Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 42461 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 142(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42461 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 142(@300wpm)
“What are you guys doing here?” he choked out.
“Mayor Rebekkah is a good friend of your mother’s, son. She called and said we had to come and see what you’ve done here. See the lives you’ve touched.”
And there went the tears as people stood and clapped for him.
Royal hadn’t noticed his baby brother, and when he did, he thought the tears would never end.
“Cam,” Royal said around a watery laugh. “Shit, you’re huge now.”
His brother laughed and stepped in for a hug. “It’s great to see you, bro. We missed you man.”
Royal squeezed his little brother until he grunted. He thought they’d all washed their hands of him. His mother had responded to his letters and sent him greeting cards on the holidays but he’d never called them, afraid of getting the cold shoulder.
He couldn’t understand why everyone was clapping for him. He’d only done what he was good at, and that was make money and good investments. Royal supposed he still wasn’t used to people appreciating it yet.
The town had pulled together and done this for him.
Stone, ever the quiet strength standing behind him, stuck his hand out towards his father, giving a respectful nod. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”
Royal wiped at his tears. “Mom, Dad, this is my fiancé, Beauregard Stone.”
“Call him Stone! Don’t you dare call him Bo or Royal will slap your lips off!” Arthur, Stone’s best friend yelled from the other side of the room.
Royal’s exclusive privilege of calling Stone, Bo, was a running joke in the town.
The room erupted in laughter and Stone threw the guy he’d asked to be his best man a hard glare.
His mom giggled as she covered her mouth. “Married…you’re getting married?”
“Taking the vows. It’s about damn time, bro, what are you like sixty now?” Cameron smirked.
“I’m forty-five, smart ass. Only eight years older than you.” Royal rolled his eyes, a wide grin stretching his mouth.
It was obvious Cameron was still the same baby brother who loved to rib him. Royal was so overwhelmed he could hardly express what he wanted to say. He needed a minute.
“I hope you guys can stay for a while.” Royal glanced around for Mrs. Pearl, “I’ll pay for your rooms. Please don’t say you have to leave soon.”
“It’s all taken care of, Royal,” the Mayor said.
“Bro, I can work from anywhere that has Wi-Fi. I’m not leaving until after you folks’ Lobster festival in June. I hear the lobster rolls are so good that you gotta make reservations like six months in advance.” Cameron rubbed his hands together.
“Lobsters as big as my head,” Big Hank added.
“Hank.” Jojo stood on her chair, “Why the heck is everything you harvest as big as your damn head?”
There was so much raucous laughter it sounded as if they were in a comedy club.
Royal clutched his chest. This was his family…his life, his world.
When the noise died down he turned to Mrs. Pearl who was standing with the mayor and other town officials.
“I can’t believe you all did this. How did you keep this a secret?”
“Probably because they didn’t let Aimee and Edna know.” Stone laughed.
“Hey.” Edna’s head shot up from behind Hank’s.
The teasing and joyfulness increased tenfold in the room anytime Stone laughed. No one was fully used to it yet. It was still a rare delight to see it after so many years.
“Let’s toast to Royal and Stone!” The Mayor raised her champagne flute “To a perfect match. Your wedding will be the grandest festival this town has ever seen!”
After another long round of cheers and applause,
Royal lifted his glass and wrapped his other arm around his fiancé’s waist.
“Here’s to a new year for Windeville. May it be filled with joy, growth, and prosperity.” He glanced towards his parents and little brother, then added, “Cheers to family, love and unforgettable memories.”
Everyone raised their glasses high.
“Cheers! Happy New Year!”
The End