It's busy, full of people dressed up for the evening, sitting around chatting and drinking, starting their Saturday night. I am grateful that I fit in. The dress hugs me, skimming over my curves and holding everything in place. I have to say, I feel . . . attractive wearing it. I know Christian approves.
At first, I think we're headed for the private dining room where we first discussed the contract, but he leads me past that doorway and on to the far end where he opens the door to another wood paneled room.
"Surprise! "
Oh my. Kate and Elliot, Mia and Ethan, Carrick and Grace, Mr. Rodriguez and Jose, and my mother and Bob are all there raising their glasses. I stand gaping at them, speechless. How? When? I turn in consternation to Christian, and he squeezes my hand. My mom steps forward and wraps her arms around me. Oh, Mom!
"Darling, you look beautiful. Happy birthday."
"Mom!" I sob, embracing her. Oh Mommy, Mommy, Mommy. Tears stream down my face despite of the audience, and I bury my face in her neck.
"Honey, darling. Don't cry. Ray will be okay. He's such a strong man. Don't cry. Not on your birthday." Her voice cracks, but she maintains her composure. She grasps my face in her hands and with her thumbs wipes away my tears.
"I thought you'd forgotten."
"Oh, Ana! How could I? Seventeen hours of labor is not something you easily forget."
I giggle through my tears. She smiles.
"Dry your eyes, honey. Lots of people are here to share your special day."
I sniff, not wanting to look at anyone else in the room, embarrassed and thrilled that everyone has made such an effort to come and see me.
"How did you get here? When did you arrive?"
"Your husband sent his plane, darling." She grins, impressed. And I laugh. "Thank you for coming, Mom." She wipes my nose with a tissue as only a mother would. "Mom!" I scold, composing myself.
"That's better. Happy birthday, darling." She steps aside while everyone lines up to hug me and wish me happy birthday.
"He's doing well, Ana. Dr. Sluder is the one of the best in the country. Happy birthday, Angel." Grace hugs me.
"You cry all you want to, Ana - it's your party." Jose embraces me.
"Happy birthday, darling girl." Carrick smiles, cupping my face.
"S'up babe? Your old man will be fine." Elliot enfolds me in his arms. "Happy birthday."
"Okay." Taking my hand, Christian pulls me from Elliot's embrace.
"Enough fondling my wife. Go fondle your fiancee."
Elliot grins wickedly at him and winks at Kate.
A waiter I hadn't noticed before presents Christian and me with glasses of pink champagne.
Christian clears his throat. "This would be a perfect day if Ray were here with us, but he's not far away. He's doing well, and I know he'd like you to enjoy yourself, Ana. To all of you, thank you for coming to share with me my beautiful wife's birthday, the first of many to come. Happy birthday, my love." Christian raises his glass to me amid a chorus of happy birthdays, and I have to fight again to keep my tears at bay.
I watch the animated conversations around the dinner table. It's strange to be cocooned in the bosom of my family, knowing the man I consider my father is on a life support machine in the cold clinical environs of the ICU. I'm detached from all the proceedings but grateful that they're all here. Watching the sparring between Elliot and Christian, Jose's ready warm wit, Mia's excitement and her enthusiasm for the food, Ethan slyly watching her. I think he likes her . . . though it's hard to tell. Mr. Rodriguez is sitting back, like me, enjoying the conversations. He looks better. Rested. Jose is very attentive to him, cutting his food, keeping his glass filled. Having his surviving parent come so close to death has made Jose appreciate Mr. Rodriguez more . . . I know. I gaze at Mom. She's in her element, charming, witty, and warm. I love her so much. I must remember to tell her. Life is so precious, I realize that now.
"You okay?" Kate asks in an uncharacteristically gentle voice.
I nod and clasp her hand. "Yes. Thanks for coming."
"You think Mr. Megabucks could keep me away from you on your birthday? We got to fly in the helicopter!" She grins.
"Really?"
"Yes. All of us. And to think Christian can fly it."
I nod.
"That's kinda hot."
"Yeah, I think so."
We grin.
"Are you staying here tonight?" I ask.
"Yes. We all are, I think. You knew nothing about this?"
I shake my head.
"Smooth, isn't he?"
I nod.
"What did he get you for your birthday?"
"This." I hold up my bracelet.
"Oh, cute!"
"Yes."
"London, Paris . . . ice cream?"
"You don't want to know."
"I can guess."
We laugh, and I blush, recalling Ben & Jerry's & Ana.
"Oh . . . and an R8."
Kate spits her wine rather unattractively down her chin, making us both laugh some more.
"Over the top bastard, isn't he?" She giggles.
For dessert I am presented with a sumptuous chocolate cake blazing with twenty-two silver candles, and a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday." Grace watches Christian singing with the rest of my friends and family, and her eyes shine with love. Catching my eye, she blows me a kiss.
"Make a wish," Christian whispers to me. In one breath I blow out all the candles, fervently willing my father better. Daddy, get well. Please get well. I love you so.
At midnight, Mr. Rodriguez and Jose take their leave.
"Thank you so much for coming." I hug Jose tightly.