Chapter 142

The kids were all back stage with their dads while their mom's thanked the vendors, speakers, and those who donated everything for the rally. Malachai hadn't stopped talking since David walked off stage. "That was the coolest ever, Dad. I want to do it again sometime."

David laughed. "I'm glad you had fun, son. What was your favorite part?"

"When we'd sing together during the chorus. That was so sweet. And my OTHER favorite part was when I got to sing by myself. I just closed my eyes and let myself feel the music. It was SOOOOO freakin cool, Dad...." He just kept going, and going.

"Malachai Aaron Draiman, I'm glad you had fun, but you need to settle down now, boy. I'm wound up too, believe me, as are your Uncle Mikey, Uncle John, and Uncle Danny. But, we've been doing this a long time, son. We have tricks to chill after a concert."

"Like what?"

"When we get home, challenge Uncle Danny to Guitar hero, or have them all play Rock Band with you. You sing, and they play all of their instrument. Kick ass and take names somehow, son. You're a Draiman, you'll figure it out", David laughed.

"How about I challenge you to Guitar Hero when we get home?" Malachai said.

"How about you don't and say you did? I have plans with your Mama."

"Like what?"

"Today is our anniversary. I'm going to do something special for her when we get home."

"Ooh, can I help?"

David eyed his son carefully. "Can you keep her distracted while I get everything set up?"

"How long do I have to keep her busy and where do I need to keep her out of?"

"The Kitchen and our bedroom and give me about forty- five minutes."

"DONE, but you owe me huge for this!!!!"

David looked at Malachai. "Put it on my tab, son, just put it on my tab."

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Brie was fuming, but she didn't let it show. She still smiled and thanked everyone for coming. As the chief coordinator, she had to be out there or she would have been in that tent giving David what for. He'd NEVER forgotten their anniversary. He usually woke her up early on those mornings and told her "Happy Anniversary", but he hadn't this morning. Tina noticed the forced smiles false happiness and decided to say something as Brie turned to head toward the backstage. "Hey, babe, what's the matter?"

Brie sighed. "I'm upset. Today is mine and David's anniversary and he hasn't made even half a mention that he remembers. He's never forgotten our anniversary. He usually wakes me up to tell me 'Happy Anniversary'. He didn't today."

"I'm just taking a shot in the dark here, but maybe he does remember, but with today being the rally and all that good stuff, he just hasn't had the time to say anything. It could also be that he has something planned and wants to surprise you."

When Brie opened her mouth to respond, her phone rang. "Hello?"

It was David. "Hey baby. The guys and I are going to take the kids on home. Danny's going to leave his SUV for you ladies to head on home in, but Maddie and the quads are falling asleep as we speak, and I want to get them in bed as quick as possible."

"Well, hold on and I'll be right there."

"I'm already in the van, the kids are all loaded and I'm half way down the road. Just ride home with the girls and I'll see you when you get home."

She sighed in disappointment. "Fine. I'll see you when we get home then."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I'm just tired. I'll see you when we get there." She didn't even wait to hear if he said that he loved her. She just hung up and put her phone back in her pocket, then looked at Tina. "What was that you were saying about he didn't forget?"

"What's going on?" Kristen asked as she and Nicole approached.

"The guys left us here. Dan left the SUV with the keys in it, but David said that the kids were falling asleep and he wanted to get them in bed ASAP." Brie tried to remain as stone faced as possible, but inside she screamed.

"Did David forget your anniversary, Brie?" Nicole asked.

"It's starting to look that way."

"I told her it's possible that he didn't and that he just hasn't had the time to say anything."

Brie nodded and swallowed the lump in her throat. "Let's just go home. I'm tired and I want to get some sleep."

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David got the kids in and the youngest ones settled into bed, then started on the anniversary surprise he had in mind for his wife. He was grateful that there was pool and hot tub at this house, unlike at the last one. First thing he did was start cooking the special dinner he had in mind. He was going to do something amazing for her. While they were out, he had some of the gophers get him some fresh shrimp. He found the damn things, still squirming, in a bowl in the kitchen. He put them in a pot and started them to boiling, then started cutting up the vegetables. He was trying his hand at stir fry. Not something that was in his considerable culinary repertoire, but he was a very educated man, and he could read a recipe and understand it. He moved at lightning speed getting everything set up and made the way he wanted it. This evening had to be perfect. It had to be.

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Brie stared out the window the entire drive home. She didn't know what to say or think about the day.  Sure, the rally had been a success. The speakers that Tim had brought with him were amazing, the band had done what they always did, and Malachai was spectacular onstage with his Dad.

His Dad. How could David forget their anniversary? He remembered all of the kid's birthday's, her birthday, and usually their anniversary; until today. They'd been together seven years now. Never in those seven years had he forgotten until today. It could have been simply that the concert overrode everything else, and that he'd remember in the morning. There was also the possibility that he was starting to forget things. It was normal for people as they got older to forget. Surely David was no exception. She'd have to wait till they got home to talk to him about it. If only her patience would wait that long.