Chapter 271
With Fortune’s steadying hand, Keira finally managed to stand up. “Grandpa
Catie,” she said, her voice thick with emotion, “there are no words to thank you enough for all you’ve done. From this day forward, you’re the dearest friend of the Gonzales family, and you’ll always be Catie’s grandpa, too p>
That last promise was for Fortune alone-a vow from Keira’s heart.
Even if she decided to bring Freya to the city, Fortune would come with them. He had raised Caitlin from childhood; the Gonzales family would never turn their backs on him.
Fortune gently helped Keira to the sofa. Caitlin appeared with a steaming cup of tea. “Grandma, have some tea. It’ll help you settle down p>
Keira took the tea, sipping slowly, forcing herself to calm her racing thoughts. She turned to Fortune. “Grandpa Freya, I heard that when you found Freya all those years ago, she was in a ravine, covered in blood. Can you tell me exactly what happened that day? What was it like when you found her p>
She just couldn’t make sense of it. How had her beloved granddaughter ended up, battered and alone, in some remote mountain gorge, miles from home?
Every time Keira heard the words “covered in blood,” her chest tightened. Who could be so heartless? Who would want to destroy her family so completely?
Ding-dong, ding-dong-
Just as Fortune was about to answer, the doorbell sounded from the hall.
Caitlin hurried over and opened the door. She was met by a sea of faces clustered on the porch.
At the front stood Hannah. Behind her were the eight uncles and eight aunts from the Richards family, and then a crowd of thirteen cousins all together, more than twenty people crowded the entryway.
Before Caitlin could react, Hannah rushed forward and enveloped her in a hug. “Freya, Freya, my darling Freya! The moment I saw you, I knew-you must be my Freya p>
“Oh, sweetheart, my precious girl, I finally found you.” Hannah’s voice trembled with joy.
“Grandma,” Caitlin whispered. Tears she’d just managed to stop welled up again and spilled down her cheeks.
“Freya, I’m your eldest uncle,” one of the men stepped forward. The rest of the aunts and uncles surged around her.
“I’m your second uncle p>
“And I’m your eldest aunt p>
One after another, the introductions tumbled out.
“Freya, don’t forget about me! I’m your youngest uncle!” Frederick, eager not to be overlooked, bounced up and down, waving to catch Caitlin’s eye.
“Youngest uncle!” Caitlin called out politely.
The relatives were so enthusiastic, the thirteen cousins barely got a chance to greet her.
“Freya! Over here, it’s your sixth cousin!” one called, trying to squeeze through the crowd.
“Move aside!” Easton pushed Xavier Richards to the side. “I’m her oldest cousin. Let me have a turn before you, Zachary-wait your turn p>
“Exactly, line up in order,” someone else chimed in.
Xavier huffed, but obediently shuffled to the back. “Fine, fine. I’ll wait my turn p>
One by one, Caitlin greeted her uncles and aunts. The eight uncles and aunts from the Richards family gazed at their beautiful, gracious niece, tears of happiness shining in their eyes.
Nineteen years. They had waited for this moment for nineteen long years-to finally hear her call them uncle and aunt.
Caitlin turned to her cousins next. The thirteen boys were practically overcome with emotion. Finally, they had a little sister-they didn’t have to envy other families anymore.
The once-quiet living room now buzzed with warmth and laughter, the Richards family filling every corner.
Caitlin made introductions, her voice bright. “Grandma, uncles, aunts, cousins—- this is my grandpa p>
She looked over at Fortune, then turned back to her family. “Grandpa, this is my grandma, and here are my eight uncles and aunts, and my thirteen cousins p>
Hannah quickly moved to Fortune’s side and clasped his hand. “Grandpa Freya, thank you. Thank you for raising our Freya so well p>
Then she turned to her children and grandchildren. “Everyone, come thank Grandpa Freya properly p>
The eight uncles and aunts stood at the front, the thirteen cousins lined up behind. “Thank you, Grandpa Freya!” they echoed as one, bowing in unison.
It was an overwhelming sight.
“Oh, there’s no need, really, no need,” Fortune stammered, a bit flustered at the grand display. “Catie is like my own granddaughter. Of course I would care for her p>
Hannah smiled warmly. “Grandpa Freya, nineteen years ago you saved our Freya’s life. That makes you the greatest benefactor of the Richards family. From now on, you’re not only Freya’s grandpa-you’re grandpa to all thirteen of these children, too. They’ll look after you, care for you, and honor you, just like she does p>