CHAPTER 47
The café doors creaked as they opened, revealing the silhouette of an elegant woman standing on the threshold. Her eyes, initially clouded by a mixture of surprise and curiosity, quickly found her son at the center of the party. Abigail, Cody's mother, inspired the scene with a mixture of emotions.
She advanced gracefully, her determined steps echoing on the wooden floor. The excited voices and festive music became a muffled murmur as people noticed the matriarch's presence. Cody himself, still wrapped up in the joy of the previous moment, was momentarily stunned when he saw his mother in the doorway.
Abigail, for her part, looked away from Cody for a moment and met Nathan's eyes. She saw how, over time, Nathan had always informed her about Elizabeth and Cody's well-being, as well as looking after Bill. A deep gratitude grew in her heart, and she decided to express her feelings. A silent understanding passed between them. It was the kind of understanding that only years of living together allowed. Abigail continued to move forward, now smiling.
- My dear Cody; she murmured, as she approached him.
The young Mountie, still recovering from the initial shock, grinned from ear to ear. Abigail held out her arms and, in an instant, mother and son were wrapped in a warm embrace. The rest of the party seemed to disappear, leaving just the two of them there, immersed in the joy of their meeting.
- You're glowing with happiness, my love," said Abigail, pulling away just enough to look into Cody's eyes.
- It's just... Mom, something incredible has happened! Cody began to explain the turnaround in his life, sharing the news about his entry into editing and the aftermath that followed. Abigail listened with obvious pride, her eyes shining with maternal tenderness.
As Robert spoke, Nathan approached, greeting Abigail with a warm hug. The cheerful atmosphere of the party was back, now with the addition of the matriarch to the group.
Abigail looked around, taking in the festive atmosphere. She noticed Robert, who would be a new policeman along with her son, and exchanged a smile with him, remembering the days when that little boy was so small in their community. It was a time of celebration for everyone, and Abigail felt a wave of gratitude and love for those around her.
The evening progressed with laughter, shared stories and dancing. Abigail, now part of the party, was overjoyed. She moved away from Elizabeth, who was engaged in animated conversation with Bill and Henry.
The music flowed smoothly, creating an engaging soundtrack to the evening of celebration. Abigail and Elizabeth moved a little away from the center of the party, finding a quieter space where they could talk. Abigail looked into Elizabeth's eyes, and a warm smile lit up her face.
- My dear Elizabeth, how happy I am to see you looking so radiant," Abigail said, hugging her friend tenderly.
Elizabeth returned the hug with affection, feeling Abigail's welcoming presence. The friendship between these two women was deep, built over years of sharing joys, challenges and triumphs. They were more than friends; they were like sisters at heart.
- Abigail, you have no idea how much it means to me to have you here, Elizabeth replied, her eyes shining with gratitude.
- Tonight is special, but your presence makes it even more meaningful, my friend Abigail.
The two women pulled away from the embrace, but continued to hold each other's hands. Abigail looked into Elizabeth's eyes with deep understanding, as if she could read her friend's feelings without a single word being spoken.
- You know, Elizabeth, you've always been a source of inspiration to me, Abigail began, her eyes reflecting the sincerity of her words... seeing how you face life's challenges with grace and courage is truly inspiring. You deserve all the happiness you are experiencing right now.
Elizabeth conveyed, touched by Abigail's words.
- And you, my dear friend, have always been my pillar of strength. Your wisdom, compassion and unconditional love have shaped not only my life, but the lives of everyone in Hope Valley.
As they talked, Bill and Henry approached, joining in the lively exchange of words. The friendship between these four souls was woven like a tapestry rich in shared experiences. Laughing together, they recalled the difficult times they had faced and the moments of joy they had celebrated.
The evening progressed with laughter and shared stories, and the four friends danced to the music, celebrating not only Robert and Cody's achievements, but also the strength of the friendship that had stood the test of time.
When the soft music gave way to a livelier tune, Elizabeth left Abigail for the dance floor. Between giggles and graceful movements, they twirled as if no time had passed since the first days they met.
The party continued, but for Abigail and Elizabeth, that moment of dancing was a tangible testimony to the sisterhood they shared. In the midst of the joy and music, they were more than friends; they were soul sisters, united by bonds that time only strengthens.
As the music filled the room and people danced, Abigail encouraged Nathan and Elizabeth by sharing an intimate moment in the middle of the dance floor, asking for a dance, after all she couldn't be there and witness this great love. The love between them was palpable, and Abigail felt grateful to be part of that community she called family.
The party went on until late into the night, marking not only Robert and Cody's ascension to the mount, but also strengthening the bonds that united everyone there. Abigail, with a heart full of joy, knew that that night would be remembered as a special chapter in the history of Hope Valley.