Willow, Vince, Blaze, Chris and Melissa were all dressed smartly for Tara’s big show. They had spent the day trying to calm her down and help her pick an outfit for the evening.Willowhad expected her to be nervous but Tara was a wreck, she had changed clothes four different times and, just as they were about to head out, she had decided to change again.

“I’ll go and get her.” Melissa said as the others sat back on the couches. Willow frowned, she had offered Tara help in deciding on clothes and Tara had almost pushed her away. Something was definitely going on, all day everyone had been grinning and winking at each other for no real reason.Willowhad thought maybe they had planned a surprise which she had discovered when her favourite restaurant had called to confirm the booking for later that evening.

Melissa stuck her head around the door of the walk in closet, “You okay Tara?” she asked. Tara had change back into the first outfit she’d had on, a long black dress, that almost reached the ground, the back open and strappy. “Oh god, what if she says ‘no’?” Tara said as Melissa approached her. Melissa just shook her head, “She won’t.” she stated simply, “And if she does, then hell, I’ll marry you!” she finished with a grin. “You look stunning!”

Tara returned the grin, she’d never been so nervous in her entire life but the certainty that radiated from Melissa was contagious. “Best w-we go then.” She said with a weak smile. Melissa hugged her suddenly surprising the blonde who hugged back.

As they stepped into the living area, Tara received wolf whistles and cheers from the others. “You look absolutely amazing baby!”Willowsaid breathlessly as she wrapped her arm around Tara’s waist and kissed her softly. Tara smiled, interlacing her fingers with Willows as they headed out of the door and towards the gallery.

The turn out was good, the gallery had provided free advertising and a lot of Willow and Tara’s friends had turned out, bringing with them family and their own friends. The wine flowed freely and by the end of the show, Tara had sold 9 of the 20 pictures on display.Willowseemed more overjoyed than Tara, her eyes glistening with tears at every sale. As the last buyers and guests were trailing out into the night, Melissa wandered in through the open door and nodded at Tara. “Willow, we have a surprise for you.” She told her, putting her hands up to cover her girlfriends eyes and guiding her towards the door. As they emerged into the warm evening Tara dropped her hands, before the group was a beautiful white stretch limousine, a chauffeur in full uniform stood by the door, opening it as Willow took in the sight before her. “Oh baby!!” Willow gasped turning towards Tara, “You can’t afford this, you shouldn’t, I mean, it’s lovely but you can’t I don’t…..” her words left her for the second time in as many days. “Happy Birthday!” Tara said, kissing the stunned red-head softly and pushing her towards the waiting car.