EPILOGUE
“Happy birthday, Daddy.” Caitlin reached up to give Henry a hug. “I hope you like your party.”
“I love my party.” It was April Fools’ Day—Henry’s birthday.
The farm-themed party thrown by Sam, Abby, and Caitlin was nothing like the elaborate ones Henry used to throw for himself.
This one was a million times better. Just like his life on the berry farm with his wife and the kids.
He glanced at Elisabeth, who was passing out pieces of the cake Iris had baked in the shape of a barn to their guests.
He kissed the top of Caitlin’s head, a mass of short blond ringlets that had grown back since her surgery.
“Thank you, princess. And I love the picture you drew for me.”
She beamed. “I love you.”
With that, she ran off to join Fallon’s kids, Audra and Ryder, who were playing with Ruff, and being supervised by Manny and Frank.
Wes, Adam, Kieran, and Brett stood on the porch.
Ryland, Mason, and Cade were inside with Sam, probably playing video games.
Abby spoke with Paige and Sela, no doubt asking the women a million questions about their careers.
Theresa, Brynn, Fallon, Iris, and Dash sat on a blanket in the front yard and played with Noelle and Brecken while Laurel, Cambria, and Rachael talked to Gabe.
Laurel already had lots of ideas for the interior of the house Henry and Elisabeth were having Gabe build. The current farmhouse was crowded enough, and once the baby arrived in November…
Henry grinned. He and Elisabeth were both surprised yet thrilled she’d gotten pregnant during their honeymoon.
He loved holidays and thought they should marry on Valentine’s Day.
They’d had a short engagement, but that was what Elisabeth had wanted.
To be honest, he’d been ready to marry her on Thanksgiving or Christmas or New Year’s Eve, but he’d been patient, even though that hadn’t been easy for him.
The wedding had been an intimate soiree held at the church in Berry Patch, with a reception at a nearby winery.
Gabe had escorted the bride down the aisle.
Theresa, Abby, and Caitlin had been at Elisabeth’s side at the front of the altar.
Sam, Brett, and Wes had stood next to Henry.
Ruff had been the ring bearer. Adam, Kieran, and Ryland had been ushers.
Dash and Mason had been the flower men and put on a show that had people laughing.
Everything had been wonderfully and elegantly coordinated by The Posh Planner, a.k.a. Rachael Reese, Mason’s wife.
Henry smiled. Family, friends, the farm.
He had so much and wanted everyone to be as happy.
He stared at Gabe, who’d caught Elisabeth’s bridal garter at their wedding reception.
Henry hoped that Gabe and Fallon would connect since all the kids got along so well, but unfortunately, there’d been no spark between them.
Still, there had to be a woman out there for Gabriel Logan.
“You seem a million miles away,” Elisabeth said.
“I was thinking that Gabe deserves to find the right woman, like I did. He’d be a lot happier. Don’t you think?”
“Maybe.” Elisabeth smiled. “But your days of sending friends on adventures are over.”
“I know,” Henry admitted. “I wouldn’t have time now to do it anyway. But I wish everyone could experience what we have together.”
“You’re too sweet.” She brushed her lips against his. “But remember, no more matchmaking.”
“Cynthia won’t let me forget.”
“Good for her,” Elisabeth teased. “And Gabe.”
Henry nodded, but an idea was taking shape in his mind. He couldn’t play matchmaker in the way he’d done in the past, but surely, no one would mind if he provided Gabe with an introduction or two…
* * * * *
Thanks for reading The Payback.