Avalee's Gift

by Linda Apple

  Levi and Jema waited for us in the library. The space felt smaller and more intimate than the sun terrace room. Firelight cast a warm glow against the stone walls, terra cotta tile floors, and buttery-soft leather sofa and chairs. The surface of the enormous walnut sideboard was barely visible beneath all the platters of meats, cheeses, breads, fruits, spreads, and olives. A bar had been built into an arched opening where several varieties of wines and liquors were arranged.

  “Come in, Cladie Mae.” Jema held up her hands. “What do you think?”

  Momma tuned up again. “I’m so happy, darling. So very happy for you and Levi.” Jema rose from her chair and enveloped Mom in a long, swaying, embrace.

  I could hear Lexi long before she got to the library. “Come on, y’all. You aren’t going to believe the spread Lillianna puts on.” She paraded into the room and straight to the bar with Tryna following close behind.

  Tryna picked up a glass and said to Jema, “I hope this helps my jaw.”

  Jema lowered her eyebrows. “What’s wrong with your jaw?”

  “It’s hit the floor so many times it’s sore.” She raised the glass to her lips. “This place is breathtaking.”

  David sat beside Avalee. “I think she really hurt it on the jet.”

  Jema grinned with understanding. “Luca and Sal?”

  Lexi spritzed seltzer in her bourbon. “Yeah, at first. Until we discovered they were such momma’s boys. All the zing went out of the experience.” She nodded toward Mom. “Thanks a lot, Miss Cladie.”

  “Italian men do love their mommas and grandmommas.” The flickering light played on Jema’s face as she considered what she wanted to put on her plate. “Now eat up. But save room. This is just the first course.”

  “There’s more?” David looked as if he’d fallen into a roomful of diamonds.

  “Oh, yea.” Molly Kate piled her plate high. “A lot more.”

  Lillianna had outdone herself again. After the antipasti, we moved to the dining room for seafood soup, pumpkin ravioli, pork spareribs with polenta, and roast pepper salad. While we ate, she cleared out what was left of the antipasti, and replaced it with several desserts and coffee.

  We returned to the library gorged. I didn’t think I could eat another bite until I spied the cannoli. I prayed for forgiveness for the sin I was about to commit. While we nibbled on our sweets and drank espresso, the mood changed from excitement to satiated weariness. Even the fire rested in an orange radiance.

  Jema yawned and said, “I don’t know about you all, but I’m bushed.”

  “My bed is calling me,” said Lexi. “In fact, it has been calling me ever since I left it the first time.”

  “I hear the bathtub.” I stood and set my plate on the table.

  Momma started picking dishes up. “Where is the kitchen?”

  “Oh no, Cladie. Lillianna is as possessive of her kitchen as you are yours. She will take care of it. We make sure she is paid well.” Jema turned to all of us. We have a big day tomorrow. Oh, I forgot to mention, at the suggestion of Avalee we have decided to have our New Year’s Eve anniversary celebration in the foyer and sun terrace room. I have workers setting everything up, so please use the back stairs and stay in this wing of the house, okay?”

  “Sounds good by me.” Stan stood and helped Molly Kate up. “I think we need to put that romantic honeymoon room to good use.”

  “Oh, puleeze.” Lexi put her fingers in her ears. “Lalalalalaa.”

  Levi chuckled and put his arm around Jema’s shoulders. “Night, everyone.”

  ****

  I did it again. Momma came in the room with coffee and breakfast. “Are you going to sleep all day?”

  Stretching, I looked at the clock. “I can’t believe I’ve slept past noon again. There is something magical about this bed.”

  “Baby, you’re just worn slap out. Here, drink your coffee and eat something. You need your strength.”

  I bit into a croissant. “Where is everyone?”

  “The girls went shopping and the guys are sightseeing.”

  “Oh, Momma, you should have gone.”

  “I don’t care anything about shopping. But I have enjoyed visiting with Carina. You know, she can take in your bridesmaid dress. So, I told her to come up around one. She will have it ready for you in just a few hours.”

  “That’s nice of her.”

  “David’s befriended her. He asked her to help him set up his station. So, she’s been busy with helping him all morning. Tryna, too.”

  I sipped my coffee. “David’s up to something. I just feel it.”

  “Well, you finish up here and get dressed. She’ll be here soon. I think I’m going to bundle up and take a look at the grounds.”

  “Okay Mom.” I lay back on my pillow, finished my roll, and thought about tonight. Frankly, I’d be glad when it was all over. I decided that at the stroke of midnight I’d sneak back to my room and take another long soak. I loved Jema, but I just didn’t feel like celebrating.

  At one on the dot, a knock came at my door. “Come in.”

  A woman I didn’t recognize walked in. She had auburn hair cut in a blunt bob. “Miss Avalee. I’ve come to take in your gown.”

  “Carina? You look incredible.”

  “You like? Mr. David did it.”

  “I knew he was up to something. He’s the best. We call him our perfect ten.”

  “Thank you, now, if you would, please put on your dress.”

  I slipped it on and Carina got to work. In no time, she had it pinned and ready to sew. “I’ll bring it back to you in a few hours.”

  “Thank you.” Since the girls were in town, I decided to relax in my room and read. The night was going to be a long one and I wanted to be mentally prepared to celebrate Jema and Levi.

  By the time the girls returned to the villa, it was dark. Tryna and David hurried to set up for hair and nails. Once again, the fun began. The only weird thing was Jema insisted we all have red nail polish. That didn’t seem to go with our color scheme, but oh well; it was her party.

  Within a couple of hours, we all looked like we had stepped back in time exactly one year ago. Carina slipped in and said, “Miss Avalee’s dress is on her bed. Would you like to try it on?”

  I waved her off. “I’m sure it’s fine.”

  Jema said, “Go ahead and try it on, hon, just in case it needs tweaking.”

  Just as I thought, it fit perfectly.

  “Avalee?” Jema put out her hands. “I need to get ready. Would you mind checking downstairs to make sure everything is right? I don’t want to see it until the ceremony.”

  “Sure.” I left my room and walked to the staircase. When I saw it my breath caught in my throat. It was just as I had imagined. There was no light except for candles in varying heights and sizes grouped on each tread. They cast an ethereal glow on the marble surface. I ran my fingers along the banister, admiring the effect as I reverently walked down each step. When I neared the bottom, I looked up and there was…Ty? I gripped the rail. Our eyes locked. He didn’t move or speak. I couldn’t. My heart began to pound.

  The candlelight played against his sexy stubble-shadowed cheeks. He stared up at me and with his intense dark eyes spoke with them what he couldn’t say. They revealed love and loss, pain and hope, fear and joy. All these emotions pooled and emanated from his gaze. I put my hand to my mouth, unable to speak. He never took his eyes off mine as he knelt on one knee and held out a black velvet box with…my ring? The flickering light glinted off the tears collecting in the corners of his eyes. “Avalee, we go through life believing in a dream of our own making. Some of us never achieve it and live in regret. Those of us who achieve that dream, may find it didn’t fulfill us as we had hoped. We still live in regret for the things we lost or ignored.” His tears fell. “I only want you. Please, don’t leave me to live a life of regret. Marry me? Please?”

  “Yes” I hurried down the remaining steps and fell into his arms. He swung me around and held
me tight. “Oh yes. I love you. I always have and always will.”

  He kissed me as a man who would never be put off again.

  “Hey, down there. Don’t mess up her hair.”

  David? We both looked up to see everyone watching and wiping their eyes before breaking out in thunderous applause. Ty slipped the ring on my finger and then wrapped me in a kiss again.

  Jema called down. “Listen up, if you two are going to get married, Avalee had better get up here and change her dress.”

  “Married?” I frowned up at her. “Now? How? What dress?”

  “The one I lugged in that extra suitcase half-way around the world,” hollered Lexi. “Now get on up here.”

  Ty pecked me on the lips. “I’ll see you in a few.”

  Obviously, the confusion was still all over my face. While Lexi helped me out of my bridesmaid gown and David restyled my hair, they all explained.

  “Ty came to see us in October,” said Jema. The poor guy was wasting away with grief. So, Levi and I came up with this plan to bring you here and after we felt certain you’d marry him, Levi went to work getting the license. He worked a major miracle getting it this fast.”

  “How did he do it?”

  “I don’t know. All he said to me was, ‘Don’t ask.’”

  Then the evening before you left, you planned your own wedding. Levi stayed out of sight and took notes for me.

  Lexi continued. “I came up with the idea to bring your dress just in case. Brilliant, huh?”

  Molly Kate sashayed in wearing her black bridesmaid dress. “And I’m the one who said you looked like a bean pole and suggested we use your bridesmaid dress as a pattern so Carina could take up your gown.”

  Momma wore a black mother-of-the-bride dress. “And I gave Ty the ring when he dropped by.” She put her hand on her hip. “So you see? My baby Junie didn’t take it.”

  David finished and turned me to the mirror. My hair fell in soft waves just as I had wanted. I truly did look like a star from old Hollywood. “You like it?”

  “I love it. It’s perfect.”

  David grinned at Tryna. She rolled her eyes. “Oh brother.”

  The girls helped me slip on my dress and then stepped back to admire. Momma held her hanky to her mouth. I wish your daddy could see you now. You are a vision my dear.”

  “Exquisite,” added Jema.

  Molly Kate walked over to me and took my hands. “You are stunning.”

  “You are drop-dead gorgeous.” Lexi stood beside Molly Kate. “I can’t quit looking at you.”

  “She needs just one more thing.” Tryna handed me a tube of lipstick. “You need red lips.”

  Jema took me by the hand and led me to a full-length mirror. I stared at the bride looking back at me. In all my years of dreaming about my wedding, this surpassed them all.

  “Here.” Jema held out a diamond drop necklace and earrings. “Something new.”

  Molly Kate gave me a lace handkerchief. “Something borrowed.”

  “And something blue.” Lexi handed me a note written in blue ink. “Wait until later to read it, okay?”

  A rap came at the door, then it cracked open and someone thrust in an enormous bouquet of ivory spider mums, tiny white sweet heart roses, white ranunculus, with lacy dill tucked in among the blooms.

  “Someone ordered these?”

  “Scott.” I held my arms out to him. “Scott, I can’t believe this.”

  He tried his usual greeting. “Girrll, you look”—his voice cracked and he swallowed hard—“amazing. Tears streamed down his face. He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand as he stared at me. “You are so beautiful, my southern princess.”

  Jema handed the girls a red rose, and then they slipped out. Soon an orchestra began to play. Another knock. Oh Lord, I didn’t think I could take one more surprise. My heart was already so full I thought it would burst. “Come in.”

  Felix stepped in.

  “Felix? Oh, Felix. You came.”

  “You don’t think I would miss your wedding do you?” He whistled. “My, but you are a sight to behold.” He crooked his arm. “Come on, child, it’s time. Old Felix is giving you away.”

  As the music played, Levi escorted Momma, followed by Jema, then Molly Kate, then Lexi. I watched them glide down the stairs and the crowd at the bottom move aside for them to pass. Who were all those people?

  The orchestra began to play Bach’s Minuet in G Major. Ty walked to the bottom step and held his hand out to me. Felix patted my arm. “Ready, little missy?”

  The descent was dreamlike. When we reached the last step, Felix took my hand and placed it in Ty’s. When we passed through the crowd, they followed us into the terrace room and took their seats.

  Pastor Dixon rose and took his place in front. My mind reeled. Even he was here. I didn’t think my smile could stretch any larger. As he spoke, I studied Ty’s face and burned this moment in my mind. In the candlelight surrounded by my dearest friends, Ty and I entered into the rest of our lives together. When we kissed, sealing our vows, fireworks exploded outside against the ebony sky. I gazed into the eyes of my husband when a recording of Etta James, “At Last”, began to play. That had to be Lexi’s idea. I smiled and nuzzled Ty’s chest. Yes indeed. At last.

  ****

  During the reception, the lights were raised, and I could see the guests. It was absolutely overwhelming. Friends from all over had come. Nathan stood next to Lexi and gave me a little wave. Skye and Glen nearly tackled us. “This was all so romantic, so beautiful. I can’t believe y’all married in Italy.” Skye kissed her father and hugged me. Glen punched Ty on the arm. “Way to go, old man.” He kissed me and said, “Welcome to the family, Mom.” He looked around. “Where’s my Big Momma?”

  I glanced around the room and saw her standing with…Emma and Marcus? “Ty look.”

  “I know.” He smiled down at me. “Let’s go talk to them.”

  Emma looked up from Momma and smiled. “The ceremony was lovely.” She took my hands. “Avalee, dear, you make a beautiful bride.” Then she placed a small box on my palm. “I had hoped to get this to Cladie for her to give to you before the wedding. It belonged to my mother.”

  Inside was a diamond broach. “This is magnificent. But—”

  “No, you must take it. This broach has been passed down with each generation. I didn’t give it to Ty’s first wife because…well, never mind the reason. I know you will take good care of it as you have my Tyler.”

  “Thank you, Emma.” I pinned the broach on my gown and kissed her crepey cheek. “I’ll treasure it always and when Skye marries, I will pass it along to her.”

  “Emma Jackson,” Mom handed her a glass of champagne. “Looks like you and I are related now. That calls for a toast to the mothers-in-law.”

  Emma raised her glass. “A toast indeed.”

  After they had taken their sip, Momma said, “I’m tickled to death to have a son and grandchildren.”

  “And I’m happy to have Avalee.” Emma paused a few moments. “I may not have much time left. But I want to spend it getting to know my new daughter.”

  “I feel the same way, Emma.” And I did.

  Jema called, “Ava, Ty, come cut the cake.” We strolled over to where she stood. On a round table in the center of the room rose a six-tier cake, and I had no doubt about the flavors.

  The night grew more and more magical. Frank Sinatra crooned over the speakers. Some guests hovered around the food stations and bar. Ty and I swayed on the dance floor in the foyer and others soon joined us. It was exactly as I had described to the girls. Except the snow. But, of course, I didn’t expect that. Ty nuzzled my neck. “Hey, let’s go upstairs. We have a room to ourselves in the other wing of the house. I hear Scott outdid himself getting it ready for us.”

  Every nerve in my body tingled in anticipation. I found Jema. “Ty and I are going upstairs.”

  She grinned. “Wait for a second. Go back to the foyer.” Then she nodded at Levi.


  He held his hands up and addressed the crowd. “And now for the last request of our lovely bride. Everyone gather for a last dance in the foyer.”

  When we all had gathered, the orchestra began playing “Winter Wonderland”. Something cold dotted my arms. I looked up into the cavernous darkness of the foyer’s high ceiling only to see snow falling. Inside. Feathery flakes. Just enough to create an enchanted scene.

  I looked at Levi. “How?”

  He winked. “Don’t ask.”

  I lifted my face to Ty’s and we kissed among the soft flakes. I’d given him up for love, and love had brought him back to me.

  Epilogue

  Love never fails.

  ~Mr. and Mrs. Tyler Jackson

  Life is truly strange—both unfair and beyond generous. I’ve learned I will not always understand its ebbs and flows. The key to a good life is to treasure it, to handle it with respect and honor. Not only my life, but the lives of others as well.

  Everyone is fighting a private battle, some more difficult than others. I know this by experience—when I lost Marc, and when I walked away from Ty for his good. And Emma. I didn’t want to forgive her. I wanted justice. She was a hard lesson for me to learn about compassion and forgiveness. But I learned. And thank goodness, because now Ty and I do not have the ghost of bitterness overshadowing our lives. I realize there will always be highs and lows, but we now have the strength and freedom that forgiveness brings.

  With Momma’s improved health and AJ across the street, I feel more comfortable traveling with Ty on his assignments, and I enjoy collaborating with him on shoots. He enjoys working the Market with me. This has truly been a draw for tourists. We have people come from all over the county just to attend our first Saturday events. Mayor Sid Campbell is beyond thrilled. Even cantankerous Mr. Fleming attends.

  Jema is so happy in Italy. I wonder if she will ever return to Moonlight? I know they both have big plans for Life Source and the people the organization serves. Surely, they will come home. At least I can hope.

  Molly Kate and Stan’s business is receiving great reviews and they are booked up for the entire spring, summer, and fall seasons. She is toying with the idea of New Year’s Eve parties. I wonder why? And what’s with the pipe tobacco and peppermint in the library?