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“I promise you’ll love it. It’ll be here at the house and won’t have too many people. Family and the closest of friends. I just want to celebrate you. Especially after everything we’ve been through this last year.”

When Manny said “celebrate,” Ivy had immediately become apprehensive. The feeling heightened when Etheline Farrow showed up to fit Ivy for an evening gown. The designer’s appearance was a sure sign that the ‘celebration’ was going to be over the top. Etheline tried to put her at ease.“Doh worry Darling. Not only will you be stunning in this dress. I promise it will be comfortable.”

Despite her apprehension about tomorrow, she was attending her birthday bash. Ivy was really trying to be grateful that Manny wanted to do something so special for her birthday. She just wished he remembered how much she didn’t like being in the limelight. Kimberlin and she were out for their regular spa day. Ivy had kept her misgivings to herself, but when Etheline had called and said she was waiting at her house for the last fitting, she broke her silence.

“Girl, I have no idea why Manny would arrange for an over-the-top birthday celebration. I hate being in the limelight. Why can’t I just slip into my last year of my forties quietly?”

Kimberlin had been thoughtful before she answered. “I don’t know what to tell you. He should know you better. Let’s go do your fitting and then we’ll go to lunch.”

It wasn’t ideal to drive all the way back to her home for the fitting, but Ivy tried to take it in stride.

“The upside is you have the week off after the party. Just get through it and then set firm boundaries for what you want in the future,” Kimberlin advised.

By the time they arrived at her home, she had resolved to take her friend’s advice.

“Hey Doc,” Manny greeted her when she walked in the door. “I wasn’t expecting you, but I’m glad to see you.” He engulfed her in a hug. “I’m working on something. Come with me for a second?”

“Sure.” she agreed as he took her hand. “Has Etheline arrived yet?”

“No, she isn’t around,” he answered as he led her towards the den.

“Surprise!!” The room erupted as she entered. The space was filled with her close friends and family. Everyone was dressed casually, much like she was in a blouse and jeans.

Manny slipped his hand around her waist drawing her close. “Cat got your tongue, Doc?” he pressed a kiss to her temple.

“Is this my party?” Ivy looked up at him, awestruck.

“More like party slash barbeque.” He winked at her.

“Oh, wow.” She managed to get out before her loved ones began to greet her.

Ivy overheard Sage handing out praise. “I think you did it, Daddy. You pulled off the surprise. High five, Aunty Kimberlin, good job. You kept Momma busy.”

Frank embraced her, “You didn’t see it coming, did you, Cuz?”

He laughed.

The only fair thing to do was to pinch his side.

“Ouch. What did I do?”

“We’ll talk later about how you set me up.” Ivy chided. Her cousin played her.

Ivy was mentally preparing herself for an elaborate bash, but what Manny gave her was so much better. The vibe was so chilled. Well, mostly chilled, her great aunt Flora was in attendance, and the woman didn’t have a filter. Like none.

“Hello Aunty Flora, it’s so good to see you.” And it was.

In truth, she was shocked to see her aunt. The woman never left Nova Scotia. Nevertheless, they invited her to every event, to which she always declined.

“I know you’re surprised to see me, Baby. One Sunday, the Preacher was talking about people not going nowhere in life. Now, I’m not saying he was throwing shade at me, but the next day I got the invitation to come see you all, so I thought two stones, one bird.”

Ivy knew better than to correct her aunt. Instead, she moved the conversation along. “Are you having a good time?”

“I’m enjoying myself. I was worried the food would be too hoity-toity for me, but your husband knows how to order a good spread. Now he should have let me make my shrimp salad with the dill… but I’m glad he didn’t put out no cucumber sandwich fingers. When I told him not to, I wasn’t sure he’d listen.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying the food.”

“I would enjoy it more if I could get a liqueur up in my glass, but it isn’t even five o’clock. Just wait.” Her aunt let out a boisterous laugh.

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