woman was. She still took his breath away.
“Dante?” Tanyalee gave and received lots of hugs, the whole while smiling at him. She ran over and he picked her up in his arms, kissing her without a bit of modesty. There were cheers all around. The band broke out into the “Happy Birthday” song.
“I can’t believe you did this!” she said, hugging him tight, careful not to squeeze his right shoulder.
“It was a group effort,” he said.
After about a half hour of mingling, music, and appetizers, it was time for the main event. Dante took Tanyalee to the bandstand and pulled up a chair for her. A steady stream of presents and cards arrived for her to open. Some were lovely and thoughtful, like the customized stationery she received from Daya and Dante’s mom, and the handmade scarf Temple Smathers’s wife had crocheted for Tanyalee. There were lots of books and joke gifts. Fern gave Tanyalee a DVD collection of all the Karate Kid movies, for some reason. Cheri and J.J. gave her a dinner for two in one of Asheville’s nicest restaurants, and Candy and Turner gave her a salon gift certificate, which made her squeak with happiness. Eventually, it was time for Dante’s present.
While Cheri and Daya picked up torn ribbons and crumpled wrapping paper, Tater Wayne and O’Connor quietly handed out plastic champagne flutes and opened bottles of bubbly. Dante tried to keep Tanyalee occupied so she wouldn’t get too suspicious.
“I have something very special for you tonight,” Dante said, pulling out a small box wrapped in pale pink satiny paper and tied with a chiffon bow.
Tanyalee smacked her hand over her mouth in shock, her eyes huge and glistening with tears. When a few people clapped and cheered, Viv shushed them.
“Not yet, ya’ll!” she said.
Dante reached for Tanyalee’s hand and pulled her to a stand. He saw that she was trembling. He really hoped that she would forgive him for this one day, but honestly, it was just too perfect to pass up.
“Happy birthday to the woman I love.” She gazed up at him with her bottomless blues, happiness radiating from her delicate face. “You have completely turned my life upside down, Tanyalee. You’ve taught me what love looks and feels like, and you’ve helped me remember how good it feels to laugh. I hope you enjoy your present.”
He placed the box in her palm.
“Would you like to sit down, sweetheart?”
“I think maybe I should,” she whispered.
It took forever for Tanyalee to peel off the wrapping paper and bow. Dante realized she was savoring it. Oh, God, he hoped he wasn’t making a horrible mistake. Wes had said it was a great idea, but what the hell did Wes know?
Dante closed his eyes. The anticipation was killing him.
“Well, here goes!” Tanyalee pulled off the last bit of paper to reveal a lovely black velvet box. She blinked.
Yes, it was bigger than might be required on an occasion like this. Some of her radiant happiness had already morphed into confusion.
Tanyalee pulled back the lid. She gasped. She lifted out her own pink and silver charm bracelet and held it up to the bandstand lights.
There was an awkward moment of silence, then she said, “Why, would you look at this!” She smiled as hard as she could. “It’s my bracelet … from … from the day we met!”
“Here, let me help you put it on.” Dante leaned in close and hooked the clasp, then gave it a little twirl. It tinkled as it spun on her wrist. He kissed her sweetly.
Tanyalee held her left wrist frozen in the raised position. She placed her other hand on her chest, looking out at the partygoers, confused but trying desperately not to show her disappointment.
Oh, no, baby. Dante repeated the words in his head: Look at it, Taffy. Look at it carefully. Look at the charms on your bracelet.
“Well, this is just the sweetest gesture, Dante.” She choked. “I have my bracelet back!”
And that’s when she gave it one last glance. She saw it—the pink diamond engagement ring set in white gold, hanging from the charm bracelet right next to the silver heart engraved with the word “Taffy.”
“OhsweetbabyJesus!” Tanyalee jumped up from the chair, knocking it over. She stared at the bracelet now held aloft like the Statue of Liberty’s flame. By the time she whirled around in his direction Dante was down on one knee. Everyone’s champagne flutes were held ready.
“Tanyalee Marie Newberry…”
“Dante! Oh, Lord!”
“… I want you to have something