She held out her arms to encompass all the Mavericks. And when their hugfest was over, she caught Cal’s eye. When he smiled and nodded, she said, “I’m glad you’re all here, because this way I can tell you all at the same time.” She reached for Cal’s hand. “We want you all to know we’re getting married.”
Every single Maverick in the whole darn place cheered.
It might even have been louder than a herd of stampeding buffalo.
Epilogue
The New Year’s fundraising gala at Dane Harrington’s Napa resort was a rousing success. By eight o’clock, the ballroom was crammed with beautifully dressed partygoers. Drinks were flowing, appetizers were abundant, and Dane had released hundreds of black, silver, and purple balloons, which now floated against the high ceiling. The walls were draped in matching tinsel foil, and silver tablecloths draped thirty tables with seating for ten, the chair covers and napkins all in black. Crystal glasses sparkled and silverware glittered, ready for the sit-down gourmet meal. Dane Harrington had graciously donated everything—the venue, the food, the staff, and the drinks.
Lyssa stood with Cal near the edge of the dance floor, looking out over the party. With his arm around her, Cal surprised her by capturing her mouth in a quick and sizzling kiss.
She loved being with him like this—no more hiding, no more dashing into secluded glades for a little nookie, no more worrying about what the family would think. Standing next to Cal, Lyssa felt the wonder of being with him all over again—the heat of his arm around her, the warmth of his body, the beguiling scent of him—and knew their love would always feel fresh and thrilling and new.
“This fundraiser is amazing,” she said, once she’d gotten her breath back in the wake of his second, then third impromptu kiss. She’d worked on some of the planning, but as far as she was concerned, most of this was down to Dane.
“Harrington sure knows how to throw a party,” Cal noted.
And Cal knew how to dress for it in a tailored black tux. He was drool-worthy, as always. And he was hers.
Lyssa wore a classic black, flirty cocktail dress. She’d been thrilled to have the chance to wear it one more time before she’d no longer be able to zip it up. “Do you know how much money this event will bring to the foundation?” She named a seven-figure amount that would all go to Lean on Us. Everyone who was anyone in Silicon Valley was here tonight, plus all the Mavericks, of course, who were mingling with the guests.
“Have I mentioned recently how much I love your accounting mind?”
She grinned, pulling him in for a kiss this time.
Then Gideon spotted them across the room and made a beeline for them, Rosie’s hand in his. She wore a beautiful red dress with a pencil skirt, and Gideon was no less dashing in his tuxedo.
“This is amazeballs.” Rosie was breathless with awe.
“Harrington is definitely an asset,” Gideon acknowledged with a wide smile.
“Where’s Jorge?” Lyssa asked.
“We’ve got a sitter, and they’re deep into Legos, so Ari and I decided the boys should stay in the room.”
“Smart. You wouldn’t want to lose them in this crowd.”
Lyssa had already lost sight of the other Mavericks. But wait, there was Tasha in a burgundy strapless number and Daniel wearing his tux, though he looked ready to tug off the tie and cummerbund. He’d called her every day to see how the baby was doing, and even though she was still a little bit mad at him for trying to drown her fiancé, she loved her brother’s excitement over his growing niece or nephew.
Lyssa had seen her mom and dad fifteen minutes ago, her mother gorgeous in a floor-length royal blue gown and her father surprisingly comfortable in a new tailored suit.
She spotted Sebastian seating Francine at a table so she didn’t have to lean on her walker. Charlie’s silver chiffon matched the décor.
Jeremy was by the appetizer table, happily wolfing down food, while Harper, in a lovely teal dress with a flared skirt, was probably warning him not to spoil his dinner. Will looked snazzy in a gray tux as he rounded out their trio. It was actually Will and Harper’s anniversary, and they’d all celebrated with them earlier in the day. A lot had happened in a year.
“There’s Ari and Matt.” Lyssa waved, but she didn’t think they saw her in the crush.
“She always looks so good in cream and lace.” Then Rosie looked at Lyssa. “Have you seen Kelsey?”
Lyssa nodded. “She came with Evan and Paige.” Which meant Tony and their mother were somewhere in the throng too. “They also picked up Chi.”
Gideon glanced at his watch and turned to Cal. “Should we gather up our guests of honor?” He grinned. “That way we can get to dinner.”
Cal asked Lyssa, “Are you sure you don’t want to join us behind the mic? After all, none of this would have been possible without you.”
“I’m sure.” She kissed him again before sending him off. “Now go. Gideon’s not the only one who’s hungry.” To prove her point, her stomach growled loudly enough to be heard over the music and chatter.
Watching their men go, Rosie told Lyssa, “Gideon’s ecstatic about the gala and all the donations for the foundation. But most especially that he’ll be able to honor his old friends.”
Earlier in the day, before the gala, there’d been a small reception where everyone had been introduced—the Mavericks, Dane’s family, Gideon’s guests.
Gideon truly seemed to have reached a new level of peace and happiness. It was Rosie’s and Jorge’s love, of course, but it was also finally feeling like he was achieving something important.
The lights dimmed, signaling everyone to quiet down and look toward the dance floor, where a small dais had been set up with a lectern and microphone.
Cal stepped into the spotlight. “Ladies and gentlemen, I’m Cal Danniger of Lean on Us, and thank you for coming tonight. We’re glad you all seem to be having such a wonderful evening so far.”
He had such a strong presence and was so handsome and kind. His deep voice was like a caress along Lyssa’s skin. She put her hand on her belly and wondered how she could be so lucky. Not only had she found this incredible man, but she was also making a family with him.
“The foundation would like to thank Dane Harrington for providing this venue for our New Year’s celebration.” He saluted Dane, who was flanked by his brothers and sisters, a very attractive and compelling family group.
“We’re here tonight to dedicate the Lean on Us Foundation to the memory of Karmen Sanchez, a daughter, a nurse, a friend, a soldier, who lost her life in defense of her country and while rushing to the aid of her wounded comrades. I’ve asked Gideon Jones to tell you more.”
Rosie’s face glowed with love and pride as Gideon stepped into the spotlight beside Cal.
Gideon and Cal leaned in for a manly, back-slap hug. But Lyssa could see the emotion on Cal’s face. Lean on Us wasn’t just his job or responsibility. It was a duty and an honor, and something he believed in as much as Gideon did.
As Gideon took his place at the microphone, Cal left the dance floor, coming back to her, taking her hand as though there was nowhere else he’d rather be.