Page 77 of The Summer House
Edward nodded, reflecting on this as he looked back out at the ocean. Then his eyes met Luke’s and then Aiden’s. “I trust you two,” he said. “You know, when I started this business, I was told it wasn’t lucrative, that the area was just too rural. But I had a vision and when the boom hit, we soared. I believe you two could have success, albeit in a different manner than I achieved mine. I’m willing to put my trust in family. Maybe we could put your business model down on paper and get started.”
Lillian burst into a smile. “Oh, Edward,” she said, her eyes glassy. “That’s fantastic.”
“I’m excited to see how it goes.”
“We need to celebrate,” Juliette said, getting up and wrapping her arms around Edward. “Let’s pour ourselves a drink, kick off our shoes, and go downstairs. They’ve got that wonderful band down there. We should dance, Daddy.” For the first time, Callie saw Edward really smile. He patted his daughter on the arm and nodded.
Luke stood and pulled Callie up, his smile still directed at Edward. “I think that’s a great idea,” he said.
They all went down to the patio and settled at the tables by the band. With a hoot of laughter from the few who’d lingered from the crowd, Luke grabbed Callie and pulled her onto the patio to dance. Gladys joined them, dragging Frederick onto the dance floor, followed by Aiden and Olivia. Edward and Lillian were on the side, grinning. While Juliette poured the champagne, Edward held out a hand to Lillian with a conciliatory smile, and she let him lead her out to the patio.
As they danced, Gladys winked at Callie. “Stardust,” she mouthed.
Callie took a look back at the magnificent cottage in all its glory, the paddle fans going on the porches, the mass of glass showcasing the beautiful furnishings inside, the tables of food in the window of the new sitting area. There was a thrill that she couldn’t deny. This old house had been renewed, made into something different, something better. Just like this unexpected group of people around her. The sky was an unusually brilliant shade of orange and pink, a burst of color over them, and Callie wondered if Alice was looking down on them—all her family together. In her house. Finally.
