Epilogue

epilogue

ami

" T his is the last container of cupcakes. These should go on the top tier of the tower," I explained to one of the helpers.

I was setting up one of my cupcake displays for our Buzzed Bites event. We'd already been booked for several private events. Still, we wanted to have something to introduce our cocktail cupcake line to the general public.

Caeli had the great idea of making the event a business mixer that was open to the public. It would not only give Buzzed Bites exposure but also give other businesses in the area exposure.

We thought we would get about fifty people to attend, but Caeli had to close the registration once we reached two hundred. She received calls and emails up until we left the house for the venue, asking if there was any way she could squeeze in more people. She had turned down so many people.

Six-Twenty-Nine was a historic fire station that had been turned into a charming, rugged event space complete with high ceilings, steel beams and exposed ductwork. Oversized crystal and steel chandeliers hung from the ceiling cast a warm glow over the room. To one side of the space, there was a modern bar area that featured a polished concrete countertop with black metal accents that tied into the chandeliers.

Isabella Delacroix was a local event decorator who donated her expertise to the event. She and her team transformed the space into a moody, eclectic space. The walls were filled with art by local artists. Pops of vibrant reds, yellows, and greens and an array of textures that invited touch and admiration filled every corner of the room. Velvet drapes in deep burgundy hung from the walls, creating an intimate atmosphere. Intricately patterned rugs covered the floors, while mismatched vintage furniture provided cozy seating areas. The scent of fresh flowers,meticulouslyarranged in antique vases, mingled with the subtle hint of sweet-scented incense, completed theimmersivesensory experience.

Smoked and Spiced had supplied the appetizers for the evening, and Greetings and Salutations held down the bar.

Caeli and I stood back, admiring the room. I fought back tears as I watched the people, including Nox and Brayden, put the finishing touches on everything.

"You ready to get changed?" I asked.

"Yeah, I think I'm ready."

P eople raved about Buzzed Bites' premier party from the beginning to the end. So many people went to the website to request a booking, and Caeli would be busy for days trying to get our calendar in order.

All of the Buzzed Bites received a compliment, but the Mojito and the Strawberry Daiquiri were the crowd favorites.

I stood in the corner near the bar talking to a woman who owned an adult toy line about possibly doing a few of her product parties when Lennox walked over to me.

"Excuse me, Camilla, can I borrow you for a second?"

"Sure. Excuse me, Linda. Let's chat soon about what you're looking for," I said before I took Nox's offered hand and walked away.

"I did something, and I hope you understand why I did it," Nox said.

My stomach twisted, not knowing if he'd done a good or bad thing.

He nodded his head towards the front door, and there, standing as stiff as boards, were my mother and father. When I noticed them, I stopped dead in my tracks and looked at Nox.

"It doesn't make any sense for you to have all this success and they still see you as their rebellious teenaged daughter. I went and had a conversation with them and asked them to come tonight. If for nothing else to show that you and Caeli matter to them even if they don't agree with your life."

"You went to Lake Grove and talked to them?"

"Yes. As luck would have it, Thurston has had some business dealing with an associate of your father's. I tagged along with him for a meeting at the Country club."

"And they talked to you?"

"Yes, they did."

I started feeling a little sick thinking about the mean things they would have to say about our event.

Nox tried to move towards them. I wouldn't move. I held onto his hand with both of my hands. "Nox, I don't think I can."

"Yes, you can."

"What if they say something stupid? Or mean? Or hurtful?"

"I will kick your father's ass," Nox replied.

I looked at Nox wide-eyed, "Nox!"

He smiled. "I'm kidding. They said they wouldn't. All I have is their word, but I believe them."

I swallowed hard and held on to Nox's hand tighter as I made the last few steps to my parents.

"Hi Mom. Hi Dad. It's good to see you. Thank you for coming." I reached and awkwardly hugged both of them.

It honestly felt so good to feel the warmth of their skin and smell their Chanel number 5 perfume and Burberry cologne. Despite everything, I still loved them.

"Your," my mother paused and looked around, motioning with her hand, "event, is well put together. Congratulations."

"Thank you, Mom."

"Lennox gave us one of your cupcakes. The lemon zest one. It was exceptional," my father said.

I smiled. "Thank you, Daddy."

"There are other flavors around the room if you would like to try them. Lennox's business supplied the appetizers. The brisket is the best piece of barbecue you'll ever eat," I rattled off.

"We will have to try it," my father said.

"We, your father and I, would like for you and your sister to come to dinner soon," my mother said.

"Okay," I smiled. "Have you seen Caeli yet?"

"No, not yet," my father replied.

"I'll go find her for you. Thank you for coming. I hope you enjoy the rest of the event."

"Thank you for having us," my mother answered.

"Of course," I replied.

Lennox and I turned and walked away.

I pulled him into one of the corners of the room.

"Babe, you honestly went and talked to them for me?" I asked.

"I did. You were sad without them. I didn't want you to be sad anymore. I knew it was a long shot, but maybe, like my mother, they'll try," Lennox explained.

"Maybe," I replied.

I was cautiously optimistic.

"Besides, we're going to need all hands on deck to take care all seven of the kids," Lennox said.

We laughed.

"Oh, and I also wanted them here because…" Lennox put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a small pink box.

He got down on one knee, and my hand flew to my mouth.

I wasn't sure if everything around us stopped, but it felt like it did. I heard Lennox clearly when he said, "Camilla, I think I knew from the moment I looked into your eyes at the liquor store that you were the missing piece my soul was searching for. Your presence in my life has shown me that real, unconditional love does exist. I want to spend the rest of my life with you growing, laughing and showering you with love. Camilla Diane Webb, will you marry me?"

"Of course I'll marry you! Yes!"

Lennox slid the pink solitaire diamond ring on my finger, and we kissed.

The day couldn't have gone any better.

P utting my arm around Caeli, I rested my head on hers and said, "Can you believe we pulled this off?"

"No, but yes. When we work together, we can do anything," Caeli said.

"You got that right."

Caeli and I had planned, dreamed, hoped, and prayed for the moment we were in. All of the no's, closed doors, and disappointed parents were all worth it.