Page 50 of Sean

She stood back and evaluated her work. She’d made roses from pink icing and placed them on the corners. The center was reserved for the usual birthday wish: words in dark green against a white background. It wasn’t the most artistic or original composition, but she was pleased with it. It fit the party’s theme, too, which was going to be feminine with an edge. The family had considered several possibilities. Eventually, Emmy had sided with her nieces and a princess/girl power theme won.

“Looks nice,” Sean commented. Since they were alone in the kitchen, he dropped a kiss on the nape of her downturned neck.

“Hey,” she said softly, squirming a little as she pretended to protest. Not that she really minded. Sean’s kisses were to be treasured since she wouldn’t get many more of them.

“I think I’ve cut enough cheese for an army,” he said.

“How many people are coming, exactly?”

“Around thirty. All folks associated with the ranch, so no one who’ll cause you trouble,” he assured her. “Mom and Tara went over the guest list with a fine-toothed comb.”

She smiled at him. “I’m not worried.” She gave him a quick kiss. “What’s next on our to-do list?”

He consulted a paper on the counter. “Hang banners on the front porch.”

They stored the food in the refrigerator and went outside to do the decorating. Tables and chairs were already set up, and his dad was stringing lights in the trees. It only took a few minutes to get the banners up. As they were finishing, Sean’s phone sounded with a text.

“It’s that FBI agent I talked with,” he said after looking at the screen. “I asked him to contact me with updates.” He continued reading. “He says this is unofficial, but the bank has agreed to lay the trap for Wilson. Apparently, he tried to withdraw the money early last week, and the teller refused to allow it.”

“How are they going to get him to come back, then?”

“They’re going to claim that they have a new bank manager who will allow him to close out the kids’ accounts and take the money if he has their birth certificates. If Wilson falls for it, the FBI will be waiting to nab him.”

“Do you think he will?” Julia asked, her emotions strangely mixed. The nightmare she’d been living for more than two months now could be over in a matter of days. That brought an incredible sense of relief. But then…then, she’d have to leave this place. Her gaze went over the barns and green pastures of the ranch. So picturesque, so cherished. This place had started out as the safe harbor that she’d needed, but it had become so much more. Really, it was the closest thing she’d had to a home in a long time. And it wasn’t just the place she’d gotten attached to. Her eyes focused on Sean, who was watching her carefully. How was she going to say goodbye to him?

“He’s desperate enough,” Sean said about Wilson. “You okay?”

“Fine, just amazed at how quickly this is going now. Should we help your dad with the lights?” She needed to put her emotions aside, and the best way to do that was to keep busy.

“Hey, you two.” Tara stood in the open door of the house. “Looks good out here. I was hoping to steal Julia and her camera. The girls have raided the prom dresses that Emmy and I wore back in the day to find their outfits for the evening. Will you take some pictures for us? Because they’re adorable.”

“Sure.” Julia was more than happy to be the unofficial photographer for the birthday bash.

“I’m going to help dad with the outdoor decorations. You girls have fun.” Sean walked away to join Joe under the trees, and Julia had to force herself to not watch him go.

“Come on.” Tara led the way into the house. They made a quick stop in Julia’s room to get her camera before going onto Tara’s bedroom. Emmy was helping Alice into what might have been a homecoming dress. It was short and sparkly.

Julia immediately began taking pictures. Eden had on a sky-blue full-length gown that had been pinned up so it didn’t drag on the floor. Ally Mae was trying to decide between a gold sequin dress and a floral one. Lucy was hanging back slightly.

“Where’s Amos?” Julia asked.

“He’s with mom in the attic looking for boy dress clothes,” Emmy explained. “Now, this girl has to make a choice.” Emmy went to Lucy. “What’s it going to be, sweetie?”

“I like that one, Aunt Emmy.” Sometime in the past week, the kids had started calling her that.

Julia snapped pictures of Lucy choosing between two dresses while fretting over how hard it was going to be for her niece and nephew to leave their new friends. She put that thought aside and focused on the fun in the room. Lucy went for a bright purple dress with a big bow on the back.

When the girls all had on their final choices, Emmy and Tara helped them select necklaces and bracelets. Then, the curling irons came out. In another half an hour, the young girls all had upswept styles. Emmy added a little mascara and lip gloss to finish off their looks.

“Perfect,” Tara declared. “Now, you’ll need to stay still so you don’t mess it up. How about you watch a movie in Eden’s bedroom while the big girls get ready?”

Once the kids were settled in with a Disney princess flick, Julia went to go back to her room and look at the pictures she’d taken.

“Not so fast, young lady.” Tara stopped her. “What are you wearing to the ball? Emmy and I assume you didn’t pack a party dress when you went on the run.”

“I’ll wear my usual.” She gestured at her black pants and black T-shirt. It was what she wore when she was working an event.

“No, you are not, girlfriend,” Emmy declared. “Come with me.”

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