A Night to Remember

          It was 6:00 and things were almost ready. Ted would be home any minute. Cindy set the table with the “special occasion” plates and silverware.

She turned off all the lights and arranged some fragrant candles throughout the room.  She put two candles on the table with a vase of flowers for the

centerpiece. She had taken special care to make sure that her hair and make-up were perfect and put on the silky red dress which she had purchased

two months ago for this occasion. The kids had already been picked up to go spend the night with Auntie Lisa, so there would be no distractions this

evening. She sprayed a few sprays of Ted’s favorite perfume and was just pouring some wine into two glasses as she heard rustling at the front door.

She hurriedly walked over to meet him.

            As soon as Ted entered the room, Cindy threw her arms around him and kissed him.

“Welcome home, dear,” she said.

“It’s good to be home,” Ted said, putting down his briefcase to return the embrace.

“You must be tired. Let me take your coat for you.”

Ted gave her his coat and hat and slowly moved into the dining room. “What’s with the candles? Did the power go out?”

“No, I just thought it would be a nice change of pace to eat by candle light.”

“At this point it doesn’t matter what type of lighting we have as long as we eat. I’m starving.”

“I’m glad you are hungry. I made your favorite: three meat lasagna.”

“Thanks, honey. You didn’t have to…Wait a minute. Do you hear that?”

“Hear what? I don’t hear anything.”

“Exactly. That is the sound of peace and quiet. So, where are those little rascals? It’s a little early for them to be in bed.”

“They went to spend the night at my sister’s house.” Cindy hesitated for a moment and then continued, “That means we have the whole evening to

ourselves.”

“That’s great, dear. I needed a night to relax. It has been really hectic at work. It’s a nice night out tonight. I think we should take a walk. What do you

say?”

“That sounds great. Let’s go later though.”

They sat eating in silence for a few minutes when Ted spoke up. “This lasagna is really good. By the way, you look really nice tonight.”

At this Cindy leaned forward and gazed at Ted in anticipation of his next words.

“Thank you”, she said softly.

“Wait a minute.” Ted said. “I see what’s going on here. You and your fancy dress and make-up and all these candles and the lasagna. And here I

thought you forgot. It was about one month ago when I got that promotion at work. And we never did have a proper celebration.”

Cindy immediately ran upstairs crying. “You forgot. I can’t believe you forgot.”

After a few minutes, Cindy came back downstairs. “Are you ready for that walk now?” Ted said.

“How can you think of taking a walk at a time like this?”

“It would be good to get some fresh air, and there is something I want to show you.”

“Fine, but after this walk I am never speaking to you again.”

Secretly, Ted slipped something into his pocket as they headed out the door. They walked together silently until they reached the park.

“What’s that?” Ted asked. “Over there in the bush.”

“What, you mean that paper someone littered in the bush?”

“It looks like an envelope”, Ted said as they moved toward the bush. “Check it out. I think I see some writing on it.”

            Cindy reached into the bush and pulled out a purple envelope with her name on the outside and a card inside. The card read: Happy

Anniversary to the most beautiful woman in the world. Love Always, Ted.

            Ted slid his hand into his pocket and pulled out a small velvety box. Inside was a silver necklace encasing a pearl. Taking the necklace he

gently placed it around her neck fastening it for her. As they walked home, Cindy began to cry again. Then, calming herself she said, “I love you Ted,

but if you ever do something like that to me again, I will kill you.”

“I know. I love you too.”