” Cheers!”

Bette was pleased to have this time before the events of the evening commenced. The guests would be arriving at 6:00p. They would be encouraged to mingle and take advantage of the open bar and hors d’oeuvres during the cocktail hour. Bette would introduce Valerie approximately 45 minutes later and spend about 15 minutes talking about her work and the plans for the exhibit. Afterwards they would unveil the art and give everyone an opportunity to view it and make purchases. Since the exhibit would run for a few weeks the purchased art would remain in the gallery until it closed. After the viewing the guests would sit down to dinner. At the end of the evening Bette would make a few closing remarks.

As everyone clinked glasses Bette took a few more minutes to speak to them before everyone left the private gathering.

“Once again thank you all. It means the world to me that you are here tonight. Before we head out to greet our guests, I want to take a moment to acknowledge four or perhaps I should say five very special people in my life and to share some very exciting news. Peggy I especially want to thank you for not only loving me but for being a mother and a friend to me. Thank you for your limitless enthusiasm and support of young artists such as the one we are premiering this evening. Your endorsement of an up and coming talent is almost a guarantee of their success and you give it so freely. Thank you for trusting my intuition and supporting my mission. I love you dearly. My big sister Kit. You mean the world me. I can’t tell you what it means having your love and support. You’ve always been my rock. I love you sis. This is Valerie’s evening and I don’t want to take anything away from that but I have some personal news that I’m excited and anxious to share with all the special people in my world. Marcus and Francesca have brought a joy to my life that I have never known before. Due to their personal circumstances they’ve made the decision to give their baby up for adoption. The wonderful news is that they have chosen me and us as the family that they want their precious baby to be raised in. In less than three months we will welcome my son or daughter as the newest member of the Porter family. I’m so thrilled to have this baby in my life. It goes without saying that Grandma Peggy, Auntie Kit, Auntie Lisa and Uncle James share my joy. The rest of you in this room are amongst my closest friends and extended family so I thought it appropriate that you hear the news tonight at this special private gathering.”  The group erupted in applause and congratulations and the tears of joy and happiness flowed. Bette was gathered in tight hugs to where she could hardly breathe. She was surrounded by so much love and caring that she knew in her heart that she’d made the right decision. She was overwhelmed by the show of support and well wishes. So much so that the evening could easily become about her but being the consummate professional she easily brought the attention back to the star and the business at hand; leading everyone out to the main gallery she started by greeting guests.