Love not Lost

Chapter20

Bridgett started the preparations for the day as early as possible. She prepared Marilyn's favorite meal, burritos, steak, and sushi along with sandwiches, cheese, and fruits for the guests. I helped with the decorations, the balloon, the happy birthday banner, and the streamers.

The cake was delivered early in the morning before we started any of the preparations. it was a castle-shaped cake

Because Cinderella is her favorite movie character. So we decided to make it a princess-themed party

We wanted the party to be indoors with just family and friends, like a get-together. We weren’t sure if Marilyn would be comfortable around people that she is not familiar with. We invited our friends and a few of our family because of the distance, but my brothers called last minute that they would not be able to make it.

Felicia and James showed up first then Angela, Nicholas, and Jessie arrived afterwards. By the time they all arrived, we were almost done with everything. They came in with gifts, we exchanged pleasantries and I collected them from them because the celebrant and the mother were still inside trying to get dressed.

“We are so sorry we are late,” Felicia said dropping her handbag on the couch

“We should have been here earlier, at least to assist” Angela added

“No, you guys are not late there isn’t much to do anyway,” I said

“Where is the celebrant?” Nicholas inquired

“Bridgett is inside getting her ready they will be out soon” I answered

“Let's get some things done before they come out,” Angela said

Felicia helped me put a final touch on the decorations I didn’t do a good job. Angela went into the kitchen to get the cake into the dining room. I watched as she placed the cake on the covered table. Her baby bump was showing, in her fitted, long-sleeved red gown. The last time I saw her doubted if she was pregnant.

“Here they are” James announced clapping his hands

Marilyn and Bridgett came out from the room holding hands, with their other hands on their waist. They were both putting on a matching off-shoulder, knee-length purple princess gown, and a silver heel shoe with tiaras.

“Wow, absolutely stunning,” Angela said with a hand covering her mouth

“I love this,” Felicia said excitedly

“Thank you, everyone,” Bridgett said blushing “Marilyn say thank you”

“Thank you,” she said with a timid smile

“They both left me out of their princess-themed wear. I wouldn’t mind wearing the same anyway” I said childishly, folding my hands

Everyone burst into laughter including Marilyn.

“Do not worry Micheal. You are wearing a pink shirt while am also putting on a pink skirt, so we are twinning” Felicia said then winked at me

“Yes, I will take that,” I said pointing my index fingers at her

“You are too funny,” Bridgett said laughing

“I love the entrance you guys made, I want to take a shot of you guys,” Nicholas said bringing out his phone “You guys should pose by the door, give me that akimbo with your legs crossed”

The way Marilyn posed for the camera made me wonder if she was not the same person who was feeling bashful not long ago. Bridgett was smiling from her lips to her ear, I know the kind of joy she is feeling right now I feel the same too. I watched them with my hands in my Jean pocket, elated.

Jessie jumped into the middle of the photo session. Marilyn and Jessie have met a few times and have gotten along quite well, at least she would have someone are age to be with during the party. They both have a soft spot for each other, immediately after they met they clicked. I think making friends is never a difficult thing for kids. I must have been like them, but not anymore.

“That's enough. Nick, you asked for just a shot ” I said going close to carrying both of them “You guys are absolutely beautiful, no debate, we don’t have all day”

*Micheal carried Marilyn and Jessie in both hands into the dining room. I realized that the room was already fully decorated in streamers and balloons. The tableware was already on the table, even her cake with fruit juice and some wine. I could hear a soft music in the background. The gift table was already full. The room was well set up and I knew Micheal had help for sure. I felt surprised as if the party was planned for me, without my knowledge.

I’d thought I would still have to set up the room before the guest came in. Making that kind of entrance with Marilyn I felt dazzled with the attention that we got, It was as if they were waiting for us to come out of the room.

I wonder if all of this isn't too much. A few months from now we would have another birthday to plan for her, but then I wouldn't mind. Seven months from now would be too long for me. I do not think I would be able to wait. Marilyn has to know she belongs here and is loved.

Everyone gathered in the dining room, then I carried Marilyn into the middle seat before her cake.

“I like it,” she said pointing to her cake

“I like it too” Jessie screamed

“I bet you do,” Nicholas said gently pulling her cheek.

“Let light the candle on the cake,” Felicia said clapping her hands

“Light the cake” “Light cake” “Light the cake,” They said in unison while clapping their hands in excitement

I picked up the lighter on the table

“Since you all asked for it, I will light the cake up now”

As soon as I light the candles on the cake. Marilyn screamed “Yay”

“Mr. James, can you please pray for us briefly, before we proceed into doing other things,” Micheal said

“Okay. We put every today's activities into your hands lord, may good fortune never halt in our lives. Amen”

“Amen,” everyone said after him

“Marilyn, you can blow out your candle, after we finish counting from one to three,” I said bending close to her”

“Okay,” she said nodding her head

“Shall we count?” I asked raising my head up

“Yea, let go,” Angela said

“Wait. let me hold my camera, I need to get all of this captured” Nicholas said and went into the living room to pick up his camera on the center table

“One, two, three,” we said in unison while Marilyn blew the candle after the count

A resounding applause followed with cheers.

“You did it my darling” I placed a kiss on her cheek “I love you, give me a high five”

She raised her hands for mine to meet. I held her hand still, for Nicholas to take a picture, of the posture.

“I hope am getting paid for this service”

“You are getting good food in return,” Micheal said then winked at him

“You can all join her. A group photo, please”

“Okay, everyone come to stay beside me,” I said ushering them to come close

“Felicia, you are covering Jessie” he gestured for her to move to the side “Okay, that's all for now. James, it's your turn to hold the camera”

Felicia took the camera from James checking the pictures in it, I joined her along with Angela.

“Since we are done with the snapshot. I want to quickly say something”

We raised our heads from the camera we held in our hands. James's words seized our attention from checking further

“Mr and Mrs Macaulay, I know today is a big day and centered around you guys but I would like to steal a moment for myself. Hope you guys wouldn't mind?” he said with utmost seriousness

“No we wouldn't” Micheal answered him

He moved close to us. Curiosity in our eyes, wondering what was about to happen. He inserted his hands into his jacket pocket, brought out a red small box, he opened it. As soon as we saw what was in it, Angela and I screamed with excitement. Shock enveloped Felicia, she stood transfixed.

James stood right in front of her

“Ever since I met you, you already knew what my intention was. I want to love and care for you now and evermore. Will you marry me, Felicia”

And there was silence, Felicia still looking dumbfounded

Angela and I screamed say yes

“Yes,” she screamed back. She held her hand out for him