Chapter 50: Unity Unearthed

The wind blew through the trees along the edge of Tom’s development project site. Roxanne situated Eliza in her stroller and pushed her over the gravel drive to where Tom had set up three shovels, a microphone, and a portable speaker for the ceremony.
Roxanne checked her watch. She hoped her surprise crew made their entrance at the designated time. So far, she and Tom were the only two there.
She looked out over the several acres of land Tom bought from Ruby, and touched the Celtic knot necklace, hanging from her neck. Tom stepped toward her and threaded his hand through hers.
“It’s beautiful what you’re doing,” she said, continuing to stare into the horizon and imagine the buildings Tom planned to have built.
“I couldn’t have done it without you.” Tom tilted her chin and kissed her lightly on the mouth. “We’ve been through so much together, and through it all you’ve been such a loyal, strong, and sexy woman.”
He kissed her again, more passionately. “I love you,” he said. “And I love our little girl.”
Roxanne smiled. “I love her too.” She glanced over at Eliza in the stroller. Tom looked at Roxanne expectantly. “And you,” she said after a second, laughing and falling into his arms for a hug.
“We’ve built a pretty awesome family. Now, let’s build an amazing community,” Tom said, looking into Roxanne’s eyes.
They heard the rumbling of stones crunching under the wheels of several cars as they approached the spot Tom had designated for the groundbreaking. Some of Tom’s employees and other investors in the project started to arrive.
When Roxanne’s dad pulled up, she rushed over to him. “Hi, Pop. Glad you could make it.”
“Sure, wouldn’t miss it.” She jumped up and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him intensely. “What was that for?” he asked.
“I guess I’m just filled with excitement today,” she answered.
Her father joined the other guests when Ruby arrived in a refreshing violet dress that flowed in the breeze. “Hi, Ruby,” Roxanne said. Tom walked over to join them and Ruby kissed them both on the cheek.
“This is going to be wonderful, y’all,” she said. “I know my daddy would be proud.”
“We’ve ordered gooey, messy ribs to serve afterwards in his honor,” Roxanne said.
Ruby laughed and looked down at her dress. “I guess I wore the right thing then.”
Tom’s head turned when he heard the rumble of machinery approaching. Danny drove up to the site in an excavator, the engine roaring as he maneuvered the large power shovel to the designated area. He smiled and waved to the small crowd gathered as he cut the engine and hopped down from the cab.
“What’s this?” Tom asked, giving Danny a smile and a hand shake.
“It’s Roxanne’s idea. She thought you might need a little extra oomph on your big day.” He pointed to the shovels. “Those are just for the pictures. That baby,” he nodded toward the power shovel, “is for the real work.”
Tom picked up Roxanne and twirled her around, laughing. “Sneaky. How’d you keep this a secret?”
“I have my ways,” Roxanne said with a coy smile.
“Any more surprises?” he asked.
“Just one,” she said and looked at her watch again. A small cavalcade of pick-up trucks thundered up the gravel drive, beeping, several people hollering from the back of the truck beds. Several residents and shop owners from Tom’s first project sat in the trucks and waved to the crowd.
Tom stood in awe at the parade of people who arrived to support him. They sprung off the trucks and joined the rest of the crowd.
With so many people in the crowd, along with the excavator, the show of support appeared overwhelming. Roxanne’s dad approached Tom and handed him an old shovel.
“This was my grandad’s,” he said. “We didn’t have riches or fancy things, but we Gehrys know how to use our tools. I’d be honored if you used this at the ceremony.”
Tom held the shovel’s rod in his hand and patted Roxanne’s dad on the back. “Thank you,” Tom said. Roxanne’s dad grabbed Tom and pulled him in for a hug.
When everyone had gathered around the site, Tom held Eliza, as Roxanne picked up the microphone. “Welcome, everyone. I want to thank you all for coming. We’re here today because of the vision of this amazing man.” She rubbed Tom’s shoulder. “His projects make better communities. David can tell you more.”
Roxanne handed the microphone to David who thanked Tom for helping him and his mom, providing assistance with their rent. Then a few more residents spoke, all providing glowing commendations for Tom.
Roxanne held Tom’s hand as several people from Tom’s first development community provided short speeches. As they spoke, she could feel the vitality and excitement pulsing through his veins. Like the first time she touched his hand, his energy enlivened her. Despite revealing to her that he hated crowds and being around people in general, Roxanne could tell he was touched by hearing from so many people who supported him.
When people were done with their speeches, Tom took the microphone to start the actual groundbreaking part of the ceremony. Knowing that Tom hated to speak in public, Roxanne figured he would just give a quick introduction before heading to the shovels for photo opportunities.
“Before we break ground on this exciting project,” Tom announced, “I want to thank you all for coming.” He looked out over the crowd. “This project would not be possible without one very special person.” He turned toward Roxanne.
“Roxanne, I love you,” he said. “You and our daughter are the most important things in my life. I want everyone to know.” He paused and smiled wide. “I love this woman. She’s the greatest thing to happen to me,” he said, speaking loudly into the microphone. “That’s why I want to announce that I’m dedicating this project in her name. I’ve received official permission to name this boulevard Roxy Avenue.”
One of his associates handed Tom a green street sign with white lettering spelling out the name. Tom held it above his head for everyone to see. The group applauded.
Roxanne wiped the corners of her eyes, trying not to cry in front of so many people. She hugged Tom and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. She felt flattered and impressed Tom had managed to arrange a surprise of his own – and one that showed her how much he loved her.
With the sunlight starting to fade, Tom and the investors headed over to the shovels. News photographers and some people from the crowd snapped photos before they dipped their shovels into the ground.
A minute or two later Danny fired up the power shovel to give everyone a demonstration and make a bigger show of breaking ground. He drove the excavator up to the shoveled area and pulled the handles to direct the large shovel into the dirt. When he dug up the first bucketful, the crowd clapped.
With the sea of happy faces supporting Tom and Roxanne, they beamed at Danny’s display, maneuvering the excavator. Tom draped Roxanne’s shoulder with his arm, while she held Eliza on her hip.
Standing in front of the crowd, watching their dream come true, Tom dropped his head a little to meet Roxanne’s for a kiss. Her heart fluttered. Together, their happy family and their building project were off to a great start.