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TWENTY-THREE
Oliver had only been to the Schultz’s home a few times over the years, but never as a dinner guest. His palms were sweaty as he climbed out of his Jeep and walked up the cobblestone driveway to the entrance. He rang the doorbell as he straightened his navy sport coat.
The door opened, and their butler Gerard greeted him warmly, ushered him inside, and took his coat.
“He’s here!” a familiar voice echoed through the house.
And then Adelia came into view, and his heart skipped a beat at the sight. Her long blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders in thick waves, and the long topaz dress she wore made the blue of her eyes pop.
“Olly!” She raced across the foyer and attacked him with a hug.
He laughed as he returned the embrace. It felt so good to have her in his arms again.
“I’m so happy to see you,” she spoke close to his ear.
“Me too.” He let go and gave her a smile. “When did you get in?”
“A few hours ago.” She gave him a once-over. “You look nice.”
His eyes traveled down the length of her dress and back. “You look more than nice. You look … like a movie star.”
She laughed as she took his arm. “Come in, come in.” She led him through to the family room where everyone was seated.
Simultaneous greetings went up from around the room.
Ephraim stood and shook his hand. “Welcome, Oliver.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Adelia led him to an empty seat beside her on one of the couches. Sebastian and his wife Genevieve were cuddled up on a love seat. Gus was sitting on the end of the couch with Skylar and Franky. Merritt was in the chair next to him, and Harriet, the matriarch of the family, was seated in a chair near the fireplace.
Ephraim went to stand next to the fireplace then, and Gus angled toward Oliver and spoke with a low voice. “It’s about to get all formal in here.”
Oliver raised an eyebrow.
“Don’t worry.” Merritt leaned forward and talked around Gus. “This is just what he does.”
“Now that everyone’s here,” Ephraim began, “I want to welcome our special guest, Officer Wood.”
Oliver smiled and nodded at the family, uncomfortable being the center of attention.
“This family owes you a great debt of gratitude for the many ways you’ve helped us these past years. You’ve gone above and beyond your regular duty more times than I can count.” His eyes drifted to Gus.
“Hey!” Gus’s eyes narrowed. “Direct your gaze elsewhere, Dad.”
Everyone laughed, and Gus screwed up his face at them as Merritt patted him supportively on the knee. He pretended to push her hand away then laughed and leaned in to kiss her.
Ephraim cleared his throat and continued. “We can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done, for defending our family, for watching over our sweet Adelia. You have forever earned an honorary place in this family, Oliver, and you are welcome here any time.” He took a glass of wine from the side table and raised it in the air. “To Oliver.”
The others took glasses and did the same.
“To Oliver!”
Oliver didn’t know what to say. This wasn’t the first time he’d been recognized for his service on the force, but there was something about being acknowledged like this, in such an intimate setting, that meant more than any formal ceremony ever could.
Adelia reached over and squeezed his hand. “To Oliver.”
He smiled at her, warmed by the look of adoration in her eyes.