Page 120 of Seasoned
“Tyson, I’m scared, too,” Jackie admitted, whispering as if someone could overhear them. “I’ve always been an overachiever and been successful at every venture, so I’ve never felt as if any goal was beyond reach. I simply set my mind to it and worked my butt off. But being a mom is—whew, a nerve-racking concept. My parents think I’m crazy, but they also thought I was crazy for starting my own business.”
“And you showed them.”
“I sure did.”
“And you’ll show them again by being the best mother on the west coast. Listen, if nothing else, I can make sure you know whatnotto do as a parent.”
She laughed then quickly sobered. “Just so you know, I found a girl I’d like to adopt. She’s nine years old, but she has an older brother who’s thirteen. I told my caseworker I want to keep them together, so I’m going to adopt them both.” She waited for his reaction.
“That’s great.”
“They’ve been in the system for a while, and it’s possible that one or both of them come with some challenges,” she warned. She’d already made up her mind to meet any difficulty head-on and give those kids the most supportive, loving home she could.
“Nothing you can’t handle, you and me. Together.”
Tension eased out of her muscles. Jackie gave Tyson a hug and rested her head against his chest. He kissed her temple, and she closed her eyes.
“Together.”
Epilogue
I’m a graduate!
Hand in hand with Hector, Adelaide practically skipped into the restaurant on a cloud of happiness. Located above La Jolla Cove, Beach Dream was a popular spot that offered dining on a large patio overlooking the ocean.
She and Hector took their time through the crowded restaurant, winding past tables toward the back. Murmured conversations filled her ears, and the scent of spices and fresh seafood dishes perfumed the air around her. They walked toward the private dining room, where friends and family awaited their arrival.
At the doorway they stopped, everyone sprang to their feet and started applauding—even the attending servers.
Junior, her eldest, stood tall and handsome in front of her. He stuck two fingers in his mouth and whistled. Beside him, Karen—whom everyone said was Adelaide’s twin—yelled, “Yeah, Mom!” Beside her, looking a lot more mature nowadays with a shorter haircut, Daniel grinned while cradling his sleeping son strapped to his chest. In a few weeks he’d be taking over management of Solar Beams III in Carlsbad. Jamie stood beside him, her long blonde hair hanging over one shoulder.
Adelaide walked farther into the room with Hector right beside her. The applause died down as she surveyed the room, grateful to see all the familiar faces.
“I don’t know what to say. You all know I’m better one-on-one, instead of having to do a speech in front of a group, so I’ll keep this short.” She took a deep breath and released it. “First of all, thank you to my wonderful husband, Hector, who has been very supportive during the past year. He’s been so patient, giving me room when I needed to study and making me go to bed when I stayed up late stressing about one thing or another. Thank you, honey.” She raised up on tiptoe and planted a kiss on his soft lips.
“Aww,” the crowd said. Then low chuckles rippled through the group.
“Te amo. I’m proud of you,” he whispered in her ear.
“I love you, too, honey.” She returned her attention to the guests. “I’m not finished! Thank you to my kids and every single one of you who encouraged me. I’m so glad you’re here—my goodness, I didn’t expect to see so many people!”
She laughed, her heart full, and cleared her throat of emotion. Her eyes searched the room, and she found the two people she was looking for. Renee and Jackie were with Clive and Tyson, seated near a gift table piled high with bags and wrapped boxes.
“A special thank you to my best friends, Renee and Jackie. You wouldn’t let me have doubts and insisted I could complete the coursework, even when I didn’t believe I could. You’re the best friends in the world. I did it!” Adelaide held up her diploma and the group cheered and clapped again.
She visited each table, saying hello to everyone and giving hugs and kisses. Then she finally sat down with Hector, her kids, and Jamie at the front of the room.
The buffet menu offered plenty to drink and eat—seafood salads, shrimp and scallops with pasta, sea bass, chicken dishes, rice, and a potato dish. Adelaide chatted and laughed, sipping wine and savoring the meal as she celebrated with family. At the end of dinner, with a slice of coconut cake and an espresso before her, Renee and Jackie came over out of the blue.
Renee placed a hand on Adelaide’s shoulder. “Can we borrow the graduate for a little bit?” she asked the family.
“What’s going on?” Adelaide asked, even as she rose to her feet.
“We’ll show you in a minute,” Jackie replied, placing her hand in the middle of her back to shove her toward the door. “We won’t be long, and we’ll bring her right back,” she promised.
They went to Jackie’s BMW, and she pulled out a basket and blanket. “We’re going to do your favorite thing. Watch the sunset.”
“Did I mention you two are the best friends ever?”
