“Dad, I wouldn’t think of taking such a big step without you.” I let him go. “I’ve consulted you about every major decision in my life. College, career, my first office location, and now this.”
“Hey there, boy,” Uncle Clifton said, shaking my hand. “Long time, no see.”
I punched him tightly on the shoulder. “You’re supposed to be coming by my office so I can X-ray your neck.”
“I don’t need a damn X-ray to tell me that I’m an old buzzard.”
“You’re only old when you believe it,” I said.
“Let’s get on in here and see this space, Son,” Dad said. “I’m trying to get back in time to see Jeopardy!”
I laughed. “The highlight of your Saturday night.”
“Each and every one, Son.”
I led them into the building and pushed the elevator button. “There’s one more thing I’d like to consult with you about, Dad.” I glanced at Uncle Clifton, wishing Dad and I were alone at the moment. “I’ll talk to you about it later.”
Dad shook his head. “No need. I only have one comment. You need to hurry up and marry that woman before you let her get away.”
I was dumbfounded. “How did you know I was talking about Rayne?”
“Because she’s become your entire world, Son. A blind man could see that.”
“This is probably the shortest life-altering discussion we’ve ever had, but thanks, Dad.”
He chortled. “You’re welcome.”
When we go to the top floor, I said, “I hope you like it.”
The elevator doors opened and everyone yelled, “Surprise!”
Rayne was standing there, beaming and hugging her mother. She seemed pleased and I was relieved. Dad was shocked and moved faster than I’d ever seen him move to embrace Mom. Their official anniversary wasn’t for another couple of days and he was planning to take her to the Shenandoah mountains for a romantic getaway. He had no idea that I’d arranged to fly them to Paris, France, instead. School had let out for the summer so they were free to go away for a couple of weeks as opposed to a few days.
Everyone had a great time at the party. The caterer had really done her thing. The roast beef was tender, the chicken marsala was mouthwatering, and the seafood primavera was delicious. Chance and Ricky came in closer to the end of the event, when everyone was on the dance floor grooving to the band’s music. I really liked them. Over the past couple of months, Rayne and I had spent a lot of time over their place and vice versa. We’d gone to the zoo the weekend before and had a picnic on the lawn. It had been ages since I’d been on a picnic; one of the simpler things in life that’s often overlooked. We were all planning on attending some of the summertime concerts at the Carter Baron Amphitheater in Rock Creek Park.
Dad was trying to get everyone’s attention to make an announcement. Perfect. I’d been waiting for Chance and Ricky to arrive before I made an announcement of my own.
“Excuse me, everyone,” Dad said, motioning with his hand for the band to cut the music. Once they stopped, he continued. “I wanted to thank everyone for coming out here this evening to help my lovely wife Agnes and I celebrate thirty-five glorious years of marriage. In 1969, a feisty young lady made me commit myself to her for life and I’ve never regretted it for a single moment.”
Mom looked like she was on the brink of tears. I was standing off to the side, holding Rayne around the waist from behind. She whispered, “That’s so sweet. They’re so in love.” I kissed her on the cheek. “The party has turned out perfect.”
“Yes, it has,” I agreed.
“I’d planned on presenting Agnes with this little token of my appreciation when I took her away in a few days. Now I understand that all those plans have changed so I better go ahead and give it to her now.” He beckoned my mother toward him with his finger. “Come here, woman of my dreams.”
Mom blushed, gave Arjay a hug, and switched to her man with much pride and pep in her step.
He took her by the hand, embraced her, and then they shared a long, passionate kiss. I’d never seen my parents go for it like that; rather less in front of a crowd. There had to be at least two hundred friends and relatives present.
“Baby, years ago, thirty-five years ago to be exact, you made me the happiest man on earth. Now I just want to make you the happiest woman on earth.”
“You already have, Corbett. You already have.”
“Well, maybe this will make you even happier.” He pulled a black velvet box out his pocket. “When we first got married, I couldn’t afford to buy you the ring you wanted. Hell, I couldn’t even afford a real diamond, so you settled for a simple wedding band.” He lifted her hand and kissed the band. “And you’ve worn it all this time. Now it’s time to replace it with what you deserved back then.”
Mom threw her hand over her mouth as Dad opened the box. “Oh, my, Corbett! What have you done?”
“The right thing,” Dad responded, popping the box open and exposing a three-carat diamond ring.