Chapter 16 - The Reception and the Toast
The courtyard transformed as the sun dipped below the desert horizon, painting the sky in deep shades of indigo and violet while the overhead fairy lights cast a warm, twinkling canopy across the reception tables.
The sound of clinking silverware, lively chatter, and soft laughter filled the air as the caterers served slow-roasted prime rib, garlic herb potatoes, and crisp local greens.
After dinner, Ross stood up, tapping his water glass lightly with a silver spoon to gather everyone's attention.
“If I could borrow everyone’s attention for just a couple of minutes,” Ross began, a warm smile spreading across his face as he looked around the room.
Applause rippled through the tables as Ross continued.
“When I first met Jolene, I knew instantly that she was someone special,” Ross said, his eyes locking onto mine across the table. “She is fierce, brilliant, fiercely protective of the people she loves, and stubborn enough to take on a legal battle and an Alaskan cruise all at once just to ensure her daughter’s happiness.”
Callie grinned proudly from beside me, her chin held high.
“Jolene, you and Callie brought stability, warmth, and absolute joy into my life,” Ross continued, his voice softening. “Thank you for trusting me, for building this life with me, and for showing me what true family really looks like. I love you both, more than words can possibly express.”
The room erupted into cheers and applause as Ross raised his glass. I felt a hot tear track down my cheek, but I was smiling too broadly to care.
Then, Cory stood up, holding her own glass high. “Can I say a quick toast?” she announced, her lawyerly confidence shining through.
Ross handed her the microphone with a laugh.
“I just want to add,” Cory said, scanning the crowd with a triumphant grin, “as someone who spent the last three months reviewing contracts, court filings, and cease-and-desist letters on Jolene’s behalf... I can officially confirm that some cases are won not just in a courtroom, but by refusing to back down when someone tries to make you feel small. To Jolene, Ross, and Callie—may your titles be clear, your roads be smooth, and your family circle be filled only with people who truly deserve you.”
May you like
The toast was met with a thunderous roar of agreement and clinking glasses.
Later, as the music shifted to an upbeat playlist and Wendy finally plugged in her portable karaoke machine near the dessert table, Callie grabbed my hand and pulled me onto the dance floor.
