Page 67 of Ice Ice Maybe
“No,” Zena and I said in unison.
We turned to each other and burst out laughing.
Mr. Dalton’s expression could have curdled milk. “Listen—I need your help. I want to plan an enormous party for our thirtieth wedding anniversary and renew our vows, but I want it to be a surprise for your mother.”
The blood appeared to drain from Zena’s face.
This could not be happening.
“We’re in luck because our anniversary falls on a Saturday this year,” he continued, echoing Mrs. Dalton’s exact sentiment. “I wanted to put that in your ear and make sure I can count on you both to help with some of the logistics, and to make sure she doesn’t find out. I’m making some drastic changes to my life. This is important to me and I trust you two.”
Zena hesitated for a split second before plastering on a smile. “Of course! This is going to be so much fun.”
I marveled at her ability to sound enthusiastic in the face of impending disaster.
Mr. Dalton turned to me. “Nolan? Can I count on you as well? You and Zena are spending more time together anyway, so it’s perfect.”
I nodded, trying to keep my voice steady. “It would be an honor.”
“Fantastic! Thank you.” He clapped me on the back so hard I nearly face-planted into the carpet. “Oh, and one more thing …”He glanced around furtively before pulling out a red velvet box from his jacket. “I’m surprising her with a new ring.”
Zena’s eyes widened. “Are you crazy? Why do you have that here with you?”
“I couldn’t leave it in the suite because I was afraid she would find it,” Mr. Dalton explained, glancing around nervously.
“You bought it here in Nashville?” I curiously asked.
Mr. Dalton nodded. “Yes. We were shopping after lunch and wandered into a jewelry shop where I bought her a pair of diamond earrings. But while we were there, she spotted this ring in the display and tried it on, saying she liked it a lot.”
I was impressed by his spontaneity, but asked, “Why do you need to hide it if she knows you bought it?”
Mr. Dalton shook his head. “She has no idea. I pretended I didn’t like it and she reluctantly gave it back to the sales clerk. But after we got back to the hotel, I snuck back out and returned to the store to buy it.”
Zena raised an eyebrow. “Sneaky, Dad.”
“And now I need you to be sneaky,” he said. “I want you to hold on to it for me.”
Zena looked like she’d been asked to juggle live grenades. “Why?”
“Because you’re my daughter and I trust you with it,” Mr. Dalton said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “We’ll reconvene another time to map out details of the reception.”
I cleared my throat when I spotted Mrs. Dalton entering the suite. “Incoming.”
Zena quickly hid the box behind her back as Mr. Dalton went to intercept his wife.
“This is a nightmare,” she said, panic in her eyes. “How are we going to plan two parties on the same night? I can’t tell one of them to give up the idea. First, I have no logical excuse, and second, I doubt they would anyway.” She opened her small purseand tried to stuff the ring box inside, but failed. She tried again, to no avail, and groaned. “It won’t fit in my purse.”
“How is that possible?” I asked. “What the heck do you have in your purse?”
“Things!” Zena said. “Put it in your pocket until we get back to the hotel.”
“No way!” I protested, stepping back like it was poisonous. “I don’t want to be responsible for that ring. I’m sure it costs more than my yearly salary.”
“Nothing is going to happen to it!” she insisted. “Do it. Please.”
Reluctantly, I slid the box into my front pocket, shaking my head. “Is it possible to have just one relaxing day without surprises?”
“With my family? Ha!” Zena said. “That’s about as likely as a penguin tap dancing down Honky Tonk Highway.” She linked her arm through mine. “Now, let’s go eat before the next crisis hits. I hear the universe is scheduling another curveball for dessert.”
