A Celebration Times Three
Richie picked up the white roses off the car seat and let himself in the front door. Noises from the kitchen told him where Toni was and he followed her sounds.
Coming up behind her he presented the roses in front of her, “Hey sweetheart”
“Richie! Oh Richie how beautiful, thank you,” she turned and kissed him.
“I know white roses are your favorite.”
“Yes they are but it’s your birthday honey, you sure they’re not for you,” she grinned
“Nah, no flowers for me you’re enough.”
“I do have something for you…just a sec,” Toni went to the pantry and brought out a long slim box. She was a little nervous about it, sure Richie was Jewish but she had never known him to go to synagogue. “I hope you like it,” she said and handed him the box and bit her bottom lip.
Richie met her eyes and opened the wrapping paper, wrinkling his brow, what had she bought? Opening the blue velvet box, he looked up at her, “Toni…its…it’s beautiful, how thoughtful of you.”
“Are you sure its okay, I mean I can take it back…I just didn’t know…”
“Its wonderful, I’ve never had anything like this before…a Star of David,” he carefully took the pendant from the box, “will you do the honors,” he turned so she could fasten it around his neck. “I’ll wear it always.” He gathered her in his arms and kissed her deeply.
“You really like it?”
“How could I not Toni, it reminds me of my grandmother. Thank you.” He kissed her forehead, “do I have time for a quick shower oh and you better put those roses in water.”
“If you’ll hand me that crystal vase from the scullery, I’ll do that now. Jim and Ivy are expected around 6:30 so you’ve time to clean up.”
Richie fingered the tiny box in his pocket and backed out of the kitchen, he’d just had an idea but it would have to wait.
Toni tossed the salad greens and set them in the fridge. Her special vinaigrette would be added later. The beef tenderloin would be ready soon and she poured the drippings over the meat as it roasted. Pan roasted potatoes and the broccoli casserole would complete her meal. Instead of thirty-five candles she had a 3 and a 5 to add to the birthday cake.
Toni took the roses Richie brought and placed them in the middle of her table. The small dining room looked rather festive she thought and dimmed the chandelier and lit the candles.
Richie came down a few minutes later and slipped into the dining room selecting a perfect rose he fished the ring and a slip of ribbon from his pocket and tied the ring to the rose stuffing it back in the vase.
The doorbell chimed and Richie opened it to invite Jim and Ivy in, “Hey Jim, Ivy” a quick kiss on the cheek for Ivy. “Come in Toni’s in the kitchen stirring the cauldron.” He ushered them into the living room and offered drinks.
“I thought I heard a bell, so good to see you up and feeling better Ivy, hi Jim.” Toni held out her drink for freshening.
“I love your house Toni,” said Ivy
“We’ll do the grand tour after dinner, come back to the kitchen and we’ll get dinner on.”
Jim looked at Richie, “you get the ring?”
“Yeah, I had this bright idea and tied it to a rose, my luck it will fall off in the vase somewhere.”
“Hey think positive”
“I’m trying to…she might turn me down you know…she might.”
Jim smiled, he didn’t think so. “Nice place you got here Richie…how does a city boy like living in the country?”
“You know I was kinda lost for a few days, but it grows on you and grows quick, its quiet and no traffic to fight if you wanna go somewhere. How’s the car by the way?”
“Oh its doing fine, Ivy tells me you’ve got a weight room I’d like to see that if you don’t mind.”
“Sure follow me, it’s kind of a den off the kitchen and then that goes into my weight room.”
“Oh this is nice Richie, I might have to visit this while I’m here.”
“Hey invitation is open Jim, any time.”
“Soup’s on as they say,” called Toni
They sat down at the table and Richie proposed a toast to Jim and Ivy and their marriage. Jim made one to Richie on his birthday.
Their meal completed and the birthday cake brought in Toni lit the candles and told Richie to make a wish, he glanced at Jim and blew out his candles.
“Before we eat cake Toni,” he got up pulling a rose from the vase and walked around to her chair went down on one knee. He felt a fluttering in his chest, a tightening in his throat.
“What are you doing Richie?” asked Toni tilting her head
“I’m asking…would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” he handed her the rose
Toni felt her eyes filling up as she looked into his, “oh Richie…oh…yes…YES!” she threw her arms around his neck. Richie closed his eyes
Jim and Ivy clapped, “Oh Toni we’re going to have a wedding!” exclaimed Ivy
Toni pulled back looking into Richie’s eyes, “a little romance,” she smiled
“There’s more,” he took the rose and untied the ring and placed it on her trembling finger.
“Oh my God Richie!” she looked at the three diamond engagement ring with tears escaping down her cheeks. She stood up with Richie their arms going around each other.
“Hey, Ivy maybe we should leave?” whispered Jim.
Ivy was all smiles, “no Jim we haven’t had the cake yet.”
“All right then Ivy,” Jim stood up, “Another celebration for tonight here’s to Toni and Richie in honor of their engagement.” Richie retrieved his wine glass and they toasted once more.
“Here’s to good friends, we’re so happy you could share this with us tonight.” Said Toni as she raised her glass again. She couldn’t stop smiling as she held onto Richie’s hand.
