CHAPTER 33

 

Meg and Allie walked up the flagstone front steps of Gabby’s, Berry’s premiere four-star restaurant, lit up in all its evening glory. Allie again admired the gracious old homestead in which the restaurant was housed. Jasmine and wisteria vines graced the wide veranda, and through the open windows came the soft sounds of music and laughter.

“This is such a gorgeous venue,” Allie sighed, taking Meg’s arm as they walked inside. “I just love coming here.”

“It also helps that it’s one of the only restaurants that serves meals as marvellous as yours,” Meg replied, squeezing Allie’s arm.

Meg and Allie were greeted warmly by the staff, who directed them to one of the elegant private dining rooms. Taking glasses of champagne as they entered, they made their way over to a small cluster of women standing by the open windows.

“Good evening, everyone,” Allie greeted Sparrow, Daphne, Louise and Caro. “What are you discussing so intently?”

“Hello, you two,” Caro smiled. “We are just wondering if anyone has any idea of why Pat and Bella have invited us all to dinner?”

“Meg and I just got the invitation the other day. Pat called in and apologised for the short notice, but stressed that it was really important that we turn up. Apart from that, she refused to say anything.” Allie scanned the room. “Judging by the number of residents here, though, whatever the reason, it must be big.”

“Well, an opportunity to come to this wonderful restaurant with our friends was too good for us to turn down,” Sparrow declared excitedly. “It is such a treat to see everyone dressed up.”

“I had to try and find something decent to wear,” laughed Daphne. “The only things I seem to have these days are shorts, jeans and cargo pants.”

“Well, there is certainly lots of colour and movement here tonight and everyone looks very elegant,” Louise remarked.

“Allie!” Turning at the sound of her name, Allie found herself enveloped in a hug from Pat. “Thank you all so much for coming.”

Allie laughed. “A surprise invitation to our favourite restaurant with all our friends? How on earth could we possibly say no to that? It’s what you call a lay down…damn, what’s the word?” she asked, turning to Meg.

“Misere.” Meg smiled.

“Yes, that’s it. Anyway,” she indicated their group, “we’re also extremely curious as to why we are all here.”

Pat laughed. “Everything will be revealed in time, you just have to be patient.”

A gentle gong interrupted the conversation.

Pat turned. “I believe that is the request for everyone to take their seats so that dinner can be served. Enjoy yourselves, and Bella and I will catch up with you later.”

Watching Pat walk away, Allie turned to the others. “Well, I guess we are just going to have to wait and see.”

“So, I believe that you and Meg have moved in together?” Daphne asked as their main course plates were being cleared.

Allie beamed. “Yes, a couple of weeks ago.”

“It seemed ridiculous for us to have separate houses, so we decided that since my place is bigger, Allie should move in with me,” Meg said gently, laying her hand on Allie’s. “I’m still getting used to believing that we have the rest of our lives together.”

“Well, cheers to you both,” Caro said, raising her glass. “It might have taken a while, but in the end, love won out!”

Acknowledging the toast, Meg fixed Daphne and Sparrow with a piercing stare and asked innocently, “So, when are you two moving in together?”

Daphne coloured, looking at Sparrow. “Oh…well…”

The sound of a tinkling bell interrupted their conversation and drew their attention to the centre table, where Bella was seated with Pat standing behind, her hands on Bella’s shoulders.

As the hubbub died away, Pat cleared her throat, looking with affection at the faces of their many friends.

“Firstly, Bella and I would like to welcome you all here tonight and thank you so much for coming. I know you are all curious as to the reason for tonight’s party, though knowing this group, most of you don’t need any excuse for a party.” Pat smiled as laughter bubbled through the room.

“When Bella and I arrived at OWL’s Haven, eight years ago, we knew very few lesbians. We had spent much of our life together hidden away, living quietly and trying not to attract attention to ourselves. Coming here was the most wonderful experience for both of us. From being two of very few, we became two of many. We have made friendships that I hope will last us the rest of our lives and we have enjoyed so many wonderful times. When Bella became sick, there were so many people who offered support, not just for Bella, but also for me.” Looking down at her partner, she smiled. “I know Bella joins me in saying that without everyone here, we would not have been able to get through those horrible dark days…which brings me to the first reason for this celebration dinner.”

Bella leant her head back slightly to rest it against Pat’s chest, her eyes shimmering with tears as she gazed around the room.

“Dr Wilcox confirmed for us earlier this week that the final results of Bella’s tests have come through.” Taking a deep breath, Pat placed a gentle kiss on Bella’s head. “The tests came back negative. Bella is in the clear.”

For a brief moment no-one moved, then suddenly the room erupted.

“She made it,” Allie gasped, wiping her tears. “I knew she’d make it; she’s such a fighter.”

Thrilled, she joined everyone else as they stood, clapping and cheering in celebration. Several made their way to the couple, congratulating them with hugs and kisses. Allie grabbed Meg, both of them laughing with sheer relief and joy.

After a few moments, a beaming Pat called the room to order. “There is one more thing that we would like to share with you all. You would think that Bella having a clean bill of health would be enough to make me the happiest woman alive, but there is one more thing that has made me happier than I could ever imagine.”

Pat grinned at the puzzled anticipation of her audience. Catching Daphne’s eye, she saw her answering smile of encouragement.

“Bella has also agreed to be my wife, and we would like to take this opportunity to invite you all to our wedding.”

Once again, the room erupted in cheers. Both women were again swamped with hugs and kisses.

Daphne pulled Pat into a huge hug. “You finally did it,” she exclaimed joyfully. “It’s only taken you about forty years.”

“Well, you know how it is,” Pat laughed. “I wouldn’t want to rush anything.”

Allie took Bella’s hand. “I can’t tell you how delighted I am for you, for both of you.”

Bella beamed, squeezing Allie’s hand tight. “I am so incredibly happy. How did I get so lucky?”

Meg leant in to give Bella a kiss on the cheek. “You deserve every minute of happiness, but are you sure you want us old reprobates at the wedding? You know what some people are like when they have had a few drinks.” She winked at Allie.

“You are not getting out of it that easily, Meg,” Pat said, giving her a kiss on the cheek. “We are having a wedding, and you are coming.”

“Have you set a date yet?” Sparrow asked.

“Yes, the twenty-eighth of March.” Pat looked down at Bella, holding her gaze, as Bella continued, “It’s the anniversary of when we first met.”

“Our first wedding at OWL’s Haven,” crowed Louise. “What a wonderful start to the year.”

“Well, there isn’t much time. We need to start the wedding planning right away,” cautioned Allie.

While the women around her discussed wedding details, Pat watched Bella surrounded by their friends. An overwhelming feeling of love and contentment flowed through her, taking her breath away. As if sensing her thoughts, Bella turned towards her and Pat could see the answering love radiating in her eyes. Whatever had gone before, Pat knew that their future was going to be wonderful.