The garden at the Anderson Mansion is a vision of elegance, adorned with twinkling fairy lights and fragrant blooms. Tables are elegantly set with fine china and crystal glassware. Guests mingle beneath the canopies, the soft murmur of conversation blending with the tinkling of a string quartet. The afternoon sun bathes the scene in a golden glow. Elizabeth Anderson, the matriarch of the family, stands at the heart of it all, both surprised and delighted by the birthday celebration her husband has orchestrated in her honor.
Elizabeth's laughing and feeling surprised, slightly overwhelmed. "I just can't believe you pulled this off without me finding out, darling."
Ralph smiles warmly and kisses his wife's right temple. "You deserve every bit of it, my love. It's wonderful seeing you so happy."
Steven, the eldest child, approaches his parents with his soon to be wife Sophia.
"Mom, happy birthday! This party is amazingly incredible."
"Well thanks to your father," says Elizabeth feeling grateful.
Sophia greets Elizabeth. "Happy birthday, Elizabeth. You look so stunning and beautiful."
"Thank you," says Elizabeth.
Caroline appears clinging to her husband's arm. "Ugghh just look at you, Mother. You are aging gracefully. Happiest birthday!" Hugs her Mom.
Aaron, Caroline's husband greets his mother-in-law.
CJ and David together with the two male servers who are pushing the huge birthday cake walks to the birthday celebrant.
"Everyone, if I could have your attention, please! First of all, I would like to thank everyone who has come and celebrate this very special day, my wife Elizabeth's birthday. This very special woman in my life and the heart of this family.
Applause follows Ralph's words, and Elizabeth wipes a tear from the corner of her eye as she looks around at the faces she holds dear.
Elizabeth's getting teary eyed. "Thank you so much everyone especially to my husband Ralph who has made this incredible party possible. I'm just overwhelmed tonight. Having all of you here is the best gift I could ask for."
CJ embraces her Mom.
David raises his glass. "Here's to many more birthdays, Mom."
The crowd raises their glasses in a heartfelt toast, the clinking of champagne flutes punctuating their shared joy. David turns slightly, catching Lorraine's eye amidst the toasts and murmured conversations.
Everyone starts singing the birthday song. Elizabeth made her birthday wish and blows the candle together with her grand daughter carried by Ralph.
~~
David's having a conversation with his girlfriend.
"I really admired your parents' love for each other. Just look at them," says Lorraine. "It's so genuine."
David chuckles. "They look pretty normal to me."
Lorraine smiles and slips her arms around David's neck.
"I couldn't believe you've tricked me!" Sean frowns.
"Isn't this considered a family occasion?" Nicole fixes Sean's bow tie. "Cheer up, Hon!"
Sean looks around and sees his younger brother Scott who's enjoying the night and having a great time.
Nicole's tagging Sean along with her approaches Elizabeth. "Happy Birthday, Beth. You look so amazingly beautiful."
YOU ARE READING
The Mystery of Us (You and Me Against the World)
RomanceI don't know when I start noticing you. I don't know if I should let you in. For me you're just a friend but what if I want more than that. What do I need to do so I can stop myself from falling in love with you. Am I doing the right thing? Are you...
