Chapter 34
Reva found herself settled in the heart of her living room, encircled by her dearest friends and neighbors.
In the kitchen, Charlie Grace busied herself with arranging a sandwich platter, while Lila gently stirred a pitcher of lemonade. Capri took charge of filling the ice bucket.
Nearby, Nicola and Wooster Cavendish stood by the window, close to Albie, as Gibbs and Lizzy cozied up on a blanket, cradling their newborn.
The Knit Wit ladies, perched on folding chairs, engaged in eager speculation, buzzing with curiosity about the purpose of their gathering. Even Pete and Annie Cumberland had joined, pausing their duties at the Rustic Pine for the afternoon to be there.
A palpable sense of expectation filled the air, a collective sense of being on the cusp of learning something significant—yet none of them were privy to the details.
Kellen cleared his throat, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. His eyes met Reva’s, a spark of nervous excitement flickering in his gaze. “I have something to share,” he began, his voice steady yet filled with emotion. “Something I did, hoping it would bring us all closer to a resolution we’ve been dreaming of.”
Reva leaned forward, her heart beating a little faster, knowing that whatever Kellen was about to reveal, it was important.
“I went to see Lucan’s grandfather in prison,” Kellen continued, his admission hanging in the air. The room fell silent, the weight of his words settling over them like a blanket. Reva’s eyes widened in surprise, and she instinctively glanced at the crowd, who seemed as astonished as she at this news.
“I’m not sure I’m following you, Kellen,” she said, her hands slightly trembling.
Kellen recounted his visit, detailing the conversation with Lucan’s grandfather, the heartfelt plea for a new beginning, and the discussion of the hard truths about the challenges facing young black men without guidance. “I told him about the love and stability this community can offer Lucan,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. He moved to join Reva and placed his arm around her waist. “And about the future we could build together, as a family.”
“What are you talking about?” Capri demanded. “You went to see that guy in jail?”
Kellen nodded. “I offered him a recommendation for release and a job when he got out, with me at Warner Automotive. I also offered him a place to live and an opportunity for a supervised internship where he can learn new skills and support himself. A fresh start. A start near his grandson.”
Reva’s lip quivered as she drew an unstable breath. “What are you saying, Kellen?”
He turned and took her hands in his, brought them to his mouth, and kissed her knuckles. “I’m saying he agreed to an open adoption—with the provision he remains as Lucan’s official grandfather with full visitation. And Lucan is to retain the surname Dorsey.”
Kellen looked at Reva, who was now shaking with emotion. “I thought you’d agree to those terms.”
As Kellen spoke of the tear that had slipped down the old man’s cheek, a sign of his understanding and acceptance of the proposed offer, Reva felt her own eyes well up with tears. The grandfather had agreed to put Lucan’s well-being above all else after all.
There was a knock on the door. Jewel scrambled over and threw it open.
Bea Followill stood there with Lucan in her arms. “I believe I have something of yours,” she offered, her face brimming with delight.
The room erupted into a mixture of shocked gasps and soft cries of joy. Reva reached for Lucan, her hands shaking as she took his little body and pulled him against her, a gesture filled with gratitude and love. “Ma-ma?” he gurgled with a wide grin.
Incredulous, her voice a mere whisper, she asked Kellen, “You did this for us? For Lucan?”
A smile pierced Kellen’s usually somber expression. He nodded. “For all of us, for the family we might someday become.”
The realization of what Kellen’s words and actions meant—for Lucan’s future and hers—swept through the room. Sensing the shift in emotions, Lucan abandoned the toy he was holding. He climbed from Reva’s embrace into Kellen’s arms, looking from face to face with curious eyes.
“We’re going to be a real family, Lucan,” Reva whispered to him, her voice steady despite the tears streaming down her cheeks. “You’re going to grow up surrounded by so much love, and your grandfather…he’s going to be part of our lives too.”
As she and Kellen gathered closer, the boundaries between them blurred, united by a profound sense of family and a future filled with hope. While their relationship was new and uncharted, there was little doubt they were embarking on a journey together, fortified by the love and sacrifices that had led them to this moment—a moment born from Kellen’s courage and compassion that had marked the dawn of a new chapter for them all.
Reva looked around the room at these people who were so dear to her. She glanced at Kellen holding Lucan. Big crocodile tears of happiness and pure joy rolled down her cheeks. These were the moments that would echo in her heart forever.
She simply couldn’t ask for more.
Ready For More ofthe Teton Mountain Series? Check out book three: HOLDING THE DREAM and read about the man who weasels into Lila’s life…in unwanted ways!