Chapter 272
The Carter family buzzed with excitement. Carly and Charles's divorce was old news; Stacey and Hayden's wedding was the real celebration. Originally, an engagement was planned, but the families decided it was unnecessary. "Too much fuss," Sharon whispered to Debra. "And these young'uns… who knows what tomorrow brings?" Debra nodded, her worry mirroring Sharon's. Hayden was a catch; Becky couldn't afford to wait.
Both families agreed: a quick engagement, followed swiftly by the wedding, was best. Jason and Sharon nudged Hayden, Debra and Patrick urged Becky. Finally, the couple relented, scheduling the engagement just a week before the wedding. Jeremy, already calling Becky "Mommy," joyfully marked the days on his calendar. His speech therapy was going well; a recent checkup showed a full recovery.
The wedding day dawned bright. Lillian and Kevin bounced into Stacey's room, "Mom, wake up! Grandma and Grandpa are getting married!" Stacey, sleepy but smiling, dressed the children. Breakfast was waiting when they descended. Debra beamed, “Becky, Lillian, Kevin, breakfast! Then, helicopter to Grandma and Grandpa's!"
Lillian and Kevin scrambled downstairs, hugging their aunt. Adrian, Isabella, Damian, Ronald, and Carly joined them. This wasn't Damian and Ronald's first helicopter ride with the Carters, but this time felt different. Last year, they’d been shy. Now, Damian especially, felt like he belonged. He saw the helicopter as his family’s helicopter.
The four children – Damian, Ronald, Lillian, and Kevin – became instant playmates, chattering excitedly. Watching them, Carly felt a quiet satisfaction. "I need to be strong," she thought, "and give Ronald a better life.”
The helicopter landed in Alagua City that afternoon. Carter Manor was decked out for the wedding. The butler greeted them warmly, offering refreshments. Adults rested, but the children were boundless energy, immediately racing to the garden's playground. Stacey, Isabella, and Annie watched, their hearts full, as their children played.