“I’ll start calling people,” said Deb.
“I’ll call my list and call you later.”
Two hours later, the girls connected again and said the same thing, “Everyone’s coming. Since it’s Sunday afternoon, they’re all free. And, everyone loves Carl and Bonnie.”
Annamarie said, “I’ll call the caterer and all the places we’ll need to set up the yard for the reception. I’ll call you when I’m through.”
“I’ll make the calls for decorations.”
Annamarie quickly called the caterer and told her they would have approximately seventy-five people. “Ham, turkey, and all the trimmings, sparing nothing. Be sure the cake is large enough and trimmed in lavender and light blue flowers,” she said. She asked for the best of what they had to offer. Then she called the rental store and told them she needed tables, chairs, linens, formal place settings, glassware and coffee cups, silverware, and whatever the store thought they might need for seventy-five.
“Yes,” said Annamarie. “A tent to shelter people from the sun would be nice, and a small dance floor, too. It sounds wonderful. If you have any questions, please call me.”
Annamarie hung up the phone and picked it up again to call a band to play on Sunday, when she heard her mom’s voice, “A tent, do we need a tent?”
“Well, Mom, we’ll have seventy-five people and not everyone loves the sun.”
“Seventy-five? Have you girls lost your minds?”
“It’s only friends and relatives.”
“Okay, but you’ll have to deal with your brother.”
“He loves me. He won’t be upset.”
She grabbed the phone and quickly called the band and hired them for the reception before her mom could stop her. The biggest items were taken care of: location, food, table and chairs, dishes, music, decorations. Now she and her mom needed dresses.
“Mom,” Annamarie called out. “When do you want to go dress shopping?”
“Tomorrow?”
“Okay, do you mind if Deb comes along? We can discuss the preparations.”
“That’s fine, dear. I’ll drive, you girls talk. Oh, dear, your dad will need a new suit. He’ll have to go tomorrow. He won’t be happy. You know he hates suits.”
“Could be worse; he had to wear a tux to my wedding.” Tears stung her eyes when she remembered her wedding to Daniel, but the crushing pain she had felt before was gone. Could her grief be subsiding this quickly? No, she thought, it must be Magdalena’s doing to help me through what should be a happy time.
“I told him if he wore it he wouldn’t have to wear a suit again until Carl was married. Who would’ve thought it would be so soon?”
“He can stop in Oaklin tomorrow, too. His boss won’t mind if he takes the time.” Annamarie smiled.
“You want to tell him?”
“No way! I did everything else. He’s your husband.”
The phone rang and Deb told Annamarie she found everything she needed for decorations and she’d love to go dress shopping the next day.
* * *
The sun was shining brightly Sunday morning when Annamarie woke. She hadn’t had any dreams that she remembered the past few nights and she knew everything was going to turn out wonderfully.
“Mom, Mom, are you awake?” Annamarie called.
“Yes,” a sleepy voice answered.
“It’s time to wake up. Make some coffee. I’m going to take a bath. It’s Sunday. We have to go to early Mass and get to the house to be sure the reception plans are turning out okay.”
She heard her mom’s bedroom door open when she began to run her bath water. She was in and out in a flash. “All yours, Dad,” she called as she walked down the hall to her room. She dressed quickly and met her mom in the kitchen.
Paula was taking her first sip of coffee when Annamarie breezed into the room.
“I’m so excited. I can’t wait to see how the decorations look. When we leave church, we can go straight to the house. We can put our dresses and shoes in the car so we won’t have to stop back here. Mom, are you listening?”
Annamarie babbled on about the reception plans.
Paula poured a second cup of coffee and stared at her daughter. “It seems you have finally passed the fatigue phase of your pregnancy. It’ll return in about six months. Enjoy the energy now.”
“I’m not sure if it’s energy or excitement. I can’t wait to see Bonnie’s and Carl’s faces when they get home.”
“Me either,” her dad said, walking into the room. “They wanted a quiet reception.”
“Carl was worried I would be upset because of Daniel, but I think planning this with Deb has helped me. I don’t sit and worry every minute of the day. My heart still aches and I miss him, but planning this gave me something to do.”
“Then he’ll be happy.”
“Being a depressed, grieving widow isn’t good for the baby. I can’t help being a widow, but I can try to find things to keep my mood up,” She smiled the smile her parents remembered before Daniel died.
“Staying positive helps,” Paula interjected.
Theo asked, “Do I have to wear my suit coat to church or only the slacks and shirt?”
“You can leave your jacket in the car. Annamarie and I are leaving our new dresses in the car and changing at the Logan house.”
Paula disappeared to get ready for church and Theo brought out his suit bag.
“Dad, will you take Mom’s and my dress bags, too? I also have our shoes in a bag.”
“Sure, bring them here.”
Theo headed for the car and Annamarie called Deb.
“Do you have everything you need?”
“Yeah, Steve helped me take over what I made. The centerpieces turned out beautifully with the lilacs and blue forget-me-nots. I’m not sure where your florist found them. The colors are perfect. We can put the rest of the decorations up after they set up the tables. I have yards and yards of blue and lavender lace ribbon.”
“Sounds pretty. See you at the house after church.”
Annamarie hung up when her mom came into the room. “Ready? Let’s go.”
“Dad has everything in the car.”
“If we forget anything, it’s only a five-minute drive back here.” They hurried out.
Annamarie was never so anxious to hear Father Mueller give the final blessing. She was up and out of the church before her parents were.
“Slow down, kiddo.”
“Dad, we have a lot to do. The rental company will be there soon with all the tables, linens, and everything else.”
“Okay, we’re coming. We can’t slow down this extravaganza you’ve planned.”
Paula laughed.
When they arrived at the Logan house, the only vehicle in sight was Steve’s Jeep.
“Deb’s here.” Annamarie hurried into the house. Paula and Theo lagged behind, carrying the clothes they brought along.
Her dad called out, “Where do you want this stuff?”
Annamarie appeared in the hall and said, “Follow me.” She unlocked the doors to the north wing. “I set this bedroom up for changing,” she said as she opened one of the doors.
“This part of the house is lovely. You could live here and not have to worry about the main house. The main house is so big,” Paula commented.
“I know, but I love the main house and Daniel and I planned on living there. It’s where the nursery is. Let’s go out and see what’s happening. I see men carrying tables and boxes.”
Daniel could see them from a mirror in the hall. How dare they plan a party when he was dead and couldn’t attend? Annamarie and all her friends would pay for this.
* * *
Deb was directing the men with boxes to stack them on the patio until the tables were set up, when Annamarie and her parents walked out. At the same time, a tiny, middle-aged lady wearing a pale yellow suit and matching pillbox hat approached them
“Hello, I’m Miss Kramer, the event planner.”
“
Nice to meet you. I’m Annamarie Logan. These are my parents, Theo and Paula Schneider and my partner in crime, Deb Dunley.”
“I’m happy everyone’s here. When the tables and tent are set up, the place settings will be added. Before we cover them with netting to keep them clean, you can add whatever decorations you have. The chairs will be adorned in pale blue cloth covers and tied with lavender ribbon as per your instructions.”
Paula and Theo looked at each other and Theo whispered, “Are we expecting royalty?”
“No, dear, it’s Annamarie’s way of doing something special for Carl and Bonnie.”
Miss Kramer walked around in a small circle and said, “This is a lovely place for a garden reception. You have ample room. The gift table is set up under the tree near the house and the cake will be on a table under the tent. We also have a net cover to keep flies off the cake. It’ll be lovely.”
When the first table was set with crystal and stemware, Deb placed the centerpiece in the middle of the table. She had arranged the flowers in a large, cut-glass bowl and had run blue and lavender streamers down the table in both directions.
“This is beautiful, Deb, you did a beautiful job.”
Paula had to agree.
The caterers arrived and set up under the tent. Piles of china plates sat near the food trays, waiting for guests to fill with the wonderful foods Annamarie had ordered. Soon, all the tables were set and Deb had placed all her centerpieces. She and Annamarie then decorated the rest of the area with the blue and lavender ribbons.
“Time to change,” Paula said. “Before the guests arrive.”
Paula, Annamarie, and Deb disappeared into the house, leaving Theo to deal with Miss Kramer and the activity in the backyard. They returned, attired in dresses rivaling the decorations adorning the backyard: Deb in lavender, lace-covered organza, Annamarie in light blue chiffon, and Paula in pale green taffeta.
Paula said, “I hope your brother has some sort of idea what you’ve done. If he turns up in a T-shirt and jeans, he won’t be happy.”
“I didn’t talk to them, but I left a message this morning telling them to dress formally for this function. If he shows up in jeans, it’s his fault.” Annamarie smiled at the thought.
“Okay, it’s your problem if he’s upset.”
“Even if he is, Bonnie won’t be. He’ll listen to her. Husbands always do.” Tears filled her eyes and she quickly dabbed them away. “I’m sorry, Mom. Sometimes I surprise myself with what I say.”
“It’s okay, dear. You will tear up occasionally and weep other times. Grief takes a while. Everyone is different. Look, people are arriving.”
“Everyone except me,” fumed Daniel. He lifted his hand to summon a vast amount of bees and bugs to ascend on the reception area, when he was yanked back into the pines and thrown against a tree. “Don’t ever try that again. Stay away from her or you will be dealt with more harshly,” yelled Josef.
The partygoers heard what they thought was a sonic boom somewhere over the river and went on with their activities.
Annamarie walked to the edge of the reception area to be sure her tears were gone. She had a perfect view of the pines and could hear the river rushing beyond. She also thought she saw a sparkling light. Looking closer, she thought she saw the light turn to mist, then Daniel appeared for a moment, and then he disappeared. Shaken to her core, she wanted to run to her parents when she felt warmth envelop her and smelled the gentle scent of pine. It was Magdalena and she was safe. Daniel wouldn’t bother her or disrupt the reception.
Annamarie hurried back to help Deb, Paula, and Theo greet guests.
“Hi, glad you could make it. You can sit anywhere and there’s punch in the tent,” Annamarie said about thirty times. The other three were making similar comments while more and more people arrived.
Steve was out front directing traffic and telling people where to park. Prairie Road was filled with cars parked on both sides when Steve saw Carl’s car approach.
“Hey, Carl, Bonnie, congratulations. You can pull up right in front of the house. We saved you a spot.”
“Is everyone in town here?”
“Not everyone,” Steve laughed. “You know your sister and Deb.”
“Yeah, I’m nervous about seeing the backyard.”
* * *
Deb said, “Did we invite Tim?”
“No, he wasn’t on my list. He isn’t Carl’s friend.”
“Well, he’s here. Look. He’s all dressed up and strutting around.”
“He seems lonely at work. Maybe he’s crashing to have something to do. We have enough food. I made sure there was extra.”
“Okay, I hope we don’t get many more.”
“I think everyone is here. Here come Carl and Bonnie.”
The group broke out in applause. Bonnie tried to hide behind Carl and Carl turned red. It didn’t take them long to feel comfortable and enjoy the reception.
“Carl, look at the gift table! It’s piled high,” Bonnie said.
“How do we get all of this to San Diego?”
Theo said, “I’ll take care of having it all shipped to you. I know several truck company owners. My gift to you.” He hugged Bonnie.
The reception was wonderful. The food was delicious. The band played popular songs and music from the 40s, and 50s. Nearly everyone stayed until evening. Tim hovered near Annamarie constantly.
“Deb, what am I going to do? Tim asked me to dance. Daniel hasn’t been gone a month. What’s he thinking? He said he would be happy to help me with heavy things around the house and if I ever felt like getting out, he would take me to supper.”
“It’s creepy. He knows you’re alone and he’s moving in on you. Didn’t he try to date you before you and Daniel were engaged?”
“Yeah, he asked me out several times. Do you suppose he thinks he has a chance now?”
“What’s up, you two,” Bonnie asked as she walked up.
“Tim is trying to get Annamarie to go out with him again.”
“Wow, he has some nerve. Daniel hasn’t been gone long enough for anything like this. Should I have Carl talk to him?”
“No,” sighed Annamarie. “I don’t think it’ll help. He’s always been friendly at work, but I think if I look back at it, maybe too friendly.”
“He was there and helped when you were attacked by those two maniacs. Maybe he thinks you owe him.”
“I hope not. Look, they’re moving the gifts inside. Let’s go help.”
Annamarie offered her house for storing all the gifts Carl and Bonnie received until they could get together one evening and open them. They could decide what they wanted to send to California and what to leave behind.
The backyard was clean and empty of all reception items except the decorations Deb made. She insisted guests take a bowl of flowers home. “They’re too pretty to waste,” she said.
Everyone said goodnight, and Bonnie and Carl thanked everyone again for a wonderful party. One they never expected, but were thrilled Annamarie thought of it.
* * *
Annamarie heard the music and saw the campfire light in the distance. She looked around and realized she was alone. For the first time, she was afraid. She heard Magdalena’s voice before she saw her. “Do not be afraid, my child.” She turned and saw Magdalena approach. She smiled and said, “I must warn you of the dark-haired one. Do not trust him. He is dangerous. You will meet a man with sunlight hair. He will help you and care for you. I will be watching my child.” She touched Annamarie’s cheek.
Annamarie slept deeply until morning, but upon awakening, she remembered the dream. She had to avoid men with dark hair and she would meet a man with blonde hair. Could her dream be right? Tim had dark brown hair. It was a warning. He did move on her too quickly yesterday. Could he be dangerous? Magdalena was never wrong. She decided to listen and do her best to keep her distance from Tim. She also decided to stay in bed and listen to music. Yesterday was tiring.
* * *
Annamarie woke to the sound of laughter. She heard Carl and Bonnie, but also Bonnie’s dad. She looked at the clock and realized it was eleven in the morning. She had never slept this late. She quickly put on her clothes and went downstairs to see what everyone was doing.
“Good morning, sleepyhead,” Theo said.
“What are you doing home from work?”
“It’s Labor Day.”
“That’s why Mr. Singer’s here, too. There’s no mail today.”
“Right,” Bonnie said. “And it’s a perfect day to open all the gifts since we’re all here. Deb will be here before noon, but Steve has to work.”
“I can’t believe I slept so late. I’m starving.”
“Your mom is reheating all the leftover food from the reunion. We have so much. It’ll feed all of us easily, even Carl.”
“Did I hear my name? Morning, squirt. Did you get enough sleep?”
“I think so. Stop calling me ‘squirt.’”
“Okay, as soon as you grow.” Carl laughed out loud.
Annamarie looked at her best friend and said, “Bonnie, do something with your husband.”
“Time for lunch,” Paula called.
“Saved once again.” Carl grinned.
They ate on the picnic table in the backyard and had a wonderful time. After lunch, they headed to the Logan house and spent the afternoon watching Carl and Bonnie open a huge stack of gifts. They also received several envelopes containing monetary gifts.
Carl said, “This will make things easier. Thanks again for the party, squirt.”
“You’re welcome.” She was tired of trying to get him to stop calling her “squirt.”
The afternoon passed pleasantly. Shortly before suppertime, everyone left for home. Carl was staying at Bonnie’s, since there was more room.
* * *
Annamarie told her parents, “I’m going crazy here at home. Yesterday at the reception I told Mr. Hanson I could come in for a half-day to see how it works out. He suggested one until five since I should sleep in for a while before coming back full-time.”
Theo was concerned.
Paula said, “Dr. Fox said it would be okay if you think you can do it.”
Annamarie and Magdalena (Gypsy Spirits Book 2) Page 13