“The student has become the master,” he says with a little wink.
The two of us work together quickly to get the meals plated while the rain pelts the boarded-up windows and the wind howls. Once we’ve served everything, the two of us sit down to eat.
Harrison, who is seated next to Libby in the centre of the horseshoe, raises his glass of white and mouths, “Well done!” to me.
I shrug and mouth back, “De nada.”
After a few minutes, Harrison and Libby both stand, and Harrison clinks the side of his glass with his fork to get everyone's attention.
“Hey, we’re supposed to do that,” Rosy says haughtily.
“Kiss her!” Darnell shouts.
“Wait till you’re in your room!” Will calls, earning him a laugh.
“Libby and I would like to thank everyone for being here to make this happen. We know it was a lot to ask for you all to come here and to have to stay here to ride out the storm with us.”
“At a five-star resort with a stocked fridge?” Nelson says. “I don’t think anyone minds as much as you think.”
Harrison grins at his best friend, then looks around the table. “It’s on a day like today that you really realize how lucky you are to have family and friends to share your life with,” Harrison says, his eyes looking a little misty, if I’m not mistaken. “On an occasion like this, you can’t help but think about the people who couldn’t be here. In particular, Libby’s grandparents who are back in Avonia, and her best friend, Alice, but also my mum and dad, who I know would have loved knowing my beautiful bride. We lost them at such a young age, and it made me aware of how important it is to make the most of the time you’ve got, and how you need to keep the people you love close.” Harrison looks right at me when he says it and gives me a meaningful look. I tear up and blow him a kiss.
Looking at me, he says, “So, thank you for sharing this day, and our lives, with us.”
Libby puts her arm around her new husband’s back and says, “Yes, thank youallfor turning this space into the perfect place for us to get married. And I’d like to extend our eternal gratitude to Emma and Junior for this incredible meal. Emma planned the menu herself and it was a delightful surprise for us. We didn’t know what she had in store, but we knew it would be wonderful, and it was. Truly spectacular, Emma, especially given the lack of power.”
“No problem,” I say, revelling in the moment.
“Seriously, Emma, this was amazing,” Harrison says. “I think this may be the best meal I've ever eaten. I had no idea my kid sister was so talented.” He holds up his glass and says, “Please raise your glasses to Emma.”
“To Emma.” Murmurs of agreement come from around the room and I sit feeling awkward. Okay, maybe awkward isn't the right word. Maybe thrilled or proud or ecstatic would be more accurate.
Harrison holds up his glass to me. “Today has been perfect, and that’s because of you.”
Libby gives me a little wink, then takes a deep breath and says, “Harrison and I also have an announcement to make. If all goes according to plan, in six months, we’ll be welcoming a new addition to the family.”
“We’re having a baby!” Harrison says, beaming.
Rosy bursts into tears, sobbing audibly as she gets up and walks over to squeeze the life out of both of them. Tears fill my eyes and my mouth hangs open.
From across the room, I hear Penny say, “Wait. I’m going to be a grandma?”
* * *
It’s late in the evening and I’m alone in the kitchen wearing a headlamp while I scrub the pots and pans. I decided to get the job over with when Libby and Harrison went up to their suite. I told Junior to stay at the party, which is still going as strong as the rain outside.
My mobile buzzes and I glance at it, my heart skipping a beat like it has for the sixteen weeks since Pierce left. It’s not him of course, but an alert from the Benavente Weather Service stating that the storm has been downgraded and won’t be turning into a full-blown hurricane. I let out a sigh of relief knowing that we’ve escaped massive damage and the months of cleanup that comes with it.
The power hasn’t come back on, but I don’t even care. I don’t care if I’m standing at this sink for another week because I’m still riding the high of making the perfect Carib-Asian wedding feast.
The door swings open and Harrison walks in, his bowtie hanging loosely around his opened shirt collar.
“I thought you went upstairs already,” I say.
“I did, but Libby was out like a light about thirty seconds after we got in the room.” He smiles, looking completely content as he opens the fridge and takes out two beers.
“She must be exhausted.”
“Yup. It’s been a long couple of days for her, especially considering she’s pregnant.” He twists the tops off both beers and sets one down next to the sink for me, then has a swig of his before picking up a dish towel.
