Only Candace could pull off a party for something like this.
Barbeque was on the menu for the evening and one of Madison’s favorite was Candace’s pulled pork sandwiches, ‘Sloppy’ BBQ ribs, Cole slaw, buttery corn on the cob, baked beans, all the things she loved that their parents would make just for Madison on special moments.
“These ribs are the bomb, I so have to get the recipe from your sister,” Bob said while eating what would be his fifth rib.
“I doubt that you’ll be getting that recipe anytime soon because it’s an old family secret,” Madison told him.
“She’s right. Only our children will know about that recipe. But isn’t it good Bob?” Candace teased.
Patrick and Madison giggled as Bob took another bite of his rib.
“So what are we having for dessert?”
“Well, that’s a big surprise and a very special one for our girl here,” Jonathan told her as she noticed Candace getting someone’s attention. “Close your eyes Mad.”
“Do I have to?”
“Yes, you’ve got to. So go on or we won’t bring it out.”
Madison shook her head before closing her eyes. “It better be really good too, if I have to close my eyes for all of this.” She could hear plates being moved in front of her. Then she heard her brother say, “No you didn’t,” which made her wonder about this surprise.
Then Jonathan said, “Alright, open them,” and
When she did, Madison covered her mouth while gazing up it. “I can’t believe you made this. I haven’t seen this cake since—”
“March twentieth, nineteen eighty three, that was the first time I made it.” Candace smiled giving her sister a hug from the side.
“I remember that day very well,” Patrick said with a smile.
Everyone at the table wondered what was up with this cake for it to be so special.
“I think you better let everyone in on the reason why we are having a moment about this cake Candace,” Madison suggested.
She laughed. “Well, on March the twentieth, nineteen eighty three, I not only made this cake that you see before you but it was the started my company and my first job was to cater for thirty people for a business dinner. I had these two helping me out since I was doing all of this on my own.” She pointed over to Madison and Patrick who smiled. “I was lucky to have found a guy who was nice enough to let me cook from his kitchen just as long as I cleaned up behind myself then it was cool to use it for free. I had the menu ready and had bought all the food then went over everything with these two about what we were going to do as far as prep work. Everything went pretty great, I couldn’t have asked for better helpers than them but then it came to the dessert.” That was when both Candace and Madison looked over to Patrick.
He tried to avoid their gazes but smiled mischievously.
“Anyways, they had wanted a chocolate cake for the dessert, something completely decadent and rich. I had played around with a recipe for a particular chocolate cake and had made cupcakes out of at one time, they turned out really good. So I decided to get a certain someone who is sitting at this table right now to help with mixing said cake. I had told this certain person what needed to been added and whatever.” Candace put her hands on Patrick’s shoulders which made him jump a bit while her fingers softly dug into them with her nails. “The cake was mixed, put into the pans and into the oven to bake.” She gritted her teeth.
Madison tried her best not to laugh at the scene.
“Yup,” Patrick winced from the pain but still couldn’t help but laugh.
“And after it had been cooled, I went onto put the frosting on said cake, I made sure that everything was packed and put into the fridge so that it could be ready for the following day. The next day, I along with my little helper here, who was gracious enough to help me out with bringing my food to the venue. To which he was even nice enough to help set things up for me.”
Everybody was on edge because they were still wondering about what the cake had to do with all of this.
“And what happened then?” Austin asked.
“Would you like to finish the story for us Patrick, our dearest sweetest brother in the world?” Candace asked, still seething through her teeth.
The agonizing look of pain in Patrick’s face from his sister’s nails made some cringe right along with him. “But you tell it so well sis, why don’t you finish it?”
“Anyways, everyone enjoyed the food so much. They raved about everything, especially the chocolate cake. I was there when they went back for seconds, thirds, and even fourths which shocked me because I’m thinking, well, I didn’t know that it was that good. But I found out the reason as to WHY the cake was such a big hit with everyone. Again bro, do you want to tell everyone why it was such a big hit?”
Patrick started to laugh a bit while Madison tried to muffle hers with her hand but ended up biting her finger. “Well, I was well—before I went over to help her out, I stopped off at a friend of mines who had something for me, a little package.” He winked as some of the others around.
They nodded and smiled because they knew what he was talking about.
“I’d gotten a nice little buzz going before I got there but I was still coherent and knew what was going on around me. So when she asked me to help with the cake, I said alright. Well, while I was mixing it up, I said to myself in my stoned out mind that this cake is in need of something.”
“No you didn’t. You mean to tell me that you…?” Austin stammered trying not to laugh.
“Yup,”
“In the cake,”
“Uh huh,”
“How much was it?”
Patrick laughed. “My friend had gave me like one of those Ziploc sandwich bags, so I just dumped the whole thing in there and mixed it up really good. I was shocked that she didn’t smell it while it was cooking because that was probably the most expensive cake she’d ever baked in her life. That was at least about hundred dollars’ worth of some very good weed.”
The table erupted in laughter along with Candace who hugged her brother around his neck.
“So what happened to the people at the party that ate the cake?” Mildred asked.
“I got tons of calls from everyone that had been there that had wanted me to cater for them and wanted me to make that cake. It wasn’t until like a week later that I found out what Mr. Dunderhead over here had done, which I nearly killed him because he would have cost me going to jail for serving pot cake. The only person I did tell about it besides these two was the man who had wanted me to cater for him. He got the biggest laugh out of it because he knew something was up with the cake when he got the biggest high from it. Some of the others that were there were older people and he told me that he got the biggest kick out of seeing these men and women who’d been on the board for like years acting up like they were. I said that after that I wasn’t about to make it and I hadn’t made it since…until today.”
“Tell them the name of the cake,” Patrick urged with a smile.
“It’s been dubbed the ‘Wowie Zowie’ Cake because of the fact there was this one old man who kept saying, ‘Wowie Zowie, what a cake’ when he ate it.” Candace snickered as she handed Madison the knife to cut it. “But I can tell you that this cake is pure chocolate and no funny business, because I was the one who made it.”
Everyone laughed as Madison cut the first slice.
Later on that evening, after everyone had finished talking, laughing and enjoying all of the good food, Madison told the family that she needed to rest which was expected after the long day of excitement.
When Austin went to check on her, he slowly crept into the room looking down on her angelic face which now had a small scar on her chin which was completely unnoticeable. She looked so beautiful that he knew he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take a few shots. He quickly went over to his camera bag, grabbed it and took off the lens before he started. She would stir from time to time but he continued on until she began
to yawn and open her eyes.
She smiled and covered her eyes. “Am I going to have to deal with this even after we get married, you taking pictures of me while I sleep?”
“Of course, you’ll be my only model worth taking pictures of. Nothing but picture after picture of what life would be with you in it. Plus, you were too cute lying here, so I took advantage before you woke up. How are you feeling?”
“Still a bit tired.”
He went to put his camera back but came back to the bed with a small box in which he handed it to her.
“What’s this?”
“Open it.”
When she did, the smile on her face was brilliant as she took the ring out of the box.
“It’s a brand new engagement ring since they were never able to find the other one. Plus your ring finger has looked naked for far too long,” He slipped the ring on her finger, kissing it softly and then kissing her lips. They both lay back next to each other as she snuggled next to his body. “I thought that I was going to lose you forever,” he told her as their finger intertwined.
She watched his fingers playing with hers and sighed softly. “I thought I was gone, it was so horrible. I didn’t know what was going to happen. I thought I’d never see you or Candace or anyone else again.” He nuzzled her neck as she slowly closed her eyes to go back to sleep.
When Madison woke up, she went to the kitchen to grab another pulled pork sandwich. Getting a saucer from the cabinet, she put the sandwich in the microwave and set it on a minute. Once it was done, she sat down with it along with the tea she had gotten from the fridge.
“Hey there,” Candace said as she too went to the fridge.
“Why is it that we are always meeting up here late at night?”
“I don’t know. All I know is that I was hungry and wanted a damn sandwich.”
Madison showed her the sandwich she made.
Candace laughed. “Great minds think alike.”
“Can you get me some more tea while you’re in there?” Madison asked.
Candace brought over the pitcher to her. Once her food was done, she sat down next to her sister, pouring her own glass. “I see he gave you the ring.” She pointed to her sister’s finger.
Madison nodded. “You knew about the ring?”
“Of course, he told me he wanted to give it to you in private when I had suggested giving it to you during the party. But he told me that this was something he wanted to do between the two of you. He really does love him some Madison.”
Madison chuckled. “And I loves me some Austin that’s for sure.”
Chapter Fourteen
Life for Madison after her traumatic ordeal would have put anyone out of commission but that wasn’t how Madison handled life. She’d always been a fighter and any battle to come her way she would end up coming back harder and stronger than before. She’d started going to counseling since it was the doctor’s orders for her to talk with someone at least twice a week. Not only that but she’d started back to work again after six months of being away. She’d thought about helping those dealing with domestic violence due to an abusive spouse. She would represent them for free and get resources to help them and their families afterwards.
When her insurance had sent her the money from the fire to her house, Madison decided to clear out the lot her house had once been on. Then with the o.k. from the Association, she made the lot into a playground for the children to play and have fun on since she knew there hadn’t been one for as long as she’d been living there. With the rest of the money she had, it would help her and Austin get into a place of their own since they were about to be married. She and Candace had worked long and hard with preparations for her wedding. She had wanted something simple with a couple of her friends and coworkers present and accounted for. Of course, Candace would cater the affair.
“Well it seems like everything is ready for this weekend and the florist will be at the church early Saturday morning to put everything together.” Carol her wedding planner had ran everything across to Madison while they sat drinking lemonade in the backyard of her home.
“It sounds like everything is just going according to plan and in order. I don’t know what I would have done without your help Carol, thank you.” Madison smiled as Austin walked over.
“Hello ladies, how’s everything going?”
“Things are going just fine. Everything will be ready for Saturday,” Carol assured him as she got her papers together. “I’ll give you a call tomorrow, you guys take care.” She gave hugs to the couple before leaving them alone.
Austin sat down next to her, kissing her cheek. “Are you nervous?” he asked her.
“Truth,”
Austin nodded.
Madison took a deep breath and smiled. “Yes, just a bit. Are you?”
“I’ve never been more nervous in my life. But being next to you makes it a whole lot easier.” Kissing her cheek again, he held her hand.
Madison never thought that after all this—she would find love like she had with Austin.
“Candace wanted us to come over for dinner tonight. Do you feel like going or would you rather just have a night in with me?” Moving in, he began growling in her ear.
Every time he did that was a warning for Madison that he was so in the mood. She couldn’t stop laughing as his touch seemed to tickle her. “Why don’t we go over for dinner and then afterwards, I can have you all to myself later on.”
“Sounds like a plan. I’ll call her and let her know we’ll be coming over.”
When Candace told them they were just going to have a dinner with family, Madison should have known it would be something entirely different. When they pulled up to her street, cars were parked on either side of the street except for the driveway which was empty and this is where they parked. They could hear people around back all laughing and talking. They got out and went around seeing all the familiar faces.
The twins ran up to them for a hug. “Hey Auntie, come on and join the fun!” Janessa insisted, pulling her through the crowd of people as she came across both Jonathan and Candace who were talking with some people.
“Hey sis,”
Madison gave her a hug. “Candace, I didn’t think you were going to have all these people here! I thought it was going to be just family.” She saw some of her coworkers from the firm smiling and waving at her as she waved back. She gave one of those ‘What the hell’ looks to her sister.
Candace shrugged. “Well, you know me sis, I’m full of surprises. Plus, consider this like an engagement party.”
That evening, Madison talked and laughed with everyone she came across. Looking around from time to time, she would find Austin’s eyes targeting her from the crowd. She could see how helpless he looked as neither of them was expecting anything like this to be going on. When she mouthed out, “Help me” he started to laugh which made her laugh even more.
“Ladies and Gentleman, can I have your attention please!” Jonathan shouted as everyone turned to look towards him. “Would the happy couple please come over here please?
Austin and Madison walked through the crowd, hearing them applauding the two as they stood hand in hand.
All along, Madison could only think of just how embarrassing this all was.
Jonathan continued, “Now, I honestly never thought that this day would come when my brother and sister in law would be getting married. Actually, I was very apprehensive about the start of this union. My brother and I at one time didn’t get along with each other. But when I saw the love between these two, I knew deep down that they were meant to be together. So I want everybody to raise a glass to the happy couple, Madison and Austin!” He smiled as everyone raised their glasses together.
Looking over at her, Austin gave her a hug and kiss.
The applause continued and someone within the crowd shouted, “Speech!”
Austin looked to Madison as she told him, “Well, go on.”
He cleared his throat and spoke, “I
didn’t think that we were going to be amongst such a big crowd since our host told us it was going to be an intimate dinner with just family. Isn’t that right hon?”
Everyone laughed.
Madison answered, “We really didn’t but it makes me very happy to know that we have so many people who are our friends, co-workers and family who have been there for us since day one and for me, to have been able to find someone who has shown me that there is love out there and it’s unconditional and true. I’ve never been as happy as I’ve been with Austin.” Looking up into eyes that looked about as teary as her own, she reached to wipe away a tear that had fallen. “I’ve been blessed with a man who loves me as well as family and also recently, I’ve been equally blessed even more by our union.”
Austin stared at her puzzled.
His expression made her laugh, along with everyone else’s baffled expressions. “I’m going to have a baby, darling.”
He still gaped at her in complete disbelief and when he looked over at Candace and Jonathan for an answer, they were just as shocked as he was. “What did you say sweetheart?”
“I…am…having…your…baby!” She smiled.
Austin seemed to be laughing and crying at the same time while hugging her.
Everyone around them started shouting and congratulating the couple’s newest addition to their family.
“How long have you known?” Patrick asked giving her a hug.
“I didn’t know that I was pregnant for one. It was actually Mildred who told me that I looked a bit off and in a way, I could feel it.” She gazed at the crowd until she saw Mildred’s smiling face. “I thought it was just a cold or something because that had been going around. I went to my doctor cause after the hospital and all…” She shrugged. “…Well, you all know. Then she determined that I didn’t have a flu. She was like, ‘Let’s get some blood work on you first before we rule out anything.’ When I got the call from her, I was at work and she told me I was pregnant, about two months along now.” She could feel two small hands on her stomach and looked down to see Janessa and Jon Jr. touching her belly.
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