Page 113 of Shadow of Hope
“I do.”
“Then maybe you should put a ring on it and say the real I do.” Barbie giggled and walked into the crowd.
“We should go say hello to your sister,” Ava said before Micha had to tell her that he wasn’t ready for anyI dos.“She looks a bit overwhelmed by everyone.”
Micha curved his long fingers around Ava’s hand, and together they crossed the room. Ava squatted by the chair. “Thank you for coming. I know it’s hard to attend a party when you don’t know many people.”
Tristin waved a hand, the muscles in her slender face tightening. “It’s not that. I…it’s just…”
Micha was immediately moving closer, concern etched in his expression. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong. I don’t want to take away from Ava’s first party ever, but I’m about to burst with needing to tell you something.”
“Go ahead.” Ava smiled. “Now I’m about bursting with the need to know.”
“Have I mentioned she’s one of the good ones?” Tristin asked Micha.
“Only about a hundred times, like everyone else.” He grinned. “Now what do you have to tell me?”
“Not tell as much as show.” She moved her feet to the floor and leaned down to flip up the footrests on her wheelchair. She locked the chair, then planted her hands on the armrests and stood.
“What?” Micha gaped at her. “Wow. Oh wow. You can stand.”
She grinned. “Just barely and not for long, but the doc says if I keep following my PT drill sergeant’s instructions and do the work, I should regain full function.”
Ava knew her drill sergeant was Micha. He worked out with Tristin every day, never missing a session except during the week he’d protected Ava.
Micha swept his sister into his arms and swung her around like a rag doll.
Charlotte grinned up at the pair. Ava’s heart burst with joy, and tears found her eyes. She didn’t know if she was happier for Tristin, Charlotte, or Micha, as all three of them needed this good news.
Thank You! Oh, thank You!
Ava kept smiling at the trio. “This is the best birthday ever. I meanever! A party, sure, but you standing, Tristin. That’s the best thing I’ve seen in eons.”
Micha lowered his sister back into her chair. “How long have you been keeping this from me?”
“I first got some feeling back when you were off on your camping trip. Then a few PT sessions while you were protecting Ava confirmed I could stand on my own.”
Micha kissed Charlotte’s cheek. “I’ll bet you’re so happy for your mom.”
She nodded, and her freckled face split wide in a smile. Micha grabbed her up and spun her, too. She squealed with joy before he set her down and kissed the top of her head. “Now you and I need to make sure she works hard so she can progress.”
“Oh, great,” Tristin said. ”Bad enough you crack the whip, now you’ll have my daughter doing the same thing.”
“Don’t worry, Mommy,” Charlotte said, an impish look on her face. “I won’t use a whip.”
They all exploded with laughter, including the child who’d been so quiet.
Barbie joined the group. “I think it’s time for all of us to have some cake to celebrate the good news.”
Jessie charged up to Charlotte. They were a few years apart in age and could become good friends if Charlotte opened up again. “I like your dress, Charlotte. I already asked Dad if I can have one like it.”
Charlotte smoothed her hands over the tulle. “Thanks. Your denim is cool too.”
“But yours is better for a party.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Don’t tell my dad, but he’s not the best at shopping for my clothes. But now that he married Megan maybe I can ask her to take over. Want to sit with me for cake?”
“Sure.” Charlotte looked at her mom. “Is it okay, or do you need me?”
