Winston wiped his sweaty palms on his thighs as he waited for Lake. Did he have time for a quick smoke? He knew he shouldn't be smoking anymore and hardly did but he was nervous. Today was the day, a day he had been preparing for. It had been two weeks after their coffee date and now Winston stood outside an old green house. It wasn't a greenhouse anymore, now it was used for events such as weddings, parties and dinners. This place was private since it a bit secluded and large enough for a good amount of people. The place was gorgeous, his family had helped him. Well it was more like Maisie helped, Colton had no idea what to do when it came to decorating. Winston also wasn't good, he knew Lake liked the clean and white look and the decorators pulled it off to a tee. The lighting was gorgeous and gave a very intimate aura. Everyone but Lake knew what was going to happen today, but to Lake this was just going to be a nice dinner. A nice five course dinner and just time to spend together. He had told her it would be a nice dinner with family to help her with the lost of hers. Which was the truth, but she would also be joining it. It wasn't such a rare event anymore after the marriage of his mother to their step dad.
When one walked inside, that tables were in a U shape. A table directly facing you when you walk in, and two tables on either side. The tables didn't have any cloth on them, but they had a white table running going down the middle. Chairs lined the table with a white cushion on the seat, and the table already had plates, napkins and cultery set out. Warm vanilla scented candles lined the tables as center pieces, but were not so tall to stop communication from both sides. Water pinchers already filled with water were placed on the tables. The only table that had reservations on it was the middle table. The middle table only had chairs on the side furthest away from the door and those seats were for Lake and Winston. They were to be seated in the middle two chairs so eyes would easily be on them. The other two seats were for his mother and his step dad. There were servers waiting on the side the venue waiting for everyone to get there, but also there for drink requests other than water.
Some guest were already inside, like Colton with the box and ring. Winston didn't want any of that on him, he didn't want Lake to get an idea. He had told Lake a later time than normal so he could have time to get ready. Not all of the guest were here, since he thought it would be weird to have everyone else here and then bring Lake inside. That would be too on the money and she would get suspicious. Winston rubbed his palms on his suit legs again, he had to get them dry before she arrived. Inhaling deeply he closed his eyes, he was going to be okay. This was something he wanted to do since he had laid eyes on Lake. It would be okay, this would be great he repeated to himself as he exhaled.
A saccharine aroma of vanilla and jasmine conveyed, projecting gradually from a single woman. A symbol of femininity and resplendence gradually made her way. Dark ripples of aquamarine irises freckled with silver flecks roamed aimlessly. Lake consciously reminded herself to keep her grip firm on the pearled pouch that accessorized the look for this evening. The woman of the hour was awestruck. The venue was simple, but the decor conveyed elegance and opulence. The fairy lights danced, stringing from various points of the venue. The scenery looked as if it was depicted and illustrated straight out of one of the fantasies books, she habitually occupied herself with. How… How did he do this? Lake immediately assumed Winston was the culprit. As if a light instantaneously flickered, all the pieces pieced themselves together. The vagueness and irregularities of his schedule were all making sense! Lake had assumed it was because of the demands of his jobs, which she supposed an iota of truth did reside there.
Under the pretense of an intimate dinner, Lake adorned a simple dress in nature, but like the decor remained elegant in the same breath. The cape that draped behind her petite feminine physique shadowing her steps. Vixen via facetime had helped her pick it out. Careful steps inched further into the venue. Lake remained in a trance, only moving further when it felt instinctual to do so. Her attention and gaze remained fixated on the plating. It wasn’t until the soft but audible shuffling of another's feet did it dawn on Lake to take in her surroundings. Even though Colton existed in the same space, for her all that remained was… Winston. The handsome contours of his face were complimented easily with a tailored suit. The energetic drumming of her heart thumped loudly in the canal of her ears. It was as if the lights dimmed and he, only he, existed.
His eyes nearly exploded out of his chest as he spotted Lake walking up to him. She looked breath taking, although she was gorgeous to him no matter what. It was nice to see Lake all dressed up. It was something the both of them couldn't do often due to their new lifestyle. Which wasn't new for him, but he knew it was new for her to not get dressed up often for galas, charity works or outings to show off the family's affluence. "Wow, you look-I mean-Jus-stunning," Winston blushed as she neared. Once Lake was in his grasp, he took her hands in his as he grinned. "I just wanted to do something nice for you, since you have been working hard," He smiled. As they spoke a server came up to them and offered Moscato, water or sparkling white grape choice. Winston released one of her hands before he took a glass of sparkling grape juice in his hand and took a deep gulp. He allowed the bubbly sweet drink to coat the back of his throat as he licked his lips. Maybe the bubbly drink could help him keep his mind straight. Once Lake had chosen a drink or declined the waiter walked away towards other guest.
"I'll show you to your seat miss," Winston teased. "Most of the guest are already here so we should be able to eat soon," He told her. Winnie guided her to the table in the middle of the room. He smiled and waved at some of the guest he passed. Colton was talking to Gerald as the pair gave him a subtle nod. Colton would need Winston to calm down or he would spoil everything, got damn he just needed Winnie to take deep breathes and relax. Winston pulled the chair out for Lake to sit and once she did he pushed her in and sat beside her. He kissed her on the cheek and grinned. "Would you something to snack on? Carrots with hummus, Salmon Crostini or goat cheese tartlets with caramelized onions?" He asked her.
Maisie walked into the venue with Yvonne by her side. Sure Yvonne was a bit pissy with Maisie lying to her about the bar meeting, but she was happy that the conversation between Maisie and Sweets went well. It cost her an order of cheese fries and fried pickles but it was worth it. Maisie was at awe at how clueless Sweets was about how Yvonne felt, and how stubborn Yvonne was about her own feelings. The pair would be the death of her. She smirked softly and bumped Yvonne as the two passed by Emerald sitting next to some of her siblings. Yvonne rolled her eyes at Maisie before giving him a dry hello before she followed Maisie and sat down on the opposite side. Maisie killed Gerald on the temple before she sat down next to him.
The day was going off without a hitch at least for the Walters clan last Sweet pea had spoken to the bunch, Although the male couldn't say the same for himself. He'd gone back and forth on whether or not going to the engagement party was the right thing to do given everything that was going at the moment, despite Yvonne's assurance that the two could be civil with one another he still had the sinking feeling that if enough liquor was involved there would be a round to between the two women. One family facetime and a discussion with Mama Walters later the male had gathered enough strength to show his face. Although not without a date on his arm to keep him out of trouble with the two females. And if there was one woman who could scare others away it would be the slender brunette on his arm.
" Your late. Is everything ok " the male questioned as he held his hand out to help the Female out of her uber. " Yeah, just a little nervous is all " The woman told him giving a small smile before passing him two present boxes for the bride and groom to be. Sweet's knew what that anxiety must have felt like having some of his own. Especially when he had already disclosed to Mama Walters and Gwen the gift he had finally come up with for the couple. " It'll be fine, i got you " the male told grabbing the boxes and giving the female a kiss on the top of her head. " And i got you " the female told giving him a knowing nod of her head before taking his arm. " para siempre" Sweets stated before the female repeated the words and the two walked into the hall through a side entrance meant to be away from where Winston and Lake were.
At first he worried how they would pull off the engagement without Lake knowing that there rest of the Walters gang and those they held dear were near, but once Gwen explained that only Lake and Winston and perhaps one or two others would be entering through a specific entrance and the others would enter in a different direction and hide in a room far from them until the signal was given he knew the group had thought it through completely. As the two entered Sweet's decided to make a B-Line directly to the bar for a drink before going to say hi to the others. " One glass of Sangria and a glass of Cranberry juice " the male requested from the bartender before handing over the drink as his eyes scanned the dimly lit room to see who else was laying in wait for the happy couple to make their announcement so they could pop out and surprise them.
"You know I don't care for that twin, where is Julie?" Yvonne said with a roll of the eyes. "Hm, you liked her before she threw herself onto Sweets,"Maisie whispered as she bumped Yvonne. Gerald overheard his wife poking the bear and leaned forward to speak to Yvonne and Maisie. "I didn't know you were into poking the bear today?"Gerald smirked looking at Maisie. "Speaking of the devil, I think he may be here," Gerald added. He wasn't sure if Sweets was here, but he wanted to tease Yvonne. She did as expected and perked up, even though she tried to act like she was excited. "Oh poking the bear huh," Maisie chuckled playfully pushing Gerald. As Yvonne's eyes scanned the area she didn't see Sweets and quickly cut her eyes at Gerald. She was not in the mood to be played with. "As your punishment, can you grab me some sparkling apple cider? And Yvonne?" Maisie asked. "Can I have a lemon drop?"Yvonne asked. Gerald shook his head before he got out and made his way towards the bar.
Gerald stood at the bar before ordering a sparkling cider, lemon drop and a gin and tonic for himself. As he was waiting his attention turned once he heard a familiar voice speaking about where they were going to wait. He was surprised he brought a demon along with him. Gerald glanced back over his shoulder, he wasn't too far off. It wasn't too much of a tease, Sweets showed up sooner rather than later. As he thought about what he wanted to do, he saw a snake coming out to play.
Emerald spotted her next bag walk into the door while Yvonne was yapping away with Maisie about the whereabouts of her twin. Em slipped out of her seats, made sure her breast looked amazing in her dress before she made her way towards Sweets. She had no idea who was on his arm, and she really didn't give a fuck. "Hey Sweets and welcome. Didn't think you would show up," She smiled looking at him. Her eyes shifted over to the woman, "Hi, I'm Em. Sweet's new friend," Em grinned.
some faces were easily recognizable while others seemed knew. Witnessing the amount of people that came to celebrate the two's engagement the male couldn't help but feel a sense of joy over the life the two were able to create for themselves. Oh, how the little ducklings managed to turn into Swans. He himself took a sip of the sangria before passing his date her cup of cranberry juice. Odd, to see how the roles were reversed, and he would be the one drinking that night. Although judging by the look on the girls face it was evident that she herself would have desired one if it had been possible. No doubt the nerves had finally set in as he felt her tightening the grip on his arm as she took a sip of her cranberry juice.
A chuckle left the males lips as he looked down at her prepared to comment before he was silenced hearing someone call out top him. He has hoped it would be Mama Walters considering the two hadn't seen one another since his arrival but was surprised by another. His brows raised as he watched the female draw nearer, the glass in his hand raising to his lips as he knew this was the start of a storm. This time he refrained from giving the female a kiss on the cheek as he intended to limit the possibility of his actions causing a scene on a day meant to focus on another member joining the family. Instead choosing to give the female a polite smile and compliment. " Hey Em, that is...some dress " the male told not knowing how to describe the attire. The dress appeared to be at risk of coming off at a moments notice and the female had to focus his gaze on her hair in order to avoid seeing anything inappropriate if she made the wrong move.
Although the female on his arm had a less than welcoming aura to the female who joined them. He watched as her russet brown eyes landed on the female. Her gaze sharpened, as if lined with shards of glass as she slowly began calculating an opinion on the female before she even addressed her. He could see the wheels turning in her head and took a sip of the new drink the bartender handed him. " Friend "? the female laughed with a hint of distain as her eyes traveled down the length of the girl before her. Her glass was brought to her lips as she battled with her intrusive thoughts. Hearing his sister speak he would raise his glass in the direction of the bartender indicating he'd like another as he quickly guzzled down the half of the glass left. " Em is one of the Walters new sisters. Em this is Vixen" Sweet's told offering a smile and hoping that the mention of the Walters would stop whatever the troublemaker was concocting in her head.
It hadn't. Instead, he watched as her scowl turned into a twisted grin knowing if Yvonne and Em wasn't going to be a problem than these two certainly would be." You must not be very close since I've never heard of you. But you wouldn't be the first to mistake his basic kindness for friendship. How embarrassing for you " The female told sweetly before taking a sip of her glass. The male would say something to her in spanish warning her to control herself before seeing her smile back at him sweetly as if she hadn't done anything wrong. " Are the others on this side or still with Winston ?" Sweets questioned Em, hoping to change the topic. Perhaps if Mama or Gwen were close it would be enough to stop whatever intrusive thought seemed to be winning in his sisters mind.
When Sweets told her it was some dress, she grinned as she looked down at herself and did a small twirl. "It is something," She repeated as she smiled sweetly at him. Em noted the drink in his hand and made a mental note about the amount of liquor he was consuming. Maybe with the alcohol in his system he would be a little bit more open to conversation. He was a bit stiff and she could tell he was trying to be polite and watched what he was saying around her. Maybe he was around of Colton and didn't want to offend him which was quite annoying. Colton was her step brother and he didn't have any control over her. Em would allow him to be at peace right now, but later on tonight she would step up her game. She had to feel it out tonight especially with the brunette beside him.
Emerald cut her eyes sharply at the woman once she heard her slick mouth. She didn't need another fight to go around with her name in it, but it seemed like Sweets enjoyed being around women that would fight his battles for him. He seemed to enjoy fiery women as well that didn't have manners or knew how to hold their tongue. Em gave her a small grunt before she moved her mouth to the side as the woman spoke about a friend. She noticed Sweets order another drink, he probably thought this would be a long night. "Vixen?" Em questioned with a click of her tongue. Once again with these people and their fake names.
"Well, if you maybe talked to Sweets a little bit more, you would know what happened last night puts us more on the friendly term, but if you insist on talking out of your ass be my guest," Em told her with a smile. "Anyway," She said rolling her eyes before looking back at Sweets. "Everyone but a few are on this side. I think Colton is still with Winston waiting for them to enter, but I can show you to your seat of course. Oh it seems Gerald is back there," Em said pointing to the bar. Gerald had a tray with the drinks but was waiting slightly due to eavesdropping but now he was found out. G picked up his tray with the three drinks as he walked over to the trio towering over them. "Sweets, Vixen how is it going? I would give you guys hugs, but my hands are full. You know gotta get some drinks for the baby, and the pain in my ass," He grumbled.
Hearing the female talk about her dress Vixen would roll her eyes in a dramatic fashion. She was never one to hide her own assets but even she had enough self awareness to know when something was inappropriate. And If she believed someone was dressing proactively for the sake of stealing attention than you knew the person was wrong. " Talk more? If anything, she'd like if I called a little less " the male told chuckling in hopes of defusing the looming tension. Seeing his sister give him a playful punch in the arm it seemed to distract her, unfortunately it only lasted a few seconds before the female was ready to snap back once more.
The female would raise her left hand to her lips hiding a laugh. Knowing according to the perspective her brother had given they definitely were not on the same wave lengths. " Oh, the one who go----" before she could finish her sentence sweets hand found its way over her lips muffling her words knowing she was ready to go the kill. After a few muffled words she would bite down on the males hand watching as he shook the pain away. " Being an embarrassment must be your brand then. Let's hope you don't cause Winston and Lake any embarrassment tonight " She told flashing Em a smile as she played with the ends of her hair.
Jesus H. Christ, if having to worry about Yvonne wasn't enough his sister little warning just now certainly put the male on high alert for the remainder of the evening. She was meant to keep him out of trouble, but he must have put too much faith in her new personality as it seemed he would be busy keeping the three away from one another instead of her helping him stay clear of the two. " I see Maisie keeping you busy playing bus boy " Seeing the male draw near Sweets would give him a friendly pat on the back doing his best not to hit the male too hard to avoid him spilling a drink. " I'll pass on the hugs, thank you " Vixen told staring up at the male. He appeared familiar in a sense, but her memories had not been what they once were. And she could only stare at the male blankly as the two spoke. " G, Why don't I help you out there. Plus, it gives everyone time to catch up. Once Lake sees her present over here, I'm sure the two will be glued to the hip " he told motioning to his sister as it seemed the perfect opportunity to get the two females far from one another. Although she remained stone faced hearing her brother refer to the male it was as if a light bulb finally went off in her head placing a name to the face.
Em could see Vixen rolling her eyes at her as she looked over her outfit. She had a coat, and Winston and Lake would be so wrapped in one another. In her mind she wasn't out doing anyone, this was how she dressed. The way Vixen was looking at her it seemed she was jealous and that was okay, it seemed like another bitter woman. Hearing Sweets she gave him a dry laugh since it was obvious that was trying his best. Such a man that didn't like confrontation, but was so stubborn. It was odd, sometimes it seemed like he didn't have a backbone other times it seemed like he did. A weird from the small interactions. Em would still get her way in the end.
Emerald tuned out whatever the female said to her, she was done with dealing with irrelevant parties that didn't mean anything to her. She didn't even glance her way and only glanced at Sweets as the pair went back and forth. As Gerald approached she glanced over her shoulder at him with a smile. Seemed like he was busy getting drinks, maybe he would be able to talk this female away. "Always her personal bus boy," Gerald chuckled to Sweets. He could feel the tension and knew that Sweets wanted out. He was okay with being used to break up the two women. Gerald glanced at his drinks than back to Sweets as he patted his back "If these spill, you will have to deal with the wrath not me," Gerald joked.
"Suit yourself," Gerald told her looking over her blank stares. "Do you even know who you're here celebrating?" He asked her simply since it seemed like nothing was going on upstairs. "Hah, you don't want to go to my table," Gerald told him with a shake of his head. There was no way in hell he would have Sweets walk with him to the table where Yvonne was simmering-with Vixen and Emerald in tow. On second thought. "Actually follow me, everyone is waiting," Gerald smirked. G turned on his heels and began walking to the main area where most people were.
Maisie tapped her fingers on the table as she waited for her drink. G was taking some time to get back to her and she was getting worried. Although she was sure he was okay, but being used to his old ways she was nervous. It was by nature at this point. Yvonne was reapplying lip gloss before Maisie made a little gasp. Yvonne didn't glance up but she glanced to the side to see Gerald with their drinks along with Sweets, Vixen on one side and Emerald on the other. She should have made that lemon drop a double. Maisie caught eyes with G who gently shook his head before they glanced at Yvonne who seemed not to notice before looking at each other talking through their eyes.
Her brother attempting to run away from the problem was amusing. Especially considering everything he had told her over the phone as she imagined once this one got her claws into someone it wasn't easy to shake them. She imagined once Lake and Winston saw sweets gift to them it would make it that much harder to not have the girl turn to mush. Although he appeared oblivious to it all as per usual. Hearing G's words the two siblings exchanged a look with one another as if having a silent conversation. The corners of her lips turning upwards into a smile as she flashed her pearly whites. " Considering I was pushing them together since day one, I have a pretty steady idea " the female told smiling, although she wasn't certain how much of what she remembered had been the truth.
The grip on her brother's arm tightened slightly as she found her nerves growing as they decided to join the others. It had been far too long and with the situation being as it was, she couldn't help but feel uneasy to it all. Had her brother not needed the buffer after the incident she would have stuck to the original plan and merely surprised everyone after the proposal had taken place. Sweets remained confused as to why G believed he wouldn't want them there when the male was so eagerly attempting to separate the two and had he been insistent that they not join them he would have let it go. " It was good seeing you Em, we'll have to catch you later " Sweets told giving her a friendly smile.
Only to be surprised when the female followed along next to them. His hands remained in his pocket fidgeting with an old pocket watch as he momentarily thought of asking her not to join them. But alas, the male could not figure out a polite way of saying something to his best friend's sister without it seeming too harsh. For now, he would simply have to pray that his sister could control herself long enough for him to find a solution. As they continued walking the male did his best to keep a careful distance from Em knowing what occurred last, they were close, especially with his sister on his arm who seemed to share Yvonne's ideals with not caring for the woman. And knew she too would not hesitate to attack if provoked.
As they drew near the male could see why G had warned him of the idea as he grabbed a glass of wine off the tray of a passing waiter. Seeing Maisie's face he was aware it would be far too late to turn around now, especially with the high chance of Em following so he merely took a deep breath preparing for the worst. " Now how are my two favorite girls? " Sweets questioned as he moved away from his sister and gave Maisie a kiss on the cheek before rubbing her stomach. No matter how much the two protested he was certain his best friends future spawn would be a female, the perfect karma for his old ways.
Vixen would give both females a polite smile for the time being as she was more intrigued by her brother's actions than anything. " Tu amiga es belleza, No bebe? " Vixen decided to tease as she noticed her brother staring at Yvonne without saying a thing. From the outside looking in it could appear as if she was on the female's side but Vixen merely enjoyed the seeing her brother so flustered when he realized someone else had noticed him staring. Clearing his throat he would take another sip of the wine before finding his place standing between G and his sister. " Maisie, You remember Vixen. And then Vix that's Yvonne " the male told doing quick introductions in the event anyone hadn't remembered the other.
"Good answer because it sure as hell wasn't Cotton," Gerald grumbled shaking his head. Sure Colton was right on some level to be weary of Lake and her family, but the girl was harmless and she just had a bad luck to be born with such a horrid brother. They knew something about having a terrible brother, which he helped that pest would stay away. He doubted someone told Rory about this event, but one could never be so sure. Gerald exhaled deeply once Sweets didn't understand what he was going on about, but it would make the wait for his brother and new wife a little bit more entertaining.
Emerald raised an eyebrow at him as he tried to wiggle free from her presence. "This is the main walk way towards the tables," She informed. Em was trying to be nice and not call him a dumbass because he was still her mark. Sometimes she wondered if there was lights up there or if he was such in a tizzy due to her bickering with this woman. She fluffed her hair as they all walked back to the main room and spotted what Gerald was trying to avoid. Em assumed Yvonne would be here, even with her assault-the Walters seemed keen on keeping her around. Now she would have to think about how she would get Sweet's attention now that he had this bitch on his arms and a cunt by the Walters. Although it seemed like Yvonne and Sweets were not on speaking terms. Now she was intrigued on what happened between the two.
Maisie smiled wide as Sweets made her way over to them and giggled. "She is pretty hungry and taking out her anger on me," Maisie chuckled.
"Are you two talking about our son. I will go get him some food," Gerald stated putting Maisie's drink in front of her and giving Yvonne's hers as she thanked him. Maisie gave his sister Vixen a smile and a nod. He wanted to get food, but he was also nosey and wanted to see if anything was going to happen even though he could feel Maisie's eyes drilling into his temple trying to get his attention. He was too focused on the long pause between introducing Yvonne, since it seemed like Sweets was lost in the clouds. Maisie noticed as well and was tempted to call his name to get him back down on earth. It pained her how oblivious and down right stubborn the two were, any person with common sense could see they looked each other. Maybe not Yvonne at the moment, but when she cooled off it was plain to see. It was obvious that he was just staring at Yvonne, who was doing her best not to look at him. It was a bit awkward, but luckily his sister made a comment first. "Pick your jaw off the floor," Gerald teased bumping him with his elbow. "Eyeing up a woman when you have your girl right beside you," Gerald whispered teasingly referring to Emerald as 'his girl'.
Yvonne browsed through her phone, but she was aware that Sweets was staring at her. It felt nice and she could feel the blood rushing towards her cheeks and tips of her ears, but it was just very warm in the building. There were a lot of people which was nice since Lake and Winston were the sweetest couple she had ever met. Yvonne smiled at Vixen when she was introduced, cut her eyes at Em and didn't look towards Sweets at all. Taking a big gulp from her lemon drop she stood up abruptly. "Excuse me, it seems like I am going to need a double to get me through this night," She told the group before going off towards the bar.
"I'm going to go get some food for my son," Gerald grumbled as he went off as well. Maisie chewed her bottom lip not really fucking with the tension between the trio in front of her. "Oh! Emerald I think mama Walters is around, maybe you can show Sweets her whereabouts if he wants to see her and then could you go get Uni for me?" Maisie asked her trying to get her away. "Maybe Sweets can decide what he wants, maybe we can get some more drinks and chat?" Em countered.