Out of The Box Regifted (25 page)

Reba and her friends have been here since the crack of dawn cooking nonstop, preparing an exquisite dinner. The menu for tonight is beef tenderloin, rosemary roasted new potatoes, roasted artichoke bottoms, and a mixed green salad with orange, pomegranate seeds and goat cheese. Reba’s best friend is a pastry chef, and she has made a scrumptious dessert, along with cookies shaped like a guitar with a T & E on them. Ash has gone into the wine cellar and brought out some fabulous wines for us, along with several bottles of champagne.

Before everyone gets here, Ash and I go into our room to get dressed. He does that
‘come on sexy’
wink at me. “Liv, let’s sneak into our love room for a quickie.”

“Ash, I’d love to, but we gotta hurry.” I laugh.

Once safe and secure in our secret room, we quickly ditch our clothes and indulge in a passionate private moment. He sinks into me and I’m more than ready to accept him eagerly and wanting, with every thrust. He sends me over the edge, and I just wish we could lay here, with him inside me forever.

“Woman, you have no idea how I’ve been fantasizing about this all day. God, you feel so damn good. This is just a sampling of what I’m going to give you later tonight.”

Once we’ve finished making love, we hop in the shower and get ready to meet our guests. Tommy and Emily go up to get ready, once Lainey and Kel arrive. They’ve gotten a room in town, even though we offered them to stay with us. “Mom!” Lainey exclaims, when she walks through the door.

Even though it has only been a few weeks since I last saw her, she is now 7 months pregnant and looks splendid. Pregnancy becomes her and the full round belly bursting with life, just melts my heart.

“Lainey, you look…” I start to cry and she gives me a huge hug.

“Mom, don’t get all emotional. We’ll have enough of that tomorrow, and you know we’ll all be bawling our eyes out. Save some tears for that.”

Ash and Kel go into the bar to talk and pour themselves a drink, and Tommy comes down to join them once he’s dressed.

“So, getting nervous Tommy?” Kellan asks.

“Not just yet. I don’t think it’s fully sunk in, but tomorrow I’ll probably be totally worthless. Any words of wisdom, Kel?”

“Haha. I was a friggin basket case myself. Poor Lainey was a wreck, and I thought she was gonna pull a runaway bride on me. Nope, no words of wisdom from me, sorry to say.”

I take Lainey upstairs to where Emily is getting ready. We softly knock on her door.

“Em? Can we come in?” Lainey asks.

“Of course. I’m almost ready. I can’t zip this darn dress though. Can you help me please? Sorry, but I’m getting nervous.” She’s in her darling little black dress with strappy sandals, and her hair falls loose and wavy on her petite shoulders. She has very little makeup on, but looks dazzling. Sitting on the vanity bench, she applies a soft coral lip gloss, and all we can do when we see her is smile.

Lainey and I both bend down, give her a hug, and marvel over her radiant glow.

“Aww, I remember how I felt the night before Kel and I got married. I was a blubbering idiot, wasn’t I Mom? I cried from the time we were at rehearsal, straight through the night. I couldn’t stop, and Kel kept thinking it was because I was having second thoughts. I was just hormonal, because I’d gotten my period the day before, and I always get weepy during that time. Think about how fun my honeymoon was!” I have to laugh at that one. Poor Lainey was so upset. I told her she and Kel just had to wait a few days to have their wedding night fun.

About that time, Tommy knocks on the door. “Em? You dressed babe? Am I interrupting anything?”

“No, not at all. Come on in. We’re just chit chatting.”

Lainey and I turn to leave, as Tommy enters the room, “You don’t have to go. I just wanted to give Emily a little something before everyone gets here. I want you to see too.”

He’s holding a little black box, tied with a pretty coral ribbon, which he proudly presents to Emily.

“Here Em, it’s just a little something for you to wear tonight. I love you babe.”

Curiously, she takes the box and gives him a hug, as she opens it. Inside, is a beautiful strand of delicate pearls.

“Oh my God! Tommy these are gorgeous. I’ve never had real pearls. Thank you so much.” She says, as she gets teary eyed.

“Pearls signify purity and harmony. You’re pure, beautiful, and you’re my harmony, Em.”

As he puts them on her neck, he tenderly kisses her and clears his throat, as he unknowingly becomes emotional.

“Ah hum. So, didn’t mean to interrupt you ladies, just wanted to give my future wife a little gift. See you in a bit. I’m going to have a drink with Dad and Kel.” With that, he’s gone and we’re left speechless.

“Wow! What a guy.” Lainey says, “He’s made me cry, thank you very much. I said I was NOT going to cry tonight.”

“See, it’s contagious. You’ve got me crying now.” I say.

Emily laughs through her tears, “Yeah, he’s pretty special, isn’t he? I can’t believe that tomorrow this prince charming will be my husband. How lucky I am. Olivia, I’m so thankful you hooked us up. I know that’s why you invited him over the night I came to decorate, and you can’t deny it. You’re the best matchmaker ever, and now you’re gonna be my mother-in-law.”

“Busted am I?” I laugh. “But it did work out exactly the way I planned it, Emily. I knew all along it would.”

“
Well hell, then let’s go get a glass of wine. I’m ready. We’ve got some rehearsing to do. I’ve got my little black dress on and my beautiful pearls.” Emily gets up, and we follow her downstairs.

Todd and Kyra arrive shortly after we get downstairs, and they look blissful themselves.

Little by little, everyone arrives and Reba has delicious appetizers out for us, along with cocktails. She and her crew have made this an exquisite affair. The weather has cooperated, and we move outdoors to get organized. Angelica takes charge and makes sure everyone is where he or she needs to be. Scott, Tommy and Emily are in the study. I see their heads bowed through the window, and assume Scott is having prayer with them. Tommy is holding Emily’s hand and Scott has his hands on each of their heads. Not wanting to intrude by gawking at the window, I walk over to where Ash and the guys are standing. Mariah and Gary have arrived, as have Ellen, David, Melissa, and Trey.

Soon Tommy, Emily, and Scott emerge from the house and Angelica ushers them into place. The events company I hired has all the chairs set out, and with the tenting, the grounds look lovely. Ash even had Jose spruce up the landscaping, and beautiful flowers adorn the grounds and beds around the trees. Lush pots bursting with blossoms of spring flowers, grace the patio area and the twinkle lights are spectacular. Every tree is wrapped in them, and the soft landscape lights, add to the ambiance. The dock is lit, and the view of the rippling water is breathtaking.

I am worried as to where Dalton and Bradley are, since Dalton’s flight was delayed. I can hear laughter, and see them finally stroll in.

“I was just beginning to worry, and send the mounted police out to look for you boys.” I say.

“Mom, we tried to call, but I guess you don’t have your phone out here with you. I waited at the airport for Dalton to get in, so we didn’t have to rent 2 cars.” Bradley says.

“You boys are going to walk me down the aisle, so let’s walk back to the door and when Angelica signals, we walk. Got it?”

He gives me a thumbs up, “Got it Mom. We can do this.”

Angelica is quite the Type A personality, and clearly isn’t satisfied with anything short of perfection. Her long wavy hair is pulled back at the nape of her neck, and her body is adorned with tattoos. She’s wearing a very form fitting emerald green sleeveless jersey dress, which precisely accentuates every curve of her toned body. Her muscular arms are waving each of us into place like a traffic cop, as she preaches to us in her heavy Jersey accent, simulating anger with a sing song rhythm to her whiney voice, “Guys come on already! The sooner we get this down, the quicker we can all get trashed. It’s as simple as that...I don’t know about you, but I’ve had a long day, and I’m for getting a little liquid infusion.” She winks at us.

She has us all do a couple of takes and I think we’ve finally got it down, when Angelica looks up to the sky holding her hands up and smiles. “Now, let’s all go get shitfaced!”

Todd puts his comic spin on the whole process, as he pulls the clip from her ponytail, ruffles her hair, and playfully slaps her arm.

“Angelica, sorry but I don’t know why anyone has to practice walking.” He holds his arms out. “It’s fucking walking, for God’s sake. What’s so damn difficult about that? I mean geez. I’ll never get this rehearsal thing. It’s so overrated.” Angelica flips him off, and rolls her eyes. “Todd you don’t have to understand. All you have to do is follow my orders, or I’ll whip your ass.” She threatens.

He jerks his chin up and responds to her, “When I get married, I’m not rehearsing a thing, except my wedding night. That definitely needs a few run throughs; you can believe that.”

Scott and Angelica are finally satisfied that we’re ready for the real thing, so everyone disburses and heads back into the house, where Reba and her crew have the table set, complete with champagne in a bucket next to Ash’s chair, at the head of the table. She’s used the fine china, crystal, and silver. Her friend Viola brought fresh flowers from her garden, and made beautiful arrangements for the table. The table looks nothing short of what you would find at a five star restaurant. Every detail is impeccable, and I’m so pleased.

Ash pops the cork, fills everyone’s glasses and clinks his glass. “Folks, I’d like to welcome you in celebrating Tommy and Emily’s upcoming big day. Olivia and I are overjoyed for you all to share this with us. We’re forever grateful for the love and support of our family and friends. I’d like to also express our sincere appreciation to Reba and her wonderfully talented group of friends, who have prepared this delicious feast for us tonight. Reba has been a member of this family for many years, and we love her dearly. Thank you Reba and gals, for taking time to do this for us.”

“Here here!” Tommy says.

Ash, still standing says, “I’d like to ask Scott to lead us all in a blessing before we eat.”

Scott nods, and stands holding his hands out, “Folks, I’d like to ask that each of you extend your hand to the person next to you.” We do so, and all bow our heads, connected by the flesh of our hands. “Heavenly Father, we are brought together tonight by your grace and love. We’re eternally thankful that you have seen fit to make a couple, and bestow upon them the most sacred unity in your pairing of Tommy and Emily. Their union will be strong, their love will be abundant, and your blessings will forever be upon them. Let us be thankful Father, and humbled by the many blessings you have bestowed on each of our lives. Let us live by example and be mindful of your presence every day, in the ways we achieve to live with your favor. Bless this wonderful meal we are about to eat, and the beautiful women who prepared it. The food nourishes our bodies, but your presence in our lives is sustenance for our souls. Grant each and every person here tonight the ability to be the best friend, the best mate, the best spouse, and the best parent they can be. Grant them your grace and peace. In your heavenly name Lord, hear our prayer. Amen.”

We all respond simultaneously, “Amen.”

Never in my life have I heard a more meaningful blessing, and I am in awe at the profundity of it.

I see Todd tenderly holding Kyra’s hand on the table, as we raise our heads.

Ash stands again, “That was a beautiful blessing, Scott. Thank you so much. You’ve given us all some food for thought, and as we enjoy this spectacular meal prepared with love for us, let’s all keep in mind the words of this spiritual gift.”

After dinner, we all retire to the patio area for drinks and coffee. The guys light up with cigars and I notice Todd is quiet tonight, not being his usual self.

I walk over to him, tapping his shoulder, “Wanna go smoke?” I whisper in his ear.

His face lights up, “Sure, I’ll have one with you, Olivia. You got any?”

I grin, as I shake my head, playfully slapping his arm. “Yeah, you know I do.”

We head out to the dock to sit and chat for a bit. The view of the lights cascading on the water is so peaceful and beautiful. The water lightly ripples; the sound is like soft music.