Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Five

Legend

8 months ago

Gratitude, a Cantrell: The Early Years, Part Five Update

“You know there’s only one other human on the face of this earth, who knows I was going to pop the question. So, before we’re both in trouble for not sharing our news, and most importantly, before word leaks out to the press, we need to have an Engagement Dinner tonight.”
“Tonight?” Kayleigh gave him a look of dismay. “That’s awfully sudden.”
“My point, exactly. We’ll be in double-Dutch with both of our mothers and a few siblings in between, should they hear it from other sources.”

“Oh, I see your point,” she said, “it’s just so much work, last minute.”
“We can do this, I promise.” Erik put his hands on her waist.
“But we need to have time to cook all of that food. You do realize between our families, plus both of us we’re looking at fifteen people. And what about the invitations?”
“Relax, Sweetheart, already done.” He held up his phone, twisting it back and forth a bit.
“Erik, you are a marvel.”
“Please, my modesty.”

Setting the party for eight in the evening, the couple got busy. Banquet tables were ordered and delivered by three in the afternoon. Erik carried both food tables to the hallway that was the Butler’s Pantry set in between the kitchen and the dining room. “There, out of the way, but not too far away.” He placed a third cloth-covered table in the dining room. On top, he placed a gold-colored bowl of ice in which he carefully placed bottles of Fizzy Juice as if he were creating a flower arrangement. Going upstairs once the last detail had been attended, the two made themselves ready for their big announcement.

As the hour drew near, Erik unlocked the front gates to allow entrance. “I’m suddenly as nervous as a Bridegroom,” he said, when Kayleigh came back downstairs. “I think my palms are sweaty.”
“Well, you are a bridegroom. Cold feet?”
“Nah, never. I’ve waited for this moment for years. It’s the speechifying. I’m no good at it.”
“Well, just speak your heart, you’re pretty good at that.”

As if on cue, the doorbell rang. Erik took in a deep breath, rubbed his palms on his pant legs, and let the air out again. Reaching for the doorknob he gave it a turn and pulled the door open. “Hey, you made it, thanks for coming,” he greeted. Leading his guests inward, they all appeared to have arrived pretty much at the same time. Almost as if it was a coordinated effort. “Please, have a seat at the table,” he invited. Kayleigh was busy ‘serving’ the food from the banquet tables.

So, of course, they congested in the Butler’s Pantry, or almost.

“So, I said to myself,” Aaron began, “what could possibly warrant the families coming together to dine?”
“And I said,” Joey said, “it’s got to be some kind of announcement.”
“And I said,” Adrian added, “he’s quitting the music business.”
Drake Golden had a smirk on his face, listening to the speculation. He leaned back in his chair a bit. “And I can tell you, there is no way, he’s quitting music. It’s in his soul. I, for one, am proud of the boy, er, young man.”

“Speaking of which,” Erik began, “We called you altogether to tell you, Kayleigh and I got engaged last evening. So, without further ado, let’s have toasts. Drake, if you would.”

Getting up from his chair, Drake walked over the to table. Selecting just the right bottle, he deftly removed the cork, spilling nary a drop. Filling a glass, he then poured a tray full of glasses. Then he made his way back to his chair. Raising the glass, he gazed around at the others.

“I fought this event from happening for as long as I could. They are, after all, just kids. Even now. More importantly I waited until the boy approached me like a man, which he finally did to his credit.”

“So, please raise a glass to this young couple for whom I now have a sense of confidence will make this work for them.”

“Dad, if we may hear from you,” Erik said. Joseph smiled. Taking up a full glass, he raised it high.

“From the first time I saw Erik and Kayleigh together, I knew these two were destined for the altar. She has come to be like a daughter to us and we welcome her with our whole hearts and arms wide open. I know they are going to make an amazing married couple. Congratulations to you both.”

The group ate after that, had dessert, chatted and danced.

Before the evening wore on too late, Erik found a moment to coral his baby brother. “Hey, Adrian, I have a question for you, Buddy,” he said.
“Okay, what is it?”
“Would you consent to be our Ring Bearer at the wedding ceremony?”
“Sure, I guess,” Adrian said. “What’s a ring bearer? As in, what exactly do I have to do?”
Erik smiled and then began to run down the list of his limited duties. “Well, mostly you’ll be in charge of the rings. It’s up to you to carry them down the aisle and give them to the officiant. Oh, and you’ll have to wear a tuxedo.”

“EW, no way.”
“Way,” Erik said, waving a finger at the six-year-old. “And I expect you to be on your very best behavior. It would be a shame if you embarrassed Mom and Dad, you know.”
“Man, you’ve gotten old like them. You even sound like them. Why did you stay away for so long? I think it’s affected your brain or something.”

A short time later the group bid their goodbyes, amidst choruses of congratulations. Pretty soon it was just Erik and Kayleigh. The two cleaned up the mess straightaway, taking care to put away the leftovers from their feast. Standing together in the kitchen, Erik took her by the hands. “We just managed to pull off our very first party as a couple. See? I told you we got this.”

“That you did. I love you so much,” Kayleigh said.
“I love you, too, Babe. I’m going to head on up to bed. After my concert tomorrow, we have some running around to do. See you in the morning.” They both went to separate beds.

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

“Good afternoon, NewCrest!” Erik shouted; his arms outspread as if to embrace the crowd. “It’s so good to be home. And if I seem lighter, it’s because I am. The sticking point in my situation has been favorably resolved. I had thought I lost the woman who holds my heart, but not so. You see, despite the obstacles we faced, she said YES. We are now engaged to be married. So thank you for being so steadfast in your support. Thanks to you I never felt alone, dying inside as I was. My only regret is how poorly I performed for you. I would very much like to make that up to you today. Right here and now. Let’s get this show started!”