Chapter 6 - BROOKE’S CELEBRATION
Victoria planned an elaborate celebration at the estate.
Not for the twins.
Not for my return from the hospital.
For Brooke.
The courtyard filled with flowers, champagne and wealthy guests.
Brooke wore ivory.
Arthur wore the tie I had given him on our third anniversary.
Charles announced that Brooke would join the Vance Capital board.
Victoria presented her with a diamond bracelet that had belonged to Arthur’s grandmother.
Arthur raised his glass.
“Sometimes a crisis reveals who truly belongs in your family.”
Brooke squeezed his hand.
At that moment, the first government vehicle turned into the drive.
Then another.
A military sedan followed.
Conversation faded.
Uniformed officers stepped out.
Police vehicles stopped near the courtyard.
Jonathan emerged carrying his brown leather case.
Then I stepped from the final vehicle in full Army dress uniform.
I unfolded the black double stroller and checked both newborn safety harnesses myself.
The photographer raised his camera.
A military officer stopped him.
“No photographs of the children.”
I pushed the stroller toward the entrance.
Arthur stepped down from the doorway.
“What are you doing here?”
I did not slow down.
“Walking onto my property.”
He laughed.
“This belongs to my family.”
The honor guard formed behind me.
General Grayson struck his heel against the pavement.
The soldiers snapped to attention.
May you like
And the celebration ended with one sentence.
“Welcome home, Colonel Sterling.”
