The morning of the party came and everyone was all hands on deck. Gwen and her mom were making the pasta salad, Jen was on tossed salad duty, and Blake and Todd were prepping the meat for the grill. That left Dennis who could be found currently on the living room floor watching Lena's new favorite show The Backyardigans with both Lena and Stella. The girls kept getting up and dancing along with the the characters. Dennis figured out early on that Lena loved 'Uniqua'...she was clearly her favorite.
When Gwen was done with the pasta salad she helped Patti get the Tiramisu ready. Blake and Todd had come in to get the meat to start grilling. Gwen turned to Blake to ask him a question
"Blake were you able to get the table and chairs set up outside already? Your mom, Mike, Endy, the kids and Mike should be here soon; along with Luke and Caroline."
"Yeah Todd helped it with me before we cleaned the grill...everything is all set and ready to go. Even brought some games and toys out for the kids to play with while they're outside just in case."
Gwen handed Blake the platter with all of the meat and started to turn back around when Blake placed his hand on the small of her back. She paused and looked up at him...they may not have worked everything out but she loves this man so she gave him an apologetic smile as he leaned his head down and placed a soft, gentle kiss on her temple. Blake then leaned in to whisper in her ear "I love you Gwen...please don't forget that."
Gwen nodded trying to hold back the tears. Her mom had already deduced that something was off but she did not want to let that ruin the reason for today's gathering. She composed herself after a moment and got back to helping everyone finish setting everything up inside the house. The food was perfectly laid out, Mickey and Minnie Mouse decorations were placed all over the kitchen, dining room, and living room; Gwen had even placed some outside for an extra touch. She excused herself to go get Lena changed for the party
"Mom can you and Jen just finish setting out plates and cups and everything while I go change Lena into her party outfit" she asked
"Of course sweetheart we'll finish up here; you go get that beautiful granddaughter of mine ready" Patti replied giving Gwen a reassuring look.
Gwen went to the living room to get Lena "Lena baby can you come with mommy so we can go get you dressed in your new outfit?"
"Mommy...get dress?" Lena asked
"Yes princess let's go get you dressed" she said taking Lena by the hand and leading her to her room. Gwen pulled out the outfit she had picked for her...actually what no one knew was that Gwen had made the outfit for her. She put the black skirt with white polka dots on it on Lena and pulled on the t-hsirt that she designed with it. She had always had a fascination with the Japanese culture and the free expression they used through clothing. The shirt had a little girl on it, resembling Lena, with a funky outfit on. Gwen put her hair up into little pig tails with matching bows. "There you beautiful...you look gorgeous...lets go outside and find daddy okay?"
"Daddy" Lena said clapping excitedly.
When Gwen got back to the kitchen she heard the doorbell ring. She picked Lena up and said "let's go see who is at the door baby girl." When she opened the door they were greeted by Luke and Caroline. "Hey you guys...please come in...it is so good to see you again."
Luke kissed Gwen on the cheek "good to see you too darlin."
Caroline hugged Gwen and Lena greeting them "hello you two....how is my favorite little girl" she asked kissing Lena's cheek.
Lena has seen Luke and Caroline a few times since living with Blake and Gwen so she remembered them both. Gwen had even taught her their names, or a version of them anyway. "Can you say hi Lena" Gwen asked her daughter.
