27. Chapter Twenty-Seven
The sun’s beating down like it’s got a personal grudge, and here I am, dressed in a suit and tie, in the middle of a field. “You know I love you, Peanut, but I still don’t understand why you’re making me wear all this.”
“Because, Dad, it’s your birthday. You want to look sharp for all your guests, don’t you?” Gemma’s voice carries over from where she’s ringleading an entire circus of caterers marching one way, a live band setting up on a temporary stage by the barn, and enough tents and chairs to fit the whole town.
“And you don’t think I look sharp in Levi’s?”
Gemma pitches a stern look like the ones her mother used to give me, and I know there’s no point arguing. Camille always had a knack for getting me to wear a suit, even if it was like trying to dress a cat in a bonnet. As for Gemma, she’s an apple that didn’t fall far from the tree when it comes to coercion.
“Traffic’s coming in just fine,” Asher’s voice crackles through her walkie-talkie.
“Copy that,” she says, flagging down a man with a box and pointing to a spot in the shade. “Photo booth, you set up over there. Yes, right by the oak tree. Perfect.”
“Is all this really necessary?” I ask, albeit with a hint of a smile at her natural ability to command an army. She’s a force, my girl. That part she gets from her old man.
“Trust me, Dad. You’ll thank me later when you see everything we’ve got planned.”
“Fine,” I grumble under my breath. “But there better not be any clowns.”
“Cancelling the clowns,” she calls over her shoulder before disappearing into the catering tent.
As the long line of cars begins rolling up, dust billows like cotton in the wind, and I can’t help but eagerly scan every face. Local farmers with their families, folks from town, and even old Mrs. Henderson, who insisted on bringing her famous pecan pie, show up.
It seems like everyone’s here except...
“Rose is coming, right?” I try to hide the stress in my voice when Gemma comes strolling by again with her clipboard.
“Of course, she’s coming. Stop worrying so much. She wouldn’t miss this day for the world.”
“Feels like the whole world’s here already,” I mutter. I try to mask my impatience with a laugh, but it’s useless. My stomach is tying knots the size of lassos.
“Relax, Dad. Enjoy your party.” She leans in and taps my watch. “She’ll be here.”
The band starts their sound check on stage as the guests pour in, and I greet each one, thanking them for coming. But not even the sight of Nancy Wade in that ridiculous hat can keep my eyes from darting to and from the field where Asher and Hazel are in charge of parking.
Where is she?
Nancy is next in line and scans the crowd with her nose up in the air like she’s trying to catch wind of something new to talk about at her next sewing circle.
“Happy birthday, Henry! I’m surprised to see you here alone on such an… important day.”
“Nancy, always a pleasure.” I smile through my teeth, and Gemma swoops in to intercept, leading Nancy to a tent near the pig pen.
“Look sharp, Henry! Birthday boy can’t look glum when his lady arrives.” Mayor Dawson gives me a firm shake and slaps me on the back.
“Eugene, glad you could make it out.” I smile just as a sleek red Lexus rolls into sight.
Rose steps out of her car like a vision in white, the fabric of her dress hugging every curve, and I have to remind myself not to gawk. What surprises me most is who she’s with. Chanel, looking as polished as ever, emerges from the passenger side, followed by another woman whose face I don’t recognize. It’s like the three of them just came off the runways of Paris, and clearly, I’m not the only one noticing.
Gemma catches my gaze and winks, and as the whole town stares, I suddenly feel like the luckiest man alive.
Rose strides over and slides easily into my arms. “Happy Birthday, Henry.” She plants a kiss on my cheek, then turns to introduce her friends. “You remember Chanel,” she says, and I nod, still taking in how beautiful she looks. Then Rose gestures towards the stranger, “And this is Sarah Vickers, my assistant. She’s been running things in Dallas while I’ve been gone.”
“Nice to finally meet you, Henry.” Her smile is genuine and matches her perky attitude.
“Hello, Sarah,” I say with a polite tip of my hat, but there’s still something I can’t put my finger on that’s gnawing at me. What are Chanel and Rose’s assistant doing here on my birthday?
Chanel steps forward, her high heels sinking slightly into the grass under her feet. “I’m sure you’re probably wondering what we are doing here.”
“I’ll admit, I was surprised to see you since Rose never mentioned you were coming.” I look at Rose, who looks more giddy than she does guilty.
Now I’m really confused. Rose wouldn’t fly Chanel all the way to Texas to tell me she was taking the job… would she?
“Allow me to explain,” Chanel continues. “We have some exciting news, and Rose thought it would be a nice surprise if we both told you in person.”
“Is that so?” I reply, bracing myself for whatever cataclysmic event is coming my way.
“Henry,” Rose steps in, “Chanel is buying Metro Matchmakers and turning it into the new Dallas branch of Elite Encounters.”
“Wow, Rose. That’s great news. Congratulations to you both.” I smile and try to hide the pain welling in my chest. “So, I guess this means you’re taking the job?”
Rose and Chanel exchange a glance that seems inappropriate for the bomb they’re about to drop.
“Well, Henry,” Chanel says, “I think you’ll be happy to know that Rose did accept, but… seeing as how we all know where her heart is, I’ve made arrangements for her to continue working remotely so she can stay right here in Sugar Plum.”
“Wait, huh?” I feel like I’ve been sucker-punched.
“Isn’t it exciting!” Rose chimes. “And because Sarah has been working alongside me for years, it only felt right to make her the new CEO of Elite Encounters Dallas.”
“So, you’re… not leaving Sugar Plum.”
Rose’s eyes light up with laughter. “No, Henry. I’m not leaving Sugar Plum. I mean, there’s still a lot to figure out logistically, but since the job is mostly travel anyway, we figured flying out of Lubbock to train would be just as easy as flying out of Los Angeles. And the rest Chanel and I can do on conference calls.”
“You’re not leaving,” I repeat the words, and they still don’t compute. Then I look at Gemma, whose smile is far too suspicious. “Did you know about this?”
“Daddy, come on. I made you wear a suit in August. I wouldn’t do something that cruel for no good reason. So, surprise!”
I let out a sigh of relief before turning back to Rose. “And you…”
“Oh, Henry, I wanted to tell you so bad, but I promised Gemma I’d keep it a secret until today.” Rose’s eyes sparkle, and everything makes sense now. The big party, Chanel and Sarah, and the whole town showing up—I should have known Gemma would set something like this up, knowing how torn up I’ve been about the prospect of Rose moving away.
“Best birthday gift I could ask for,” I admit, feeling like I’ve just won first prize at the county fair, the Texas Powerball, and still got the girl all in the same day.
Just as I pull Rose in for a hug, the band starts in on their first set, only this time, I’m gawking. We turn and face the stage, and there are three musicians in sunglasses and top hats with grown-out beards playing the opening licks to ZZ Top’s Sharp Dressed Man.
I can’t believe my eyes as I watch friends leave their seats to start dancing. “Gemma, you didn’t!”
“It’s just a cover band, but oh, I did! Happy birthday, Dad!” she beams.
I take Rose’s hand, leading her onto a makeshift wooden dancefloor as the band hits their stride with another classic. The crowd’s energy becomes infectious, and soon, even Mrs. Henderson shakes her hips in a way that suggests she’s no stranger to a little rock and roll. It’s a sight, alright, and something about it makes me feel like it’s time for something bold.
“Rose, would you excuse me for a minute?”
“Sure, Henry, what’s going on?” She looks at me, concerned, probably thinking I’m about to bail on my own party.
“Trust me,” I tell her, and before she can say another word, I’m making my way through the crowd to the stage.
“Hey, fellas, hold up a sec, would ya?” The band brings their song to an end, and the lead guitarist peers at me through his shades as I take the microphone.
I address the sea of familiar faces now turned my way with an unwavering voice because, well, this is it—there’s no backing down now.
“Evening, folks. Most of you know that today I’m a year older, a year wiser, or so they say.” A ripple of hoots and laughs spread through the audience. “But there are some things that time will never change. And for me, that’s how I feel about my best friend Rose.”
The crowd falls silent as I reach out my hand.
“Rose,” I say, giving her a nod of encouragement. “Would you join me up here?”
There’s a collective gasp and whispers of excitement as Rose slowly makes her way to the stage.
“See, Rose Taylor has been my best friend since the first grade. And, well, I’ve been in love with her for just about as long.”
Now, I hear not only gasps and whispers but hooting and hollering from the crowd.
“Now, it’s come to my attention that there have been a lot of rumors going around about me and Rose, so I want to say this in front of everyone: If anyone’s got a problem with us finding happiness together, make sure you come find me after the show.”
With that, I open my arms to Rose as she joins me on stage, and without missing a beat, she falls right into them with a smile that could light up the darkest night.
When I finally get my kiss, the whole town erupts into cheers and applause, but it’s more than just two pairs of lips meeting—it’s every childhood dream, every whispered hope, and every silent wish we’ve ever made without the other ever knowing, and I think to myself, ain’t life grand?
THE END