60 — Catarina Foster
Six months later…
— Baby, where is that charity dinner we have today? — Noah asks me.
— In Harlem, life. Why?
— Curiosity, I know that we have already helped some institutions since the closure of Saint Peters, however, I didn't know of any there yet.
— Hmm. We better see if our son has stopped playing with grandpa, we need to get ready or we'll be late.
— I'll take my smoking pro Ty's room, I'll get ready with him. — Kiss Me. — I love you Angel.
Our honeymoon was, in addition to being very pleasant — of course — a special moment between the three of us. We created an excellent connection with our little one. When we returned — against our will — we went to give our statement regarding the institution that was being investigated. The place was closed, the children were relocated to new institutions, something that the girls and I made a point of following and helping with donations and lots of affection. That social worker and the director of the place, along with a few other people, were arrested for corruption and mistreatment of minors.
And, indeed, the gate that connects our gardens was already ready by the time we arrived at our new house. Ty loved it, as he could go alone and play a few games of chess with Jack.
I haven't returned to the company yet, I took advantage of the time at home to continue the Foundation's work. The only one who doesn't suspect is my husband, after all, I got everyone else to help.
Lynn and Mom got some professionals to help the children a few days a week, such as psychological support, pedagogy, painting classes and a few other activities. Dom hired a team for the cafeteria, as we will have daily meals there too, as well as support from a nutritionist. For now, this is what we managed to cover in these six months and, today, with the dance, we intend, in addition to making the inauguration official, also raising some funds to expand the facilities, providing services to a greater number of children. The objective is for people to become aware and help others, to have empathy.
— Wow, my boys look beautiful. — I bend down to give Ty a kiss and dizziness hits me.
— Are you okay, mommy? — he asks, worried.
— Yes, my little one.
—Are you sure, love? We can stay home if you're not feeling well.
— I'm fine, I just made a quick move. Let's go?
What Noah doesn't know is that, in addition to the Foundation, there is one more surprise waiting for him, our son has become my accomplice. When I told him this week that I was expecting a baby, tears came from his eyes, making me emotional. I remember your words as if it were now.
“ — Will I have a little brother? In truth? Can I tell daddy?
— Yes, my little one, our family is growing, but what do you think we surprise Dad and tell him about it on the day of the dance?
— Can we buy some baby clothes and then deliver them to him there?
— We can do whatever you want. — I stroked his hair. — I just want you to know that my love for you will not decrease, on the contrary, it only increases more and more. And seeing you call me mom is the best gift I could have received in my life. I love you, my little one.
— Hi, I'm Ty, your older brother. I promise to always be here for you. Our family is really cool and I already like you a lot. — he spoke to my belly, placing a kiss, making my eyes cloud with tears. ”
— Adam and J., they are already waiting for us, can we go? —Noah asks.
— Let's go. And speaking of them, I've tried to find out about their love lives, but they won't tell me anything — Noah smiles.
— It really is a mystery. Are you trying to act like a cupid?
— Oh, that would be cool, they spend so much time with us, they're practically family too. And, by the way, did you hear anything about Travis' sister?
— Nothing yet, but the searches continue.
I confess that on the wedding day I missed Travis, he is a great person and I really forgave him, but Beni told me that he had asked for a week off, to pursue some clue they had discovered.
Apparently, nothing came of it.
As soon as we arrive in front of the foundation, I see the red carpet and people from the press around the protective barrier. Mom and Sarah were responsible for organizing today's event and, apparently, it was a luxury.
— Look there — I indicate a reporter —, it's the girl from the day we looked for Ty. — We continued until we stopped next to it.
— Hello, good evening — greets us. — Could you answer a question?
— Clear. — I get a little closer. — I liked you, Melissa. — her cheeks take on a rosy hue.
— Is the Foundation you inaugurate today related to your family? — Raise an eyebrow, this girl is perceptive.
— Hmm, I don't know, who knows? Wait a moment. — I turn to call Adam. — Get her contact and, Melissa, this week I'll give you an exclusive about tonight, okay?
— Ohh! Clear! Can I take a photo of you?
— Yes. — We smiled at her, me and my boys. — Have a good night — I say goodbye.
—What is all this mystery? In fact, I remembered now, I didn't ask you the name of the Foundation — Noah comments.
— You will already know. — Pisco.
—What have you been up to?
— Nothing, I'm an angel, after all, you call me that. — We heard Ty laugh.
We enter the place, which enchants with its decoration. clean — but exuding luxury — we greeted some guests and proceeded close to the stage that had been set up.
— Is it just me, or in addition to the family, did the rest of the class also come? — Noah asks, suspicious.
— Yes, everyone is here. Let's go to our table.
We approach where everyone is, in front of the stage.
— I thought they wouldn't come — Erik comments.
— We were just a little late — Noah says. — I didn't expect to see you here.
— Ah, since this kid arrived, we've joined good causes too — Dom says, hugging Ty.
— Mom — I call her, while Noah is scattered with the boys —, will the speech open the dinner and then the dance?
— Yes, you can get ready, they will call you soon.
— Right. I'm nervous.
— Everything is fine, daughter.
Some businesspeople, as well as senators, doctors and judges who were invited, come to greet us. I won't be naive to think that they are here just for the donations, as many of them take advantage of these events to close new contracts, however, what matters to me is the final balance of the night, so that we can continue expanding the place .
— Good evening everyone! — the master of ceremonies says. — We are happy with your presence, we hope you have fun tonight, as well as helping to contribute to this new organization, which values ??children's well—being. Now, I would like to call to the stage the creator of this project, Mrs. Catarina Foster. — I hear the applause.
— Surprise, love. I'll be right back. — I give Noah a warm kiss, who watches me with an enigmatic look. — Ty, are you coming with me? — He nods, intertwining his hand with mine.
— Thank you — I thank the ceremonialist. — Good evening everyone. First of all, I would like to thank all of you who are here today, at a special moment for the Foster family and especially for my husband, Noah. Well, he doesn't know yet, but this was his doing. — I smile, hearing some laughter in the room. — 19 years ago, we met, thanks to our dear Iolanda, who at the time was my nanny and now works with us. The twists and turns that life takes... Anyway, as a child, I engraved in my memory the boy in the tree in Central Park, well, I didn't know who he was or what his name was, later on, I came to discover that, in a way, he also recorded the girl with the blue gaze in his mind. We both went through tortuous moments, however, today is the beginning of a new cycle in our lives, and knowing the love and longing, that even though he denies it, he feels for his late mother and knowing a little about the admirable woman who was for his son , of everything she was capable of protecting him, and especially of the situations that women like her still go through today, with their children. I present to you the Katherine Foundation, named after her. — Applause and whistles echo throughout the room.
I wait for the commotion to pass and ask, with a gesture, for him to come to us, which doesn't take long to happen. He wraps us, emotionally, with his arms.
— Thank you — he whispers in my ear.
— Good, but as I am an unconditional fan of surprises, I would like to share, not only with our friends, but with everyone here, some beautiful news. I know it's public knowledge what we went through a while ago, with my kidnapping and the abortion. My savior was this boy, who I am proud to call my son today, Tyler Foster. — I turn to Noah. — And he is the one who will give you a gift from us. — I watch Adam pass the package to our little one.
— Hey guys. — Ty says, shyly. — Dad, I want you to open this now, okay?
— Yes, son — Noah replies, his voice breaking.
His reaction, upon seeing the t—shirt we had made that says “I was promoted to big brother… And you will have gray hair”, is incredible. Noah turns into a tangle of laughter and tears. He hugs us, radiating joy!
— I'm going to be a father! Again! Holy shit! — he shouts at the top of his lungs and receives applause from everyone. — I'm sorry, son, I couldn't contain myself. I love you. — Hugs us, making my hormones activate successfully and crying overwhelm me.
— Good night people! I know that many here worked hard, together with my wife, for us all to be here today, and I thank each and every one of you for embarking on this project and supporting it. I lack words to describe the happiness I am feeling at the moment, not only for the Foundation that bears my mother's name, but also for the news that the family is growing. I hope we can count on you so that this project can welcome more and more children in situations that both my son and I have been through at one time. It is these small gestures that influence a child's life, regardless of their financial condition or not. And, without further ado, I would like to thank Mr. Jackson Foster, for being my example of a father and a human being. I love you, dad! — The guests give him a standing ovation. — Now, enjoy, and let's have a beautiful party. — He extends his hand to me, taking our son with the other and leading us to the table where our family is.
— Oh, my darlings, I'm so happy for you! — Mom hugs us. — I think I'm going to make a playroom at home, so when the kids come to spend the weekend with me, it's not fair for them to see more of Norah than me.
—Stop being jealous, Victória! That way, I'll want one day a week with me too — Sarah warns.
— Oh, stop grumbling, you know you're welcome at home at any time — my mother—in—law warns.
— Congratulations and ignore this pointless dispute — my father—in—law says, making us smile.
— Another nephew arriving! I'm going to go bankrupt like this! — Gael hugs us.
We receive greetings from everyone around us, we listen to Lynn's crazy outbursts, enjoying and sharing our joy, when a familiar voice catches our attention.
— Family, I’m here! — Beni is standing next to us, and we are taken by surprise to find him with a baby in his arms and a huge smile on his face. — I mean, we’re here !