Jacqueline Beulah La Savourée loved her life. This fact ran through her head as she walked out of her apartment building, on her way to work. She loved waking up every morning in New York City, it made her feel alive and free.
Jackie was in general a happy person but there was something about this morning that made her happier than usual. She looked around as she walked alongside her fellow New Yorkers. The day had that shimmering fall glow, the trees were varying shades honey and maroon, like an apple being drizzled with Carmel. This was it the start of her favorite time of year, the holiday's were near. As far as she was concerned there was only one thing better than Autumn in New York and that was Christmas in New York. It was magical. She always listened to her walk man and this morning The Smiths fit perfectly.
As she turned the corner she looked up and smiled as she seen her sign, 'La Savourée Jewels' come into focus and even after 2 years her smile never faded when she saw it. She walked up and the doorman Henry smiled. "Good morning Mrs. La Savourée!" He said, sounding as happy as she was.
"Morning, Henry! How are you?" She asked.
"Wonderful, just look at those trees." He answered nodding to the park across the street.
"Aren't they beautiful? Fall is in the air, Mr. Brooks!" She announced, sliding past him into her store.
He chuckled, "See you at lunch, Mrs. S." He called after her.
"Morning, Mrs. La Savourée!" Everyone greeted as she walked past them to her office.
Everyone loved Jacqueline La Savourée, but then what wasn't to love? As far as anyone knew she was kind, generous, soft spoken and charming. However Mrs. La Savourée had a past, a past she wasn't proud of and never spoke of, but it was there. It didn't matter that she was head of the NYC charity ball and always gave the highest donation and that she gives her employees the biggest Christmas bonus or that she helped build schools in Nepal. It was always there in the back of her mind and her mission was to make up for her childhood to make not only herself, but the world better. Kinder.
"Jacqueline!" A deep voice beamed from the doorway.
She was so startled that all of her model beads went flying through the room. She laughed and looked up to see her husband leaning against the frame, smiling broadly at her.
"Dash! You scared me!" She laughed again.
"Sorry, babe." He whispered pulling her into his arms. "Are my girls hungry?" He asked placing his hand gently on her swollen belly. Then kissing her softly.
"Mmhm!" She exclaimed, wiggling out from his grasp to grab her purse.
Today was a special day for Mr and Mrs. La Savourée, every fall they drive upstate to pick apples with their friends Jude and Natasha. After which they would make pies ice cream while decorating for Halloween.
"You two should totally go as Beetlejuice and Lydia I mean her dress will cover your bump!" Natasha said
That would be kinda perfect." Dashed agreed.
"Oh and Tash, you and Jude have to be Josh and Susan from Big!"
"Talk about perfect.." Jude said.
After a short silence, contemplating their Halloween costumes, Natasha sighed. "Ugh, just think guys, this time next year we'll be heading to The Valley with a baby!"
"I know!" Jacqueline said, placing her hand on Dash's, which was on her belly.
As their eyes locked onto one another's, Jacqueline knew; there would be no Hudson Valley next year.