Music of Souls

Fairhaven buzzed with a whirlwind of activity by 7:30 a.m. Delivery people scurried about situating floral arrangements and dry ice. The caterers set up tables, and workers laid the dance floor. Sarah had asked Elisabeth to help with pies, so they spent the better part of the day in the kitchen. Jackson set up the bar and Connor played gopher for everyone. Sarah removed the last batch of pies from the oven at 4:00p.m. then surveyed the estate, a virtual Fall/Halloween Extravaganza inside and out. "Perfect. Let's sit down and relax for a bit before we change." They congratulated themselves on a job well done. Elisabeth raised her glass. "To the party planner extraordinaire."

"Here, here," added Jackson.

"I couldn't have done it without my team."

After showering and dressing, Jackson picked up the wolf's head from the bed. "This is going to be a lot more cumbersome than my usual costume."

"That's because your usual costume isn't a costume at all." When he donned the wolf's head, she slapped her hands to the sides of her face in mock horror. "My, what big teeth you have!"

"If only."

Spinning in a pirouette, Elisabeth asked, "What do you think?" His eyes landed on a perfect Little Red Riding Hood, right down to the ankle socks and patent leather Mary Janes.

Jackson grinned wickedly and caught her by the waist. "I think I'm feeling a bit like a dirty old man."

Guests were due to arrive at 7:00. Consuelo, Marc and their daughters showed up at 6:30, just as the caterers and the band finished setting up. The family theme was Disney characters. Consuelo and Marc were dressed as Beauty and the Beast and the girls, Ariel and Cinderella. "We thought we could help with last minute things."

Sarah kissed them. "You're so kind. I think we're in good shape, Jackson, get them drinks, the bartender should be here soon."

As he handed Consuelo hers, he gave her a peck on the cheek, "You are one smokin' hot Belle." Then he called to Elisabeth, "Come meet your competition for my affection."

The gala was well underway by 7:30. Many of the partygoers had been to Elisabeth's opening, and wanted to convey how much they were enjoying her artwork. Jackson noticed the Lothario from the opening dressed as a vampire make a beeline toward Elisabeth. He set his course to intercept while contemplating breaking his rule about feeding on men. It might be worth it to humiliate the guy.

The jerk had hold of Elisabeth's arm. "You simply have to come to my place to see how perfect the watercolor fits.

Jackson slid both arms around her from behind and pulled her close. "We'd love to. How's tomorrow work for you?"