Lyle, who was obviously not used to this much attention, hugged the dear lady. “Thank you.” He released her and then gave both Patrick and Sam a big group hug. “Thank you so very much. I was planning on working a full-time job. But now I can dedicate all my time to studies. You’re making my dreams come true.”
“But there’s more,” Patrick said with a grin, motioning to his left.
Suddenly, a horn started honking. Everyone turned to see a brand-new Ford Mustang driving onto the grass and in front of the stage. Inside were the Knights—Megan, Eric, and Scott. They jumped out and walked up on the stage.
Megan handed him a set of keys. “Lyle, we want you to arrive in style to school.”
“Oh my God. This is way too much. Since I lost all my parents by the time I was seventeen, I learned to depend on myself. Now I know I’m not alone. Destiny is my family.”
The crowd went crazy.
Lyle hugged the Knights.
“We have more surprises coming up. Wolfe Mayhem is going to play for us. And there will be one more presentation for our guest of honor. Don’t forget to enjoy the food that our local restaurant owners have provided. We’ll continue our program shortly.”
Betty, Kaylyn’s mom, who was sitting with her two husbands in the row right in front of him and Chance, wiped her eyes. She loved Lyle like he was her own son.
“Sugar, are you okay?” her husband Harvey asked.
“I’m fine. I’m just so happy.” Betty had been thrilled when her two husbands returned to Destiny from Alaska two days earlier than planned. With the dog training school growing so fast, Harvey and Darryl Anderson were leaving their oil field jobs to work with Kaylyn. Betty and her men would never have to be separated again.
Jaris had seen how surprised Chance had been when his family quickly had come around to support his new, unique relationship with him and Kaylyn. Chance’s parents were incredible, and his sister, Paige, was charming as could be. They’d welcomed both him and Kaylyn into their family with open arms.
“How much time before the band starts playing?” Paige asked.
Chance punched the button on his watch.
The digital voice announced, “The time is 11:41 a.m.”
“In under twenty minutes.”
“That’s just enough time.” Paige stood. “Mom, would you like me to get you a plate of food?”
Chance’s mother shook her head. “I think I’ll go with you. There looks to be several booths with all kinds of food to choose from.”
All the local restaurants were providing food.
Jaris watched as Jacob, recently out of his cast, helped his uncle and aunt set up Phong’s Wok’s booth by The Red Dragon statue. Josh was helping the sheriff, Mitchell, and Lucas carry more folding chairs from the courthouse for the crowd.
“I’m coming, too.” Chance’s father got up on his feet. He was as tall as his son. “I’m getting hungry.”
Betty turned around. “Mind if we join you? I’m sure my guys are starving.”
Darryl smiled and Harvey nodded. They were good men, the salt of the earth.
“Of course,” Chance’s mother said. “We’re all family now.” She turned to him and Chance. “What about you two guys? You want to go with us or have us bring you back some plates?”
“No thanks, Mom. Jaris and I plan on eating with Kaylyn after she finishes her set.”
“Okay, but don’t give up our seats.”
“We won’t.”
The six of them walked away, leaving him and Chance alone.
“Jaris, can you do me a favor?”
“Anything, buddy.”