After a few minutes of happy chaos, Chet tapped his spoon against his water glass and stood up. An imposing figure, well accustomed to representing authority, he soon had everyone's attention. "It's good to see all of you together, but we had an ulterior motive for asking you to join us today." He nodded at his son and daughter. "Your timing couldn't have been better for a visit. I think we should start out by telling you the good news."
Kari looked confused. "You already told us about the retirement, Dad."
All eyes were on Chet as he looked over at Carol. Jessica had a funny feeling in the pit of her stomach. Will there be two announcements tonight?
"Your dad isn't losing it, Kari. That's not the biggest news. Jessica, here, will be receiving a commendation from the department at my retirement dinner for her help with solving the arson, too." Appreciative murmurs followed this, and Worth squeezed Jessica's knee under the table in support. "But that's not the biggest news, either."
Chet stood a little straighter and cleared his throat, suddenly emotional. "Kari and Keith, you've both known Carol for most of your lives. Greg, her late husband, worked with me for years. They were friends of your mother and me. Jessica, same story. I used to swing you by the arms, airplane style, while your dad cooked the burgers on the grill and the wives set the picnic table. I hope what we're going to say next will make all of you as happy as it's made me." He paused again to lift Carol gently from her chair. The two of them stood side by side.
She looks absolutely radiant, Jessica thought.
Chet put his arm around Carol's shoulder. "This lovely lady has agreed to be my wife."
Like rockets, the other women immediately jumped from their chairs to shower the couple with hugs and kisses. When everyone was seated again, Chet once more got their attention good-naturedly before sitting down himself. "We plan to do some traveling, but we want you all to know that we'll be here for you. We look forward to becoming a blended family. And you're fully warned: if there's any way I can convince Jon and Keith to move back to this area, I will. Remember, it will be both of our first experience at being grandparents, too."
Jessica listened to the delighted chatter all around her, feeling a bit stunned. She had expected to wow them with her announcement, and now this? She didn't want to detract from her mother's big night and had almost decided to wait when Worth elbowed her gently.
He grinned. "It's going to be fine."
When the drinks arrived and the server took their meal orders, Worth ordered a bottle of champagne, as well as sparkling water for the expectant mother. When it arrived and glasses had been poured all around, he stood. "I'd like to propose a toast." The others picked up their glasses as he said, "To Chet and Carol. May you have many happy years together."
In unison, the rest of the group echoed, "To Chet and Carol."
After everyone had taken a sip, Worth spoke again. "I would also like to toast the beautiful lady sitting next to me. Jessica agreed last weekend to be my wife. It looks like there will be not one, but two, weddings in the family."
Chet and Carol exchanged a look before beaming at Jessica. Chet stood and held up his glass. "To Jessica and Worth." The others followed suit, Layla wishing loudly that she could partake of the champagne too.
Later, as everyone enjoyed their dinners and caught up on other, albeit less exciting news, Carol left her chair to walk around behind Jessica and kiss her cheek, whispering, "I am so very happy for the two of you! I wasn't expecting this so soon, but from my own experience with Chet, when you know it's right, there's no reason to wait."
"Thank you, Mom," Jessica said with tears in her eyes. "We feel the same way."
For the rest of the get-together, conversation centered on weddings and the baby. The women decided to get together for a planning session Saturday. There were bridal showers, a baby shower—could Carol and Jessica possibly fly out—and two weddings to schedule. The men mostly listened and shook their heads, glad to let the women plan and plot for the time being.
By dessert, it appeared to Carol and Chet that their hope for a happy blended family was becoming a reality before their very eyes. After Chet's family excused themselves for the evening to return to their respective hotels, the other couples stayed to discuss dates over coffee.
Chet and Carol wanted a private ceremony with only the children present, followed by a reception for friends. Surely, a month was long enough to plan that, they agreed. They would put both houses on the market and buy a new one together; Jessica offered to help.
"Thanks, Jess!" Chet said. "I've put a bug in my kids' ears to move back, but we don't want to wait. With everything else on your plate, that's very generous of you."
Jessica looked at Worth and grinned. "I have a pretty understanding boss."
"I'll help, too," he offered, adding with mock sternness, "as long as you meet your deadlines." They shared a laugh. "My mother—everyone calls her Molly—is chomping at the bit to help with our wedding so that will take some of the pressure off Jessica."
"We're all set, so now you two need to set a date," Carol said. "Any idea how soon you want to do this?"
"We definitely do not want a long engagement," Jessica mused. She checked the calendar app on her phone. "What about four months from now?
