Page 179 of On Cloud Nine

Molly

My hands are wrappedaround Matthew’s neck as we sway to the live music. All around the ballroom, our friends cling to each other. Lights cascade in the room like they’re bouncing off a disco ball.

The Griffin’s grand opening is going absolutely perfect.

The last six months have flown by unexpectedly quickly. With the money from the trust, we were able to build a cute cottage on the property that we stay in most nights. Our daily commute was treacherous, and we wanted to be around for the first couple of years in business.

Matthew has a research site set up down the road where they’re testing the various EcoDrone prototypes. The park rangers gave him an outfit to wear out in the forests—I love taking it off of him when he comes home.

It’s like an elven fantasy come to life. Bear and Brave frolic through the gardens, chasing each other’s tails. Next month, there may be a puppy on the horizon. Motherhood—well, pet motherhood—is bliss.

“Can you believe we did it?” I whisper.

“Of course I can.” He smiles at me. “All of your hard work has paid off, darling.”

After our announcement, which my father helped publicize, our inn booked up almost immediately. The Griffin is like an adult summer camp that helps you connect with your inner child.

We are working on growing most of our own food, and we offer courses similar to the On Cloud Nine resorts, except we don’t have a massive upcharge on nightly rates. Yoga, cooking classes hosted by Analise, and a neat spa for all. Matthew even designed an entrepreneurship course to help newlyweds turn their passions into viable businesses.

My husband has been a man of many surprises. He built me our very own horse stables. We brought over Sunburst Symphony and rescued four beautiful, retired dressage horses—Sir Gallopsalot, Jar Jar, and, because I couldn’t resist, Lysa and Jordy.

The Griffin has been a place of joy and play, a place to call my own—ourown.

“We’re definitely having the games here this winter.” Myles spins Helene around. She just found out that she’s pregnant with their fourth child. “Mom already invited your parents, Molly.”

“I cannot wait to see your dad rushing around on the slopes.”

“Are you kidding me?” I giggle. “You know my mom is going to try and swing the ability to judge the competitions.”

The idea of blended family Christmases at my own inn makes my heart sing.

“She would actually be pretty good at that,” Matthew says.

We sway toward my mom and dad, who are entwined together. Retirement, and copious amounts of counseling and family therapy, look good on them. “You know, sweetheart, you’ve really made Oliver and Clara proud,” Dad says.

“Have I?”

“Absolutely. This is what On Cloud Nine was always meant to be. A place that felt like home. But you never told us how you came up with the name…The Griffin?”

I look at my husband, blushing and beaming. “It’s from one of my favorite books.”

“Maybe you can let me read it sometime,” my mother says. She’s wearing jeans today. Actual denim ones. Sure, there are Chanel ballet flats on her feet, but if this is Vivian Greene letting loose, I’m happy for her.

Matthew shoots me a very suggestive wink.

“I think you’d love it.”

My family is still a work in progress, but they’ve been respecting my boundaries, and we’re learning how to be around each other again.

Matthew and I stop dancing when the melody ends, and we go out onto the patio, where there’s a bonfire. The nights are still cool in the summer heat. Guests gather around the firepit with kits for s’mores. Lolita has organized a stargazing session that will begin soon.

Suddenly, Bear zooms through my legs, followed by Brave. The nieces and nephews chase both of the kitties, giggling and screaming after them.

“Oh, there you guys are,” Avery says from a chair by the fire. She’s rocking Kaia in her arms. “Ollie’s on the phone; come say hi.”

“Mattie, Molly.” Our friend’s grin takes up the entire phone screen.

“Ollie, we miss you so much.” I give him a small wave.

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