Aprile was pulling out her supplies from a sealed plastic container. On a rolling cart were six cakes, decorated intricately with icing. A huge container of jewel-toned flowers sat next to that. Renee couldn’t wait to see it all put together.
“Aprile, thanks so much for doing this at such short notice,” Renee said, extending her hand to the young woman.
Aprile shook her hand vigorously. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Renee. I’m happy to do it. I love making wedding cakes,” she said, giving Renee a huge smile.
Renee had heard so much about Aprile and the great pastries and desserts that she’d made for Jennifer in the past. So she’d immediately called her to see if she’d be willing to create her sister’s anniversary cake. It would be a nice surprise, since Jennifer and Simeon didn’t have a lavish wedding reception when they got married last year.
“I’m so sorry that I kept changing my mind about the theme for the cake. Jennifer doesn’t even know that we’re doing this. Her husband Simeon came up with the idea and told us to pull out all the stops for Jennifer. They never had a proper wedding reception, so he’s hoping this will make up for it.”
“Jennifer is a great person, and I’m sure she’ll be happy,” Aprile said.
“Yes, she is. And oh, she’s having another baby.”
April’s eyes widened. “Wow, how awesome is that? She’s going to have her hands full.”
I’ve never seen her this happy,” Renee said, remembering how Jennifer’s eyes sparkled as they’d watched her baby on the 3-D ultrasound.
“Love will do that to you. It makes everything roses and rainbows when you know you’ve found the right person to be your life partner,” Aprile commented.
If Renee had heard those words a month ago, she wouldn’t have agreed. But what she’d been experiencing with Patrick nothing short of kismet.
“Are those real flowers?” Renee wanted to know as she watched Aprile work.
Aprile giggled. “No, they’re actually made from sugar.”
“Wow!” Renee exclaimed, eyeing the intricate pieces of work. “They look so real.”
“That’s what I strive for every time.”
“Thanks again for this, Aprile.”
“It’s my pleasure. Just remember to call me when you’re ready to get married,” Aprile said.
“I don’t know how long that will be, but you’ll be the first person I call when the time comes,” Renee said.
“Jennifer talks about your pastries and how you bring them all the way from Indiana for her, so I knew you were the best choice for the job,” Renee responded. “You’re going to stay for the event, right?”
Aprile smiled. “Yes, I have a change of clothes in the truck.”
“Good, I’m glad. I can’t wait to see Jenn’s face when she sees the cake and you. It’s going to be priceless,” Renee said.
She scanned the room to see how everything else was faring. There were many workers busy transforming the ballroom into a lavish winter wonderland. White chair covers were being slipped over the chairs with gold sashes tied around them.
Renee stood next to the table, admiring the finished look. She loved the choice of silver champagne flutes and the silver server. With one last glance, she left the ballroom, and went to change her clothes. The event would start in a few hours.
* * * * *
Renee changed into her custom gown created by her sister Faith. Her hair was styled in a dramatic up-do, extravagant and curly, making her appear more statuesque. She checked her watch, wondering why the rest of her family was running late for one of the most important nights of her life.
Renee’s phone buzzed and she looked at the screen. It was a text message from Patrick, letting her know that he was on his way and had a surprise for her. She didn’t need any more surprises from him after she finding out that he was now a multi-millionaire.
She spotted Cara coming toward her. “Don’t you look pretty,” she said to Cara. Renee loved the way the burgundy chiffon gown fitted Cara’s willowy frame. The split on the right side showed just enough skin to be elegant and sexy. “You better watch out, you just might get caught tonight, girlfriend.”
Her friend smiled. “You’re always trying to start something, Renee,” Cara said, giggling as she removed her coat. “Is everything ready?” Cara pulled her electronic tablet from her designer tote bag.
“Yes, I’m just wondering why my family isn’t here yet.”
Cara wrapped her arms around Renee’s shoulders. “You’re just nervous. Everything will be fine.”
“I know, because you’ve worked your behind off to help us with this event. We all can’t thank you enough.”
Cara pushed her arm through Renee’s. “Let’s go inside so I can see how the room turned out.”
Together the two women went to the double oak doors, pulling the gold handle on each side.
“Wow,” they exclaimed before looking at each other.
“Cara, this is simply gorgeous. I was in here earlier, but there’s nothing like seeing it completed.”
Elegance and warmth best described the Palace ballroom. Covered in white and gold décor, it looked like a glittering winter wonderland. There were tall ice sculptures and decorative Christmas trees of all sizes. Some of the trees had white frosted limbs with miniature white lights.
Even though Christmas was over, Renee suggested there be plenty of presents underneath each one for the children connected to the charity. The wait staff were prepared to walk around in their black and white uniforms holding gold trays with tall, slender flutes filled with champagne.
“Renee, I see that everything you wanted for your sister’s mini-anniversary celebration has arrived and looks beautiful.”
“Yes, I ran into the baker when I was in here earlier,” Renee said.
People had just started to arrive, and Renee scanned the room for the young lady she’d hired to tweet about the event all night with the hashtag #McClendonGives. She also had beautiful signs in elegant gold frames that gave the guests the hashtag to use when posting their pictures for social media. She wanted to create a memory book of photos after the event was over. Getting people to use the hashtag would make finding the photos easier.
She and Cara were standing in the middle of the floor looking at the stage for the entertainment. “Do you think this stage is too small?” she asked Cara.
“No, I think it will be fine.”
“I’ve made a couple of changes, so if you have your agenda, I want to be sure that you have them down as well.”
She told Cara about her plan to announce Jennifer and Simeon’s anniversary, having them cut their cake, and doing their first dance before dinner was served. The night was going to be filled with celebrations anyway, so she didn’t think giving her sister this small gift would hurt.
Turning toward the door, she noticed that more and more people were filing into the ballroom. Just as she started to really worry, she noticed her mother and father stroll into the place. Myra wore a black-and-gold sequined gown, with black beaded shoes while her father had opted for a traditional tuxedo. Renee and Cara walked over and gave them both a hug.
“Mom you look so pretty,” Renee said, admiring her mother’s gown.
Myra looked around the room. “Baby, you really did a great job setting the tone for the event. I’m so proud of you,” she said, hugging Renee.
Renee pulled back. “I couldn’t have done any of it without Cara.”
“Well, of course, you and Cara have been like two peas in a pod since college,” Russell said.
Myra turned to Russell. “I think we’d better get to greeting folks. Remember, this is still our party.” She winked before grabbing his hand.
Renee checked her watch and observed the wait staff who were passing out champagne and hors d’oeuvres. She turned to Cara. “Hey, can we fin
d out if Selena Johnson and Charlie Wilson are in the building?”
Cara opened her handbag and consulted her phone. “Yes, they’re both in their hotel rooms.”
Renee smiled. She was so happy that everything was coming together. “Okay, ten minutes before we get this all started.”
“I’ll go out and make sure we don’t have any problems with reception,” Cara said, walking away.
At ten minutes to six, Renee took the stage to greet the partygoers.
“Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the McClendon Gives New Year’s Eve charity event. We appreciate you spending your last evening of the year with us. We are all excited about what the new year will bring!”
Renee checked the back of the room for Cara who would come and stand inside the doors once Jennifer and Simeon arrived. She didn’t see her, so she continued her monologue.
“We are in for a wonderful evening as we raise money for the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Fun Zone Camp. Before we ring in the new year, I’ll announce the total funds raised for this fantastic group.”
Renee saw Cara step into the ballroom, so she knew Jennifer had arrived.
“Ladies and gentleman, the McClendon family would like to share a special evening with you. Jennifer McClendon and her husband Simeon got married on this day last year. We’d like you all to join us as we celebrate their nuptials. If you would stand and help me welcome Mr. and Mrs. Simeon and Jennifer Baker,” Renee said and then clapped her hands, prompting the audience to do the same.
The double doors opened and Jennifer walked into the room on Simeon’s arm. They were dressed elegantly with her sister holding a beautiful bouquet tied with a sapphire-blue ribbon that mimicked her original wedding flowers. They circled the room, smiling and waving to everyone on their way to a sweetheart table that Renee had Cara set up just for them.
“We are so proud of these two lovebirds and pray for only God’s best for them. Now I’m going to ask Russell and Myra McClendon to come up so they can tell us more about McClendon Gives,” she said, looking to her parents who sat at the first table near the stage.
While Russell and Myra talked about their charity, Renee looked around the room for Patrick. He’d sent her a text message earlier saying that he was on his way, but he still hadn’t shown up.
Once her parents were done, Renee took over the microphone again. “Please mix and mingle, everyone, and then we’ll have our first musical guest come out and perform. I’m speaking of Chicago’s own Selena Johnson!”
The DJ played jazz as the crowd mingled during the cocktail hour. As Renee stood talking with one of their biggest contributors she could feel the heat of Patrick’s hand in the small of her back.
There was just something about his touch that pushed all of her anxiety away. He made her feel at ease and alive like nobody else ever could.
He stood next to her and waited until she’d finished talking. “Baby,” he said, kissing her cheek. “I’m so sorry I’m late.” He looked around the room. “This place looks magical. Did I see a wedding cake over in the corner?”
“It’s an anniversary cake for Jennifer and Simeon.”
“What a nice gesture.”
“They didn’t have a wedding reception last year because Simeon was ill, so he asked if we could have a cake for their anniversary.”
“Where are they?” Patrick asked.
Renee scanned the room, then pointed over to the corner. “We created a table just for them over there.”
As a server walked past, Patrick stopped him. He lifted a flute from the tray and handed it to Renee before picking up one for himself. “To new beginnings, baby,” he said, raising his glass in front of her.
“To new beginnings,” she replied, clinking the rim of her glass to his.
They both took a sip from the flutes before Renee gave him a look. “You’re up to something, aren’t you?”
“I’ve got a surprise for you,” he said.
Renee loved surprises, but couldn’t even guess what this one could be. “What kind of surprise?”
Patrick took another sip from his glass. “You’ll see,” he said, checking his watch.
Renee bumped his arm with her shoulder. “Come on, tell me, babe. Please?” she begged.
Patrick kissed her lips and tilted his glass up to his mouth. “Nope, I’m not telling you.”
“Okay, then, don’t tell me.”
Not knowing what Patrick had in store for her made her imagination run wild. She had to concentrate on the event so that she wouldn’t continue to nag him about it. She’d just have to wait until he was ready. Just then, Abe and Sarah, the bed and breakfast owners from Michigan, walked through the crowd toward her, smiling.
Sarah opened her arms and Renee embraced her. “Sarah, what a lovely surprise,” Renee said, looking back at Patrick, who was standing right behind her.
“Is this your surprise?” she asked him.
“Part of it,” he said.
“Renee, you look as beautiful as ever. You remind me of my Sarah,” Abe said, stepping toward her.
“Abe, it’s good to see you as well,” Renee said.
“Can we go to someplace a little quieter?” Patrick asked.
Renee checked her watch and then scanned the room. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. The music was playing, there were plenty of hors d’oeuvres, and champagne was flowing.
They still had another fifteen minutes before they needed to be seated and dinner was served.
“Sure, let’s go out in the hallway,” Renee said, swirling the bottom of her dress so it wouldn’t get caught in the heel of her shoe.
There was a line of brown leather benches against the wall in the receiving area, so the women took a seat, while the men stayed standing.
“I know how much you loved that little country inn that Sarah and Abe owned,” Patrick said.
“Yes, I thought it had so much potential,” she said, looking at Abe and Sarah. “But it needed some work. With the right renovations and marketing it could become an adorable getaway.”
Sarah reached over and placed her hand on top of Renee’s. “Well, sweetie, it’s all yours.”
Renee’s eyes widened. She didn’t understand what the older woman was saying. “What do you mean?”
“Patrick bought it from us,” Abe responded, slapping Patrick on the back.
“Bought it?” she said, standing. She stared at Patrick in astonishment.
Patrick waved his hand. “Sit down, baby, there’s more.”
“More?” Patrick buying a bed and breakfast was more than enough. “Please tell me what else you’ve done.” Renee fanned herself with her hands, her adrenaline rushing.
She didn’t know what to do with herself. Her hands started shaking and her heart was beating rapidly.
“We also own their small vineyard.”
Renee was speechless as she let the news sink in. “So we’re going to be winemakers too?”
Patrick nodded. “Yep, as soon as we find the right people to help us.”
“That’s a lot to take in, baby.” Being in a partnership was a big responsibility. She wanted to make sure Patrick wasn’t moving too fast.
“Are you sure?”
Patrick sat down next to her. “I’m positive. I want us to experience this together,” he said, getting down on one knee.
Tears jumped in Renee’s eyes when she realized what was happening. Waving her hands rapidly, she said, “Get up off the floor, Patrick!” She continued to flap her hands before covering her face.
Sarah wrapped her arms around Renee. “Open your eyes, sweetheart. Patrick has more to say.”
Spreading her fingers, Renee looked through them at Patrick who was holding a blue velvet box. “Oh my God!” she exclaimed.
“I hope you don’t think this is too soon. I actually
wanted to do this the night of my father’s funeral when you came back to me, but I decided to wait.” He leaned closer to her, still on his knees. “Move your hands, babe.”
Renee didn’t want people to see how she’d destroyed her makeup. He kept his face close to hers until she finally moved her fingers. She stared at the heart-shaped diamond flanked by two smaller marquis-shaped ruby stones.
Patrick handed her the ring. “I know you’ve got to get back inside, but I wanted Abe and Sarah to see you because they’re moving to Florida after the new year.”
Renee glanced at Sarah. “You’re moving? I thought we would get to know each other better.”
Sarah patted Renee’s hand. “We will, sweetheart. Patrick promised to keep in touch.”
Renee gave Patrick a loving look. She understood why he’d done it. “He is such a sweetie,” she said.
“Yes, and he’s waiting for you to answer him,” Abe said.
She picked up the ring box that sat in her lap and then looked at Patrick.
“Renee McClendon, will you agree to be my bride?”
“Yes,” she whispered, the tears flowing once again.
Patrick pulled Renee into his arms. They shared a kiss filled with passion and the promise of a great future. When Renee broke off the kiss, she handed the box back to Patrick. He removed the ring from its cushion and slipped it on her finger.
Myra McClendon came out into the hall looking for Renee. She quickly rushed over. “What’s the matter?”
Renee held up her left hand. “Look, Mom,” she said, tears still flowing.
Myra gasped. “Please don’t tell me the wedding is next week. I wouldn’t make it.”
Renee laughed. “No, it’s not. I don’t know when it will be, we didn’t get that far,” she said, standing. She lifted her hand so that her mother could get a closer look at the ring.
“Renee, it’s beautiful, baby,” Myra said, then gave Patrick a wink.
“You don’t seem shocked, Mom,” Renee said, looking between Patrick and her mother.
Myra gave her a look. “Patrick called me and your father the other day.”
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