AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Madam, can I start serving?” a male voice interrupted them.
Erin spun toward the man in the apron. “Who are you?”
“I’m your caterer. I’ll serve the first portions, then leave the various dishes on the warmers for you to have seconds.”
“Oh my God, I can’t believe my eyes.” Tormented by confusing emotions, she spun towards Tim. “This is like a fairytale.”
“Just a dinner at home instead of dragging you out with the twins in rainy weather.”
He seemed so pleased with himself, she gloried briefly in his attention. “You’re amazing.” A warm glow flew through her. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
“Say you’re happy,” he urged, his voice a velvet murmur.
“I am incredibly happy.” She pushed her chair and stepped next to him to kiss his cheek. “Thank you, thank you, my dear friend.”
“Then I’m happy celebrating with you.”
He signaled to the caterer who brought plastic aprons and bibs for all the children. “We don’t want a single stain on your pretty outfits.”
The kids slipped on their aprons and bibs, and the caterer served them.
“We have glazed ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, easy to swallow for the babies, and broccoli the kids can grab by hand or with a fork.”
He served the children on china plates and the twins in plastic plates, then cut the ham and turkey into tiny bites for the twins and Becky. “We have fizzy orange drinks for the children. Is everything okay?”
“Everything is delicious,” Teresa assured him.
“Thank you, Matt. We’ll be fine.” Tim poured wine for Teresa, Erin, and himself. “You can leave now.”
“Happy Easter everyone.” The man bowed with a flourish, grabbed his coat, and left.
The children did their best to eat neatly. When the babies finished their plates, Erin brought them two bottles. “I’d better put them in their playpen to enjoy their bottles. They’ll soon fall asleep.”
“I’ll take care of them. Don’t move. Up-up, buddies.” Tim opened his arms to the babies, and pulled them out to carry them to their playpen.
The adults had a second serving while the children gathered in front of the TV to watch a fun cartoon.
“I think we can relax for a moment,” Tim suggested.
It was the family’s first holiday without their husband and father. Thanks to Tim, it turned out to be a real family holiday.
Tim must have guessed her thoughts. “I know we miss the most important members of our families. We’ll never forget them.” He raised his glass. “We toast to their unforgettable memories.” Erin clinked her glass against his.
“Yes, we’ll never forget them.”
“Next week, my firm is holding a ball, a formal meet and greet event for our wealthy clients, at the Fremont Hotel,” Tim announced. “It’s the first time they do it. Would you accompany me, Erin?” He looked at her eagerly.
Good God, he was inviting her as his guest. Could she go? She’d just lost her husband three months ago.
“I have to think about it. I’m still in mourning,” she mumbled uncomfortably.
“So am I. I was about to decline and thought we could keep each other company. Think about it and give me an answer before next week.”
He didn’t insist or try to rush her. She’d never been to an official ball for the usual reasons —no time and no money.
Teresa’s gaze shifted from Tim to her, and her smile widened.
“Thanks to Tim, I didn’t step in the kitchen today. Even yesterday, I didn’t do anything,” she said. “Except try to imagine your surprise, Erin.” Teresa chuckled.
