The crowd included all six of his brothers and sisters, as well as his and Lance’s parents. He and Lance had flown them in several days ago and they’d instantly fallen in love with Danielle, and she with them.
Though their families were a little taken aback at first at the idea that they were sharing her, their parents and his siblings had come around after a few bottles of wine and a lot of reminiscing, which had Daniel
le laughing about their growing-up years. The discussion had turned to the future and how they both loved her and wanted to spend the rest of their lives with her.
Danielle had stood, courageous as always, and had shared her feelings about him and Lance. “I love them.”
No sweeter words could be spoken.
Their parents and his siblings gave their blessings, uniting them forever as a family. The one thing that you could always count on in the Archer and Covington households was love, support, and especially understanding.
The band ended their set, pulling Chuck’s attention back to the party.
Maude Strong and Mary Wilde, along with their respective husbands, had put the housewarming party together for him, Lance, and Danielle. He couldn’t get over how generous and warm Wilde was.
Carlotta sat in a corner of the room, offering free tarot card readings to everyone. Danielle’s mother, Merle, sat in the chair opposite her, hearing what her future would be.
He was glad that Danielle and her mom had grown so much closer the past few weeks. Merle was brave, just like her daughter. Her testimony would put some very bad men away for a long time. Keeping Merle safe was one of his and Lance’s main priorities. In fact, the sheriff, Austin, and the whole town were making sure to keep an eye out to protect Merle.
He glanced over at Pauline, who was talking with Pappy Jack. The woman had never had children of her own, but she saw Danielle as her granddaughter and Danielle definitely thought of Pauline as her grandmother.
Little Carol crawled around her five dads’ feet. Austin and his brothers were terrific fathers. Family meant everything to the people of Wilde. Chuck couldn’t wait to start a family here with Danielle and Lance. It would be the greatest place in the world to grow up.
Mackenzie, the wife of Wyatt and Wade Masters, stood beside him and Lance. “This is some housewarming.”
“Seems to me that the people of Wilde like any excuse for a party,” Lance told Mac.
She’d been promoted to president of their newest venture in Wilde, AC3W Media Group. It was a fledgling company with only two holdings so far, both of which were in Wilde. KINK-TV and the local newspaper, Wonders of Wilde.
Chuck was excited to be a part of AC3W. He and Lance had been on the bench and out of the game for far too long. This was going to be even more fun than when they’d built their first company together.
Michael and Harry came over, carrying drinks and food.
“Here you go.” Michael handed Mac a glass of wine and got beers for Lance and himself. “I am glad to see the power team is already getting together. How are our co-CEOs and madam president doing this fine night?”
“You’re too much, Michael,” Lance said. “Don’t you ever stop working?”
“He never does.” Harry smiled. “I’ve been trying to nail him down about some of the wedding plans, but he’s so excited about the new company I can’t get him to focus.”
Michael put his arm around his fiancé, who had fully recovered from the shooting. “Archer-Covington-Chamberlain-Canyon-Wilde Media Group. I’m Chamberlain. You’re Canyon. Both our names are on the line, honey.”
“We’re all in, Michael. You’ve won.” Chuck knew he’d won, too. He had found the love of his life and also a new home, a new town to put down roots and raise a family. “You have me and Lance and Austin all tied up in your scheme to put Wilde on the map.”
“Not on the map per se, but at least where likeminded people will be able to find our town. Look at you and Lance.” Michael grinned and pointed at Danielle, who was on the sofa talking to Shelby, Jessie, and Charly. “You found true love here. Others will, too, with our help.”
“Then why not start a matchmaking company instead of a media group?” Mac teased. “It would be easier, and we already have our Cupid right here.”
They all laughed.
“Mac, the article you wrote in yesterday’s paper was excellent,” Harry said. “You are definitely the right person for the job.”
Chuck completely agreed. “Have you learned any more about Ricardo Delgado’s whereabouts?”
Mac shook her head. “He’s off the radar completely, but I’m talking with a contact I have in Destiny, Colorado. His sources are searching every database, both private and government, for any sign of the creep.”
Lance took a drink of his beer. “That’s some source.”
“Sounds like a CIA guy to me,” Michael said. “Or at least someone who has been in the Agency.”