Free All I Want Is Forever by Neicey Ford

luck with the party.”
    “I hate to hear that, babe.  I really hate to hear that.”
    “Yeah, me, too.”
    The guests filled the room as the night continued on.
    “DJ!” A voice called.
    He turned around toward the bar.
    “Hey, dad!  Baby, I’ll be right back.”  He kissed Denise on the forehead.
    “Take your time.  I’m going to check on Helen.”
    “Okay.  Let me know if she needs anything.”
    Denise walked down the long corridor and into the kitchen.
    “Helen, how’s it going in here?”
    “Everything is good.  I’m just sitting here watching Fox News as they recap the trial.”
    “I’ve seen enough.  The closing arguments wore me out.”
    “I feel so sorry for the family.  This has to be hard on them.”
    “I couldn’t imagine our son being the victim of something like that. ”
    “True.  It’s so terribly sad.  Well, did you eat?  Is there anything you need?”
    “Yes, I ate and the food was delicious.  I’m so glad you decided to go with The Black Italian instead of that other place.”
    Denise smiled.  “So am I.  Well, if you need anything please let me know.  Oh, and you can stay in one of the guest rooms tonight.  I don’t want you driving home when the party’s over.”
    “No, Mrs. Chatman…”
    “We insist, Helen.  This is not up for debate.”
    “Yes, ma’am.”  Helen grinned.
    “Good.  When you’re finished watching the recap you have to come and meet a friend of mine.  I think the two of you will hit it off really good.  Matter-of-fact you guys have similar mannerisms.”
    “I will as soon as they go to commercial break.  I wanna hear what Greta’s going to say about his attorney.”
    “Don’t let the trial consume you.  Remember, whether he’s found guilty or innocent, God is in control.”  Denise popped a cocktail shrimp into her mouth and headed back to the party.
    “Has anybody seen my wife?”  DJ asked as Denise appeared in the doorway.  “There she is.  Baby…come here.”
    “What’s wrong?”
    “Nothing’s wrong.  Excuse me everybody.  Can I have your attention please?  I’d like to propose a toast.  Please raise your glasses.”
    Denise grabbed a glass of Champaign from the tray.
    “To my wife:  My heart’s desire is to see you attain God’s best.   I want you to believe that all that is required is the faith of a mustard seed.  NO DOUBT!  For we walk by faith and not by sight.  I’m so proud of you and your many accomplishments.  I’m thankful that I get to share in your successes.  In addition, I appreciate your love and support of me.  You are my good thing.  I believe in you.  I believe in us.  So, to us,” he said as glasses rose in unison.  “It was a long and somewhat trying journey that we had to travel to get here, but through it all we made it.”
    “Thank you, DJ.  I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.  We’re a team.  The toast should be to us.
    “Well, in that case this toast is to you… to me…to us.  TIA!”
    “TIA!” I'm proud of you and your many accomplishments however I'm most thankful that you support & encourage me. I'm proud of you and your many accomplishments however I'm most thankful that you support & encourage me.I'm proud of you and your many accomplishments however I'm most thankful that you support & encourage me.
    Denise raised her glass to her lips.
    “I hope I’m fortunate enough to meet someone who adores me the way your husband does you.”
    She turned around.
    “TED!  You made it!”  She yelled enthusiastically.
    “There’s no way I was missing this event.”
    “ Well, I’m glad you made it.  Did you see the work bunch?”
    “How could I miss ‘em?  They’re the life of the party.”
    “You work hard you play harder.  They deserve it after the quarter we’ve had.”
    “So, what did you think about Camille?”
    “Not tonight, Ted.  We will not be discussing business at our party.  DJ would have a fit if he overheard you