Just then, two men stepped out from behind him.  They were similarly elegantly dressed as Luke, one slightly older, and one years younger.  The older one introduced himself, “Matthew Skinner,” at first he extended a hand, but then smiled at Bette then stepped forward to kiss her on both cheeks.  He moved to kiss Tina also.  “Bromwell Skinner,” the other man said, smiling warmly at them also, and kissing both.

Something familiar about his voice, Tina thought, her brows knit in concentration.  Bromwell’s eyes also seemed to light up in recognition.

Luke explained, “We used to be somewhat estranged…but when I approached them about sharing grandfather’s papers, and then keeping them updated on progress you were making in the reconstruction, it gave us an excuse…or an opportunity…to reconnect.  We actually got here about 15 minutes ago, and had toured ourselves around.  Some of your friends were kind enough to show us around…”

Tina saw Shane and Alice wave at them in the back.  She smiled warmly at them.

Tina was also searching for Kit, then caught her eye and winked. Kit started walking over.

Luke continued to explain, “…And fell in love with the house.  Yes…we can see the effort you put into conveying some of grandfather’s thoughts…some of his heart…into the house, Bette.  Masterful  job.  I suspect it is a combination of your own heart and elegance that have allowed his spirit to come out.”

“So we are closer now than we have been throughout our adult life, joined by your passion in working on this house, and bringing our grandfather to life…” Matthew continued.

“Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts,” Bromwell ended.

Bette and Tina looked at each other.  They were speechless.

“Well done,” George called out, clinking his champagne glass, then set it down, and applauded. Everybody else clinked their flutes, and applauded also.

Bette and Tina encircled arms around each other, and leaned their heads together, as they looked out into the crowd of their friends and family, gratified that all their efforts and often backbreaking work to reconstruct the house had been so well received by them.

Bette was scanning the crowd quickly as people clapped, located Sarah, then raised an eyebrow.  Sarah stepped over to Shane.  Who then walked casually next to Logan.