FORTY-FOUR

"SURPRISE!"

The chorus greeted them as they rounded the corner into the elegant club.  Behind the jubilant cheers a swing orchestra began to play For He's a Jolly Good Fellow. 

Cate felt Jon's hand tighten around hers in silent conspiracy.  She glanced sideways at his face, hoping his reaction hadn't given away his forecast of the surprise.  Her heart warmed at the wide grin that stretched his handsome face, dimpling his cheeks and lighting his azure eyes.

"Ohhhh.... Boy.   You sure that band shouldn't be playing Taps?"

Jon's joke was gentle and self-deprecating as his gaze swept across the small crowd.  His heart squeezed as he saw every smiling face was that of a friend or a loved one.

"Nah, you gotta few years before we throw your Wake!"  Little Steven's gruff, nasal growl cut across the laughter.

Jon glanced at Cate, his twinkling blue eyes meeting hers.  "You sneak.  Thought you said this place was impossible to get into?"

"It is, tonight.  Unless you're on the guest list."  Cate gave him a little wink.  He returned the signal before his attention was drawn from her smile by a welcome voice.  Cate stepped aside to allow Stephanie to move closer to her father.

"Happy Birthday, Daddy."

"Thank you, Princess."  Jon opened his arms to his daughter.  "I'm so glad you're here."

"Wouldn't miss it."  Stephanie planted a kiss on Jon's cheek before hugging him tightly. 

Cate chuckled quietly at the exchange, noting just how much Stephanie resembled her father.  She even sounded like him.  Though Jon often joked about his daughter's misfortune to have inherited many of his characteristics, his pride was evident in his adoring gaze.

After a long embrace Jon reluctantly let Stephanie step away.  His affectionate gaze turned to his sons, clustered together at the front of the crowd.  Jesse stood behind his younger brothers, one hand on a shoulder of each, wisely restraining their energetic fidgeting.

"Hey guys.  Was this all your idea?"  Jon's eyes sparkled even more brightly as they misted with emotion.  The lines at their corners crinkled as his grin widened.

"Nah," Jesse drawled.

"YES!"  Jake shouted his contradiction, shrugging off Jesse's hand and bounding at his father.  Jon laughed, staggering backward as the boy half-tackled him with a fierce hug.  Romeo followed, trying to shove Jake aside to wrap himself around Jon's midsection.

"Whoa!" Jon chortled as he was almost bowled over by their exuberance.  He bent at the waist as much as their clutch would allow, encircling the boys in an awkward hug and pressing quick kisses against the tops of their shaggy-mopped heads.

"Thanks, Guys.  Love you."

"Love you too, Daddy."  Romeo piped up.  "Happy Birthday!"

Jon's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed hard, his littlest son's sweet voice squeezing his heart.  He hugged the boys again, then patted their backs.  He chuckled amusedly when he noticed they weren't dressed in their usual skater-boy attire.  "Hey, stand back a minute.  Lemme get a look at you."

Reluctantly the boys peeled themselves off of their father and stepped back for his inspection.  Jake took the opportunity to straighten his loosely-knotted necktie, mimicking the action he had seen his Dad make many times.  Jon grinned as he regarded his sons' dressy suits, almost miniatures of his own.

"Wow, you guys got all dressed up!  Just for your Old Man's party?"

"Mama said we had to."  Romeo answered seriously, squirming uncomfortably as he pulled at his own loosened tie.  "But she let us wear hats."

"Hats?"  Jon shot an amused glance at Dorothea, who stood quietly a step behind Jesse.

"They're probably under a table somewhere by now."  Dorothea shrugged with her reply.

"Happy Birthday, Dad."  Jesse took his opportunity, extending his hand toward Jon over Romeo's head.

"Thanks, Jess."  Jon reached for the handshake, then stepped around Romeo to pull his eldest son into a hug.  "Love you, Son."

"Love you too, Dad."  Jesse clapped his hand against Jon's back, then waited for his release.  It came a moment later.  Jesse grinned sheepishly at his father's increasingly sappy expression and shuffled back to his place. 

"Johnny!  Oh, Happy Birthday, Darling!"

Cate tried not to cringe at Carol's chirpy exclamation.  She kept smiling, knowing Jon would humor his mother's affection though her greeting had probably made him inwardly groan.

"Thanks, Ma."  Jon turned toward her voice just in time to step into Carol's hug.  He chuckled as he felt her mash a kiss against his cheek, knowing his skin would be smeared with her bright red lipstick when she finally let go of him.

"I can't believe my Baby Boy is fifty!  Oh, where does the time go?"

"Happy Birthday, Son."  John Senior ignored his wife's dramatic query, stepping up beside her and offering Jon his hand.

"Thanks, Dad."  Jon accepted another father-son embrace, this time with the elder Bongiovi.  "You came up with Florida in the cold?  Just for this?"

"Of course!  It's your birthday!"  Carol answered for her husband before he could even part his lips.  She reached up to scrub Jon's cheek with her thumb, wiping away her lipstick stain.

"Yeah, Ma.  I know."  Jon couldn't keep a touch of sarcasm from his reply.  "That's why I got hauled down here for some Mystery Dinner Reservation."  He feigned air-quotes to emphasize the ruse.  "But obviously you people were just lookin' for an excuse to have a party." 

Jon gave Cate a sideways smirk before looking around again.  This time he noticed that there was a similarity in the retro-stylish attire of all the guests gathered in the little welcoming crowd.   

"What's the deal?  This some sort of Family Initiation or somethin'?"  Jon gestured toward the suit-clad men and elegantly-dressed women.  "Looks like the wedding scene from The Godfather."

Cate rolled her eyes at her husband's fifth Mafia reference in the past half-hour.

"Wake, wedding, birthday.... all the same, all a party!"  A familiar gravelly voice came from the side.  "You're frickin' Italian.  Bongioooooovi.  Man, ain't this how your people dress?"

Johnny's question made Jon laugh out loud.  He turned his head to grin at his longtime friend and mentor.  "Must be some fuckin' special occasion to get you into a suit, ya old degenerate!"

Southside Johnny grinned back at Jon, then raised his highball glass.  "Salud!"  Again the crowd laughed warmly, accustomed to the affectionate banter between the two men.

"Ma'am, may I take your wrap?"

Cate started at the quiet request close to her ear.  She had been so amused watching Jon's welcome that she hadn't noticed the young woman who had sidled up to her.

"Oh!  Yes, of course."  Cate smiled apologetically and turned toward the Hostess.  She fumbled with her purse as she pulled at the heavy wool shawl draped across her torso.

"Would you like me to hold your bag, Ma'am?"

"I got it."  Cate could hear Jon's smile in his smooth voice.  She looked up to see him stepping closer, his hands raised and ready to help her out of her wrap.  Her eyes met his and she melted.

"Thanks," Cate breathed softly.  She turned away from Jon and tugged to untangle the ends of her wrap.  She felt his hands settle on her shoulders, squeezing gently before he slid the cloak from her body.  Cate turned back around as Jon handed her wrap to the Hostess.

"And your coat, Sir?"

"Sure."  Jon gave the Hostess a sly grin before tugging the scarf from around his neck and pushing his wool overcoat off his shoulders.  With a starstruck smile the young woman bustled to capture Jon's coat from his grasp as he turned his back to her.  When he had pulled his arms free she folded Jon's overcoat and scarf carefully over her arm, atop Cate's wrap.

"Thank you," Cate replied to the Hostess' nod and little giggle.  Realizing she was being discretely dismissed, the young woman flushed slightly, then turned and hurried away toward the coat room.

Cate took a breath and turned back toward the assembled crowd, a small smile curving her mouth as she felt Jon's hand press lightly at the small of her back.  It was barely a few seconds before she heard the words she knew would begin the inevitable chain of the evening's events.

"So, Birthday Boy... whaddya drinkin'?  Prune juice?"

Cate glanced sideways to see Jon's grin broaden in response to his youngest brother's sarcastic question.  She sighed softly, her own smile gentling as she saw the happiness in her husband's expression.  She knew she was about to lose his attention for the evening, but as always she was willing to stay in the background.  Tonight of all nights it was her place.

"Hey, Shrimp, I may be old but I'm still regular as a train schedule," Jon wisecracked coarsely.  "I don't need no fuckin' prune juice."

"Jon.  The boys..."  Cate's muttered warning about his language made Jon chuckle.  He gave Romeo and Jacob a mischievous grin. 

"Whoops.  Sorry guys."

"That's another dollar for the swear jar, Dad."  Jacob held out his hand to punctuate his proclamation.  "Actually, two.  Pay up."

"What?  It's my birthday!  I should get to do and say whatever I want, shouldn't I?"  Jon's protest was half-playful, half serious.  He raised his eyes to Dorothea's and gave her a playful wink.  "I think your Mama will cut me some slack tonight.  Won't you?"

Dorothea laughed quietly and nodded.  "Yeah, I guess so.  No potty-mouth fines tonight."

"Sweet."  Jesse interjected, grinning. 

"That doesn't mean you get a pass," Dorothea reminded him half-sternly, reaching up to smack her oldest son lightly on the back of his head.

"Whatever, Mom."  Jesse rolled his eyes but kept smiling, exchanging a look with Jon.  His father laughed and nodded back his acknowledgement of Jesse's silent message.

"So, anyway...   Where's the bar?"  Jon craned his neck to look over the crowd toward the far wall, where he knew from his previous visits the ornate mahogany bar was positioned.

"I'm sure you can find it.  Probably blindfolded."  David's nasal wisecrack was a quick response. 

"Well, ain't that the pot callin'..."  Jon didn't get to finish his playful retort before a black-vested waiter edged around the crowd and paused at Jon's side. 

"Sir?  Would you care for a glass of wine?"  The young man offered his tray toward Jon.  Pale yellow liquid shone softly in the single long-stemmed glass.

Jon laughed and shot Cate a grin.  "Man, talk about service."  He returned his attention to the waiter, lifting the glass carefully from the tray.  "Let me guess... Pinot Grigio?  Santa Margherita?"

"Yes, Sir."  The waiter chortled with his reply, his face splitting into a sheepish grin.

"Gee, how'd you know that's my wine?"

"The Lady, Sir."  The young man tipped his head toward Dorothea.  "She made sure we are well-stocked.  And she said to be sure your glass is never empty."

Mildly surprised, Jon arched a brow at his ex-wife.  "Oh, really?"

"Yes, Sir."  The waiter chuckled again, a slight blush tinting his olive-skinned cheeks.  He dropped the tray to his side and shuffled his feet, mildly uncomfortable with his unexpected momentary place at the center of the party's attention. 

"That one, over there.  Not this one?"  Jon pointed first at Dorothea, then to Cate, at his side.  His playful grin tempered his faux-interrogation of the hapless waiter.

Again the waiter fidgeted.  "Uh... Yes, Sir."

"What's your name, Son?"

The waiter chuckled nervously before answering.  "Dominic."

"Dominic."  Jon drew out the name, a hint of Italian in his rich verbalization.  "Lemme tell you a little somethin' about women, Dominic."  He paused, grinning as he waited for the young man's reply.

"Uh... what?  Sir."

"They're trouble.  T-R-O-U-B-L-E.  Especially these two."  Again he gestured between Dorothea and Cate.  "You know how I know?"

"Ummm..."

"Because I married 'em both.  But lemme tell ya, Dominic.  I can see you're a smart man.  Know how?"

Dominic laughed softly and hung his head.  He was now sure the famous Guest of Honor was putting on a comic show for his friends, with him as his straight man. 

"How do you know I'm smart, Sir?"

 "Because, Dominic.  You've already said it.  That one.."  Jon pointed back to Dorothea, who this time rolled her eyes at his play-acting.  He ignored her and continued. "...Told you to do something, and you did it.  Believe me, if either of these women tells you to do something, you're a smart man to just shut up and do it."

"Okay Sir.  I will."  Dominic nodded, his response more confident this time.  Now that he knew he wasn't going to be yelled at by some self-important jerk he was more willing to play along.  His acquiescence may pad his tip at the end of the evening. 

"And Dominic... She really told you to keep my wine glass full?"

"Yes, Sir.  Those were the Lady's instructions."  Dominic ventured a sheepish smile toward Dorothea.

"Dominic."  Jon clapped his free hand onto the young waiter's shoulder and lowered his voice to a conspiratorial croon.  "You know she's trying to get me drunk, right?"

Dominic's blush deepened as he heard the spectators laugh at Jon's statement.  "Uh... Sir, I can neither confirm nor deny that... I'm just gonna keep doing what I'm told."

Cate's musical laugh at his side made Jon grin.  He could tell she appreciated the stock non-committal answer.  Jon clapped Dominic on the shoulder, then raised his glass.  "Good Man, Dominic.  Cheers." 

He gestured a little toast toward the young man, then took a large sip from his glass.  Jon swallowed the wine and waved his hand toward the bar.  "Now go get me a refill.  I'll be done with this one in about two minutes."

"Yes, Sir!"  Dominic laughed his response, then quickly headed out of the spotlight and toward the bar.  He raised a hand in response to Jon's call of thanks as he skirted around the small crowd.

"Alright, what're you all standing around here lookin' at me for?  There's an open bar!"  Jon grinned as he again waved a hand toward the far side of the room, urging the partygoers away from the entrance.  With another round of good-natured laughter and mild wisecracks the crowd began to disperse toward the interior of the club.

"Johnny, you're going to go greet your guests before we sit down to eat, aren't you?"  Carol's statement was more of a prod than a question.

"In a minute, Ma,"  Jon gave her a patient smile and a nod.  "Why don't you and Dad take the Chuckleheads to get something to drink and I'll be right there."

"All right, Darling.  But don't be long.  I know everyone wants to wish you a Happy Birthday."

Jon fought back the urge to roll his eyes at his mother, instead grinning down at Jacob and Romeo.  "Go with Nana.  She'll set you up with some tequila shots."

"Sweet!"  Jacob exclaimed, energetically punching his fist into the air.

"Johnny!  Stop saying such crazy things!"  Carol snapped, only half-amused by her son's impertinence.  "Boys, Nana will not be giving you any sort of alcohol.  You can have a Ginger Ale."

"But I don't like Ginger Ale!" Romeo protested whinily.  "I want Sprite!"

John Senior laughed.  "I got you covered, Buddy.  Come on."  He reached for his grandson's hand.  Romeo grinned and happily let his grandfather lead him away, leaving his older brother to be herded by his grandmother.

Cate chuckled as Jon turned to give her a self-satisfied smirk.  "You better be sure you give that poor waiter a good tip," she scolded mildly.

"Ain't that your job?"  Jon took another gulp from his wine glass.  He chortled quietly at the welcome flush of warmth he felt starting in his chest.  "You're the Hostess with the Mostest, right?"

"Sort of.  Actually, Dorothea did most of the work."  Cate reached up to straighten Jon's tie, which he had already somehow loosened.

"Ah.  So it was her idea to get me drunk."

"I hardly think that was her intention."  Cate giggled quietly.  "But I know she made sure they stocked your P.G."

"Thoughtful.  And it may work out well for you later."  Jon gave Cate a playful leer.

"Not if you drink too much," Cate argued mildly.  She smoothed the lapels on Jon's jacket, then dropped her hands.  "Anyway, your Mom's right. You should go mingle before dinner."

"Okay.  Come on."

Cate shook her head, glancing sideways to confirm Jon's ex-wife and daughter were still standing nearby.  "I need to check in with Dorothea, see if there's anything I need to do.  And to thank her again for all of this."

Jon nodded and took another, smaller sip of wine.  "Okay.  But come find me?"  He gave her a more gentle smile.

"I will."

"Okay."  Jon leaned to brush a kiss over her cheek, then let his mouth linger next to her ear.  "I didn't want a party."

"I know."  Cate's reply was murmured against Jon's cheek.

"But thank you, Baby."

"You're welcome."  Cate smiled as Jon drew back and gave her a wink.

 She stood quietly, watching Jon wander over to Dorothea and Stephanie, who were engaged in conversation with a tall blonde woman Cate recognized as the wife of one of Jon's Foundation partners.  Cate saw Jon pause and offer his greetings, then slide his arm around Stephanie for another hug while he sipped again at his wine.   He and Dorothea exchanged quiet words, then he leaned forward to buss her cheek before moving away, toward another cluster of friends.

Cate stood a moment longer, letting her gaze wander across the room.  The club looked absolutely stunning, its high-ceilinged grandeur tastefully adorned with elegant party decor.  Large bouquets of white lilies and roses ornamented round dinner tables set with sparkling crystal and elegant silver on navy linens.  On the stage the small swing orchestra had again begun to play an instrumental medley that provided subtle background for party conversation.   Soft blue and pink lights further accented the festive mood.

A little pang of guilt squeezed her stomach as she admired the results of Dorothea's work.  While she was honestly grateful for Jon's ex-wife's help in making this party happen, Cate was secretly ashamed that she had shirked her role in the planning.  Dorothea had repeatedly reassured Cate that everything was fine and that she understood that Cate's job had to take first priority.  She promised she would be sure everything was taken care of.

And Dorothea had, down to the tiniest detail.  Jon's party was off to a perfect start, fully thanks to the efforts of his former wife.  All Cate had managed to do was write a check and deliver him to the doorstep.

Cate sighed softly and gave her head a little shake.  There was nothing she could do now but again offer her thanks and congratulations to Dorothea for putting together such an elegant event.  She forced a smile, then slowly moved over to the little group.

Stephanie first noticed her approach, greeting her with a little wave.  "Hi Cate."

"Hey, Steph."  Cate's smile softened as she stepped into the conversation circle.  "Hello, Jennifer."  She held out her hand to the blonde woman.  "Nice to see you again."

"Hello, Cate."  The woman accepted Cate's hand and gave it a little shake.  "Thank you for the invitation to Jon's party.  It's lovely."

Cate tipped her head toward Dorothea.  "I'm glad you could come.  But don't thank me... Dorothea gets the credit.  This is her handiwork."

"Oh?"  Jennifer turned a mildly-confused smile to Jon's former wife.  "I saw your return address on the invitation, but I didn't realize..."

"Cate and I worked together to put this on for Jon," Dorothea answered smoothly.  "It's not easy to keep things from him.  Two devious minds are better than one."

Cate chuckled softly, giving Dorothea a grateful smile.  "Well, that may be technically true, but Dorothea did pretty much all of the work.  I was tied up with work and... other stuff."

Jennifer looked back and forth between the two women, noting their exchanged glances.  While the Jon's current and former wives seemed friendly and relaxed, something just seemed a bit off.    Jennifer fidgeted lightly, suddenly a little uncomfortable with the conversation.

"Well, kudos to both of you, then.  The room is beautiful, and I'm sure dinner and the entertainment will be great."

"I hope so,"  Dorothea's reply was calm.  "They do a nice job here.  And the catering is from Patsy's, so you know that will be good."

"Oh, of course."  Jennifer looked around, covertly seeking an escape from the oddly awkward discussion.  "Oh!  There's Mimi!  If you'll excuse me for just a moment, I need to corner her about something..."

"Sure.  Nice to see you."  Cate nodded at Jennifer as the woman made a smiling but hasty departure.  She chuckled quietly and turned to Dorothea.

"Nice woman."

Dorothea shrugged.  "Yes, she is.  A little ditzy, but nice."  She smirked as Stephanie giggled.

Cate chuckled at Dorothea's blunt observation before sighing silently again.  "But one thing she was right about.  This is all gorgeous, Dorothea.  You did an amazing job.  Thank you."

Dorothea shrugged modestly.  "It's no big deal.  I just hope Jon enjoys himself.  I know how he gets about things like this, but sometimes he needs to remember it's not all about him.  There are people who love him who want to celebrate the moments of his life with him."  She snorted ironically.  "Even if all he did was keep breathing for half a century."

Stephanie giggled at her mother's sarcastic comment.  "You just wanted to rub it in, didn't you, Mom?  That Daddy's fifty?"

"No, I didn't."  Dorothea countered.  "Besides, I'm right behind him.  And I know he won't hesitate to remind me of my age when my birthday rolls around."  Her smirk softened to a smile as she gazed at her daughter.  "I just wanted this to be a special memory, both for your Dad and for you and the boys."

"So you invited Grandma?"  Stephanie arched a brow, mimicking her father's quizzical expression.  Cate chuckled as she was struck by the dead-on impression.

"Yeah, well.  Trust me, it would have been worse if we hadn't invited her."  Dorothea snorted softly.  "And I guess she does deserve some of the credit for him being here.

Stephanie grimaced.  "Yeah, I don't really want to think how Daddy got here -- Nana and Papa having sex. Thanks Mom."

Dorothea smirked and gave Stephanie a direct look.  "You got here somehow too, you know."

"Ewww.  Okay, stop it!"  Stephanie shuddered and shook her head, sending her blonde curls bobbing.

Cate felt a little twinge of jealousy even as she chuckled at the exchange between Dorothea and Stephanie.  She didn't really want to think about the act that led to Jon and Dorothea's conception of their daughter, either.  She waited a moment, then softly cleared her throat.

"Well... is there anything I can do to help out tonight?  Anything you need?"

"No, I think it's all under control."  Dorothea looked around, then smiled.  "The staff here is great.  I haven't had to worry about a single thing.  Everything's going according to schedule."

Cate nodded slowly, recalling the details Dorothea had emailed her this morning.  "So dinner will be served in..." she checked the diamond-and-silver watch on her wrist.  "... about thirty-five minutes?"

"Yes."  Dorothea craned her neck to look toward the back of the room, where several attendants were bustling around a long banquet table.  "They should be setting out the bread and stuff pretty soon.  Then the hot food right before serving."  She smiled, a little sheepishly.  "I wasn't sure about doing this buffet-style, but with Italian food..."

"No, it's great that way," Cate quickly replied.  "Plus it's more informal.  You know Jon hates those formal serve-from-the-right-clear-from-the-left dinners.  He doesn't like waiters hovering."

Dorothea rolled her eyes, then grinned.  "Oh, believe me.  I remember.  The man wants to get his food and be left alone.  Except to refill his wine glass."

The three women laughed in agreement, then quieted.  Cate sighed again, giving Dorothea another grateful smile.  "Well, if there's nothing you need from me..."

"No.  I think we're good."

"Then I guess I should probably go say hello to some people too."  Cate half-turned to look across the crowd.  "I have no idea where Jon went."

Dorothea smirked.  "Just go to the loudest group.  That's where he'll be."  She turned her own gaze toward the room.  "And I need to go figure out where Jake and Romeo are.  I'm sure they've escaped from John and Carol by now."

Stephanie giggled.  "Well, I don't hear running and yelling, so I betcha Jesse gave them their DSes."

Dorothea sighed and rolled her eyes.  "Stupid video games.  But at least they keep them quiet."

Cate chuckled.  "Hey, you gotta do what you gotta do."  She turned a little more when she heard a loud peal of laughter.  Her gaze settled on the cluster of men near the bar.  A familiar silver-blond shag shone in the center of the group.  "Aha.  There he is.  Like you said, right in the middle of the action."

"Yep, believe me, I know."  Dorothea reached out to give Cate's arm a little squeeze.  "Okay, I'm gonna go run down the Chuckleheads.  See you in a little while."

"Let me know if you need anything."

"I will.  Thanks."

Cate watched Dorothea depart, followed by Stephanie.  She stood for another long moment, fighting one more internal battle with her party-slacker-guilt.  Then she took a deep breath, put on a smile, and moved into the crowd.

For the next half-hour Cate moved between clusters of party-goers, engaging in cheerful conversation and catching up with friends she hadn't seen in awhile.  She purposely avoided staying at Jon's side, wanting him to fully enjoy himself with his friends. 

Cate knew from experience her husband would feel obligated to include her in his socializing, a feat that often made her feel awkward.  Jon shared decades of history with almost everyone in this room except her.  That meant many shared memories of which she was not a part.  So Cate made the party-rounds solo, pausing only to share a smile or a little hand-squeeze with Jon as they passed in the room.  There would be time for them to be together later.

Dinner was served with musical fanfare and a grand announcement from "Frank Sinatra" himself.  Cate couldn't hold in a gleeful giggle at Jon's enthusiastic reaction to the impersonator's musical interpretation of the dinner menu.  After leading the applause for the charismatic announcer, Jon stepped up to the buffet table to pile his plate with Italian delicacies, his two youngest sons right behind him.

As Cate watched her husband with his boys she had little doubt Jon was thoroughly enjoying his party; his blue eyes sparkled, his face was stretched into a permanent grin, and his cheeks were flushed with a warm wine-induced glow.  As ordered, Dominic the Waiter had ensured the Guest of Honor's wine glass never emptied.

When finally everyone was settled at their tables with full plates and glasses, the room quieted to a low murmur punctuated by occasional mirthful outbursts.  A three-piece ensemble from the Sinatra Orchestra played subtle dinner music while the guests enjoyed more good company and excellent food. 

The table of the Guest of Honor was the center of activity, with party-goers stopping on their way to and from the buffet to exchange a joke or offer a toast to Jon's continued good health and fortune.  At the round table-of-eight Cate kept one eye on Jake and Romeo, who were seated between her and Jon, while Jesse and Stephanie chatted with Jon's parents.  Jon's mother, seated beside her son on his right, chattered gaily to all who visited the table.

Thanks to the steady stream of interruptions, it took Jon nearly a half-hour to finish his plate.  Finally, with a subtle prod from Dorothea, Carol took it upon herself to shoo Richie and Little Steven away from the table so Jon could finish his dinner.  As he wolfed down the remainder of his salad, pasta, shrimp, and mussels, Cate shepherded Jake and Romeo to the dessert table.  When she returned with two boys and four cupcakes, Jon was pouring himself a fresh glass of wine.

"Hey guys?"  Jon addressed his sons, hastily finishing his pour and setting the half-empty bottle back on the table.  "Why don't you sit here by Nana?"  He pushed back his chair and stood, a bit unsteadily.

"Why?"  Jake's suspicious question made his preference clear.  He had already had enough "Nana Time" for one evening.

" 'Cause.  She hardly ever gets to see you."  Jon stepped around his chair, careful to hold onto its back.  He leaned down to pat the seat.  "Here.  Sit here and have your dessert."

"Johnny, why don't I sit there."  Carol started to move toward Jon's vacated seat as she spoke.  "Then Jacob can sit on one side and Romeo on my other side."

Jon stood back as his mother slid into his chair.  He raised his hands in surrender, knowing protest was futile.  "Okay, Ma."

"I get to sit by Papa!" Romeo immediately announced.  He darted around behind Jon to the empty seat between Carol and John Senior.  Before his brother could protest Romeo was perched on the chair and stuffing a cupcake into his mouth.

"Hey!  I wanna sit by Papa!  No fair!"

"Too bad, Sport.  You're too slow."  Jon chuckled at Jake's whine.  He pointed toward the chair next to Carol.  "That's your seat."

"No!"

"JACOB."  Dorothea's low growl knifed through the boy's dissent.  "Sit. Down."

Cate glanced to the next table to see Dorothea glaring at her middle son.  She bit back a chuckle as Jacob looked at his mother, then silently but sullenly dropped into his seat.  There had obviously been a behavior-based discussion between mother and sons prior to this event.

Jon gave Jacob's hair a gentle tousle, then reached for his wine glass.  "S'Okay, Buddy.  I'll sit on this side." When Jacob looked up at his father's face Jon gave him a little wink.  The boy smiled back, knowing his Dad understood.

Cate moved down to the empty seat next to Jesse and Jon settled beside her in Romeo's former place.  He gave his wife a happy smile as he laced his fingers with hers and gave her hand a squeeze before taking another sip of Pinot Grigio.  "There.  Everybody's happy."

"I'm not sure 'happy' is the word.  Maybe 'placated'."  Cate chortled softly. 

" 'Kay.  That works too.  As long as they're quiet."  Jon looked sideways.  He chuckled when he saw both his sons were busy with their cupcakes, ignoring their grandmother.

"I'd say you have about five minutes of quiet."

"If we're lucky."  Jon grinned and shifted his chair a little closer to Cate's.  He leaned in close.  "Baby, I just wanna tell you again... Thank You.  This party is great.  I don'no how the hell you pulled it off, but... it Rocks."

Cate smiled as she detected the slight slur in Jon's speech, accompanied by a whiff of garlic-and-wine scented breath.  She had a feeling by the end of the night she would be helping him to the car.

"You're having fun, huh?"

"Havin' a great time."  Jon pulled back enough to take another gulp of wine.  "And you... how you kept it a secret?  Sneak."

"Well, I am in the secret-keeping business."  Cate chuckled and reached up to wipe a dab of marinara away from the corner of Jon's mouth with her thumb. 

"So all that time when you said you were working... you were sneakin' around planning this, huh?"

Cate's smile faded a bit as she shook her head.  "No, Baby.  I was actually working.  This..."  She gestured to the surrounding tables.  "This was all Dorothea."

"But I know you two were conspiring.  Texting, phone calls, those sneaky little looks you gave each other when she dropped off the kids..."  Jon gave Cate a lopsided grin and a knowing wink.

Cate snorted at Jon's declaration.  "Jon, there were no 'sneaky little looks'."  And yes, of course we met and spoke about the party a couple times.  But the truth of the matter is, this was her idea.  I wasn't going to throw a party for you, because you said you didn't want a party."

"The party was all her idea?"

"Yes.  She pointed out -- and I agree -- that it's important for your children and your family to get to celebrate with you."  Cate glanced at Romeo, her smile softening.  "This is something they're always going to remember, Jon.  You too."

Jon followed her glance, his eyes moving around the table from his parents to his children.  He took another drink of wine, then returned his affectionate smile to his wife.  "Yeah, I guess so.  You're right.  Thank you for this... memory."

Cate felt another little guilty twinge even as she opened her mouth.  She just couldn't take credit for something she didn't do. 

"Baby, you need to thank Dorothea.  She did everything.  All the planning, the invitations, she found this place, the caterer, the music... it's ALL her work.  I..."  Cate swallowed the unexpected lump in her throat.  "I was supposed to help, but I couldn't.  Between work, and traveling, and..."  She shot a glance at Carol to be sure Jon's mother wasn't eavesdropping before lowering her voice to a discrete murmur.  "... and doctor's appointments...  I just... couldn't.  Dorothea did everything.  All I did was write a check and bring you here tonight."

Jon blinked at her for a moment, his surprise apparent in his expression.  As Cate's words registered he turned his head to look at the adjoining table, where Dorothea was engaged in conversation with Lexi.  Jon looked back to Cate and gave her a sheepish little smile. 

"Uhh... wow.  She did all this?  For me?"

Cate nodded, her heart sinking despite her honesty.  Now she felt like she had not only failed her commitment to Dorothea, she had let Jon down. 

"Yes.  All of it."

"Oh."  Jon was quiet for a moment, then gave Cate a little smile.  "But you're here.  And you helped some, at least."

"Not very much."  Cate sighed.  "Jon, you owe Dorothea your thanks.  Be sure you take the time tonight to tell her, okay?"

Jon nodded before leaning forward to press a kiss against Cate's cheek.  "Okay.  I will."  He gave her hand a squeeze.  "Then I'll give you a proper thanks at home."

Cate rolled her eyes but couldn't stop a smile. "We'll see..."

"Daddy!  I have to go to the bathroom!"  Romeo's announcement cut off Cate's response.

"Okay, Buddy... Gimme a minute..."  Jon reluctantly pulled his hand from Cate's and set his wine glass on the table.

John Senior spoke up.  "I'll take him, Son." He pushed back his chair.  "Come on, Romeo.  Papa's gotta go too."

"Daddy?"

"Go with Papa, Romey."

In her peripheral vision Cate saw Dorothea push back her chair and stand.  She turned her head to watch Jon's former wife cross the room to the Hostess and engage the young woman.  Cate glanced at her watch and saw that it was time for the program to begin.

"But hurry, you two.  There's gonna be a big surprise in a minute!  You don't want to miss it!"  Cate smiled up at her father-in-law and gave him a little wink.

"Well you heard your Stepmama."  John Senior patted his grandson's back.  "Let's move it!"

"Okay!"  Romeo dashed off, darting between the tables as he scampered toward the men's room in the far corner.

John Senior waved a hand after the boy.  "I'll catch up. Ain't like he's gettin' out of the room."  With a sigh he started to follow Romeo's path.

Jon chuckled at his easygoing father's statement, then turned a quizzical look to his wife.  "What's the big surprise?"

Cate rolled her eyes.  "Do I really have to tell you?  You can't guess?"

"Ah.  Cake."  Jon chortled and reached again for his wine glass.  He downed the remaining half-glass in a long swallow.

"And you know you'll have to make a speech, right?"  Cate chuckled softly as she saw the Sinatra impersonator step up onto the stage, readying for his emcee duties.  Behind him the swing orchestra members returned to their seats.

"Kinda figured."  Jon turned his head to watch the happenings on the stage, then smirked wryly as he let his gaze sweep across the room. All faces were turned toward his table.  "Well, shit.  Guess I'm gonna have to make a toast, huh?"  He reached across the table for his wine bottle.

"I think somebody will probably toast you," Cate observed amusedly.  "Seeing how it's your birthday."

"Well, better be prepared."  Jon tipped the bottle, refilling his glass with amber liquid.  When his glass was full, he offered the bottle to Cate.  "You want a glass?"

"No, thanks."  Cate quickly waved her hand over the empty wine glass at the placesetting.  "Not tonight."

"Suit yourself."  Jon shrugged and gave her a little lopsided grin before taking a sip.  "Okay... so what's gonna happen with this..."

His question was cut short by a musical blast from the swing orchestra.  A chorus of surprised murmurs, followed by cheers, went up from the assembled crowd as their attention was drawn to the far end of the room.  Two white-coated pastry chefs carefully wheeled a cart topped with a massive chocolate sheet cake toward the stage.  The cake's top was ablaze with the shimmering sparks of dozens of multicolored sparklers.

"Holy shit."  Jon murmured, close to Cate's ear.  She couldn't help but giggle at his surprised half-growl.   On the stage she saw "Frank" step to the microphone and gesture for Jon to join him on the stage.  Cate turned to tug at Jon's arm. 

"Go on, Jon.  You have to go up there."

"Fuck that.  I'm sitting right here."  Jon grinned through his refusal.

"The Hell you are.  Get up there now."  Cate gave Jon a direct look, making it clear that her command was not to be disobeyed.

"COOL!  Dad!  Go blow out your candles!"  Jacob's voice was full of excited awe as he watched the chefs roll the cake up a ramp and onto the stage.  The sparklers hissed and fizzled dramatically under the stage lights.

"Yeah, go on, Daddy!"  Stephanie laughed.

"Shit," Jon muttered.  Then he pushed back his chair and stood.  He reached for his wine glass before sauntering to the low stage and climbing up on it from the front.  Following "Frank's" direction, he moved behind the cake and stood grinning, watching the sparklers burn as he swirled his wine in his glass.  The crowd broke into song as the band began the familiar tune.

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday Dear Jon-ny....

Happy Birthday to you!

As the roomful of people applauded Jon shook his head with faux-bewilderment.  His gentle grin betrayed his true happiness as he gazed out over his friends and family, all assembled to celebrate his life.  Jon raised his glass in a silent toast, then accepted the microphone from the Sinatra impersonator. He took a deep breath before speaking.

"Well, first of all... I'm not blowing out all those fuckin' sparklers."  Jon grimaced at the cake as the audience laughed.  "Seriously... do we have a fire extinguisher or something?  'Cause Holy Shit.... that's a lot of fire." 

He paused for another moment, watching as several of the sparklers began to fizzle, their fuel consumed.  "Oh, good.  They go out on their own."  Jon chuckled and waited for another moment as several more sparklers flamed out.  "But I will eat some of that cake, though."  He grinned playfully.

"Say somethin', ya Old Fffff.... art!"  Johnny's boozy voice rang out across the room, followed by laughter.  Jon laughed along, pointing back at his old friend.

"Takes one to know one!"

Jon chuckled for another few moments, taking the time to compose his thoughts.  He felt his heart swell with gratitude as his gaze moved from face to smiling face.   Assembled in this room were the people who meant the most in the world to him.  He didn't need to make a speech.  All he needed to do was speak from the heart. 

He raised the microphone to his lips.

"Funny thing about time.  It passes.  Sometimes it seems to crawl by, sometimes it even seems to stand still.  But the truth is, it passes fast.  Too fast.  When you're a kid..."  He turned his gaze to his children, assembled at the table, Romeo now seated on John Senior's lap. 

"...it seems like time goes on forever.  Everything happens so slowly, you just want it to hurry up.  But then you grow up.  And you start working, trying to make it to the top.  And you meet people like you, out hustlin' every day to make it, to grab that brass ring, to achieve that dream."  Again Jon paused, his eyes sliding across the crowd, lingering on old friends and bandmates in turn, silently exchanging knowing glances with the men who had struggled and succeeded with him.

"And sometimes those days go by so slow, and you think they're never gonna end.  Then they pick up speed.  And then the good stuff starts happenin', and it all becomes a blur.  You fall in love.  You get married."  Jon's gaze found Dorothea's and his smile softened.  "You have kids.  And you realize that time is goin' too damned fast.  That you gotta stop and live the moments before they're gone.  Because when you're the parent, the time flies by.  Your babies..." 

Jon's gaze misted as his blue eyes moved to Stephanie.  "They aren't your babies anymore.  And next thing you know, you're standin' on a stage, watching fifty candles burn out on your birthday cake." Jon chuckled hoarsely and swallowed against the lump in his throat before continuing.

"I'm standing up here looking out at all these faces... family, friends... and I realize one thing.  I'm a lucky, lucky man."  Jon's voice cracked slightly and he paused, smiling.  He lowered the mic and looked down at his feet as gentle applause filled the room.  Before he raised his head to continue he pulled a sip from his wine glass.

"Yeah, I'm a lucky guy to have so many people care about me, that schlep down here on a cold Friday night to have a few drinks and a piece of cake on my birthday.  For that, and for so much more... I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  Salud."  He raised his wine glass in an informal toast.

"SALUD!"  came a chorus of voices as Jon's friends raised their own glasses.  Jon took another pause to look around before continuing.

"There are a couple people here I especially wanna thank.  My parents..."  Jon pointed to John and Carol, a warm smile curving his lips.  "...Who always believed in me and stood behind me, even when I was a little pain in the ass.  Getting kicked out of school... hauled home by the cops... hangin' out in bars...."  Jon chuckled.  "It all paid off, Ma.  I turned out good, thanks to you and Dad."  He paused again for the laughter and applause.

"To my brothers, Anthony and Matty... well, thanks for not killing me in my sleep.  Especially after all the shit I've pulled on you."  Jon grinned at his siblings.  "And thanks for having my back all these years in what's become the family biz.  There's nobody else I'd want beside me.  Love you, brothers."

Jon's eyes moved to the tables filled with the most familiar faces, the ones he had seen more frequently than any others, including his own family.  "And to my Other Brothahs.  The ones who have put up with countless hours of my Diva Bullshit, my quarterback obsession, my Lead Singer Disease..."  Jon smirked affectionately at his bandmates.  "Thanks for keeping all the secrets, Boys."

"To the grave, Man!"  Richie called out, raising his water glass with a grin.

"To the grave."  Jon agreed. 

He turned back to his table, his sparkling blue gaze meeting Cate's.  "And a special thank you to my very beautiful and very wily wife, Cate, who lured me here under false pretenses."  He chuckled along with the crowd as he shared a smile with her.  "Who endures so much for me.  Who has faith in me even when I don't.  And who makes me so very proud.  Baby, I love you."

Cate's eyes misted and her heart clenched at Jon's words.  She mouthed a silent "I love you" back to Jon, conscious that the eyes of his parents and children were on her.  She silently willed herself to hold it together, to not let the emotion of the moment overcome her.

"To my kids."  Jon paused, taking a deep breath as his eyes traveled around the table.  "Stephanie.  Jesse.  Jacob.  Romeo.  My life really began when you were born.  You are the miracles of my life, and I..."  Again his voice cracked.  He paused, blinking back tears.  "I love you so much.  I am humbled and so, so proud to be your Dad."

The applause again covered Jon's pause to regain control of his emotions.  He smiled and blew a kiss toward the table before taking another gulp of wine and setting the glass aside on a podium.

"Ohhhhkay.  Old Man's gettin' sappy now."  Jon's husky, self-deprecating joke brought a polite chuckle.  "Anyway."  He paused, smiling, his blue eyes searching the crowd for the last person he wanted to point out.  He found her standing toward the back of the crowd, next to the Carnegie Club Hostess.  Jon crooked a finger, beckoning Dorothea to the stage.

"Come on," he prompted when she shook her head in denial.  "Yup.  You have to.  I'm the Birthday Boy, and I say so."

The crowd chuckled again when they saw Dorothea renew her refusal, shaking her head more firmly.  They joined his encouragement with applause and calls of her name.  Finally she relented, walking slowly to the stage and climbing the steps to stand beside Jon.

"Dorothea."  Jon smiled at her for a long moment before turning to look out again at the audience.  "Folks, we wouldn't be here tonight if it weren't for Dorothea."  He paused again, waiting for the polite applause to wane.  "See, I said I didn't want a party.  Turning fifty may be a blessing, but it's not really one I wanted to acknowledge.  So I insisted that there was no damned way in Hell I wanted a stupid birthday party."  Jon chuckled as the audience laughed.

"But Dorothea, as usual, ignored my pissing and moaning about getting old and not wanting to celebrate.  She set this conspiracy in motion and put together this great party, got all these people I love together to watch me get old and cranky and probably a little bit silly before the night is over."  Jon turned his affectionate smile back to his former wife and reached for her hand.

"Dorothea, Thank You.  All these years, you've always known what I wanted, even when I didn't know myself.  You know me better than probably anybody in this room.  You've been on this ride with me for almost... what?  Thirty-five years?"  He waited for her nod of agreement.  When it came, he continued.

"Through all the ups and downs, the good and the bad, the poorer and the richer.  Through me running off to play rock star and actor... through times when I sure as hell was no fun to live with."  Jon's voice gentled.  "You gave me the most precious gift of four beautiful children, to whom you are an incredible mother.  And you put all this together for me tonight, because you knew it would mean the world to me.  You, Dorothea, are nothing short of amazing."

Cate felt a lump rise in her throat as again a stab of guilty inadequacy pierced her heart.  She took a shaky breath, praying her expression didn't betray her emotion.

Jon released Dorothea's hand and reached for his glass.  Raising it high, he turned to the audience.  "Ladies and gentlemen, a toast."  He waited a beat while his friends and family raised their own glasses in tribute.

"... To the woman who, after all these years, still knows me like nobody else; who I'm honored to still call my dearest friend.  To My Wife, Dorothea."