Page 123 of Finding Home

Elle glanced at them smiling from Clayton’s arms. The entire room was watching them with happy faces, clicking cameras, and even an iPad videoing the scene.

“Do you want to see the ring.” He set Elle back on her feet.

“Yes, please.”

There was a tiny click as the box opened revealing a silver ring with an emerald cut purple ruby framed in tiny intricate clear sapphires in the shape of starfish. Elle didn’t like diamonds, she never had. She loved that Clayton remembered that. The ring was gorgeous. It was unique. It was special.

“I had it designed for you. I’m not going to lie; Viet and Willa helped.” He took the ring out of the box slipping it on to her finger. It fit perfectly. The stones glittered as the overhead light hit it.

“I love it.” She kissed him. “And I love you.”

“Let’s see it!” Mrs. Bennett demanded as she approached Elle and Clayton, her younger companions in tow.

The famed overbearing mother was joined by look-a-likes of her sweet daughter Jane and the original romance heroine, Lizzie Bennet. The Bennet ladies stood around Elle cooing about the ring and her strapping young man, as they called him. After several congratulations from the staff and fellow Jane Austen enthusiasts, they walked up the narrow wooden stairs toward the tearoom, Elle jokingly grumbled that she couldn’t believe Viet and Willa had kept this from her. Clayton followed behind with a chuckle.

“I’m going to have to give them a piece of?—”

“Surprise!”

The boisterous greeting startled Elle as she walked into the rose-wallpapered tearoom with its maze of white linen tables adorned with full tea service sets.

“Oh my god!” She cried, for the second time in twenty minutes, covering her face in shock.

The room was filled with her people, all her people, lifting cups of tea, ready to toast. Everyone in shades of purple. Viet and Noah beamed from the center of the room. Aunt Janet blew her nose loudly into a tissue. Standing next to her was Pete, his blue eyes glistening with happy tears. Ryan, Viet’s husband, snapped pictures of Elle and Clayton as they took in the sight of all their loved ones in the room. Willa rocked her lilac earrings and a matching sundress as she leaned against Tobey and Jerome in matching dark purple polos.

An iPad in Jerome’s hands with several familiar faces dialed in virtually for this moment including Summer and Liam, who were staying at the farmhouse watching Fitz and Lizzie while they were gone. Both dogs were licking a giggling Liam’s face.

Todd flipped them thumbs up from the screen as he sipped a cup of coffee. Carmen and Mathew were center square, baby Fischer sleeping on his daddy’s shoulder.

Braedon held aCongrats Boss Ladysign in their hands from the lower left corner of the screen.

Nat wore a bedazzled shirt that readElle + Clayton 4EVERas she blew them kisses from the Little Red Barn, where she was now living since she’d returned home in May to join her father’s practice.

Elle’s mom mouthedI love you. Elle mouthed it back and meant it. They’d come so far.

The entire tearoom was just them and their people. Clayton’s parents stood by one another. Chris rocked a lavender bow tie along with a giant grin as he looked at his son and future daughter-in-law. Heidi sniffled next to him, dabbing her eyes with a cloth napkin.

“I can’t believe you’re here,” Elle gaped.

“Oh, honey we love you two so much.” Heidi gushed, tugging Elle close. “Thank you for choosing my son. He needs a strong woman like you.”

“Oh, Heidi.”

“Ok. Now I’m going to blubber to my son.” She laughed before kissing Elle’s forehead and letting go.

“I’m happy to get another daughter.” Chris enveloped Elle, his bow tie brushing against her head as they embraced.

“Dad, you should get mom; she’s a mess.” Clayton warned placing a hand on his dad’s shoulder. They turned to a sobbing and cackling Heidi who was being soothed by Noah.

“Oh dear.” Chris’ jaw went slack.

“I don’t know if I should ask this, but was she like this the last time you got engaged?” Elle tipped her head and considered Heidi.

“Nope.” The father and son said in unison.

“She liked Marianne. She was a nice girl. We both did, but she wasn’t you. She wasn’t our daughter.” Chris said, his blue eyes warm with affection before he shuffled to his wife.

“He’s right, you know? I know I’ve been married before, but this is different. With you it all feels like the first time.” Clayton placed a hand on her cheek. “I think it’s because it was always meant to be you.”

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