“How did you do this? I mean, who did all this?” asked Candi confused.
The two women exited the truck and walked up to the front of the house. Candi opened the door and walked inside.
“Surprise!” shouted a group of people. Candi recognized them to be many of Suzanne's firefighter friends, and Gertie and Lilith were there, too. They were smiling brightly.
They all rushed out to unload the truck and quickly set all the things in the appropriate rooms. They didn't bother to unpack any boxes from the truck, but Suzanne was relieved that they had at least unloaded all the heavy furniture. The moving men were glad, too. They drove away down the street, happy that they didn't have to carry much.
As soon as the furniture was in the house, everyone got comfortable on the chairs and sofas.
“Alright!” shouted Lt. Maxwell. “Now we can get this party started!”
Everyone dined on pizza, cake, barbecue ribs and chicken, hot dogs, potato chips, and macaroni salad. It was a pot luck surprise party of sorts where everyone had brought a dish, but everything smelled wonderful and tasted fabulous.
“I have a house warming gift for you, dear,” said Ms. Landers.
“Oh, Ms. Landers. You've done so much for us already. You shouldn't have gotten us anything at all. Really!” exclaimed Candi.
“It's from the both of us,” said Gertrude. She handed Candi a small box about twenty inches across and ten inches deep.
“Open it, dear,” said Ms. Landers. “What are you waiting for?”
Candi opened the box and smiled. It was a vintage record player. She pulled it out of the box and plugged it in. It still had a record in it, so she began to play it. The house filled with resonating, soothing jazz music. It carried in the air and out the windows just as Ms. Landers had said it did.
“I absolutely love it,” said Candi, hugging Gertie and Lilith. “Thank you!”
“We can probably hear the music from our home down the street,” beamed Gertrude. Lilith held Gertie's hand and smiled at her comment. “Or we can stop by to hear the music just for old times sake.”
“Sure you can,” said Candi warmly. “Anytime.”
“I have something for you, too,” said Suzanne smiling proudly. “Bring it out, boys,” she said to some firemen that were in the other room. They stepped out with Candi's favorite museum painting of the two women in Paris.
Candi was elated. “Oh my God! I own my very own Gertrude Harris! I can't believe you bought that for me!”
“That's only the first part of my gift to you,” stated Suzanne. She handed Candi an envelope. Candi bit her bottom lip and sighed, remembering the last time someone handed her an envelope, she was given a house.
Candi opened the envelope apprehensively and pulled out two airline tickets to Paris, France. Candi's jaw dropped as she began to cry. “You're taking me to Paris?” she whispered softly.
Suzanne got down on one knee in front of her best friends and Candi's favorite artist and friend, Ms. Landers. “Candace Beacon, I will never want another woman in all the world. I gladly gave you the stars, and I happily gave you my heart, but, as promised, I'm now giving you Paris. Will you marry me?”
“Of course! Of course, I'll marry you!”
The guests cheered and applauded. “Congratulations!” shouted Sasha. “A round of Tequila for everyone!”
“How about some champagne?” asked Gertrude. “Champagne for me and Lily.”
“I'll have a beer,” said Lt. Maxwell. “Anyone else want a beer? Cooler's out back.”
Everyone wished them congratulations, toasted to their future, and dined to their heart's content. It was a momentous occasion within a perfect day, and Suzanne turned out to be the kind of woman that Candi thought she would be. The kind of woman that stands up for what she believes in, and fights for what she wants. The kind of woman that keeps her promises. After all, it was just like Suzanne had promised her the night on the rooftop at the museum... First the stars, tomorrow Paris.
THE END
Want More Great Rachel Maldonado Books?
All Rachel Maldonado Books and Short Stories are available exclusively on Amazon.com (Need a gift idea? Paperbacks are available for all novels!)
Her Maiden Voyage
Message Sent
By the Water's Edge
The Tracks
The Death Room
13 Urban Legends Volume 1
13 Urban Legends Volume 2
Bad Moon Rising: Wolf Within
Touchdown Hero
Light of My Life
Holiday Homecoming
Something Different
Lassos N' Lace
Down N' Dirty
Christmas Shorts
From Take Off to Landing
A Country Christmas
Christmas Retreat
A Christmas Wish
Little Miracles Christmas Bake Shop
Coffee Connection
Holiday Surprise
Christmas Kiss
Christmas Bear
Shorts Available in Spanish
Un Deseo de Navidad
Un Beso de Navidad
Un Osito de Navidad
Stalk the Author
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Burning Desire Page 10