After a day's rest at Hoggard Villa, Stacey, Hayden, Jeremy, Lillian, and Kevin flew back to Alagua City in the Hoggard family helicopter. Stacey gasped, "Hayden flies a helicopter?!"
Lillian and Kevin, equally astonished, lunged toward the cockpit. Stacey, quick as a whip, restrained them. "No way, kids! Stay here!" But Hayden, ever the indulgent uncle, scooped them both up and gave them a tour. Stacey, anxious, trailed behind. Thankfully, once airborne, Hayden secured them both in child safety seats – Lillian's a forest deer, Kevin's a towering tree, and Jeremy's a refurbished humpback whale – a testament to Jeremy's past health struggles and the family’s efforts to cheer him.
The usually quiet helicopter buzzed with conversation. Lillian and Kevin chattered incessantly, Jeremy joined in, and Stacey answered a barrage of questions, her throat growing dry.
By five, they landed at the Hoggard family airport. Jason and Sharon, beaming, had been waiting since morning. Their joy was palpable as Hayden helped the children out of the helicopter. Sharon’s eyes sparkled; Becky and Hayden together – a dream realized after years of uncertainty and hardship.
"Great-grandma! Great-grandpa!" Jeremy shouted, rushing into their embrace.
Sharon's joy overflowed. "Jeremy, you're talking so much better!"
"Yes, Great-grandma," Jeremy beamed. "I'll get even better!" Jason, his heart overflowing with relief, nodded happily. The years of worry over Hayden and Jeremy’s well-being seemed to melt away.
"Let's go home," Hayden smiled.
"Yes, home!" Sharon exclaimed. Turning to Stacey, she asked, "Becky, when's the wedding?"
Stacey blinked, speechless.
Hayden quickly interjected, "Grandma, I haven't proposed yet. We'll set a date after."
"When will you propose?" Sharon pressed. "Tonight?"
"Tomorrow?" Jason suggested.
Hayden groaned. "Grandpa, Grandma, the ring isn't even ready! A few more days, please!" His surprise was ruined.
Stacey blushed, but a warmth spread through her. Their genuine affection for her, independent of Hayden, was a stark contrast to the distant politeness she'd experienced with Theodore's family years ago. It was a happiness she cherished.