Chapter 14

“Thank you for meeting with me,” I said as Mrs. Fulcrum and Mrs. Thomson took their seats at Tea and Crumpets, a posh tea shop in the Chicago Gold Coast neighborhood. It was our second meeting and I was fully prepared to pitch them.

“It’s not a problem,” Mrs. Fulcrum said as she unbuttoned her coat. “I understand you have the plans ready for Clark and Samantha Lyn’s proposal.”

“Yes,” I said, and handed each of the women a glossy full-color presentation binder with the outline of the event details and costs. “Before you look at it, I need to ask a favor of you both.”

“Really?” Mrs. Thomson said as she draped her coat on the back of her chair and took a seat. She wore a red pencil skirt, a cream bow blouse, and gold hoop earrings. “Isn’t your fee enough?”

“This isn’t about my fee,” I said. “This about Jen McCutchen and Brad Hurst.”

“What about Jennifer?” Mrs. Fulcrum asked, turning her laser gaze on me.

“She and Brad have hired me to do their proposal, but Jen wants to know all the details and yet be surprised.”

“Sounds like Jennifer,” Mrs. Thomson said. “That girl has always been a handful.”

The waitress stopped by and we ordered tea and a sampler plate of cookies.

“What is your favor, dear?” Mrs. Fulcrum asked.

“I would like to do a double engagement,” I said. “I would tell Jen that the event is for Samantha Lyn and Clark and I would tell Samantha Lyn that it was for Jen. Mrs. Fulcrum, I understand you sponsored Jen into her sorority.”

“It’s a coed fraternity, dear,” Mrs. Fulcrum said. “And yes, I sponsored her. Jen and her family have been family friends for years.”

“And I know Jen knows Samantha Lyn through Clark, right?”

“Yes,” Mrs. Thomson said. “We attend many of the same functions.”

“So, since they know each other and they both know me, they shouldn’t suspect anything.”

“Interesting,” Mrs. Fulcrum said as the waitress brought our tea and cookies. “Is this included in the proposal you’ve worked up for us?”

“Yes,” I said with a nod. “I’m proposing an ice event filled with glitter, silver, gold, and sparkles everywhere. I will set up publicity as a fund-raiser for autism.”

“That is a nice touch,” Mrs. Fulcrum said. “Autism is one of our foundation causes.”

“Yes,” I said with a smile and a nod. “No one will suspect anything when they find out your involvement.” I looked toward Mrs. Thomson. “I will create a costume ball. In the middle of the event, Brad will surprise Jen with his proposal.”

“And Samantha Lyn and Clark?”

“They will go second, sealing the evening with romance. Everyone will walk away thinking that Clark was carried away by the moment. It will feel special and a double proposal at a charity event will not only make the social pages, it should make the evening news.”

“Hmm,” Mrs. Fulcrum said, and sipped her tea.

“You did want to make the evening news, right?” I asked.

“Yes,” Mrs. Thomson said. “We did.”

“By doing it this way it will also highlight your cause,” I said. “Mr. Fulcrum could deduct a portion from his taxes.”

“You know the way to my husband’s heart,” Mrs. Fulcrum said with a laugh. “Will Samantha Lyn be disappointed?” she asked Mrs. Thomson.

“Samantha Lyn is a good girl. She will be happy however we do this,” Mrs. Thomson said, and bit into a frosted sugar cookie.

“Then we’ll do it,” Mrs. Fulcrum said. “Now let’s dive into the details of your proposal, shall we?”

“As you’ll see, I have covered all the details in this presentation,” I said. “From the venue at the Ice Pit, to the costumes from Trinity Prop House, to male and female stylists to ensure everyone looks their best in the video.”

We opened the presentation booklets in front of us and spent the next hour going over all the details. I was relieved that they would agree to the double engagement. I had arranged it with a fund-raiser in case Samantha Lyn decided to say no. The event could still benefit the Fulcrums. In a way it would be win-win no matter the outcome as long as these two ladies could keep the matter from Jen’s all-knowing gaze.

*   *   *

The next night Jen and Brad showed up first for the cooking class. I introduced them to the chef and let Jen talk to her about the classes she taught and her business model. Meanwhile I pulled Brad aside.

“Are you sure you want me to keep the ring?” I had to ask.

He smiled and shrugged. “How else will I know to have it on the night of the surprise?”

I bit my bottom lip. “I know, it sort of makes sense, but it’s a big responsibility.”

“If you can pull off surprise proposals and engagement parties, then I think you can take good care of one little engagement ring.”

“I want you to know that I went out this morning and put it in my safe-deposit box at the bank. The only one who has access to that box is my dad, and only in case I die.”

“Well, let’s hope that doesn’t happen any time soon,” he teased.

“Brad, she teaches at Le Cordon Blue.” Jen came over to us all excited. “It’s a three-month class. We could take it together. It might be fun.”

“Whatever you want to do, dear,” Brad said. “Just remember that your parents are expecting us to move to California.”

“Then we’d better sign up for classes tonight,” Jen said. “I’m sure Pepper will be able to surprise me in the next three months and, after I say yes, we’ll be spending a lot of time on the wedding. It only makes sense to have the wedding here with all our family and friends. California can wait now.” Jen threaded her arm through Brad’s and pulled him toward the chef.

The door opened and Cesar came in with his tripod on his shoulder. “Hi, Cesar,” I said. “You can set up in the kitchen and then in the dining room area.”

“You’re taping this?” Toby asked as he entered the house. “Isn’t that going to give it away?”

“No,” I said with a shake of my head. “Mrs. Hart sent out an e-mail today telling everyone in the class that her marketing group was taking a video for her website. She promised that she would keep the cameras small so they wouldn’t intrude. Everyone agreed that was fine.”

“Brilliant,” Toby said, and took off his coat, hanging it on the coat rack near the door. “Do I have a date?”

“Yes,” I said with a smile. “My friend Amelia Galesberry is coming. She doesn’t know about the proposal. She thinks it’s a double date.”

“Double date?” Toby asked.

“Yes, Gage is going to be here. We’re going to be the fourth couple,” I explained. Toby looked a little down.

“Gage will be here?”

“Yes,” I said, and patted Toby’s shoulder. “He wants to watch me attempt a cooking class.”

“Okay, that’s you and me and Gage and your friend, the couple who wants you to surprise them, and the couple who is proposing,” Toby counted out on his fingers. “The class is for five couples. Who’s the last couple?”

“Martha and Bob Dixon,” I said. “They are friends of my mother. Martha always wanted to try a cooking class, and since I’m paying, Bob agreed.”

“I see,” Toby said.

Gage came in next, followed by the Dixons. Then Amelia arrived. Amelia was petite with a cute brunette bob and big eyes. Her nose was pert and her face heart-shaped. She wore a blue scoop-neck T-shirt and dressy jeans. Her feet were firmly ensconced in skater-style athletic shoes. “Amelia, this is Toby,” I said as I took Amelia’s coat. “Toby, Amelia.”

They said their awkward hellos. I could tell from Amelia’s expression that she found Toby attractive. Like I said, he was cute for a slouchy kind of guy. Toby stared at Amelia awkwardly.

The last to arrive was Laura and the woman I assumed was Monica. Angela handled the couple by showing them where the coats were to be hung and then offered everyone a glass of wine.

“Come in, folks,” Angela said as she gathered everyone. “Let’s get you started with simple introductions. Part of the fun is getting to know the other people in class.”

I sent Gage a look. He smiled at me. Laura introduced herself to me and I shook her hand. “Hi, Laura, nice to meet you.”

“This is my partner, Monica,” Laura said.

“Hi, Monica, nice to meet you.” I shook Monica’s hand. While Laura seemed introverted and slightly awkward, Monica was warm and easygoing.

“Hi,” Monica said. “Have you done one of these cooking classes before?” She sipped her chardonnay. Monica was a tall woman, thin with a sweet smile and kind eyes. I could see why Laura fell instantly in love.

“This is our first,” Gage said. “Hi, I’m Gage, Pepper’s boyfriend.” He shook Monica’s and Laura’s hands. “Nice to meet you.”

“Gage thought it would be entertaining to watch me try to cook,” I said, and sent Gage a soft smile.

“You don’t cook?” Laura asked.

“No,” I said with a shake of my head. “My mom’s the cook.”

“I think she’s better than she lets on,” Gage said.

“Well, of course,” I replied. “If I claimed I was a good cook then I’d be the one doing all the cooking.” I winked at Monica. “It’s better to keep them guessing, don’t you think?”

“Not me,” Monica said. “I love to cook. In fact, that’s sort of how we met.”

“It is?” I raised my right eyebrow.

“Yes,” Laura said with a soft smile. “I was trying to impress my brother and ran out of sugar. So I knocked on her door and asked if I could borrow some. It turns out Monica is a great cook.”

“Very nice way to meet,” Gage said.

“Okay, everyone,” Angela said. “Let’s move into the kitchen. You’ll find a station for each couple. There are aprons for you to wear and ingredients set out. So, let’s wash our hands, suit up, and enjoy the class.”

I grabbed Toby’s arm and Amelia’s arm and walked with them into the kitchen. “Hi, guys, are we having fun yet?”

“The wine’s good,” Amelia said, her brown eyes sparkling.

“Amelia tells me she works for Myers and Higgs,” Toby said, his expression one of interest. “George Myers and I have done business together for a few years. He’s a good lawyer.”

“So is Amelia,” I pointed out, and put them at the station next to Gage and me. “It’s great that you have things in common to talk about.” I pushed them together and went to Gage, filled with pride at my matchmaking.

“Toby doesn’t look bored,” Gage said as he handed me my apron. “Good job.”

“Amelia’s a Harvard Law grad and her family has money,” I said, and watched the two interact. “I don’t know if it’s a match, but they certainly seem interested in each other.”

“I still say Toby’s half in love with you,” Gage teased me.

“Well, he’s going to have to get over that. I have a boyfriend.” I reached up and gave Gage a quick kiss.

“Laura and Monica seem like a great couple,” Gage said. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about here.”

“I agree.” I wiggled my eyebrows at him.

Chef Angela took over. She walked us through the menu step by step. Twenty minutes in, I excused myself and slipped out the side door. Gage and I were in the far back of the kitchen so that I could come and go without being noticed or missed.

I checked on Angela’s assistant, Sandra. She was stationed at the side door and her job was to usher in Laura and Monica’s family and friends. They were to remain hidden in the other dining area until after the proposal. Then both rooms would be opened and everyone would enjoy the catered engagement party.

I slipped back into the kitchen as Chef was walking everyone through how to make mochi. The Japanese ice cream dessert was time consuming. In advance of our class, Angela had frozen little ice cream balls in a variety of flavors. The only thing we had to make was the mochi covering. The wine flowed and we laughed while we rolled out the sticky sweet dough, made wide circles, and put them back in the refrigerator to cool for fifteen minutes.

“Your circles are perfect,” Amelia said as she put her stack of mochi next to ours in the fridge.

“Gage is very precise,” I said.

“So is Toby,” Amelia said. “Thanks for inviting me, this is fun.”

“Thank you for coming,” I said. “Looks like everyone is having a good time.”

We both noted that Laura and Monica appeared to be in their element and very much in love. Meanwhile, Brad watched Jen as she earnestly tried to roll the perfect mochi.

“They are cute,” Amelia agreed. “Especially the two ladies. They seem to be so in love.” Amelia sighed. “I hope to be that in love one day.”

“I’m sure you will be,” I said.

We went on to deep-fry vegetable egg rolls in woks and place them on appetizer plates. Next was more wine and Kung Pao chicken time. That went well, as we all learned not to breathe over the pot while the chilies roasted and popped. The air around them became so spicy it burned your eyes.

Finally it was mochi-filling time. I laughed at how particular Gage was at plopping the ice cream into the mochi wrapper and closing it back up into perfect balls.

“Aren’t you going to try?” he asked.

I sipped my wine and smiled. “I think you’re doing just fine all on your own.”

Next we made the main course and finally we plated our meals and took them out to the empty dining room. I winced when I heard laughter come from the other dining room and hurried to turn up the music on our side.

“What’s going on over there?” Monica asked, and looked toward the closed door.

“Angela’s assistant is hosting a cocktail party,” I said.

“Huh,” Monica said.

I glanced at Jen, who gave me a narrow-eyed look. I refused to sweat. This was a surprise and it was going to work. The music changed to Laura and Monica’s song.

“Oh,” Monica said, and turned to Laura. “It’s our song.”

At the mention of their song, Laura pulled the ring box out of her apron pocket and got down on one knee. “I know,” Laura said. “Monica, you are the love of my life. Without you, I’m incomplete.”

The room was quiet as Monica covered her mouth with her hand in surprise.

“Monica,” Laura said. “Will you do me the honor of being my wife?”

“Yes,” Monica said with tears in her eyes. “Oh, yes!”

I reached over and took the wineglass out of her hand. Laura placed the ring on Monica’s finger and they embraced. Tears filled my eyes as they kissed. Tears of joy ran down both their cheeks. I waved for Sandra to open the doors. She did and Laura and Monica’s friends and family streamed over to congratulate them.

The house was filled with laughter and congratulations. Both dining rooms were opened and the staff quickly filled tables in the foyer with buffet foods that included our plated selections. Lines were formed and everyone grabbed a plate.

“Wow,” Amelia said as she sidled up to me. “I did not see that coming. Was this one of your events?”

“Yes,” I said. “I think it went well.”

“Oh, it was very romantic,” Amelia said, her brown gaze sparkling. “Thanks for letting me be a part of their special day.”

“Amelia,” Toby called. “I think your vegetable rolls turned out very good.”

Amelia glanced at me. “Thanks for introducing me to Toby. He’s cute.” She went over to spend time with her date. I watched them for a moment and then turned to my date.

“Your mochi is wonderful,” I told Gage as I bit into the ice cream delight.

“I happen to be a good cook,” Gage said, and raised his right eyebrow as if waiting for me to dispute that. I didn’t.

“You’re going to make some girl very happy someday,” I said, teasing.

“Let’s hope someday soon,” Gage said, and the look he gave me made my heartbeat speed up.

“Well, this was a lot of fun,” Jen said as she and Brad moved toward us. “She certainly looked surprised.”

“Yes, she did,” Gage agreed.

“It was a very nice, low-key moment,” Brad said.

Just then, Laura and Monica caught the crowd’s attention by clinking a spoon to their wineglasses. “Everyone’s attention, please,” Laura said. “I wanted to take a moment and thank Pepper Pomeroy of Perfect Proposals for putting together this memorable evening. Here’s to Pepper and many more perfect proposals.” She raised her glass and everyone said, “Hear, hear.”

I blushed and lifted my wineglass to the toast and took a sip.

“They do look happy,” Jen said. “You did a great job. But next time I hope there’s more bling. I do like loud, splashy sparkle. Not exactly what you did here.”

“Bling was not what was best for this couple,” I said. “You need to come to a few more of my proposals and you’ll see how I tailor each event to the particular couple’s needs.”

“It’s a date,” Brad said with a smile as he collected their coats. “Flashy or not, I had a great time learning how to make Asian food. Thanks, Pepper.” He leaned over and gave me a kiss on the cheek. “It was great meeting your friends.”

“See you next time,” I said. “In the meantime, Jen, think about what you liked and didn’t like about tonight. E-mail me suggestions. Okay?”

“Okay,” Jen said. She put on her coat and gave me a hug. She held out her hand to Gage. “Bye, Gage. It was nice to meet you.”

“Have a good night,” Gage said as the couple went out the door. They were soon followed by the Dixons, who told me they had a great time watching me in action.

“I let Chef Angela know we’ll be back for more classes,” Bob Dixon said. “Even if I have to pay.”

“Don’t forget to tell your friends about the proposal,” I said. “You never know when someone’s kids might want to plan a perfect proposal.” I pressed my card into their hands.

They left with smiles on their faces. Next Toby and Amelia stepped up. They were both wearing their coats.

“Thanks for inviting me,” Amelia said.

“Are you two leaving?” I asked, looking from one to the other. “Amelia, do you need a ride?”

“I’ll see she gets home,” Toby said. He gave me a nod. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Night, folks,” Gage said. We watched them walk out the door. “Well, looks like you might have made a successful match.”

“That would be nice,” I said. “I wasn’t sure. Toby’s a bit . . . unusual.”

“Amelia didn’t seem to have a problem with it. Did you notice they were both wearing skateboarder athletic shoes?”

“I did,” I said, and wiggled my eyebrows. “If I say so myself, this date was a stroke of sheer genius. When I ran into Amelia a couple of days ago I noticed she wore skater shoes. I took the chance and told her about Toby and asked if she wanted a blind date. I promised we’d be here to double and she said, ‘Why not?’” I laughed. “Let’s hope it works or I might be in hot water with both friends.”

“Matchmaking is not for the faint of heart,” Gage said with a laugh. He looked at Laura and Monica. The two women glowed brighter than the diamond that sparkled on Monica’s finger. “Looks like this is going to be a very happy marriage.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”