Chapter Twenty-Six #2
“It’s okay, Ponytail,” Dad says as he puts his arm around her, using the nickname he coined for her when they were Lily and Liam’s age. “I’m super emotional, too. I think we deserve to be after raising such amazing kids.”
Mom smiles and rests her head on his shoulder.
Per Easton and Dani’s insistence, a car comes to pick us up. All five of us plus Aunt Amanda, Uncle Alejandro, and Alex get inside. The drive to the Knight mansion is a short one, and it’s not long before the driver pulls up to the beautiful, massive house.
“Will they have sushi?” Alex asks his parents as he gets out of the car.
“I’m sure they’ll have sushi,” his dad assures him.
Aunt Amanda says to us, “We had him try it the other day and he’s completely hooked. It’s all he’ll eat these days.”
The gate surrounding the Knight mansion opens, and all of us walk through, heading up the stairs leading to the mansion.
No more than a few seconds pass before the door opens and a staff member welcomes us in.
My family and I are used to this because we’ve visited the Knights countless times, but my cousin is totally in awe.
The exterior of the mansion is exquisite, but the interior is even ten times better, and he feels like he really has just walked into a palace.
“Are you sure they’re gonna have sushi?” he asks.
We all laugh at that.
“Hey!” Dani calls as she descends the marble stairs that lead upstairs. “You’re all here!”
Dani has beautiful long dark wavy hair that usually cascades down her shoulders. Tonight, though, it’s also pulled into an elegant updo, and her white dress sparkles.
“I want to hug all of you, but the birthday girl first!” She yanks me into her arms and squeezes me tightly. “Oh my gosh, Evie. Just look at you. Our first Musketeer baby is all grown up.”
“You sound just as bad as my parents,” I grumble as she continues to hug me. Doesn’t look like she has any intention of letting me go.
“You’ll understand one day when you have kids,” she says.
“That’s what they say.”
“I hope you have a wonderful birthday and that all of your dreams and wishes come true.” She pulls back to gaze into my face. “This is your special day. Don’t hesitate to ask for anything you want. Easton and I will provide.”
I perk up. “You’ll give me a million dollars?”
She chuckles and taps my nose. “Don’t push your luck. Seriously, though. We want tonight to be special for you.”
“Thanks.” I hug her again. “And thanks for hosting my party. I know I’ll never forget it.”
As Dani exchanges hugs with everyone else, footsteps hurry down the stairs before Ava appears.
She launches herself at me as she wishes me a happy birthday, then hugs Lily and Liam, and then they spend a few minutes whispering excitedly.
Ava’s hair is identical to her mom’s, but hers flows down her shoulders tonight.
“This is going to be so much fun!” she gushes. “Aidan and I will spend the whole night dancing. My grandma has prepared the yummiest food. Prepared to get stuffed, guys.”
“Nice,” Liam says. “I’m starving.”
“Will there be sushi?” Alex asks with wide, hopeful eyes.
“Of course,” Ava assures him.
“You’d better be careful, Alex,” I tell him. “If you eat too much sushi, you’ll turn into one.”
His eyes bug out. “I will?”
“Stop messing with him!” Lily scolds. “Of course you won’t turn into one,” she promises him. “Don’t listen to Evie. She can get away with anything tonight because it’s her birthday.”
“Do you want a tour of the house, Alex?” Ava asks him.
“Sure!”
Easton has now joined the party, he, too, wishing me a happy birthday and exchanging hugs with everyone.
Then we head to the ballroom, where the party is set up.
I have to say that the Knights have gone all out.
The place looks gorgeous, the tables set with white tablecloths with intricate designs, the utensils gleam under the stunning chandeliers, and the floor shines.
There are a few buffet tables set up with gourmet dishes that smell delicious.
Vivian Wood is giving orders to her staff. When she notices us, she heads over to exchange greetings and hugs.
“Thanks so much for catering the party, Vivian,” Mom says as she hugs her again. “My family really appreciates it.”
Vivian grins at me. “It’s not every day a girl turns eighteen, is it? I made some of your favorite dishes, Evie.”
“You’re awesome! Thanks.” I hug her again.
“It’s my pleasure. I need to check on the food.”
“We hope you’ll have time to join the party, too, Mom,” Dani tells her. “Because you’re certainly invited.”
Her mom nods. “Thanks, Dani. I sure will.”
As we start sampling the food—which is oh my gosh to die for—some of the guests start to arrive. Uncle Zane and Aunt Bailey, along with Zoey and Brock, walk into the ballroom, immediately searching for us. The kids spot us first and point, and then the four of them hurry over.
“I think I’m going to crack from all these hugs,” I mutter as Aunt Bailey squishes me to her chest.
She laughs. “You’d better get used to it, kiddo. There are so many people who love you and want to celebrate with you.” Her eyes get wistful as she studies me. “I remember when you were little—”
I hold up my hands. “Not you, too.”
“Okay, but can I just say one thing? Pretty please?”
I sigh. “Go ahead.”
“Thanks! I remember when you showed me your first artwork. You were only three years old, but man was that a masterpiece. I knew right then that you’d grow up to be an amazing artist.”
Her words cause warmth to enter me. “Thanks, Aunt Bailey. That means a lot.”
“And I also remember how obsessed you were with me when Uncle Zane and I got together in our junior year.”
“Obsessed? I was not obsessed.”
“Yes you were! You always wanted to play with me or ask me to read you a story. There was a time when Zane was jealous because he loved reading to you.”
I throw my uncle an apologetic smile. “Sorry about that.”
He chuckles as he waves his hand. “You had good taste even back then.”
Aunt Bailey clutches her heart as she gazes at her husband with nothing but love shining in her eyes. “That was so sweet, Rebel.”
“Are you surprised after all these years, Dynamo?”
“Dynamo.” She chuckles. “Haven’t heard that one in a while.”
“Are the Wests here yet?” Brock asks, craning his neck left and right. “Is Lexi here?”
“Not yet,” Ava tells him. “But don’t worry. She’ll be here soon.”
More guests arrive, each of them wishing me a happy birthday and then heading to the buffet table for the delicious food.
My grandparents arrive as well, and Grandma has tears in her eyes just like Mom did.
One would think I was getting married or something.
But I guess as their first grandchild, it’s pretty emotional for them.
It means the world that I have so many people in my life who love me to death.