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It was a captivating cloudless evening in Heather Field. A gorgeous woman who was far older then she looked was getting gussied up for the night. Yet the woman, Nerissa, was thrilled. While most individuals didn't like their birthdays as they got older, Nerissa, on the other hand? She was ecstatic because it meant she could finally celebrate with her husband and child!
Nerissa wasn't entirely sure how her beloved son had accomplished it. Somehow her dearest Caleb had managed to secure them a highly expensive and exclusive restaurant reservation—one of those locations where it ordinarily took six months to book a spot for dinner. So naturally, the ex-guardian wanted to look beyond flawless for her memorable dinner.
She'd been amused that her daughter-in-law Cornelia had gotten Caleb and Julian custom suits for dinner. Cornelia had opted not to join them. She didn't want to intrude on Caleb's family time. Nor did she want to leave their son with a babysitter. Therefore, she only told her husband to enjoy his time with his mom.
Nerissa gazed at the gown she'd created herself. The velvet gown was rose pink, embellished with dozens of roses and butterflies. In addition, she sported several diamond accessories with a jeweled butterfly hairpiece. "You look divine, my dear," her husband Julian called from the doorway. She turned and smiled as her husband cleaned up nicely. After all, this restaurant was where you needed to be formal.
"My fair rebel. You look even more dashing then I ever dreamed," as she kissed him deeply.
"Anything for my precious one," he whispered amorously back.
"Where is Caleb?" the tall raven-haired beauty asked. She hadn't seen him yet and longed to see her son dressed up for the night.
"Cornelia helping him get his suit on. He's never had to wear one before. And he doesn't know how to tie a tie," her husband explained with glee. Nerissa only giggled in return before answering back.
"Well, my son will always be handsome no matter what. He's the best of both of us! So perfect in every way!" she declared happily. She loved her son so much, even if she hadn't always been able to show it.
"I know you've yearned for this day. We missed so much time together because of..." she stopped her husband by putting a finger to his lips.
"Hush, my darling. We need not think of all that tonight. Let us rejoice as a family tonight!" she replied as she played with his chocolate locks.
"Well, I won't tell anyone your age if it makes you feel better," her husband teased as he ran his fingers through her fine silky ebony hair.
"You better not! I've not worked so hard to rebuild my life for people to chastise me for not acting my age!" she warned him, to which he only chuckled. They then kissed once more before their son shouted out.
"Mom? Dad? Are you ready?" Caleb asked as he walked in a snazzy suit. Nerissa smiled as she'd never seen her child look so handsome!
"Oh, Caleb! You look like a real prince! I need to get a photo. Give me a minute!" Nerissa dashed off to find her digital camera.
Caleb tugged at his tie nervously. "How do people wear this stuff? I feel like I'm dying in this suit!" whispered Caleb to his father.
"Caleb, we agreed we're doing this for your mother. Besides, it can't be any worse then your wedding," his father whispered back, to which his son frowned.
"My wedding outfit wasn't strangling me like this tie is!" Before his father could retort, Nerissa came back with the camera.
"Okay, you two stand together! I want a perfect shot of this!" her husband and child did as she asked. She then snapped a picture before they rotated around to get plenty of family pictures. Then, finally, the family was off to dinner. Soft music was being played in the corner. There was a small dance floor and a big crystal chandelier. Indeed a beautiful sight.
Again, Nerissa didn't know how Caleb managed to get them a reservation, but she was delighted. Truthfully, Caleb had gotten some help from the Guardians. He'd asked Cornelia and the girls for help. So each of them played some part in making tonight magical. That included how he was affording tonight's dinner. That came from Elyon, who gave him gold to swap out for money to pay for tonight. But all that mattered to him was giving his mother the birthday she deserved.
Their dinner included roast beef, smoked salmon, and a gigantic salad. Nerissa had requested nonalcoholic beverages, so they drank cranberry juice instead. The dessert was sorbet. The family talked about recent events and how Caleb's son was doing. What plans they have as a family, and how Nerissa's new fashion line and modeling career was coming along.
They also discussed some recent events in Meridian. Along with again attempting to move past their tragic past. To forget about the time they'd lost and make the most of the time they had now. Julian then asked Nerissa to dance which she gleefully agreed.
Caleb only sighed happily as he watched his parents waltz. He'd wished his whole life for the life he had now. Having both his parents together and them being a loving family. Sure, he'd never forget his shock when he learned Nerissa was his mother.
However, he was glad he gave her a second chance. A chance for her to be the person she was meant to be. While she never fully let go of all her negative traits, that was alright. He loved her for who she was, flaws and all. In the end, it had been quite a magical birthday indeed.