Chapter Thirty Eight
Reid
I’m unsure if what I have in store for today is a really great idea or a really awful plan, but I will just have to find out in real time now, I suppose. Hopefully my to-do list can distract my brain from the impending doom I’m feeling, leading up to the big occasion.
Today is Caroline’s baby shower. They’re having it at Sydney’s family cafe and have closed down the coffee shop for the day.
What was supposed to be a small intimate get together has somehow turned into a town holiday.
Once word spread to the neighboring shops, everyone started to pitch in.
The Melwood Florist across the street created beautiful bouquet centerpieces and the deli offered to cater the event.
Kate gave me the full scoop of event details, when I reached out to her with my plan.
Most of this day is still a surprise to Caroline and I just know that she’s going to hate every minute of it.
But I pray that she comes around and feels the love and support from everyone that she hasn’t felt in a long time.
She doesn’t enjoy being the center of attention, but she truly deserves it at this time in her life.
I park down the road in the public lot, as I prepare for the first task on my list. I make my way down the sidewalk and sneak in the side door of the florist. Mary has a huge display of flowers created for me in the walk-in fridge.
She’s the sweetest old soul that has been providing the town’s flowers for as long as I can remember.
“Wow Mary, you have truly outdone yourself. You really didn’t need to go this big.” I express my gratitude for the amazing arrangement she’s put together.
“Anything for love!” she yells back from the front desk.
“Well really, thank you again for all of your help with this. I hope she loves it.” I say, emerging from the refrigerated back room.
“Oh she will. Here grab some business cards to leave on the tables there.” Mary winks at me and grabs my hand with her bony cold fingers.
“I just hope these fit through the doorway!” I exit the shop, trying my best not to mess up the presentation of florals. Although I’m sure Mary could chat all day, I really don’t have time to linger. Luckily, I am able to secure the covered pastel flowers down in the back of the truck.
Next stop, I swing by the clinic to grab Poppy from Martha. She’s spoiled this kitten rotten and gotten her all dolled up in a pearl studded collar. I grab her from her little bed on the desk, wave bye to the staff and plop her in the passenger seat.
Lastly, I met up with Jill and Lola at the house.
Another surprise, that I hope Cara appreciates.
While the girls have grown apart a bit, it wasn’t too difficult for me to locate her old Chicago friends on social media.
She’s told me a decent bit about them, but this is the first time I’ve met them in person.
When I messaged Lola online, she expressed her regret in not supporting Caroline better in her latest adventures.
We’re all hoping for a bit of a reunitement towards this next stage in life.
Jill hops in the backseat of my truck and I grab the little blue box that she has now bedazzled since I left.
Poppy sits in Layla’s lap in the passenger seat and I’m starting to wish these drives were a little longer because we’re back at the coffee shop a little too quickly.
Pros and cons of living in such a small area.
Caroline has been occupied at the shower for the past hour, but the plan is for me to arrive towards the end. Layla grabs Poppy, Kristin sticks the box in her purse and I am nearly hidden behind this massive flower arrangement.
“Are you ready?” Kristin asks, sensing my nervousness.
“Ready as I’ll ever be. Let’s just hope she doesn’t absolutely hate this.” I respond, wiping a bead of sweat off my temple.
We prop open the double glass doors at the entry to the cafe and make our way in.
Caroline is seated in the back right corner, surrounded by balloons and gift bags.
Yet, she is absolutely glowing through the sea of women, in a long flowy pale pink dress.
There’s too much commotion for her to notice us initially walking in.
Moving through the crowd, she finally locks eyes with me, concern growing on her face.
The others haven’t noticed yet but start to take note of her facial expression and one by one turn to face me in a growing silence and confusion.
Jill is here to distract Caroline with the cute kitten and I can see her ease a little with Poppy in her lap.
Kate sneaks off behind the bar and changes the speakers to play my song request at this very awkward silent moment. In that split second, I am taken back to being seventeen again, asking Caroline to go to prom with me in all of my tall lanky timidness.
Slowly making my way toward Caroline’s right side, I finally reached her chair and set the bouquet down on the shiny concrete floor beside her.
“Hi Caroline” I whisper smoothly, giving her a soft smile. Although everyone is staring at us, I speak only loud enough for her to hear me.
“Wha- What are you doing here?” She looks even more nervous than I feel. I reach out to grab her hands, crouching over to take a knee and get eye level with her. Her pupils grow wide as I turn back to Kristin, who hands me the small teal box.
“Reid…” Caroline slowly says my name, questioningly.
“I thought I would help you transport all of these big boxes home.” I smirk, growing the suspense a little longer.
“Okay…” She says with a little more ease, but still unsure.
“Oh and I had a question to ask you! I almost forgot.” I joke, displaying the box to her.
She pulls my hand tightly and whispers, “Reid, no. What are you doing?”
“Don’t worry.” I whisper back before standing up to speak louder.
“Caroline Rose Baker. Would you do the honors of moving in with me?” I lift the lid of the box to display a house key with a pink ‘C’ on the top. I have Jill to thank for her bedazzling skills again.
Caroline lets out a deep breath, hand flat on her chest, but she doesn’t respond right away. She looks over at her mom to take note of everyone’s response before proceeding. Her mom is grinning ear to ear and clapping enthusiastically. Don’t worry Cara, she was in on this too.
She turns back my way and finally stands up from her seat, a smile forming on her cheeks. She hands Poppy back to Jill before turning her attention towards me.
“Reid… Michael Perry.” She pauses. “I would love to.”
The crowd of women around us erupts in cheers as I stay on one knee and place the key in her hand.
Finally standing on both feet, I tread lightly as I’m unsure how much PDA she is willing to give.
But to my surprise, she throws her arms around my neck and pulls me in for a hard kiss.
That’s when the cheering really picks up.
And wow. Talk about sparks, I’m not sure I’ve ever been as happy as I have been at this very moment.
You would think we just got married here, if you walked by us on the street.