“A baby!” Diana shrieked and moved so suddenly she’d have upset her glass of champagne, if Frank hadn’t grabbed it. “I can’t believe it. Our two girls, all grown up. One getting married. One having a baby. This is truly a happy day.”
Everyone seemed to agree as tears of joy flowed as freely as the champagne, accompanied by much back-slapping.
“Have you thought of any names?” Diana asked Abby and Greg then turned to Melissa and Josh. “Any idea on a wedding date?”
Suggestions on both came fast and furious until Abby realized the party had gotten off track. She pulled her sister aside. “The anniversary gift,” she said in a low tone to Melissa. “We need to give them their gift.”
“I’ll get it.” In a matter of seconds, Melissa returned, cradling the large basket in her arms.
Josh moved to her side, as if he couldn’t bear to be far from his new fiancée. Greg stood behind his wife, his arms around her still slender waist.
“Mom and Dad,” Melissa began. “You’ve shown us what love looks like.”
“What it feels like,” Abby added.
With a flourish, Melissa presented her parents with a basket overflowing with biscotti, gourmet cappuccino mix, and other items reminiscent of their honeymoon in Italy…along with assorted travel documents. “Congratulations on thirty years of marriage.”
“And best wishes for thirty more,” Abby and Melissa said in unison, with Josh and Greg chiming in.
“Oh, Frank, isn’t this the best evening ever?” Diana’s voice bubbled with excitement. “All this good news and gifts, too.”
She exclaimed over every item in the basket but grew silent when she got to the tickets, guidebooks and brochures. Diana glanced at her husband. He shrugged, looking equally puzzled.
“It’s a trip,” Abby explained.
Melissa smiled. “We’ve booked you on a four-star vacation to Italy, so you can recreate your honeymoon, only this time in comfort and style.”
“Oh, my stars.” Diana put a hand to her head. When she began to sway, her husband slipped a steadying arm around her shoulders.
“I think your mom has had a bit too much excitement for one day.” Frank chuckled. “Or maybe a little too much of the vino.”
“I’ve only had two glasses. Or was it three?” Instead of elbowing him in the side as he expected, she laughed and refocused on her children. “Regardless, thank you all for such wonderful, thoughtful presents.”
Abby exchanged a relieved glance with Melissa. “We wanted to give you and Dad the perfect gift to celebrate your years of happiness together.”
“You already have,” Frank said, his voice thick with emotion.
He shifted his gaze from Abby and Greg to Melissa and Josh before letting it linger on his beautiful wife, Diana. A wedding in the spring. A grandbaby next summer. A wonderful woman to share his days and nights. Who could ask for more?
* * * * *