Out of The Box Regifted

by Jennifer Theriot

  Soon Tommy, Emily, and Scott emerge from the house and Angelica ushers them into place. The events company I hired has all the chairs set out, and with the tenting, the grounds look lovely. Ash even had Jose spruce up the landscaping, and beautiful flowers adorn the grounds and beds around the trees. Lush pots bursting with blossoms of spring flowers, grace the patio area and the twinkle lights are spectacular. Every tree is wrapped in them, and the soft landscape lights, add to the ambiance. The dock is lit, and the view of the rippling water is breathtaking.

  I am worried as to where Dalton and Bradley are, since Dalton’s flight was delayed. I can hear laughter, and see them finally stroll in.

  “I was just beginning to worry, and send the mounted police out to look for you boys.” I say.

  “Mom, we tried to call, but I guess you don’t have your phone out here with you. I waited at the airport for Dalton to get in, so we didn’t have to rent 2 cars.” Bradley says.

  “You boys are going to walk me down the aisle, so let’s walk back to the door and when Angelica signals, we walk. Got it?”

  He gives me a thumbs up, “Got it Mom. We can do this.”

  Angelica is quite the Type A personality, and clearly isn’t satisfied with anything short of perfection. Her long wavy hair is pulled back at the nape of her neck, and her body is adorned with tattoos. She’s wearing a very form fitting emerald green sleeveless jersey dress, which precisely accentuates every curve of her toned body. Her muscular arms are waving each of us into place like a traffic cop, as she preaches to us in her heavy Jersey accent, simulating anger with a sing song rhythm to her whiney voice, “Guys come on already! The sooner we get this down, the quicker we can all get trashed. It’s as simple as that...I don’t know about you, but I’ve had a long day, and I’m for getting a little liquid infusion.” She winks at us.

  She has us all do a couple of takes and I think we’ve finally got it down, when Angelica looks up to the sky holding her hands up and smiles. “Now, let’s all go get shitfaced!”

  Todd puts his comic spin on the whole process, as he pulls the clip from her ponytail, ruffles her hair, and playfully slaps her arm.

  “Angelica, sorry but I don’t know why anyone has to practice walking.” He holds his arms out. “It’s fucking walking, for God’s sake. What’s so damn difficult about that? I mean geez. I’ll never get this rehearsal thing. It’s so overrated.” Angelica flips him off, and rolls her eyes. “Todd you don’t have to understand. All you have to do is follow my orders, or I’ll whip your ass.” She threatens.

  He jerks his chin up and responds to her, “When I get married, I’m not rehearsing a thing, except my wedding night. That definitely needs a few run throughs; you can believe that.”

  Scott and Angelica are finally satisfied that we’re ready for the real thing, so everyone disburses and heads back into the house, where Reba and her crew have the table set, complete with champagne in a bucket next to Ash’s chair, at the head of the table. She’s used the fine china, crystal, and silver. Her friend Viola brought fresh flowers from her garden, and made beautiful arrangements for the table. The table looks nothing short of what you would find at a five star restaurant. Every detail is impeccable, and I’m so pleased.

  Ash pops the cork, fills everyone’s glasses and clinks his glass. “Folks, I’d like to welcome you in celebrating Tommy and Emily’s upcoming big day. Olivia and I are overjoyed for you all to share this with us. We’re forever grateful for the love and support of our family and friends. I’d like to also express our sincere appreciation to Reba and her wonderfully talented group of friends, who have prepared this delicious feast for us tonight. Reba has been a member of this family for many years, and we love her dearly. Thank you Reba and gals, for taking time to do this for us.”

  “Here here!” Tommy says.

  Ash, still standing says, “I’d like to ask Scott to lead us all in a blessing before we eat.”

  Scott nods, and stands holding his hands out, “Folks, I’d like to ask that each of you extend your hand to the person next to you.” We do so, and all bow our heads, connected by the flesh of our hands. “Heavenly Father, we are brought together tonight by your grace and love. We’re eternally thankful that you have seen fit to make a couple, and bestow upon them the most sacred unity in your pairing of Tommy and Emily. Their union will be strong, their love will be abundant, and your blessings will forever be upon them. Let us be thankful Father, and humbled by the many blessings you have bestowed on each of our lives. Let us live by example and be mindful of your presence every day, in the ways we achieve to live with your favor. Bless this wonderful meal we are about to eat, and the beautiful women who prepared it. The food nourishes our bodies, but your presence in our lives is sustenance for our souls. Grant each and every person here tonight the ability to be the best friend, the best mate, the best spouse, and the best parent they can be. Grant them your grace and peace. In your heavenly name Lord, hear our prayer. Amen.”

  We all respond simultaneously, “Amen.”

  Never in my life have I heard a more meaningful blessing, and I am in awe at the profundity of it.

  I see Todd tenderly holding Kyra’s hand on the table, as we raise our heads.

  Ash stands again, “That was a beautiful blessing, Scott. Thank you so much. You’ve given us all some food for thought, and as we enjoy this spectacular meal prepared with love for us, let’s all keep in mind the words of this spiritual gift.”

  After dinner, we all retire to the patio area for drinks and coffee. The guys light up with cigars and I notice Todd is quiet tonight, not being his usual self.

  I walk over to him, tapping his shoulder, “Wanna go smoke?” I whisper in his ear.

  His face lights up, “Sure, I’ll have one with you, Olivia. You got any?”

  I grin, as I shake my head, playfully slapping his arm. “Yeah, you know I do.”

  We head out to the dock to sit and chat for a bit. The view of the lights cascading on the water is so peaceful and beautiful. The water lightly ripples; the sound is like soft music.

  I tilt my head to the side and feel he needs to talk. “So Todd, you look a bit melancholy tonight. Everything all right?” I ask.

  He lights my cigarette, and then his own as he exhales, blowing smoke rings. “Yeah, I’m fine. I’m happy for Tommy, but my best friend’s getting married and I’m kinda sad.” He snickers, and throws his head back. “Does that even fucking make sense?”

  I smile and pat his knee. “Of course it does. It’s only natural to feel that way. Just because he’s getting married, doesn’t mean he won’t still be your best friend, you know.”

  “Yeah, I know that, but still geez! This all happened so fast. The reality is just now sinking in… I need to get trashed tonight and go with it.” He anxiously taps the ashes from his cigarette, and laughs. “I haven’t tied one on in a while. I’m due, don’t you think?”

  “Yeah, but don’t get too drunk, you’re in a wedding tomorrow remember?”

  About that time, Kyra finds us. Her face lights up when she sees Todd, “There you are. I thought you ditched me.”

  He motions her to come sit beside us on the dock, pulls her into him, and hugs her. “I’d never ditch you, babe. Never ever ever.”

  She pulls away and looks shocked, fanning the smoke in front of her nose, “Um, is that a cigarette? I didn’t know you smoked, babe.”

  “Yes that is a cigarette, and Olivia is the only one I smoke with. She’s my smoke buddy, and a bad influence on me.”

  I have to laugh at that, as I bump shoulders with him, “Todd, you’re the bad influence on me.”

  “Nu uh...you’re the one who asked me to go smoke with you, or did you forget?” He blames me.

  In the shadows, we see Mariah walking out to where we are, and she catches us smoking.

  She throws her head back and inhales, “Oh man that smells good. Mind if I bum one guys? Olivia, I didn’t know you smoked.”

  “Well, I am a
n occasional smoker. Todd here is the instigator.” I smirk.

  She laughs, “Me too. Gary hates it when I smoke, so I don’t too often either. Mainly when I drink, which I’m doing a pretty good job of tonight.”

  Mariah and Todd strike up a conversation about Gary and his music. “He’s pretty tight, girl. It was fun playing with him and Mr. H. We love having people come up on stage and play with us, especially the old folks!” He laughs.

  My boys make their way out to the dock, and it seems our little dock party is growing by the minute. We sit and watch the water, each of us eagerly anticipating tomorrow.

  “I think I’m going to see what the rest of our guests are doing. I sort of abandoned the party, and I guess that’s kinda rude.” I muse.

  Ash meets me on the patio and the guys are still smoking their cigars. The party dwindles down, as I go into the kitchen to find Reba and her friends sitting at the kitchen table talking, laughing, having coffee and dessert. The kitchen has been cleaned and everything has been put up. I hug Reba and take a seat beside her. “Reba, what can I say? You and these beautiful ladies have done an outstanding job. Everything was just perfect, and I’m so thankful for you.”

  “Miss Olivia, it was our pleasure. We were happy to help.” They all shake their heads, smiling.

  Ash walks in, followed by Tommy and Emily, as the gals gather their things to leave. They’ve got to be dog tired and ready to go home.

  Ash has little envelopes for each of them, which they all reluctantly accept. Each envelope contains a thank you card signed by Ash, me, Tommy, and Emily along with an abundant amount of cash.

  Tommy walks them out to their cars, and I can see him and Reba having a private moment on the porch, as she takes his face into her hands, staring directly into his eyes. He nods his head, as she hugs him against her strong portly body. Coddling him, speaking her words of wisdom, he absorbs each and every word. He kisses her cheek and helps her into her car, as he waves goodbye.

  This poignant moment has left him weeping, as he steps back into the house. Emily affectionately meets him at the door.

  “Damn I love that woman. She’s absolutely unbelievable, Em.”

  Realizing the many things we have to do tomorrow, we call it a night and head to our rooms to get some well-needed sleep. Lainey, Kellan and my boys leave for their hotel. The guys, Tommy, Emily, Todd, and Kyra are all spending the night. Just a few more hours until Emily Evans will be Emily Harper.

  At what seems to be the crack of dawn, Ash gently shakes me awake. “Time to get up, Sunshine. Lots to do today and I’ve got coffee ready.”

  I slowly make my way out of bed and follow the inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, which I am craving desperately.

  Slowly, everyone else makes their way into the kitchen, awakened by the tantalizing smell.

  The first voice I hear is Todd’s, “Coffee pleeeeease! Argh, I overdid it last night, I think. Fuck.” Todd sighs, as he stumbles to find the barstool. He has a good case of bedhead going on, glassy eyes from the excessive alcohol, and I can’t resist the urge to tease him.

  “Gee, looks like you’re working on a bad hair day, Mr. Todd.”

  “I know right?” He looks at Kyra pushing her shoulder, “Damn babe, what the hell did you do to me last night?”

  Kyra closes her eyes and shakes her head, “He’s such a dweeb! What did I ever do to deserve him?”

  Tommy and Emily, looking ever so relaxed, grab their cups and sit next to Todd and Kyra. From the window, I see the events people have arrived, checking the tenting and wiping down the chairs. The caterer calls and says she’ll be here around 2, along with the florist. I’ve checked in with Mariah and find out Glenn is at his hotel. He’d accepted my offer of having a car pick him up, and I just hope this goes as planned. Though I’m still not sure of springing this on Emily the way he has insisted, I just have to go with it. Ash confidently says that he has a good feeling about it and he is a pretty intuitive man, so I just have to stop with my consummate overthinking.

  Lainey calls and says that Kel is bringing her over because her, Emily, Kyra, and I have a day of beauty booked.

  Knowing me the way he does, Ash reassuringly convinces me that he and the boys have everything under control on the home front and that the girls and I should not worry, but rather enjoy our day. I’ll still worry, though and he knows it.

  “Liv, you gals go. We’ve got everything under control. Just tell me anything you think of that we need to do, and we’ll do it. I promise. I want this to be the perfect day for you and the girls. I’ve got a car coming to pick you up, so you better stop worrying and go get ready.”

  Once inside the limo, we first stop off at Emily’s apartment because in the mix of everything, she panics when she realizes she’s forgotten Tommy’s ring.

  “Yikes! I can’t believe I forgot the ring. Geez that sounds like something a guy would do.” She comically says.

  Kyra giggles, “Em, here. I forgot to give these to you at the shower. You don’t already have shoes to wear today, do you?” She hands Emily a beautiful large brown bag stuffed to the brim with coral tissue paper.

  Emily places her hand over her mouth and gasps, “Oh shit! I completely forgot shoes. We’ll have to either go back to my apartment, or to a store to get me some. All I brought were the black shoes I wore last night and these purple flip flops.”

  As she opens the box, her eyes get big and she screams. “Tory Burch sandals? Oh my God Kyra! Are you kidding me?” She waves her hands excitedly, “They’re gorgeous. Thanks. I love them.”

  In need of some pampering, we’re greeted at the door of the spa with mimosas and ushered in to get massages. “This is wonderful.” Kyra exclaims. “We’re gonna be so hot looking, I can’t wait for the guys to see us.”

  Our stylists put their expertise on each of us and we are transformed into magazine models. Kyra takes pictures, and I remind her not to post them on Instagram or her Facebook page.

  “We don’t want the guys seeing how hot we are, plus Tommy can’t see Emily until the ceremony.”

  “Good call Olivia. I didn’t even think about that.”

  The day passes too quickly and once we are headed home, I phone Ash to let him know he needs to steer the guys clear of the front door when we arrive. “We don’t want Tommy or Todd seeing us, not yet anyway. Can you distract them?”

  “You got it honey and I’m on it. Smash just got here with his sound equipment to set up, so I’ll make sure they’re out back when you ladies arrive. No worries hon. May I at least take a peek at you?”

  “No, Ash you absolutely can’t. We’re all going into our room to get ready, so if you don’t mind getting ready with the guys, I promise I’ll reward you dearly tonight.”

  “Ohh, that sounds a bit like a proposition and I think I just might take you up on that, little lady.”

  “It was and you’ve got yourself a deal. We’ll be home in about fifteen minutes, so get lost. Oh, and I love you.”

  “Back at you, Liv. Can’t wait to capitalize on the deal we just negotiated. I honestly think I got the better end of the stick.” He laughs, as we disconnect.

  Almost immediately after we hang up, I get a text from him.

  ‘Forgot to tell you, I left you a little something on your vanity. Hope you like it! ILY! A’

  I suddenly can’t wait to get home and see my surprise. I just love his surprises. Once we open the front door, I quickly excuse myself and run into my dressing area. Sure enough, sitting on my vanity is a turquoise Tiffany gift bag and inside is a gift box, tied with white ribbon. I make myself read the card before I delve into the box.

  ‘My darling Liv, each diamond signifies how you dazzle and mesmerize me. ILY so much! Ash’

  I’m awestruck, as I look in the box to find a beautiful platinum diamond bangle bracelet. There are five glistening rows of diamonds, and I screech as I put it on.

  Lainey comes running in, “Mom are you okay?”

  She sees me
with my face in my hands, and looks at my wrist, astonished. “Holy moly Mom! When did you get that?”

  I screech once again with excitement, “I just found it on my vanity. Isn’t it to die for? Dear God this man never ceases to amaze me. I love him so much.”

  “Kyra, Emily come here. Look what Mom just got.” Lainey calls out.

  The girls come into my dressing room and scream. “Jeez Louise Olivia. When did you get that?”

  “Just now. It’s from my knight in shining armor. Isn’t he the best?”

  “Jealous.” Lainey wines.

  We freshen up and all find that Kyra has methodically and strategically laid everything out for us on the bed. She marvels at my dress.

  I can honestly say that I’ve found the absolute perfect dress. It’s a magnificent Dolce & Gabbana cap sleeve lace dress, in a luscious shade of green. To complement the dress, I found an obnoxiously sexy and expensive pair of Jimmy Choo strappy silver sandals. Ash had to finally take me shopping, since I was procrastinating. The dress and shoes cost him the national debt, but he seemed unscathed and was very pleased with the outfit. With the bauble Ash has given me today and my engagement ring, I feel like royalty.

  “Mom, you’re dripping in stinking diamonds you lucky lady.” Lainey says, as she turns me around to model for her and the girls. “And that color is great on you. You look amazing, Mom.”

  Kyra and Lainey help each other into their dresses and once they’ve put the finishing touches on themselves, we stroll into the dressing area to find Emily sitting at the vanity, enveloped in her fluffy bathrobe staring into the mirror at the beautiful strand of pearls gracing her neck. “Can you believe Tommy got me pearls?”