Chapter Ten #3
She reached behind the counter and pulled out a pamphlet and opened it to the dual-groom topper page.
It was an easy decision to make, there weren’t many to choose from, but the one I’d spotted online was available here.
It was a flat, black metal silhouette of two men in tuxes holding hands.
Simple yet perfect. I pointed it out to her, and she added it to the order form.
“I have a question, Beverly. How does Alex know you and why hasn’t he mentioned you to me before? You’re a confectionary Goddess.” Maybe he was afraid I’d spend our life savings here. Hmm, not a bad thought at all though I’d need a gym membership for sure.
Finally, someone other than me was blushing. “Oh, he didn’t tell you? My husband is his boss. I do all the baked goods for their morning meetings.”
“Well, we will be talking about that tonight. He shouldn’t have kept you a secret from me. Does that mean you’ll be attending our wedding as well?” I handed her my credit card to run.
“Yes, it does, and I can’t wait.” She turned the iPad register screen around. “Please sign here. I know when you need it, so if it’s okay with Anne, we’ll deliver the cake a bit before heading over to the museum to witness your nuptials.”
“That would work perfectly. You know, Beverly, my days are free so if you ever need any help, please call me. Your shop is adorable, and I’d love to help out.” Mom told her.
“I just might take you up on that. I get the usual holiday rushes and tend to drag my husband in early to help me out before he goes into the office.”
I think Mom may have made a new friend today.
Beverly handed me my receipt, and I kissed her cheek and thanked her again.
Mom and her chatted for a few more minutes, exchanging numbers before we headed to Mom and Dad’s house.
In my sugar-induced coma, I nearly forgot to ask her about the tuxes.
“Have you got any info on the tuxes yet?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I did yesterday after you told me your color scheme. They said both colors are a standard selection for them, but they usually don’t see them used together.” She chuckled.
“I’m sure if it were green and blue it would be the norm. I’ll call them from your house to schedule our fittings,” I told her. “Oh, what about a photographer?”
“Already taken care of. I got some information from the caterer Alex sent me to, so you and I get to plan the menu when we get to the house. The tent, table and chairs, dance floor, and portable heaters have all been ordered as well,” she proudly stated.
“Mom,” I turned to face her, “you are truly amazing.”
As soon as we stepped inside, she grabbed some papers off the counter and sat down. “This is everything from the caterer. They said they can tweak it here and there, but these are their most popular items.”
After much deliberation, we ended up ordering the salmon, rosemary chicken, garlic roasted rosemary organic potatoes, Caesar salad and Hawaiian rolls all buffet style.
That way everyone could have a bit of each if they choose.
We decided to have bottles of champagne not only for the toast, but to ring in the New Year with as well and opted to include an open bar and bartender.
I signed the order form, and we scanned and emailed it back to them.
I was drained, both physically and mentally, and actually dozed off in the recliner. Woken by a sweet kiss to my nose, I opened my eyes and stared right into the hazel ones I’d fallen so madly in love with.
“Wake up, sleepy head.” Alex leaned over and kissed me properly.
“Hello, my love,” I said as those brilliant eyes backed away.
He held out his hand and pulled me to my feet. “Dinner’s ready.”
“Okay, give me a minute.” I went to the bathroom and straightened myself up before joining them for dinner, surprised to see Adrianna was here.
“Hey, little brother,” she teased as we hugged.
“Hey, big sis, it’s great to see you.”
As soon as everyone had their plates filled, Alex chose that moment to speak. “Mom, Dad. Charlie and I have something we’d like to ask you.” I grinned when he looked over at me. “Would you stand up with us and be our witnesses at the wedding?”
Dad reached over to take Mom’s hand in his, both shiny eyed and smiling. “Son, nothing would make us happier.”
Mom cleared her throat. “We have a surprise for both of you as well.” She nodded to Adrianna.
“Okay, little brothers, I did this for you and only you. So, here’s the deal, I went online and got ordained so I could preside over your wedding.” She smiled.
“Oh my God.” My hand flew to my mouth. My ass left the chair ad I darted around the side of the table where she sat and almost knocking us both on our asses when I wrapped my arms around her. “I can’t believe you did this for us,” The happy tears wouldn’t be stopped. “I love you so much.”
She laughed and patted my back. “I love you too, dork.”
Adrianna was never one to show emotions, so I’d take that as a win. Alex was right behind me, teary-eyed as well. He hugged her and thanked her then we found ourselves engulfed in a huge family hug.
I’d never been filled with more love or felt more loved than I did from the people I was sharing this meal with today.