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“Thank you for this evening. I’m sure it has something to do with Michelle and Avi.”
“That’s right,” I confess. “But also for Rachel. I’d love to have more of these family gatherings, bringing her closer both to me and to Avi. By the way, your life as a single man is officially over.” I tease him. “As soon as you finish shooting your movie this is going to be your life, too,” I playfully taunt him, then giggle.
“Are you for real?” He smiles. “It’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of,” he looks into my eyes. “You’re everything I’ve ever dreamed of. Let’s get out. Your guests have started to arrive,” he takes me into his arms, and we head towards the large living room. “Don’t worry, I’ve told Michelle to behave.”
I smile and kiss him on the cheek.
People start coming in, kissing and hugging. There are positive vibes all around; I’m pleased.
I seat Rachel next to Avi, Michelle next to Michael, Dean at the head of the table and Roy at my side. Avi’s brothers and sisters and their children – they all take their places. I’ve made sure that my parents sit on front of Avi and Rachel, and I’ve taken every detail into account, making sure that all my guests are comfortable and at ease. Dean blesses the wine and the challah, and we all dig in, relishing the delicious dishes that Silvia and a couple of other waitresses serve us. We’re all having a splendid time, laughing and talking.
Rachel is moved. I make a point to include her in every discussion, emphasizing just how important she is to me and to all those present. Avi looks at me all evening with admiration. My parents are also appreciative of the respect we show them, especially Avi, who repeatedly says: “If I had such a wonderful daughter, I would have been the happiest man alive,” or “Thank goodness her genes are going to mix up with mine,” everyone burst out laughing.
When dinner is over, he clinks his wine glass and want to say a couple of words. We all look at him, awaiting his speech.
“So, apparently, we’re all one big family now,” he smiles. “I guess, I’m going to have to learn to live with it,” he chuckles self-consciously. “First of all, I want to thank my amazing future wife who worked so hard and put so much effort into organizing this beautiful celebration. You’re the best, my love,” he raises his glass higher. “Now, I have something for you too, my little man!” He looks at Roy and pulls out a silver key. “Come with me.”
Roy is excited. We’re all curious and follow them.
“This is your room!” He opens a door to a room I hadn’t known even existed. It’s right next to our main bedroom.
The room is richly, yet neatly designed with everything imaginable: toy trucks, puzzles, a variety of plush animals, an arts and crafts table, Legos, a desk and a laptop. It’s everything that Roy loves. I’m so moved, tears of joy fill my eyes.
“Now for the cherry on the cake!” He crouches down and says in a soft voice to an ecstatic Roy, “this is your key, in case you get fed up with seeing us.” Roy bursts out laughing.
Roy is over the moon. He gives him a huge hug. Avi steals a couple of kisses from him and then lets him go. Roy storms into his room to check out all the new and enticing toys.
I embrace Avi. “You’re the absolute best! You’re the most perfect man in the world!”
“No, Sam, I’m not perfect. But I am finally whole,” he squeezes me.
Michelle sits on the side and watches us silently. She stifles a couple of tears, but I think she finally realizes that we’re both very happy together. I’m dying for her to find true love that would occupy her every moment and remedy her wounds, just as it did for me.
“And this is for you,” he leads us to the living room and hands me a white envelope.
“Avi, enough. I beg of you! What is this? I can’t handle any more surprises and treats.”
“Open it!”
I open it with concern and find an official court letter. Matthew had given up his shared custody and I now have sole custody over Roy.
“Impossible! How did this happen?” I’m bewildered, scratching my head.
He laughs.
“Well, while you were busy arranging all this, I had a little chat with Matthew. I explained to him what it meant growing up without a full-time mom, and told him how it can scar a kid,” he kisses his mother’s hand, lest he offends her. “He got it. He also agreed that this was the right thing to do. He’s sure we’ll do a good job raising Roy. I told him he was always welcome to visit, see Roy and spend time with him. Perhaps, later on, he’ll be able to join these dinners,” he gestures at the table. “What do you think?”
“I don’t know what to say,” I wipe away a tear of joy.
“There’s nothing to say, gorgeous. I’m here for you! Just like you are here for me, too. I want to make you as happy as I can, which is exactly what you do for me, day in and out. I’m so lucky that I’ll be sharing my life with you,” he kisses my hand. All our guests are excited and clap enthusiastically.
“Thank you, Avi, this is the most wonderful surprise you’ve ever done for me,” I fall silent.
Michael hugs both of us warmly.
“Avi, you’re a champ. I love you, man,” he pats him on the back.
Our amazing evening comes to its conclusion and I’m overcome with relief and joy from all the day’s events. I’m so terribly exhausted that I immediately fall asleep.
