Page 20 of George’s Big Day

I followed the doe-eyed brunette into the depths of the sumptuously decorated restaurant, across the polished wooden floors, to a quieter area with highbacked leather chairs and a table set with crystal and taper candles. It was right where Kurt had said, in front of a bank of windows. I had been expecting less people but saw Kurt immediately, who stood to receive me. Next to him, seated, was an older woman whom Thomasin resembled slightly, and next to her, an older man and three other couples. Ten of us altogether. I really hoped I didn’t have to hit anybody.

“Hey,” Kurt greeted me, his voice soft and low, unsure, but the smile, the smile was all him, as happy to see me as usual. “You made it. People were starting to think I made you up.”

“No,” I said when I reached him, taking the hand he held out to me. “All they have to do is look at you to know you have someone who’s madly in love with you.”

Instantly, his shoulders relaxed, he exhaled deeply, and I drew him close until he bumped against me, wrapping him in my arms.

“You know I’m a rock,” he said.

“I do know that.” I smiled into his hair and kissed his temple.

“But sometimes, it’s good to lean.”

“It is,” I said, chuckling.

“Kurt,” one of the women said, “introduce us to your boyfriend.”

“Fiancé,” he corrected as we stepped apart. “Note the ring.”

I smirked at them as I held up my left hand.

“Phil,” another of the women said, “that ring has more diamonds than mine.”

The older man stood up, and Kurt stepped sideways, hand on the small of my back as he presented me.

“George, this is Bennett Marcum. Mr. Marcum, this is my fiancé, George Hunt.”

“Pleasure, George,” he said kindly, smiling at me, holding my hand tight. “This is my wife, Kurt’s mother, Vanessa.”

When he let my hand go, I leaned a bit so I could take hers.

“Lovely to meet you, George,” she cooed, then looked at her son. “Aren’t you the lucky one.”

Kurt nodded as Marcum then introduced his son, Paul, who was engaged to Didi; his daughter Addison, engaged to Phillip; and Helene, who was dating Nelson. I said great to meet you, shook hands, and smiled. Once I was seated, Vanessa asked if I’d like some of the appetizers and named them off. Lamb skewers with mint jelly, steak and blue cheese bruschetta, bacon-wrapped dates, and pork belly with something, God knew what.

“I’m good, thank you,” I said as the waitress appeared.

I got a whole spiel about welcome to Delphine’s, and was this my first time dining with them, and what would I like to drink?

“An Old Fashioned, and if you have the Russell’s Reserve 10, that’d be great.”

“Yes, sir, thank you,” she murmured, and smiled at me before she left.

Vanessa leaned forward then. “I must confess, George, when Kurt said he was calling his intended and that his name was George, I was surprised. My boy only made Valentines for girls when he was young.”

I had no idea what the point was of her comment, but nothing was getting by me. “You mean when he was in kindergarten and then first grade?” I asked, at the same time reminding her how young he’d been the last time she’d seen him.

She stared at me.

“I thought little kids handed out cards to everyone. Isn’t that how it normally goes?”

Apparently, I had rendered her mute.

“Well, so you know, he does like girls, or women, but lucky for me, I’m his favorite. And anyway, people change, and it’s been a good, what, twenty-eight years?” I made sure to give her a wink. “Never know what can happen in that amount of time.”

“I…well. Yes,” she granted, looking a bit flustered. It wasn’t what I was after, but best not to question Kurt’s choice of dance partner.

“And what is it you do?” Paul asked me, his tone cool. “Kurt’s a psychiatrist. Are you a doctor as well?”