"He is."
We stayed a bit longer.
"Come here. I have one more thing to show you." I led Will around the corner and we stood, hand in hand, in front of my favorite piece.
The showpiece of the exhibit.
The tapestry hung from the rafters, and took up the better part of the far wall. It wasn't just a weaving of a large tree against the Buffalo skyline. It was our family tree, not emblazoned with names or words, but with seasons, colors, emotions.
"Oh, Debra." Will's voice reflected my heart's song. "This is what it's all about. Family."
My walkie-talkie buzzed.
"Ms. Bradley?"
"Yes, Jen, we're on our way."
"Doors open in one minute."
I looked back up at Will. I knew that Blair, Stella, Brian and Angie were waiting with Violet. Angie had made it back in time from Paris, after all.
Even my mother and Fred had come to see the big event.
But only one opinion mattered to me.
"So what do you think, Will?"
"I think Mama's going to burst with pride. I already am."
"My sweet Will." I kissed him and he responded tenderly, his hands warm on my bare arms.
"The best is yet to come, Debra," he said in a low voice.
"Yes-the best is yet to come." I leaned into him as we looked at our family. Blair had announced Stella's pregnancy a week ago, and their joy was reflected in their wide grins. Brian's new girlfriend, the first he'd ever brought home to meet us, stood at his side. A visibly pregnant Angie was there, too...and looking forward to Jesse's return home, to Buffalo.
Violet sat comfortably in the wheelchair she'd fought against but had given in to once the kids had assured her one of them would stay with her throughout the night. She wore her pearls and a fine silk blouse. Her lap was covered not by a fancy scarf or throw but by the tattered afghan I'd knitted all those years ago.
Will's hand tightened on my waist and I looked up into his beloved face.
"Ready, Deb?"
"Ready."
We turned back toward the family. "Thank you all so much for being here," I said. "I know I would never have come this far without my family. I love you all."