The party was in full swing as the afternoon faded into evening. It was Tally’s thirty-third birthday and Devon had thrown a big surprise party. Alberta and Jenny, one of their new guests, had baked steadily for two days to prepare. Jimmie May and Kat had decorated the downstairs until every room looked festive.
Gus had ferried guests from town, smuggling Devon’s parents, several neighbors and Devon’s friends from San Francisco into the house while Devon had made up a shopping excursion for Tally in Jackson.
Tally had been surprised when walking into the house upon her return. Surprised, pleased and flustered. She sought her husband’s loving gaze as her eyes filled with tears of happiness. In the months since their marriage, Devon had done so much to show her over and over how much he cared for her.
“I’ve never had a party before,” she whispered as she reached up to give him a quick kiss.
“I remembered you saying that,” he said, smiling. “Happy birthday, my love.”
She greeted her guests, friends and neighbors, Matt and Steve and Sally from San Francisco. Jose and Consuela, both former guests in the Fresh Start program. Jed, Ariel and Brad all returned to wish her well on her special day.
Delighted with the party, she moved from group to group, talking with friends, discussing everything under the sun, catching up on “her kids.” The food was excellent, the warmth of her friends made the celebration special.
Tally was surprised to see her in-laws, greeting them with warm hugs. She had hit it off with Devon’s parents when she first met them on her honeymoon and they had instantly drawn her into the warm embrace of his family. Since then Peggy Henderson and Tally exchanged long newsy email letters each week.
“So, chérie, it is a happy night, n’est-ce pas?” Jimmie May asked her at the punch table.
“I’m so happy! Isn’t life wonderful?” Tally’s gaze sought her husband across the room.
“May I say I told you so?” Jimmie May asked slyly.
Tally laughed and turned back to her friend.
“Why not, you throw it up in my face all the time, why should today be any different? But you were right and I’m so happy I don’t even mind you reminding me, again.”
“Tally?”
Devon’s voice reached her over the sounds of the party. She looked around and saw him on the stairs. She hurried over.
“Come and see to little Bobby, can you? He’s fretting.”
Tally smiled as she ran up the steps. Her son was so precious.
“Why can’t you...” she began as she entered the nursery. “Oh, of course.”
“I can only do so much at one time, and Annie was crying,” Devon said, gently tending their infant daughter while Tally went to pick up the fretful twin boy.
She nuzzled his soft cheek as she went to stand by her tall husband. Her heart swelled with love and happiness as she surveyed her family.
“How’d you get so smart?” she asked as she watched him deftly change their daughter’s diaper.
“What do you mean?”
“This marriage is wonderful. I’ve never been so happy in my life. You said it would work, how did you know?”
He leaned over and dropped a quick kiss on her lips. “Some things are meant to be. I’m happy, too—more so than I probably deserve,” he murmured as he pulled up their daughter’s ruffly rubber pants.
Jimmie May appeared in the doorway with Devon’s mother right behind her.
“We’ll take care of these two. You go enjoy the party,” Jimmie May said, taking Annie as their grandmother picked up Bobby. “We’ll settle them then come back.”
Devon drew Tally into the hall, pausing before descending the stairs.
“Thank you for everything, my love,” Tally said smiling up at her husband.
“My darling Tally, you’re the one to be thanked. You’ve brought so much happiness to my life.”
He took her in his arms and kissed her soundly.
“Maybe the party wasn’t such a good idea, after all,” he said against her soft skin.
“It was, too. Why ever wouldn’t you think so? I’m so excited. It’s great!”
“If all these people weren’t here, we could slip into our room now and make passionate love all night long.”
She laughed, shining up at him.
“We can do that as soon as they leave. I do love you, Devon Henderson.”
“And I love you, Tally Henderson, and always will.”
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