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.