue against the seam of her lips, begging for a quick taste of her.
“You two kiss a lot,” Imogene comments, breaking through our moment.
We reluctantly pull away from each other, and Londyn averts her eyes, as she always does when embarrassed.
“You go, girl,” Hazel remarks, nudging her.
“It’s what two people do when they’re in love,” Julia tells Imogene.
She frowns. “Then why don’t you kiss Daddy?”
Julia swallows hard, darting her nervous gaze to me, as if worried about how I’ll respond to this news. But I won’t press. I’ve been through relationship troubles myself. I hope they can work out whatever they’re going through. For Imogene’s sake.
“We do, sweet pea.” She smiles, but it wavers.
“Okay then,” Londyn interjects, obviously sensing Julia’s unease. “I believe we have one toast left.”
I lift myself to my feet once more. “I’ll admit, I took some artistic license with one of Gampy’s favorite toasts. Made it more fitting for the occasion.”
Drawing in a deep breath, I raise my glass. This time, everyone joins me, knowing this will be the final toast of the evening. Then I shift my attention to Londyn, as if speaking only to her. In a way, I am.
“Here’s to roses and lilies in bloom. You in my arms and me in your room. A door that is locked, a key that is lost. Honeybees, and Ferris wheels, and a bed that is tossed. Smiles, and laughter, and a place to get away. And a love that lasts forever and a day.”
I allow my words to sink in for a moment, unshed tears glistening in her eyes. Then I turn my attention back to the rest of the guests.
“Here’s to a wonderful meal amongst good friends. Memories made together that time transcends. A bottomless glass and a cup that runs over. Hearts filled with love that never sobers. Smiles, and laughter, and a place to get away. And friendships that last forever and a day.”
“I’ll drink to that,” Julia says as we all clink glasses.
When I lower myself back to my chair, Londyn squeezes my thigh. I look at her, and she lifts her