CHAPTER 73

CHAPTER 73

Emerson pov

When I touched Love's back, I felt she flinched a little but still managed to arrange herself fast. No one noticed it, except me of course.

"They're looking in love." My mother said as she places her hand at father's chest. My father puts his hands at mom's waist and they smiled at each other.

Lovely.



Love pov

"Go to your seats guys. Everyone's here so I'll start the program." Emerald said to us before leaving to go to the stage.

Emerald, being the host of her mother's birthday party, started the program with a live doxology performance.

One group sang the song while others interpreted the song with an interpretative dance. They sang and danced it very gracefully that even some of the audience felt it and had a heartful tear.

Including me.

"Are you okay?" Emerson asked me. "You cried." He said, concerning.
I look at him, looking blank as possible.

"I was just touched by their performance." I said and he nods.
For the past hour that passed, I'm getting more and more comfortable to Emerson. Again. My heart which was so painful is starting to heal again.
We sat on the table along with his brothers, Jem and his parents. Martha sat beside her parents on the other table beside us.

"I know you guys are all hungry, and so am I. “Emerald started making everyone chuckled. "So in behalf of our family, welcome to our mother's sweet 56." She added, making everyone claps their hands. Music came in.
"Let me call our very own, Helen Triumph." Emerald said. She's a good host.

Mrs. Triumph stood up and was assisted by her husband as all of the audience stood up. They really look like a happy couple.

I hope I can find mine.

Esme got up on the stage. All of her relatives, friends and family started singing happy birthday so I followed them. Cakes are being carried on the stage as we all sing. Helen looked very happy and she was blooming. After singing, Emerald gave her the microphone. She smiled to the audience.
"Everyone, thank you very much for that wonderful song but it made me feel so old." Esme started the guest’s chuckles.

"But really I'm very grateful that you are here to celebrate my birthday. As you know, every year, I would ask my children not to have a big party like this. A simple dinner will do." She said, looking at her daughter and to her sons. "Last year, Emerson told me that Arnold S. will be on my birthday if and only if I'll have a party this big. Being a fan of him, I agreed and told myself to hell with it.." She said, again, making us all chuckled. "This year, I tried again to talk to my children, especially Emerson. But this year, he told me again another reason to have a birthday party." She said and then she look at me. Oh my gosh... Please don't. "My eldest son, Emerson, who we all know is very sensitive, especially on bringing a date. Last month, the very reason he told me is that he'll be bringing his girlfriend. So she's my reason to do this party. “She added looking at me.

"You're blushing," Emerson whispered as he put his hand on my hand below the table. And that sends shiver on my whole body making me very tensed.

"I'm not," I replied at him, sticking out my tongue.

"So... I would like to take this opportunity to thank the woman who made my baby boy in love." She said, looking directly in my eyes as everyone claps. Oh ground, please swallow me. Every eye at the party is looking at me.

"Can we please serve the foods? We're famished. Thank you. Please enjoy the evening." Helen said, looking at Emerald who's laughing before she leaves the stage. Guests also laughs but clapped their hands.

"That was awkward," I said.

"Even if it’s awkward, you're still beautiful," Emerson replied.
Rolling my eyes, I made him chuckle. "Thanks," I said.

The food is being served on our table along side with the wines and desserts. It’s like we're having a feast. Since Jem is on my left side, he went closer to me and whispered. "You forgot your gift in my car." He said.
I exclaimed. "Oh yes yes. Thank you. I'll get it later." I replied to him and he nods.

There's a live band performance and they open the bar area and it’s unlimited drinks. There are bartenders everywhere and waiters serving martinis and others. When I saw one of the bartenders performing, I remembered Emerson at Marlow's. Guests are now everywhere and making their way to the bar.

Jem being such a gentleman went to his car and brought me the gift for Emerson's mother.

"Where's Helen by the way?" I asked Emerson as he drinks his brandy.

"At your back" Emerson replied, grinning.

"I think I heard my name." I turn my back to see Helen already standing behind me, as Emerson said.

"Oh yes! When I went to my mother's boutique for this dress, I told her that I'll be attending Emerson's mother's birthday party. So she instructed me to give it to you." I said as I give her the bag mother gave me.

"Ohhh.... That's so sweet. I'll be sure to thank your mother personally." Esme told me.

"And this one, is from me." I said as I give her a rectangular small box. I didn't see what Emerson's reaction is but Helen gave him a smile and back to me, she hugs me saying that she was very happy and thankful to me and my mother.

"Really I'm thankful. Being you here is already enough let alone these gifts. I think I'm already in love with you." Esme said. I look at Emerson and we laugh.

"You should guys stay here and you could go home tomorrow," Esme said, Matthew, her husband nodded.

"Yes, that's great. Emerson's room was cleaned yesterday for your visit." Matthew added.

"Oh! That's very great but... Let me just ask Emerson. As we all know, he's a very workaholic." I said as I put a hand on Emerson's chest making him sigh a little.

Emerson looked at me with love? In his eyes and smile.

"Whatever your heart desires, my love." He said, directly looking into my eyes.

"Let's stay, then."