Epilogue
EPILOGUE
Daphne
“Delphine’s is a huge part of my history. I’ll never get over the joy of starting here as a lowly intern and feeling like I was part of something big,” Cal said. “That, of course, was a million years ago.”
The crowd chuckled.
“Now, it’s a different world. The next generation of the family took up the challenge of modernizing the store and bringing it into the e-commerce and experiential marketing age—or so my sister’s numerous discussions with the media would reflect.”
Call searched the crowd for Chloe, standing to my right. She raised her glass, proudly nodding. Chloe earned it. The buzz with appointing her ruffled feathers—driving some old-timers out and giving a fresh face to the company. We were fucking shit up.
“But with those changes, some things remain—or even improve. That is why today, I am so glad to attend the tree-lighting event with you all. This tradition was a must-do every year for all the staff and volunteers that run the toy drive. And I am glad to see it is even bigger and brighter this year. The city is grateful for the continued efforts of the Delphine Family Foundation. And this year, we are even more grateful that the Dolphin Room’s new Executive Chef, Dahlia Delphine, has agreed to donate her family’s time and effort to feed more than 1000 holiday meals to needy families in the city. As a token of my own gratitude, I’ve also agreed to pitch in.”
Dahlia moved back to reinvigorate our flagship restaurant. With her help, we managed to book our holiday reservations from November through January in a matter of two days. Dora’s idea to donate two days of meal prep—Christmas and Christmas Eve—for needy family pickup meals hadn’t fallen on deaf ears. Everyone pitched in, knowing Dad would have been full steam ahead. Cal rallied troops and connected us to community organizations in need.
“The toy drive they’ve hosted for the Chicago Firefighters Foundation has collected more than it has in years. To all of you, I say, thank you for your generosity. So many children and families will have a brighter Christmas this year. Having known David Delphine for so many years, I must say that this has been the sweetest way everyone could have honored his memory. His loss will be felt deeply this holiday season, but we’ll keep his history of charity and giving alive.”
I fought tears. The toy drive was a half-century tradition that Davey and I felt passionate about continuing so long as we could. Dad would be so proud of Dora’s benevolence and Dahlia’s idea to set aside two potentially profitable days to give back. Davey supported whatever the rest of us wanted. I was on the fence about spending Christmas doing anything . Grief sidelined me at Thanksgiving, but Mum felt that doing something impactful would make the day pass easier. So, I put aside my fears and agreed to help. And like with all things, if I did it, Cal was on board.
“So, with that said, I’d ask David Delphine, Jr., the CEO of Delphine Holdings, to step forward so we can light this tree.”
Davey stepped forward. With the help of a lucky kid who’d won a contest to light the tree, the two helped set the tree lights aglow. The impressive real fir came to life in all its twinkling glory. I squeezed Mum’s hand, looking over to see her tears. She rarely cried—not even when Dad died—so it hit me how big this was.
I wrapped my arm around her. “I know it’s hard.”
“Your father would be so proud of you kids. I just wish he was here to see it,” Mum said. “This next chapter is all we wanted for you—and more. It’s beautiful.”
I hugged her tight. “He knows, Mum. I know he knows.”
“I’m going to take a minute,” she sniffled, departing.
“I’ve never seen her cry before,” Chloe remarked. “Is she okay?”
“She’s just emotional. Everything is hard without Dad.”
“I get it,” Chloe said. “I just hope she’s okay.”
“She will be,” I assured.
Cal approached. “So, how did it go?”
“Great,” I said.
“It was okay,” Chloe said. “Okay, no notes. It was sappy and cute. It also made Lady Danna cry.”
Cal’s jaw dropped.
“The whole thing has her in tears,” I confirmed.
“Well, I hope she’s okay.”
“She’ll be fine.” I squeezed his hand.
“Is there booze now?” Lanie said to Chloe.
“Is that all you care about?” Dora sighed.
“There are plenty of drinks at the bar on the ground floor,” I said. “Go.”
The girls fled to find harder stuff than the hot cocoa bar provided.
People milled, exploring the store for after-hours shopping. I followed Cal as we mingled, going upstairs to the ground floor after the girls. Parents who attended with children formed a somewhat disorderly, but excited queue to see Santa on the second floor. It could now be seen from the atrium.
“It feels strangely the same as it ever did,” I remarked.
“And yet, altogether different,” Cal offered. “Hey, come with me. I want to see something.”
“Oh… okay? We aren’t going to get up to anything too wild, I hope?”
“Nah. It’s not like that. We’re both on duty—our best behavior. I’ll save that for later, baby.”
I smiled, following him towards the gilded main elevators. Doors with the Delphine logo parted as we entered. He pressed the button for the sixth floor—one used mainly for stock and admin these days.
“What are we doing?” I asked.
“I want to take a good look at the tree. Trust me, Daph. It’s the best view.”
“Okay,” I gave in.
Stepping off the elevator, we approached the floor’s edge and leaned over the antique wrought-iron balcony wound with the official family motif. Below us, staff mingled, family chatted, and parents walked out with Santa photos, their children gleefully skipping. The tree and beautiful lit garland evoked the most cheerful feelings.
“I’m so proud of all of us,” I murmured. “It came together so well.”
“It was transformational. I came last year and it was a shell of what I remembered. The store looks amazing, Daphne. All the money you’ve put in—and all the time—shows. Your Dad would have done the same at the end if he could have.”
“Can you remember it so busy?” I asked.
“No, but you’re doing great. Everyone is.”
“Davey and I are transforming it. Of course, now he’s got his own pet projects and mostly leaves me alone?—”
“You’ll be CEO once he figures out what is next for him. That’s my projection.”
I searched Cal to see if he joked.
“Baby, it’s no joke. I believe that.”
“You have so much faith in me!”
“I do.”
“I’d like it to stay like this for a bit before it all changes. I mean, in a year, we’ve lost Dad, almost everyone has changed jobs, I got divorced, and then there’s my idiot ex-husband’s perp walk.”
“And you fell in love with a man you never should have.”
I smiled. “He was the best change, really.”
He rubbed my back. “The most dubious, Daphne. That’s what you meant. Change is the only constant we know.”
“It’s hard. I suspect it always will be,” I said. “But I am grateful for the bright spots. I know this has been a hard time of year, but I love you and am so grateful for you.”
“I love you, too. And I don’t think anyone could have more gratitude than I do for you, Daphne Delphine.”
He turned me towards him, pulling me into a long kiss. Lulled into the way I loved this man, I couldn’t fight. Every day got better. We had one another. We chose us and didn’t regret a minute. Standing here, I knew this was the only man for me. As he pulled back, he sweetly tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
“Next year will be better,” I said. “We’ll focus on the good.”
“We better,” Cal dropped to one knee.
“Cal, what the hell are you doing?” I gasped as he fumbled through his jacket pocket.
“Well, I’ve been carrying this damn ring around for the perfect moment. I think this is a good one. Can you just let me do it?”
I laughed. “Okay, okay. Yes, go for it.”
He pulled back a ring box to reveal a beautiful princess-cut diamond ring.
Cal asked the big question without hesitation. “Daphne, you make me feel everything—in the most impulsive way. Nothing about us is predictable, but I prefer it that way.”
I giggled.
“You’re everything I want and need. So, will you be my wife?”
I didn’t skip a beat. “Yes, Cal. I will. Forever.”
It wasn’t my first proposal. It wasn’t the biggest proposal, either. Instead, it was the only proposal I ever needed. As I kissed Cal, then slid the ring on my finger, I soaked up how good it felt to be not only adored but needed . I relished the way he loved me and always took care of me.
“I’m home,” I said. “Thanks for seeing me even when I didn’t see myself.”
“You are right where you belong, Daphne. I’m not letting go,” Cal whispered.