Page 55 of Laying His Claim

Justin knew that it was going to be a wonderful evening and despite all the love filling the rooftop location at Finn and Ty’s newest mega-mall complex, no one wanted to hear long speeches on the subject. “It’s a night for fun and family, for friendship and food. We’ve all booked into rooms downstairs, so nobody has to drive home. What does that mean? That we eat, drink and be merry. Thank you all for being here.”

There were cheers all around, then the music struck up again. With his arm around Jalissa, Justin began to work their way through the group, stopping to hug and kiss their many guests. His sister, Violet, and her new wife, Gaël, were looking mighty pleased; they’d just received word that their application for adoption had been approved, and they would be welcoming a three-year-old boy into their home in the next few weeks.

They moved on to Tyler’s mother and her new husband and shook hands with them. Tyler’s new stepfather was his biological father’s older brother. Small world indeed.

He felt Jalissa’s warm hand in his, squeezing lightly. “You good?” he asked.

“More than good,” she said fervently. “I’m happy. Happier than I ever imagined. Five years, would you have believed?”

“More to come,” Justin promised. “Many more.”

He was about to kiss her when a movement in the corner of his eye distracted him. “Seb! TJ! Myles! No!”

The little boys were at the table, sneakily picking strawberries off the top of the mountainous cake Jalissa’s restaurant staff had prepared for the occasion. “Dessertafterdinner, young men,” Jalissa scolded. “And please, no fingers.” She surveyed the laden table with pride.

It had been three years since she had bought out Melanie’s interest in the restaurant, changed its name and completely redecorated. Now, she took every opportunity to remind her husband that he’d better watch his step, because she was in competition with him, and his restaurant game had better be good.

“Photo, please, Madame Tremblay.” The photographer they’d hired appeared out of nowhere, startling her. Sebastian hastily stuck the strawberries he was holding into his mouth, making him look like a chipmunk. The other boys rushed off towards their parents with stuffed mouths.

“One big happy family,” the photographer encouraged. “Let’s get a shot.”

“Then you’ll need this little one,” Justin announced, appearing at her side with baby Rose, whose pretty little pink floral outfit echoed her name. Just five months old, but happy and thriving. They’d named her that, Justin liked to joke, because everything was coming up roses.

“Kiss, please,” the photographer urged them. Pressed against each other in a four-way hug, Justin and Jalissa held each other’s eyes for one long, loving moment. They kissed as they were told, as the photographer clicked away until Seb slammed his hands into his stuffed cheeks, sending a squirt of strawberry everywhere. There was a rapid series of clicks, and everyone joined in the laughter.

“Did you get that shot?” Jalissa asked the photographer hopefully.

“Sure did,” he said, and grinned.

It would be the best one, she was sure.

THE END