“I’ll go get your menus, sir.” He ducked away from the table, hurriedly, probably excited after that twenty-dollar tip Link slapped in his hand.
“What is all this?” I looked around, still no Allison. “I didn’t realize that Allison had invited you all as well…” I cocked an eyebrow at him. Something was afoot, and I wouldn’t be fooled for long. I was way too smart for any shenanigans, and I knew Link knew that.
“She won’t be coming tonight, she was pulling in the back and got called off to help Kanye with some event.”
“And…you all just happened to be in the area?” I chuckled. “How convenient.”
“N-no, I was supposed to come too I just thought I’d be running late!” He blushed.
“And my grandparents?”
“Link invited us, dear!” My grandmother beamed. Even my grandfather was all smiles, which was a rarity. The man resembled the guy from the diabetes commercials, and just like him, never really smiled underneath his busy moustache. Something was up, though I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.
“In any event, have a seat! Oberon should be here any moment with our menu.” Link gestured to the seat next to him, holding his hand out to help me take my seat. I took his hand apprehensively, and sat down, eyeing him suspiciously. For what reason would Link be inviting my grandparents? He didn’t even like them. We had duped them, though now the con had become a reality. In the candlelight, I could just make out a bead of sweat twinkling across his brow. He was nervous…but what could he possibly be nervous about?
“Ahhh, and here we are,” Oberon was back, handing out the menus, a rolling cart with a crock full of ice and some champagne bottles in tow. Like magic, he produced four champagne flutes from behind his back and set one in front of each of us.
“I can’t drink but thank you!” I smiled at him.
“Oh, I know, that’s why I got you some sparkling juice!” Oberon smiled back, pouring me a glass. He poured the champagne into Link’s and Link raised his glass.
“To us, and our new future!” He grinned.
“To us.”
“To the lovely couple!” My grandfather said, clearing his throat. I raised an eyebrow as we lightly clinked our glasses together and each took a sip. Oberon giggled to himself, and I looked at him. He immediately went straight faced. I caught Link glaring at him from the corner of my eye, and he smiled as soon as I looked his way. I narrowed my eyes at the both of them and then opened the menu. There was so much going on, I didn’t really know what to pick. There was everything from Italian, to Mediterranean to Middle Eastern delicacies. I couldn’t imagine how a chef and his crew could keep up with such an extravagant menu. I settled on some lobster ravioli and handed my menu back to Oberon, who looked at us anxiously. What was this waiters deal? He was a sweet kid but he was hovering over my shoulder like a hawk. Link and the rest ordered their food and handed their menus back as well, Oberon quickly snatching them away.
“Alright, I’ll have your meals out in just a bit!” He beamed, heading out with menus in tow. It took awhile for the meals to get there, and we chit-chatted like normal, my grandfather was surprisingly well behaved for once, but it was probably because we were in public. Link and he especially seemed to be getting along superbly, which was odd. He had made it clear to me he despised him and his racist bullshit, but that he at least could tolerate my grandmother. But, here they were, chatting like old friends- golf, football, cooking- anything you could think of they chittered about. My grandmother and I kind of sat their quietly, interjecting every so often with a quip about whatever they were talking about. She kept looking at me…almost staring at me. When I would notice, she would just smile and look away at Link or my grandfather and make a comment.
It took almost no time at all for Oberon to come back with our dinners, assisted by another young waitress. Link had some sort of curry, and my grandparents had some meatloaf and mashed potatoes. The myriad of smells hitting my nose sent me drooling. I was famished. The morning sickness had gotten a little better, but it was hard to keep down food sometimes. The obgyn I had met with last week has prescribed me an anti-nausea med, and luckily it usually seemed to help. I reached into my purse and popped one for good measure, before chowing down. The lobster ravioli was amazing, the sauce was a combination of savory and sweet that danced on my tongue, the raviolis themselves were also exceptional. It was the first time I had eaten at someplace so fancy, and I was not disappointed.
The table was quiet as we each ate our respective meals, the only sounds were the mumbles of other diners and the clinking of our own silverware. As we finished, Oberon came around again to ask about dessert. I insisted I wasn’t hungry, not wanting to push my luck, but my grandmother was insistent that I try the cheesecake.
“It’s to die for!” She said, “And who knows when you’ll get another chance. It’s not every day you go to The Lounge.” She grinned at me and winked.
“Sure, I guess you’re right.” I smiled back, letting Oberon know I wanted a piece of cheesecake. The rest of the crew also ordered dessert, and then he shuffled off, an impish grin on his face.
“Anyway, so Link says you have some news to tell us!” My grandmother took a sip of her champagne and lightly dabbed her lipsticked lips with the cloth napkin in front of her.
“O-oh!” I was shocked. I hadn’t thought of telling them until I had made it past the danger point, but I guessed Link was just over excited. Either that or the rumor mill was churning, and since they were part of the local elite, it wasn’t too farfetched they would catch wind of it all sooner or later. Link grabbed my hand underneath the table, looked into my eyes and smiled, nodding softly. “Well, Link and I recently found out that I am pregnant!” My grandfather coughed mid sip and my grandmother gasped. At first I thought they were angry, but their surprise was quickly replaced with excitement.
“Oh my gosh! Congratulations!” My grandmother half yelled, overexcited. My grandfather smiled, setting a hand on her back and rubbing it.
“Yes, congratulations Gwen…and you too of course!” My grandfather chuckled.
“Well she’s doing all the cooking in that oven of hers,” Link chuckled, taking a hand and rubbing my belly lightly under the table.
“You are absolutely glowing, Gwen!” My grandmother chittered, “I could tell when I got in here. A mother always knows!” I was so happy that the news had been well received. Although they were a little backwards, they seemed to not be bothered by many other things, so I counted my blessings. It also seemed like my grandfather was coming around, his demeanor so much gentler and kinder. Time would tell if it was an act in public, but in the moment, I felt so at peace and happy.
“I also want to apologize for the way I have been acting…” My grandfather looked down at his lap, ashamed. “I was brought up a certain way, and that way ain’t right. You’re an upstanding, strong and beautiful woman. You have really showed me the error of my ways. I’m proud of you and all you’ve accomplished in your recovery, and now you are bringing life into the world! How exciting!” He winked at me, and I was taken aback by his words- it was as if the man had been reading my mind, though I was sure this was mostly due to my grandmother. The only way I could have seen this being a better dinner, is if my mom had been there. If only she could be here now, I was sure she would have been so proud, so happy that the family was brought back together. To see her parents come back from the grips of their old ways to become more accepting folks. Redemption before our very eyes. “Your father and mother were good people, I was just too stupid to see it. Especially your father.” Tears stung my eyes. I couldn’t believe my ears. He was apologizing for ripping on my father. “I hope you can forgive me…an old fool stuck in their ways. But I am trying, and I want to get better for you and the baby.” I nodded and wiped the tears from my eyes. My grandfather got up from the table and we hugged for the first time. He smelled of cool aftershave, his moustache tickling my cheek.
As we let go of our embrace,
Oberon returned, the same waitress in tow. As they handed out our plates, this time I was served last.
“And for you, Miss!” He grinned, setting my plate down. I picked up my fork and looked down at the cheesecake. In the dimly lit room, I could make out that there was something silver on my cake, circular in form. I poked at it and my eyes widened, and I brought the plate closer to my face for a better look.
It was ring.
It had heart cut diamonds joining at the tips, and 3 tiny diamonds coming down each side of the band. It was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen, I gasped, shocked at what I was seeing. I looked up to Oberon who smiled gleefully, then turning my gaze to my grandparents, my grandmother tearing up and wiping a tear with a perfectly manicured fingernail. I finally looked at Link, who had a shit eating grin on his face. This had all been a ploy from the very beginning, to get me to come here all for this moment. He walked over to me and I stood up, still in shock, as he bent on one knee and took my hand.
“Gwen Feirnays,” He began, my eyes already brimmed with tears. “I have not always been the perfect man. I have made some mistakes, some bigger than others, and then fate brought us back together. You have made me a better person, a better man, and I hope that I can take all that you’ve taught me over the years to be an amazing husband…if you’ll let me.”
My breath caught in my throat, and tears flowed down my cheeks. I nodded, unable to speak. “Will you marry me, Gwennie?”
“Yes! Of course!” I almost hopped into his arms. All the diners around us clapped and cheered, along with Oberon and the other waitress, and my grandparents. I truly was living in a fairy tale world now, and the primp and snooty pedigree had finally become the prince of my dreams. As we stood there, I pulled away from him, slipping my hands behind his neck and kissing him as if no one were watching.
As we kissed, the cheers thundered around us, and we giggled as he took the ring off the top of the cheesecake and slipped it delicately on my finger.
Epilogue: Gwen
It had been two years since my whole world reset, Link proposing to me at The Lounge to the sound of thunderous applause. In that time, we had had our son, Oberon- a beautiful, inquisitive child much to his fairy namesake. The waiter who had been an accomplice in Link’s engagement surprise was now a close friend of ours, and I felt the homage to him and that beautiful night just worked so well. Plus the name Oberon Gallagher rolled off the tongue so nicely.
It was time for my six month progress check up. I had more surgery on my legs since I had had Oberon, and it was the hope of the medical staff that I wouldn’t need a cane or wheelchair after I healed and completed physical therapy. It was the best I could hope for, especially since I had refused to pick a date for the wedding until I could walk down the aisle without a wheelchair or cane. A princess in an extravagant gown. I smiled at the poofy idea I had in my head, with the massive train and a flower crown on my head, as I was called by the nurse back into a room. I looked to Link and Oberon, nervous about what the news would be today. Last time, the doctor has said we had a lot more work in physical therapy to do, and I had been disappointed. He had been so unsure at the time whether or not my cane-less future could be a reality and it had brought me to tears. Link took my hand and squeezed it, holding Oberon in his lap in the other.
“Do you want us to go in with you?” He looked up at me, a tinge of worry across his face.
“No it’s okay, let Oberon play with the toys and stuff out here and I’ll be out soon.”
“Remember,” Link smiled, “No matter what? We love you. And just tell the nurse if you need us.” I nodded and turned away from him. As I walked towards the nurse, my mouth felt as dry as the Sahara. I swallowed hard, anxiety rising up in my chest. As we got to the room she did the normal nurse things- temperature, blood pressure and the like- and then ducked out as quickly as she came in. It must have been a busy day, because she hardly spoke, which wasn’t her normal bubbliness. The deviation from the norm made me even more nervous. Did she know something? Was the news I was about to get going to be horrible? I shuddered at the thought of being told that the cane would be my friend forever, though I mean it could’ve been worse. I had made it out of the wheelchair, right? I hadn’t had to go back except at the beginning of this surgeries healing process, so it was safe to say I wouldn’t be going back to that at least. I heaved a sigh as Doctor Mendara made his way in, clicking the door gently behind him as he extended my hand out as always, and we firmly shook hands.
“How are we doing today, Gwen?” He smiled, pulling his stool up to me.
“Good! Good! Just a little sore from PT yesterday, but that’s normal.”
Well that’s good, I am glad.” His eyes crinkled as he smiled again. He pulled my chart up and stood up, going to a light box. He slapped up the imaging I had had done recently, and I could feel the butterflies invade my stomach. “So, looking over all the mris and catscans, It seems to me all the PT you’ve been doing all this time is paying off.” Doctor Mendara smiled, “With any luck you’ll be cane free by the end of the year!”
“REALLY?!” I gasped, fanning my face as tears burst forth, trying to calm myself down.
“Yep! All your hard work is really helping and the surgery healed fine.” He grinned, “I’m so proud of how for you’ve come, Gwen!” He took down the images and then sat back down in front of me. “I’m going to suggest you continue physical therapy, at least till I see you about three months from now. I think we still need to work on strengthening you up, but I am very hopeful. Congratulations!” He shook my hand and I stood up and embraced him.
“Thank you so much, Doctor Mendara.”
“Please, call me Jim.” He winked, “Link is like a son to me. He’s a good guy and you all are like family.”
“Thanks, Jim.”
“You’re welcome! I can’t wait to get that wedding invite in the mail!” He chuckled, “Welp duty calls! I got to get on to my next patient. But, I’ll see you all at the cancer benefit on Friday, yeah?”
“Absolutely!” I beamed, excited to rush out and give Link the amazing news. I followed him out quickly and went out to the waiting room, Link and Oberon sitting in the kids area playing with duplo blocks. Link saw me and stood up, walking towards me with Oberon in tow. Oberon was a bit fussy about leaving his castle, but as soon as he saw me he ran to me and hugged my legs. As Link reached me, he looked me over, trying to get a read of what the news was. I tried my best to keep a straight face, but couldn’t, my emotions spilling over on to my cheeks.
“What happened? Are you okay?”
“He says I shouldn’t need my cane for much longer!” I said, smiling as I wiped away the tears. Link gasped, grabbing me by the sides of my head and pulling me in, walloping me with a big kiss.
“Oh my god this is amazing! He said as he pulled me away, then went back to kissing me in rapid fire fashion. “Let’s go home and have a celebratory lunch!” Link beamed, picking Oberon up and wrapping his free hand around my back.
“Can we have ice cream for lunch?” Oberon babbled.
“Absolutely!” Link laughed, “Anything you guys want! We can have an ice cream buffet if you want!”
The drive home was full of Disney tunes and hand holding. We all sung along to the familiar tunes, Oberon singing “You’re Welcome” from Moana with the greatest of gusto. I laughed as he danced around in his seat, and Link giggled as well, as we pulled into our driveway. Oberon rushed to the door as soon as he was unbuckled, hopping around excitedly, his green eyes glimmering like his fathers and his skin a light tan, his freckles dancing around as he jumped up and down. Link unlocked the door and we went in, and Link went to work at creating the ice cream buffet. It was a good thing we had a bunch of ice cream left from Oberon’s birthday. Oberon had a scoop of mint chocolate chip, while Link grabbed some Neapolitan and I snatched up a scoop of cookie dough and one scoop of rocky road. As we sat there and gobbled up our victory lunch, an unexpected knock came at the d
oor.
Link went to the door and opened it, and to my surprise it was Frannie and Parker.
“Hey!” I called from the kitchen island, making my way to the doorway. They were both toting a gym bag each, both with smiles on their faces.
“Hey Aunt Gwen!” Parker yelled excitedly, “Can I have some ice cream too?”
“Sure! Do you want some help getting it?” I asked.
“Not necessary,” Frannie shook her head, leading Parker in. “Put your bag in Oberon’s room, I’ll grab your sleeping bag in a minute.” Parker ran off towards the side hall with his bag, disappearing.
“Sleeping bag?” I raised an eyebrow. Had I forgotten about a sleepover? I didn’t think so. And Frannie slept over sometimes in the guest room but usually that was all pre-planned. It wasn’t abnormal for Parker to be dropped off here when she had to pull an all nightery unexpectedly, but this was certainly a surprise.
“Yep!” Link said coming up behind me, “We are going on a little get away!”
“A get away?” I giggled, “Where?”
“You’ll see!” He smiled, “I already packed your things, it’s in the back of the SUV.”
“Oh, ho ho you sneak!” I poked at his belly and he giggled.
“You guys are so gross,” Frannie snorted and rolled her eyes, heading towards my old room and heading inside to drop off her own bag. She came back swiftly and shuffled us out the door. “You two crazy kids have fun! Don’t take any candy from strangers.”
“But what if I like to live on the edge, Frannie?” Link scoffed sarcastically.
“You? Living on the edge?” Frannie guffawed at the very idea. “Get real.” She snorted again and Oberon came running up to us to give us a hug.
“See you guys later!” He grinned.
“You better be good for Aunt Frannie, little mister.” I picked him up, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
Pretend Boyfriend (Be My Boyfriend Book 4) Page 17