Ivy loved the food there, so Jamison made a reservation.
When they arrived, Boyd Ludwig and Naylor Wilson were already waiting.
“Thought you’d stood us up,” Naylor called out, one leg casually crossed over the other. “Invite us to lunch and then ghost us–real nice.”
Jamison shrugged off his coat. “Traffic was a nightmare near the hospital.”
Ivy greeted them with a warm smile and a nod.
Naylor grinned back and teased, “You two look positively glowing. Married life must be suiting you.”
Jamison shot him a knowing look. “It is. Maybe you should give it a try? Ms. Penn practically begged me to talk some sense into you.”
“Oh, give it a rest. You can tie yourself to one tree if you like, but I intend to enjoy the whole forest.”
“Careful, or you’ll catch something you can’t shake off,” Jamison shot back dryly.
Naylor kicked at him under the table. “Shut it! Don’t jinx me–I’m romantic, not reckless.”
Boyd just laughed and waved over a server to start ordering.
Ivy watched Jamison banter with his friends, her smile lingering as the playful energy filled the table.
Suddenly, a familiar voice called out nearby. “Jamison?”
They all turned, surprised to see Thad Ludwig and his wife Davina, with their youngest, Halley, in tow.
Ivy stood up right away. “Thad, Davina, Hal.”
Halley’s face lit up when he spotted Ivy. He dashed over. “Aunt Ivy, did you bring my present?”
The little guy had a memory like a steel trap. He was still thinking about that dinner at the family home when he’d met Ivy for the first time, and she’d promised to make up for forgetting his welcome gift.
And now, the very first thing out of his mouth was a reminder.
The adults were caught off guard for a moment until Davina quickly grabbed her son and scolded, “What did we say about manners? You don’t just ask for gifts the moment you see someone.”
“But Aunt Ivy promised me,” Halley protested.
Ivy jumped in, smiling. “It’s all right, Davina. I did promise. And I came prepared.” She beckoned Halley over and reached into her bag, retrieving a plump red envelope.
Jamison raised his eyebrows. “When did you have time to get that?”
Ivy didn’t answer, focusing instead on pressing the envelope into Halley’s hands.
“Thank you, Aunt Ivy!” Halley beamed. “You’re officially my absolute favorite. You kept your word, even though I’m just a kid!” He waved the envelope in triumph, then turned to Jamison, giving him an enthusiastic thumbs–up. “Uncle Jamison, you picked a great wife! I wish you both a hundred years of happiness, lots of kids, grandkids everywhere, and a house full of family forever!”
The table fell silent for a second before Halley glanced back at his parents, innocence written all over his face. “Mom, did I get the blessing right?”
Thad and Davina were speechless.
So were Jamison and Ivy.
Naylor was the first to recover, bursting out laughing. “Perfect, Hal! That’s the best toast I’ve heard all year. Uncle Naylor gives it two thumbs up!”
Everyone knew each other–Naylor had done plenty of business with Thad and had met Halley before.
Pleased with the praise, Halley bounced on his toes and tugged his parents toward the table. “Let’s sit here! I want to play with Aunt Ivy.”
Davina tried to hold him back. “Hal, Dad reserved another table. Your uncle and aunt have business to discuss. We shouldn’t interrupt.”
“Oh, come on, adults always talk about boring stuff. I won’t say anything, I promise.”
Ivy, seeing Halley’s determination to stay, smiled and relented. “Thad, Davina, why, don’t you join us? We’re all friends here. Let’s enjoy lunch together.”