The day had been a success. The afternoon had been spent with all the children and the families gathered in the circle. There were games and a barbecue, lots of laughter and teasing. Aiden tackled Maddox into the swimming pool, then Richard jumped in to help Maddox attempt to drown Aiden, and soon the pool was full of adults and kids alike, splashing, dunking and acting silly. Even Bentley got in on the action. I stood to the side, laughing at the antics, seeing Jordan in the middle of it all, enjoying himself immensely.
Dinner had been another wonderful affair, and there was music and fun until darkness descended. Then the kids went to their respective houses, while the adults danced and partied. I made sure there were lots of games and fun for the children and that their caregivers knew to let them come outside for the fireworks.
My feet were sore from dancing again, my body tired from running around all day, but seeing the happiness on Jordan’s face, it was worth it. Having our large, chaotic group of family around us was perfect.
There had been one unexpected to surprise—for everyone.
We had finished dinner, and people were lingering over coffee and dessert. I watched Reid stand, cross the floor, and come to stand beside Jordan. He leaned down and spoke briefly to him. Jordan listened, smiled widely, and nodded.
Reid straightened and moved the center of the room, holding a glass of wine in his hand. He stuck two fingers in his mouth and whistled, getting everyone’s attention.
“What is he doing?” I leaned over and asked Jordan. “We aren’t doing speeches. You said you didn’t want to.”
“An addition,” he replied. “An excellent one.”
I looked over at Bentley, who seemed as confused as I was. Then I focused my attention on Reid. He had changed in the past years, growing and maturing. No longer relying on T-shirts and jeans to hide behind, he had become comfortable in his own skin. He wore suits and ties, carried himself taller. He was confident and well-spoken now. Respected by his peers and fellow staff members. He was protective of his wife and children and was an amazing father—family came first for him. Both his own, and the BAM one.
He cleared his throat. “Can everyone hear me?”
There was a return of yeses, and he smiled.
“I know today is all about Jordan. His birthday and retirement—on which I congratulate him for both.”
After the smattering of applause, he smiled. “With Jordan’s permission, I’m going to point the spotlight on to someone else for a moment. Our gracious hostess, Sandy.”
I startled and began to protest, but Jordan caught my eye and shook his head.
“Most of you know my story. Many of you don’t. I won’t bore you with it, except to say my childhood wasn’t good. I made some mistakes as a teenager and ended up in jail.”
There were some murmurs in the crowd, and he lifted his shoulder. “I was an idiot and made bad choices.”
He turned in my direction. “After I got out, I needed a job. I saw an ad for the IT department and showed up unannounced at the BAM offices, resume in hand.” He paused. “The first person I spoke to was Sandy.”
“Hey, I was there!” Aiden protested.
Reid grinned. “Yes, you were. But it was Sandy who convinced you to give me an interview.”
Aiden laughed. “Truth.”
“Anyway, Sandy, for some reason, saw something in me. When I started working there, she took me under her wing and cared for me. She became my friend, coworker, and so much more.” His voice caught. “She became the mother I never had. In fact, I would go so far as to say, if it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be here today.”
I felt the tears gather in my eyes. Jordan slipped his hand over mine and squeezed.
“Sandy is all about tough love. She tells it like it is, but her honesty is always laced with kindness. She is caring, warm, and I truly adore her. I am grateful—we at BAM are all grateful—to have her in our lives. She is the glue that holds us together.”
He paused, clearing his throat. “She has been with me for every step of my journey, and as she and Jordan begin this next step in theirs, I wanted to tell her I’m ready to return the favor.” He met my watery gaze. “I support you in anything you do, one hundred percent.”
“Unless it’s not working at all,” Aiden shouted out.
I laughed at his announcement.
Reid nodded sagely. “Unless it’s that. You get her part of the time, but not all yet, Jordan.”
“Got it!” Jordan retorted.
“Sandy gave me some good advice once. She told me to grab life. Live it. I’m thrilled to see her taking her own advice and running with it.” He studied me for a brief moment.
“I think Sandy is special to each person here tonight. Adoptive mom to many, Nan to—” he waved his hand “—hundreds, friend, co-worker, and of course, beloved wife of the star of the show, Jordan.”
Jordan did a catcall. “Sandy is always the star.”
“Which is why, my friend, we are here today. I know you think it’s for you, but really, we’re all here for Sandy.”
“I knew it,” Jordan responded, winking at me.
Amid the laughter, I wiped my eyes.
“So, before we get to dancing and celebrating Jordan again, I would like to raise my glass and propose a toast.” He lifted his glass, waiting until everyone joined him.
“To Sandy, our hostess. Our mother, and our friend. Thank you for everything. As usual, you have outdone yourself.”
I could barely swallow my sip.
Reid huffed out a sigh. “I will let you get on with your evening. Thank you.”
Applause rang out, and I stood. When Reid approached, I wrapped my arms around him, holding him tight.
“That was not part of the program,” I chided gently.
“You’re allowed one mistake. You deserve a little spotlight.”
I cupped his cheek. “I love you, my boy.”
Despite the glimmer of tears in his eyes, he smiled. “I know. I’m your favorite.”
I winked and he chuckled, enveloping me in his arms once again. “I love you, Sandy.”
A large bang brought me out of my musings, and I glanced up at the sky as the trail of brilliance erupted. Feeling the emotion of earlier hit me again, I wiped away a tear. I met Bentley’s gaze, and he smiled knowingly at me. He had been as surprised as me at Reid’s impromptu toast, but he was pleased.
“Our boy has grown up, Sandy,” he murmured as we danced.
As usual, away from the office, his demeanor was warm and relaxed. He was charming and witty, at ease with himself. He loved spending time with his Emmy and their children. They were his entire world. Emmy stood in front of him, and his arms held her close. She was so small, she fit under his chin, and he had to lean down to rest his chin on her head. I loved watching them together.
Beside him stood Aiden, his right-hand and best friend. Tall and broad, he towered over everyone. He had Cami tucked to his side, the protector of his family. The protector for all of those he loved. He now lived life to the fullest, shying away from nothing. Especially his feelings. He was open and passionate.
Maddox laughed, the fireworks reflecting on the lenses of his glasses. Dee smiled up at him and he lowered his face to hers to kiss her, showing his love for her freely. He had come so far from the man who refused to admit love could even be a possibility for him.
Richard VanRyan was next to him—Maddox’s closest confidant and friend to all at BAM. He was such an integral part of our lives, I couldn’t imagine an event without him. Loyal and steadfast, he belonged to our group. His wife, Katy, was nestled in his embrace, the rock in his world. They were an amazing couple.
Reid stood close to me, as he always did at any event. His words still echoed in my head, making me smile. Becca sat in a chair, not wanting to miss the fireworks but too tired to stand. He was behind her, his hands on her shoulders, keeping her close. The boy who had made my heart ache for his loneliness had grown into a caring, wonderful husband. He
smiled when I caught his eye, silently asking if I was okay. He had been a little worried I would be upset over his toast, but there was no way I could be anything but deeply touched. He wore his heart on his sleeve, and I was proud to be one of those that he loved.
Van stood to the side, Mila on his shoulders, carefully held in place with one of his large hands. Sammy and Liv were tucked beside him. Reed stood in front of him, Van’s other hand resting on his shoulder. Reed would get excited and point something out to Van, who would smile and ruffle his hair or squeeze his shoulder. Van was the gentle giant who loved hard, especially when it came to his family.
Halton was a late addition to our blended family but loved. Aloof and cool when I had first met him, he had changed and found himself, thanks to Fee and the love she brought out in him. He wasn’t with us on the beach, but I knew he was on the deck at his house, sitting with Fee, and no doubt surrounded by his children. The loner, no longer alone, and complete only when with his family.
How far they had all come.
All my boys were settled, happy. They were the tapestry of my life, woven in bright, beautiful colors that lit my world. Because of them, I had a life I loved. Because of their dream, I’d had something to live for after I lost Max. Because of BAM, I found Jordan and discovered a new life. Not better, but different—just the way Jordan had said. They were all my family—loved through the heart or brought into my life through marriage, they were mine. All of them.
As if sensing my growing emotion, Jordan tucked me tight to his side, pressing a kiss to my head.
“This has been one of the best days ever, my darling. Thank you.”
He was right. I was surrounded by love.
And all of this happened because three lonely young men met in college and became friends. Together, they formed their own family and built an empire.
I would never forget meeting them that fateful day as they argued over household chores in their backyard. Their lack of knowledge about how to do anything was obvious, and it brought out my maternal instincts. I had stepped in to give them a hand and soon found myself immersed in their world.
They added a depth to my life I had been missing, and somehow, I gave them what they needed. I became the love they could accept, until they were able to love themselves enough to find the person they were meant to share their life with. And because of their love, I was strong enough to do the same when it was my time to find love again.
They were the sons I never had, the businessmen I was honored to be associated with, and they had all become the men I knew they would be one day.
But they were, and always would be, boys to me.
The BAM boys.
My boys.
* * *
Thank you so much for reading SANDY - VESTED INTEREST BOOK 7. If you are so inclined, reviews are always welcome by me at your eretailer.
I rarely cry when writing-and I am not sure I have ever wept while editing. I did-twice. And when I reached the words at the bottom of the page and realized my BAM series was done-I was snotty mess.
If you have not met the VanRyan clan, Richard and Katy VanRyan’s story begins with my series The Contract. You meet a more arrogant version of Richard, which makes his story much sweeter when he falls.
If you love a hero who is looking for a new beginning, Linc, from my novel The Summer of Us, would be a recommended standalone to read next. It is a story of second chances set in the small-town of Mission Cove.
If you’d like another glimpse into the Vested Interest family’s future, click below to grab a little more time with them - Extended Epilogue Sandy.
Enjoy reading! Melanie
Girl’s Night for Shopping
A scene with the ladies of Vested Interest for a non-typical catalog party featured on Pure Romance™ blog.
I pushed open the door, holding it ajar with my shoulder and listening intently. I could hear the sound of laughter drifting down the hall, so I knew Becca still had her friends here. She had ordered me out for the evening, telling me not to come home until at least ten.
I glanced at my watch. It was almost eleven. She was usually asleep by this time, but from the sounds of the merriment coming from the living room, she was still wake awake and partying.
I smirked as I soundlessly shut the door, wondering how long it would be before I started getting texts from Aiden, Maddox, and Bentley, asking me where their wives were. I was surprised Van wasn't standing outside my door demanding I turn Liv over to him right now-the possessive bastard. I laughed at my own thoughts-I couldn't blame him. Recently married, they were still in that honeymoon phase, and to be honest, I still felt the same way about Becca. I hated giving up our private time for anyone.
I shrugged off my coat and hung it in the closet, planning on quietly making my way to our bedroom and not interrupting whatever was happening in the living room. I would wait for Becca there and not disturb her evening with her friends.
Another burst of laughter stopped my steps.
"Oh, my God, Reid would explode if I bought that."
There was more laughter.
"Explode in the very best way of course," Emmy drawled.
My ears perked up at the mention of my name.
Bought what?
Unable to resist, I peeked around the corner, my eyes widening in shock. Becca and her friends were staring at a woman holding up a pretty, sexy, pink baby doll outfit. I knew the term because Becca wore them a lot for me. I liked this one. But why were they looking at lingerie? And who was that woman?
"You need to buy that," Cami agreed. "I'm going for the little number in purple we saw earlier. Aiden will love it."
The woman holding the lingerie grinned. "You ladies are the best group I've ever had a party with. I love how open you all are with what you like and want to order."
Dee lifted her glass of wine. "It's not as if we wouldn't tell each other anyway. It's more fun like this."
"Go back to the toys, Sonya," Cami instructed. "There were at least three of them I want. Aiden will go crazy for them." She giggled, reaching for her wine. "I might not be able to walk for a few days."
All the women laughed.
Toys?
Sonya smiled. "Which do you want more information on? The dildos? Butt plugs?" She held up a box, a logo-Pure Romance- emblazoned along the front. "Rabbits?"
"All of them," Becca responded.
I almost swallowed my tongue.
Becca was having a sex toy party and didn't want me to know. No doubt she planned to surprise me.
I backed away, trying not to make any noise. If she wanted to surprise me, I was all for that. The thought of her wearing that sexy lingerie made me hard. Adding a toy or two would not only make it interesting but would guarantee I would be smiling for days.
I glanced at the empty bottles of wine on the counter, wondering how to encourage her to buy lots of items without blowing my cover that I knew what she was doing.
As I reached for my coat, a throat clearing startled me. I spun around to meet Sandy's amused gaze.
"I thought I heard something," she said softly.
"I, ah, was about to leave. Let you ladies keep going." I waved my hand. "At, ah, whatever it is you're doing."
She lifted one eyebrow skeptically. "You're a smart man, Reid. I'm pretty sure you have a good idea."
I tugged on my jacket, unable to hide my wide grin. "Well, I certainly know what I hope is going on." I indicated the room with the tilt of my chin. "I don't want to interrupt. How much longer should I be gone?"
"We're just placing our orders. Another hour should do it."
I almost dropped my keys. "We're just placing our orders? Sandy-you too?"
Sandy was buying sexy stuff?
She crossed her arms. "I am a woman, you know. You have something to say about that, Reid?"
I shook my head fast. "No. Not a word."
"Good choice."
I began to back out of the door, then paused. "Sandy?"
"Yes?"
"Make sure Becca buys that pink number, okay? And lots of things-anything she wants. I'll happily pay for anything. Anything. Everything." I emphasized.
Her smirk was wide. "Got it."
I hurried down the hall, planning on heading to the local diner to pass the next hour. I pulled my phone out of my pocket, dialing Aiden.
"Dude," he answered. "Where is my wife?"
"Fuck," I mumbled. "You are never going to believe what's going on."
"Tell me."
* * *
Aiden slid into the booth across from me.
"Dude, what are you doing here?" I asked. "I told you I'd let you know when it was over."
"Relax," Aiden smirked. "Cami called and told me she had too much to drink and asked me to pick her up in an hour. I thought I'd keep you company."
"Oh, okay."
He waved over the waitress and ordered a cup of coffee and a slice of pie for both of us. She brought his coffee, then disappeared to get the pie.
He was silent for a moment as he sipped.
"I wonder what Cami is ordering," he mused. "I know I'm certainly looking forward to finding out." He waggled his eyebrows.
I couldn't help but laugh. "Me too. I'm looking forward to seeing what Becca has bought."
“What do you think brought this on?" he said.
"I have no idea." I shrugged. "But whatever it is, I'm thrilled."
"You and me both." He chuckled. "You and me both."
Vested Interest Box Set Books 4-7 Page 91
