Thankfully, the sound of Tabitha’s voice cut through the chatter and changed the picture in Bella’s mind. “Excuse me, ladies. May I have your attention?”
The ladies walked over to where Tabitha stood making her announcement. “Now, that most of us are here, we can startpiling into the carts and head over to the lake house. There, we’ll have dinner and then sip and paint.”
Bella jumped up and down like a giddy child. She had absolutely no artistic talent whatsoever, but she’d always wanted to sip and paint.
“One more thing,” Tabitha added. “Victoria, we have a helipad. Please have your pilot remove your helicopter from our lawn.”
“Yes, Dr, Creed. I’ll call her right now.”
“This is a conversation I never thought I’d be a party to,” Bella commented under her breath.
“Thank you. Now, we can go.”
After they all climbed into the golf carts. They drank and laughed the five minutes it took to get to the lake house. Bella had never seen it so well lit. They exited the golf carts and filed into the lake house. It was beautiful inside. One large dining table was set beautifully with floral centerpieces and Wedgewood China. As if the table wasn’t beautiful enough, it was placed in front of a wall of glass with a stunning backdrop of Lake Creed and its plush surroundings.
“Wow,” Bella gushed. “This is incredible.” She crossed the room, shocked to see that Dr. Creed had hired DJ Pharris, a famous Chicago DJ and staple in urban radio.Sheturned to her future mother-in-law.“What do you know about DJ Pharris?”
Tabitha Creed shook her head. “Not a thing. However, I do have a black daughter-in-law who appreciates urban music.”
Bella laughed and wrapped her arm around Lucas’ mother. “Now, you have two.”
Tabitha took a step back and grabbed Bella by the shoulders. She kissed her cheek, looked her in the eye, and said, “Welcome to the family.”
Bella grinned from ear to ear.
“Come on. Let me show you to your seat.” By the hand, she led Bella to the head of the table. “You sit here.”
Bella sat and admired the calligraphy on the classy place cards. The seats had been assigned. Donna, her maid of honor, was seated to her right. And Taylor, her matron of honor, was positioned to her left with Niyah, a bride’s maid, sitting to the left of Taylor.
Tabitha Creed took her place at the other end of the table. She retrieved a small bell from the table and shook it until she caught the ladies’ attention. “Ladies, please take your seats. Dinner is about to be served.”
The rest of the ladies took their seats. Because everyone was a bit drunk, it took a minute to get settled.
Once every ass was in a chair, Taylor stood. She straightened her pillbox hat, tugged on the teeny-weenie skirt, and cleared her throat. “I would like to thank you all for coming.” After the first three words, it was clear that she was a bit on the drunk side. “I have a surprise for our bride-to-be. Now, a lot of you don’t know this, but our very own Belladonna is a huge foodie.”
Donna nodded. “It’s true. She is,” she confirmed.”
“Well, my beautiful mother-in-law was gracious enough to let me handle this evening’s dinner.” Taylor turned to Tabitha and mouthed, “Thank you.”
Tabitha blew her a kiss in return.
“Now,” Taylor continued. “I happen to know who Bella’s favorite chef is.”
Bella’s eyes grew wide. She jumped to her feet. “No!”
“Yes!” Taylor confirmed.
Bella craned her neck to look toward the kitchen. And sure enough, out popped, award-winning chef, Marcus Samuelson and four servers.
“Oh, my God!” Bella squealed with glee. She could not believe she was going to get the chance to eat food prepared by her favorite celebrity chef.
Marcus approached with an outstretched hand. “Congratulations.”
Bella accepted his hand and shook it. “Thank you so very much. I’m really looking forward to everything you prepared.”
“Good. I pray you enjoy.” The chef took a step back and held out his hands to the group of women. “Shall we begin?”
“Yes, Chef!” Bella shouted like they did on her favorite television competition show.
