Chapter 360: Chapter 360

"Why did it take you so long?" Geneva asked as Ian ushered Shelby into the hall where all the other guests were seated. Shelby had let Suzie fully supervise all the arrangements for the accession, and this was the first time that she was seeing the full-done hall.

She did not have the expertise on this but trusted that, with Suzie’s training, she could get it done, and Suzie did not disappoint.

The grand hall, as Shelby had come to call it, was just adjacent to the receiving hall but had a different entrance, and this hall was only used for such occasions as and when it was needed.

The large room of the estate was transformed for the night, adorned in warm, timeless elegance that perfectly matched the surrounding hacienda-style architecture of the estate.

Sun-dappled adobe walls, aged to a gentle cream, held thick, dark wooden beams high overhead, their rugged texture softened by cascading vines and delicate fairy lights strung artfully across the ceiling.

A series of arched windows, framed in wrought iron, allowed the golden glow of late evening to seep in, casting a warm-cold hue over the room as it blended into the ambient candlelight that lined the tables.

At the center, a long banquet table covered with cream-coloured linens stretched under intricate chandeliers. Vintage candelabras and rustic centerpieces filled with fresh, sun-kissed roses and vibrant green grapes from the vineyard added a lively contrast, while silver-rimmed glassware and heirloom dinnerware awaited each guest.

The scent of rich wood and fresh blossoms mingled with the subtle aroma of old wine, echoing the room’s history and the rich vineyard outside, visible through the French doors, left slightly ajar to the evening air.

Even though, already seated, a hush of admiration filled the space, emanating from the guests. Every element had been carefully placed in honour of Alex’s 71st year.

A large intricate flower arrangement looked to have the numbers seven and one carved in it and was placed in a conspicuous place in the room. The atmosphere was both festive and nostalgic, blending rustic charm with sophisticated touches—a nod to tradition but alive with new memories waiting to be made.

With its timeless hacienda charm, the room became a fitting tribute to the legacy and life of the man they were gathered to celebrate.

"Happy birthday, grandfather!"

Gabriel’s little voice echoed loudly around the room, making everyone pause in what they were doing.

Shelby and Ian walked forward to their seats at the head of the long table as a different smaller table had been set up for Alex, Geneva and a few of their close friends.

Gabriel’s well-wish had not let Shelby answer Geneva’s initial query. However, it wasn’t as if Geneva had expected an answer across the room anyway.

Shelby turned to Gabriel, and he smiled mischievously.

"Grandpa, see what I made for you!"

Gabriel rushed forward. A collective breath hitched, especially from the servers in the room, as Gabriel was known to have broken his fair share of vases in the estate. He was notorious for his accident-prone nature, especially when he was as excited as he looked that evening.

Gabriel dashed forward toward Alex with a gleeful shout. His tiny feet thumped against the floor, each step seeming like a countdown to disaster. The elegant tables laden with delicate glassware and heirloom china seemed to tremble in anticipation, while even the guests exchanged wary glances, bracing for what they feared was inevitable.

There was even more at stake this time. Every object in his path seemed to be at risk—vases filled with roses, a platter of intricate hors d’oeuvres, even a towering champagne glass pyramid perched precariously nearby. Gabriel was oblivious to the silent plea of every adult in the room, his eyes fixed on his grandfather with single-minded excitement.

Just as he was about to reach Alex’s table, his foot caught on the edge of the plush rug, and a wave of horror swept through the crowd, everyone wincing as if bracing for the crash. Geneva closed her eyes, unable to watch anymore, but none of the Thornstons household members expected what happened next.

With a quick grab, Alex caught Gabriel mid-stumble, steadying the boy with a warm chuckle and a pat on the shoulder.

This was the first time that Alex had ever done this! Relief washed over the guests, a few sighing openly in gratitude, the moment having passed without disaster.

Gabriel beamed up, completely unaware of the close call, while the guests and especially the members of the household, finally relaxed, sharing amused and knowing smiles over yet another close encounter with the family’s lovable whirlwind.

"Alex, I didn’t know that you still had it. Still going strong passed seventy!" A friend said, and they all exchanged amused chuckles.

Geneva could not find it in herself to even be mad, especially when Gabriel pulled out a paper from his jacket.

"I made this for you!" he stated proudly as he leaned on Alex’s legs, like he was home and at ease.

Alex took the A4-sized paper and studied it. His heart skipped a beat, and he was touched. On that paper, Gabriel had drawn him, and Geneva, seated at what looked like their breakfast table. The drawing was far from perfect, but one could make out their figures perfectly.

Alex smiled widely and showed off the drawing to his friends at the table.

"Thank you, Gabriel. I’ll frame this and hang it in my room."

"You will?" Gabriel widened his eyes in surprise.

"Of course, I will! It’s the first gift my grandson has ever given. Me, so I should be proud of it. Thank you, Gabriel."

Gabriel beamed with pride and ran back to Shelby to tell her of it as if she had not witnessed it herself.

Ian had already ushered Shelby to her seat at that time.

"Mama! Did you see that?! Grandpa-"

Gabriel talked non-stop to the amusement of the guests, but what touched Shelby the most was Alex’s response. Alex had not shirked Gabriel and the other kids. Even though he was not as cold to them, he had never openly acknowledged them directly as he had done in front of their guests.

"I’m glad." Shelby patted Gabriel and helped him to a seat beside her, as had become the norm.

Ingrid went next. As she was a little shy, so she walked up to Alex’s table and placed a small envelope down.

Alex, knowing this, whispered, "Thank you, Ingrid," before she turned and left. Her lips slightly tugged up, and she hurried back to the main table, taking her seat by Gabriel.

"Let’s see what your granddaughter gave you!"

Alex did not hesitate to open the envelope to reveal a small hand-made birthday card. One could see how much effort had been put in at just the first glance.

The artwork radiated with vivid colors, as the child’s imaginative strokes animated a joyful sky and garden. At the top, an azure sky swirled unevenly with crayon, adorned with whimsical white clouds in playful shapes. A striking yellow sun shone brightly from one corner, its rays stretching like welcoming arms over the scene, nearly reaching the garden blooming with flowers below.

The garden burst with vibrant colours and whimsical details, featuring tall, happy flowers in red, pink, and purple swaying over robust green stems.

Some blossoms tilted slightly, lending the garden a charming, breezy appearance, while a few tiny creatures—a buzzing bee, a fluttering butterfly—joyfully flitted among the flowers, each depicted with lovable crooked lines and a hint of innocence.

At the bottom, a wobbly "Happy Birthday, Grandpa!" was written in large, proud letters, the ’y’ and ’p’ playfully looped as if she had spent extra time perfecting them.

The card’s edges were a little smudged from enthusiastic hands, but the colours glowed with heartfelt warmth, capturing the pure, simple joy Ingrid felt in making something special just for her grandfather.

A tissue was thrust into Alex’s face, and that was when he noticed that he was tearing up. He took the tissue and wiped away the tears while showing off the card proudly. Alex was more than touched. He was bursting with emotions.

Then, came Samantha, who had hovered in the background.

The guests’ anticipation had been attracted. Samantha walked forward and handed a small rectangular, velvet-lined box that fit the palm of her hand, "Happy birthday, Grandpa! May you continue to grow in glory!"

Alex smiled and opened the box with gentle, aged hands. A gleaming fountain pen was nestled inside, its polished silver casing etched with his name in elegant script. It was no doubt that it was a very expensive and thoughtful gift! Alex’s eyes softened as he lifted the pen, running a finger over the engraving as though tracing the letters for the first time.

He felt a rush of pride and tenderness, emotions that swelled up unexpectedly, making his voice catch when he finally looked up. The gift was more than an object—it was a gesture that said, "I see you, Grandpa; I know you."

His heart swelled with gratitude for this thoughtful child, who had somehow chosen the perfect way to honour him. From that time, Samantha turned over a new leaf; she had indeed maintained her promise and became the best role model for her younger siblings.

Holding the pen delicately, Alex gave a teary-eyed smile, the room warming with unspoken understanding as family members watched his reaction, sharing in the quiet joy of the moment.

Even Geneva felt a slight prickling of tears at this.

The children had all put thoughts into this in more ways than possible.

"Thank you, Samatha," Alex said, and Samantha’s heart swelled! She had been acknowledged!

From here, other guests came and presented theirs. They were all expensive and well-thought-out gifts for the former chairman of the T-Vino winery, but nothing matched sentimentally to what the children had given till the last three ...

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