Avalee's Gift

by Linda Apple

  The sound of footsteps coming toward the library caught her attention, and all thoughts of the strange occurrence were forgotten. She straightened, breathed in and let it out slowly, then smiled just as the door opened spilling light in the room.

  Levi stepped in, locked his gaze on her, and whispered, “My god.” He never took his gaze off her as he approached, seized by wonder. “You are exquisite.”

  Jema fixed her eyes on him. Never had he looked so handsome. His salt and pepper curls had been tamed into waves and brushed away from his face. His dark, gentle eyes, like windows into his soul, mesmerized her. He took her bouquet and laid it on a nearby table before taking her in his arms and kissing her with wedding night ardor. All thoughts of make-up and hair were lost in their fervor.

  “Hey.” She pulled back and traced his jaw with her fingertip. “We better stop now or we will miss the wedding.”

  He collapsed on the chair and pulled her onto his lap. “Remember that night last October when we almost gave in to our passion, and I told you that we’d have to be strong?”

  “How well I remember.”

  He kissed her neck and whispered, “We won’t have to be strong much longer.”

  ****

  Just as Levi and Jema had hoped, their guests entered the ballroom with brilliant, delighted smiles, exclaiming what a fabulous experience it was to ride in a limo while sipping champagne.

  Levi held his hand out to Jema. “Care to dance?”

  “Love to.” She took his hand and he twirled her around the dance floor to the orchestra’s big band music—“In the Mood,” “String of Pearls,” and “Stardust.” Servers milled among the guests with trays of champagne, wine and canapés. Around the perimeter of the room, round tables were draped with black skirts, white toppers sprinkled with gold confetti. Silver candlesticks with white candles were placed in the center of some of the tables. Others had tall crystal vases with feathery green ferns and white roses, which were sugared with crystal glitter.

  Attached to the ceiling all over the room were twelve black nets full of gold, silver, black, and pearl white balloons. One by one, they would be opened with each stroke of midnight. The one over the spot where Jema and Levi were to stand would be the first one to drop. Jema could hardly wait.

  Eleven-thirty finally rolled around and the orchestra’s vocalist sang Etta James’ “At Last”. This was the signal for everyone to form a circle around the bride and groom. Avalee, Lexi, Molly Kate, and Cladie stood around Jema. These women, her kindred spirits, looked beautiful in their varying designs of gold charmeuse gowns. Each wore the diamond and pearl necklace with matching earrings, or earbobs as Cladie called them, that Jema and Levi had given them for presents.

  After the vocalist sang the last verse, which fittingly declared they were in heaven because they were each other’s at last, Pastor Dixon walked over and stood in front of them. “Jema. Levi. Please join hands.”

  Jema placed hers in Levi’s and gazed at him while listening intently to the pastor. She wanted to remember this moment clearly. They spoke their vows, rings were exchanged, and charges given. Then, at the first stroke of midnight, Pastor Dixon enthusiastically pronounced Jema and Levi as husband and wife. As they kissed and the balloons fell. With each stroke of the clock one by one the other nets were opened all over the room. Jema caught a glimpse of Scott kissing Cladie Mae on the cheek. Then Felix kissed her other cheek. She got her kisses after all.

  While everyone cheered and kissed in the New Year, the balloons fell around them, bounced on the floor, and floated up. The guests had a grand time kicking them in the air and batting them back and forth.

  The band struck up “Let’s Dance”, and Levi led Jema back to the ballroom. People stood along the sides and cheered. Then, when the first stanza finished, everyone joined the couple. After the dance was over, the bandleader announced a toast. Fresh flutes of champagne were served and toasts were made to the bride and groom. Then came the cutting of the cake.

  When the formalities were finished, Levi clasped Jema’s hand and led her to the stage where the bandleader handed him the microphone. Levi first looked at his new bride and then at their guests. “Jema and I thank you for coming to witness and celebrate one of the most wonderful moments in our lives.” He turned his gaze back to Jema. “Actually, it is the most wonderful moment in mine.” Turning his attention back to the audience, he smiled. “The bar is open, there is plenty of food, so as they say, ‘eat, drink, and be merry.’ Your limos will be here to pick you when you are ready to go home. Again, thank you all for joining us.”

  Everyone clapped and yelled congratulations as the band started playing again. Across the room, Jema spied Nathan and Lexi moving toward them. Oh please, Lord, don’t let him spoil tonight.

  Lex wrapped her arm around Nathan’s. “Hey, y’all, Nate has something he wants to say to you both.”

  “I do.” Nathan spoke to Levi. “The last time we met, it wasn’t on good terms. This is not an excuse; however, I was there on an assignment. I was working. Still, while at Miss Cladie’s and in front of your friends, was not the time to investigate or interrogate or to give rise to suspicion. I want to apologize for the pain I caused you.”

  “Thank you, Nathan; we’ll let bygones be bygones.” Levi held out his hand, and Nathan shook it.

  Nathan wasn’t finished. “As a wedding gift, until you return to Moonlight, I will join you and do a worldwide story on Life Source and bring whatever attention you need or want to the homeless situation, emphasizing the need for support.”

  Jema couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “Nathan, how wonderful. Thank you.”

  Clearly pleased, Levi shook Nathan’s hand again. “That’s fantastic. Thank you.”

  Nathan held up his hands. “Hey, it is the least I can do. After all, what can you buy for one of the richest men in the world? Nothing. But I can use what I have and make a difference.”

  “Oh, Nathan, you’ve made our night complete.” Jema hugged him and then Lexi. “I love you sister-friend.”

  “Love you, too, Jems.”

  While watching Lexi and Nathan walk to the bar, Levi stood behind Jema with his arms around her waist. She smiled up at him. “Tonight has been wonderful, hasn’t it?”

  He leaned over and kissed her temple. “Yes, my love. It has.” He turned her to face him. “Come with me, and I will show you an even more wonderful night than you can imagine.”

  Her heart pounded in anticipation. She squeezed his hand and they disappeared from the crowd.

  ****

  At first light, Jema stretched and then snuggled closer to her husband. He had promised her something more wonderful than she could imagine, and he came through with his promise. Scott’s romantic touches turned the room into one that defined romantic, if not a touch kinky. Candles of all sizes were scattered on the furniture, the floor, and shelves. The room glowed and danced. Soft music played and an assortment of her honeymoon gifts from the girls were strewn about the bed. But the most unexpected addition were the mirrors above the bed. She blushed at the memory of how much she enjoyed watching Levi and how badly she wanted a repeat performance. If it weren’t for all the invitations sent and trouble gone to for the New Year’s Day reception, she would have called everything off and honeymooned all day.

  Molly Kate had a buffet cabinet in the room with a coffee pot, mugs, cream, and sugar. She had a cake stand full of various pastries covered. The small refrigerator had fruit and several kinds of juice. But Jema wasn’t hungry, at least for food. She did the logistics in her head; reception was to begin at noon. David said he’d arrive at ten. That gave her four glorious hours to luxuriate in Levi’s lovemaking. And that is exactly what they did.

  Afterwards, she dozed on and off when the alarm chimed. It was time to get ready. Reluctantly she slipped out and showered. When she walked into the bedroom with a towel wrapped around her, Levi met her with a kiss and a cup of coffee.

  “Mmm, I could get used to t
his.” She held the coffee up to her lips and took a delicious sip.

  “Get used to it, then.” He tugged at the towel and it fell to her feet. “I wish we had time to give it another go.”

  She set her cup down and slipped her arms beneath his robe. “No more than I do. But David will be here soon.” Jema sighed. “And then we have our reception. We wouldn’t want to miss our New Year’s meal. That would be bad luck.” She pulled on her robe and picked up her cup.

  Levi returned to the buffet for his coffee. “So tell me. What is this New Year’s Day good luck meal?”

  “Well,” she sat on a chair by the window. “We eat pork, black-eyed peas, and some kind of greens. Cladie is cooking collards.”

  He brought a plate with pastries and set it on a table. “Why are those considered lucky?”

  “Pork is lucky because pigs root forward, unlike cows that stand still and hens that scratch backward.”

  “So, moving forward in the new year. Okay, I get that.” He bit into a cinnamon scone. “These are great.”

  Jema reached for one and buttered it. “Peas are considered lucky because they sustained the confederate soldiers through the winter after Sherman’s raids. Apparently, the Yankee soldiers didn’t appreciate good food, thinking black-eyed peas were for the cows. And the greens represent prosperity.”

  “I see.”

  A knock sounded on the door. It was Molly Kate. “Sorry to bother you in there, but David’s here.”

  Levi finished his scone. “I’ll shower while you get your hair fixed.” He leaned over and kissed her. “Till tonight?”

  A dreamy feeling tingled all over her. “Tonight.”

  Jema hurried to the door and opened it. “Morning, Molly Kate.”

  “Morning, glory. Hope I didn’t interrupt anything.”

  Jema felt the heat of a blush. “You’re bad, you know that?”

  Molly laughed. “Really, I’m sorry to bother you, but it’s time. David is setting up where he was last night.”

  “Tell him I’ll be right there. It won’t take me long to dress.”

  “Will do Mrs. Abrams.” Molly Kate turned to leave but snapped her fingers and said, “Oh, Levi’s assistant called to verify he had all your bags on the jet.”

  “Thanks, I’ll tell Levi. He sent them on before the wedding. He said it was one last thing to think about and all I needed to bring with me after the reception were my toiletries.”

  “Yeah, I don’t envy you flying all night. But at least you will be in a private jet. Should be more comfortable.”

  Jema grinned. “Girl, Levi’s jet has a bedroom in it.”

  Molly Kate put her hand to her mouth. “You mean you will be a member of the mile high club?”

  “Darned straight.” Again, the temptation to skip the reception plagued her.

  “Okay, I’m just going to say it. I’m officially iridescent-green with envy.”

  “Hey, don’t be. I will make sure that all of you will get to be part of the club.”

  “Whoo-hoo!” Molly Kate hugged Jema. It’s good to have rich friends.” She stepped back in the hall. “Now you better hurry. David is probably finished and waiting.”

  “Okay, take him some coffee and tell him I’ll be there in a jiffy.” Jema hurried to dress in the cashmere dress and leggings she purchased for the casual reception. She thought about the helicopter that waited on a pad not too far away to fly them to Memphis where they’d board his private jet and fly to Florence, Italy. Italy. This was just too much happiness for one person. As she walked down the hall, she promised herself she’d dedicate her life to helping others realize the dreams they never thought possible.

  Kindness without expectations had produced for her the most unexpected treasure. And the treasure wasn’t the money. It was Levi’s love.

  ****

  Jema held Levi’s hand as they strolled to the ballroom to see if they could help with setting up the reception. Of course, in Molly Kate style, everything was ready. The white table toppers had been replaced with fresh ones and gold confetti re-strewn. The detonated party-poppers had been replaced with indoor sparklers. She had the crystal vases of flowers moved to the buffet table. Where the small wedding cake had been the night before now stood a towering wedding cake, and beside it was the Guinness imbibing moose groom’s cake.

  Levi stopped to admire it. “She summed me up pretty good, eh? Fantastic cake.”

  Jema nudged him. “She had help, you know.”

  He drew her close. “I figured as much.”

  The jazz band hired for the reception started their warm up playing “Route 66”. Jema couldn’t refrain from tapping her toes. Even Cladie and the girls started shuffling their feet while arranging gift bags of essentials for the homeless guests and toys for their children.

  She placed her hand on Levi’s arm. “Molly Kate is such an angel for so readily agreeing to invite the tent town people.”

  “Yes, she is.” Levi watched with satisfaction. “So many people are frightened by them. I’ll admit while I lived among them, there were a couple of bad characters. But isn’t that true anywhere there are people?”

  “Sad, but true. Even in our churches.” She squeezed his hand. “Let’s go help them.”

  Around eleven-thirty, the kitchen staff brought chafing dishes full of roasted pork loin, black-eyed peas, and Cladie’s collard greens with bits of ham, to the buffet table. Baskets of corn muffins were placed in the middle of each table. A beverage station had been set up close to the buffet line with choices of various sodas, water, beverage servers filled with tea—sweet and unsweet—carafes of coffee, and drink boxes of juice or individual cartons of milk for the little ones.

  Promptly at noon, the guests began to arrive. Levi was elated to see his friends from tent town. While she watched his former tribe crowd around him pumping his hand and slapping his back, she remembered the first time she laid eyes on him in the food line at Life Source. She was drawn to his warm regard for those who stood close, chatting, and laughing with them. He was friendly with everyone, but one small family captured his heart: a single father named AJ and his little daughter, Junie. Over supper one evening, AJ told Levi his story. He once lived with his wife and their daughter in Chicago. He thought they were happy, but his wife grew increasingly discontented and finally decided to leave her family and go to Los Angeles to find herself.

  After their divorce, his wife’s mother wanted custody of Junie and kept dragging him to court. Soon, all his savings were spent fighting for his child. Even though he won every case, he knew his ex-mother-in-law would never give up. The only answer was to leave Chicago without his ex-wife’s family’s knowledge. He settled accounts and took what money he had left, packed two suitcases and left with Junie late one night. He had distant family in New Orleans, so he planned to move there. But his small amount of savings ran out in Moonlight. He and Junie were told about Life Source and went there for food. While eating, he met a family who lived in a tent outside of town. In fact, several families and individuals lived there. They called it tent town. Later in the day, AJ purchased a tent and settled down. He worked odd jobs and tried to save enough money to get them to New Orleans, but jobs were few. What he was most grateful for, however, was the daycare at Life Source. At least he didn’t have to worry about his little daughter on the days he did have an opportunity to work.

  A sweet little voice roused Jema from her musings. “Weebi! Weebi!”

  Jema knew that voice anywhere. Junie’s large brown eyes rounded with delight as she ran toward Levi. She wore pink sweats and stained sneakers. Someone had taken the time to braid her hair in neat cornrows. AJ followed wearing jeans and a sweater. His clothes were ragged and faded, but they were clean thanks to Levi’s gift of commercial washers and dryers to the shelter. Plus, there was no charge to use them or for the laundry supplies.

  Levi swooped Junie up on his hip and she clung to his neck as she surveyed the room.

  “Webi? You wib here now?”r />
  “No Junie, but my friend does.”

  Her little pink mouth formed a tiny ‘o’. “Ooooh. She’s so wucky.”

  Levi bit his lip and waited to answer until he could gain control of his voice. “Not nearly as lucky as I am to have you and your daddy for my friends.”

  AJ grinned and shook his head. “I guess you could say we are all lucky.”

  “Speaking of luck, have you found a job yet?” Jema hoped with all her being he had. It would be so easy to give him money, but both she and Levi knew he wouldn’t take what he considered charity.

  AJ crammed his hands in his pockets and sighed. “No ma’am. But, as they say, tomorrow is always another day.” He grinned at his daughter and tugged at her foot. “Ain’t that right, Junebug?”

  “Yes, sur, another day.” Junie pointed at Cladie Mae. “Who’s that wady by all them toys?”

  “That, Junie, is one of the nicest ladies you will ever meet.” Something stirred in Levi’s expression. Jema knew him well enough to know a plan had begun formulating in his mind. “Would you like to meet her?”

  The little girl bobbed her head enthusiastically.

  Levi set her down and led her to where Cladie worked. “Miss Cladie, I have some folks here who I would like you to meet.”

  Cladie knelt before Junie. “Why, if you aren’t as cute as a bug’s ear. What’s your name sugar?”

  “Junie.” She clasped her dark little hands behind her and swayed back and forth.

  “Well, I’m pleased to meet you sweetie.”

  Junie pointed at AJ. “That’s my daddy.”

  Cladie pushed herself to a standing position and groaned. “I remember a time when standing wasn’t such a chore.” She smiled up at AJ. “Pleased to meet you, too, AJ.”

  “My pleasure, ma’am.”

  Levi placed his arm around Cladie’s shoulders. “AJ is looking for work, Miss Cladie. Any ideas or suggestions?”

  “I certainly do.” Cladie looked at AJ and thumbed back at Levi. “A former employee of mine left with no notice at all and poor Felix is working himself to an early grave.” She faced Levi. “Can you vouch for this young man? Is he a hard worker?”