Rachel's Turn

Chapter 27

Back at the Taylor house, mom and dad were scurrying around to finish cooking. Mom was putting the finishing touches on her famous chocolate fudge cake. A homemade plain cake completely saturated by a homemade chocolate fudge icing. The cake weighed at least 5lbs with all the chocolate. It was so heavy that toothpicks were placed in the cake as supports. This was the only dessert that came with a Caution Sharp Objects warning prior to indulging in the chocolate heaven. Mom only made it for very special occasions since the icing process was agonizing.

Everyone would be arriving in about an hour and Rachel was about to go take a shower when her mom asked her to stay for a minute. Rachel was nervous about tonight but excited and scared and sad. Too many emotions twisted inside of Rachel and her mom knew it.

"Rachel, you know that your father and I love you and after talking to Ryan we know you two have decided to be together. He told me that he asked you to be his girlfriend and he told me how much he cared about you. I know you are nervous about Sara, but I think it will be ok. Sara is protective of you as we all are, but just as you have grown up you have to let her when it comes to this. She loves you and this is new for her and all of us. But, we are here for you and will be. Let's have fun tonight and have a good time with Ryan ok so he knows how much we all love him too."

I have the best mom and dad ever. . "Thank you mom and daddy. I don't know what to say. I feel like crying because we have not had enough time together, and I want him to stay even though I know that is not an option. But, I am thankful that he likes me. I never thought I would actually have a boyfriend and would never have guessed it would be Ryan. I am happy and I know it is going to be sad with him not being here for everything this year, but as you said, I am going to enjoy tonight and besides, we get to meet his buddy Warren too. I am going to go get ready. Love you." Her mom and dad hugged her quickly as they turned to finish getting all the food ready.

Rachel couldn't wait to see Ryan and missed him already so much. She sent him a quick text.

I wanted to tell you thank you for everything. I can't wait to be able to hold your hand and sit with you tonight. I miss you. See you soon. Got to go get beautiful for my boyfriend - Rach XOXO

Ryan had just stepped out of the shower when he noticed the text alert. The warmth that came over him as he read Rach's words was undeniably one of the best feelings.

Well I guess you will be ready in 1 minute b/c you are already beautiful. Thank you for putting up with old me! LOL I can't wait to kiss you. See ya soon babe.

Rachel read his response before she stepped into the shower and instantly brought back butterflies to her tummy and happiness in her heart. She quickly washed her hair and body. She needed time to look her best. She sang along with every song that came over the radio as she began to fix her hair and makeup.

Since this was a special night, she decided not to wear jeans and a t-shirt, but something a little better but not too much. She looked through her closet and chose one of her new shirts. It was a cream sheer peasant blouse scattered with tiny light blue, pink, brown and tan flowers. It looked like an innocent Little House on the Prairie country blouse but the sheer material teased the on looker. She wore a solid cream cami with lace trim underneath the shirt, a dark denim miniskirt and brown sandals.

For her hair, she decided to wear it partly up but keeping it messy but sexy. She knew Ryan loved her curls and she wanted to keep plenty of bouncing curls to entertain him. With a finishing touch on her natural look make up choice, she was ready to go get this dinner started.

She was putting away her make up when her mom knocked and Rachel told her to come in. Her mom walked in and saw her beautiful daughter standing there putting on her pink rose stud earrings that had belonged to her grandmother. "You look very pretty Rachel. I just wanted to check on you Lana just pulled up and Sara is almost here as well. Everyone else should be her soon. Are you ok?"