By the time Joshua had to get up behind the podium and give his speech, his nerves had settled. It probably helped he wasn’t the only one being honored tonight and he was the last one to speak. I jumped to my feet and applauded loudly when he was done. He gave me a sheepish grin. But I wasn’t the only one participating in the standing ovation. I was so proud, it felt like I’d burst.
After the emcee said a few words of thanks, the mingling started. Joshua was almost immediately swamped by admirers. I gave him a soft smile because now he was over his nerves, his confidence was shining through. I loved seeing him like this.
Since he was otherwise occupied, and I didn’t want to interrupt, I headed for the bar in the corner of the banquet hall. I wanted a glass of Moscato. And then I just wan
