The Protectors of the Saltire. William Speir

So, I finally came up with the perfect idea.

      “Every spring, there’s an annual military trade show, conference, and expo called ‘Tower.’ It’s the largest trade show in the defense industry, but law enforcement attends as well. There are vendors from every part of the defense industry, military personnel, law enforcement personnel, politicians – in short, our target market. I’ve made arrangements for SignalCorps to be there this year. Our featured product will be your system. We’ll have a number of live demonstrations to show people how the system works. I was thinking that we could hide cameras all around the Convention Center and at the booth to show how well the system works and how easy it is to operate. We’ve also been given the opportunity to speak at the conference regarding covert surveillance using this system. What do you think about that?”

      Emily thought about it for a moment. “It sounds like a really great plan,” she said. “I agree that the product will sell better to people who have used it, rather than just read about it.”

      “Excellent,” Shane said. “And I can’t think of anyone better suited to demonstrate the product or make the covert surveillance presentation than the product’s creator. You’re one of the most eloquent speakers I’ve ever met, and you know the product inside-out. I can have marketing staff there to handle orders, as well as some of the manufacturing staff there to discuss how it’s assembled, but it needs your expertise to bring the demonstration alive.”

      “You’re not suggesting that I be some sort of ‘booth babe,’ are you?” Emily asked, referring to the practice of using very attractive women at trade shows to make sales.

      “Not at all,” Shane said quickly. “I want the product to be represented by the best person, and that’s you. The fact that you’re stunning is incidental. If you want to ugly yourself up for the show, that’s entirely up to you.”

      Emily smiled at the compliment. “Okay, you sold me. Where’s Tower being held this year?”

      “It’s going to be in Orlando, Florida. I checked, and the Rothschild Centre hotel is right across the street. I’ve booked a number of rooms there already, and I was able to get you a VIP suite – a little gift to you from SignalCorps. It might be a good idea to get there a couple of days early and stay a few extra days in case we need to schedule any private demonstrations. That would also give you some extra time to enjoy Orlando. It is, after all, the vacation capital of the world!”

      They talked for a while longer about the trade show and what her role would be. As she left SignalCorps’ offices, she thought to herself that a vacation would be a great idea. That would be a great way to celebrate our anniversary. Tom could use the time off, and we need a getaway after this past year. She became excited. She felt that this news called for a celebration. She picked up her cell phone and dialed the number of their favorite restaurant. She made a reservation for that evening and called Tom to let him know.

      Tom was still in the meeting with his staff, so Emily left him a voice message telling him when to be home so they could get to dinner on time. I’ll tell him tonight that this is my suggestion for how to celebrate our anniversary. It’ll be perfect. She was still smiling as she drove back to her studio.

      Tom noticed his message light flashing a moment after he hung up with the restaurant. He entered his password and heard Emily’s message telling him that she had made the reservation and that she had a surprise for him. He was curious as he cleared the message and hung up the phone. Evidently tonight’s going to be a double celebration!

      Later that afternoon, he glanced at the clock. Look at the time! I need to hurry if I’m going to pick up Emily and get to the restaurant in time for our reservation. He finished printing off the information about Orlando and his plans for their vacation, and put the papers in a large envelope. He shut down his computer, put on his coat, and left the office.

      Emily had just finished printing off the information about Orlando and her suggestions for their vacation when she heard Tom pull into the garage. She put the information in a large envelope, shut down the computer, and ran to get her coat.

      She was at the garage door waiting for Tom when he walked inside and put down his briefcase. She gave him a hug and a kiss before he could see what she was wearing. When she stepped back, Tom was impressed. She was wearing a little hunter green dress which set off her red hair and green eyes. It was his favorite outfit of hers.

      “You look gorgeous, sweetheart!” he said as he helped her put on her coat.

      “Thank you, honey,” she replied with a smile. “Shall we go?”

      They got in the car and drove to the restaurant. They talked a little about their day, but revealed nothing about the reasons for the celebration that evening.

      They arrived at the restaurant and walked inside, each keeping their envelopes hidden from the other. Tom helped Emily take off her coat when they reached the table, but as she sat down, her envelope fell and made a loud sound as it hit the floor.

      “What’s this?” Tom asked, reaching down to pick it up.

      “It’s for later,” Emily said, taking it out of Tom’s hands.

      Tom said nothing as he took his seat, grateful that his envelope was still hidden. When the waiter came over to take their drink order, Tom and Emily both ordered a bottle of champagne at the same time. The waiter smiled and walked away after Tom and Emily, laughing, made sure he understood that they needed only one bottle.

      Tom looked at Emily. “Well, obviously we’re here to celebrate something. Did you know that I tried to make a reservation here for tonight, too?”

      “No, do you have something you’re celebrating?” Emily asked.

      “Yes, but you first. This was your idea before it was mine.”

      “No, you first.”

      Tom shrugged. Evidently Emily wanted to go last. He told her about the visit from his boss and his promotion. Emily’s eyes opened wide with delight as Tom told her about his new responsibilities.

      “Tom, that’s great!” she said with a huge smile. “I’m SO proud of you!”

      “It was totally unexpected,” Tom said. “At first I thought they were closing the office and firing all of us. I’m glad that didn’t happen!”

      “That would never happen,” Emily said, taking his hand in hers. “You work too hard and are too valuable to them.”

      “Thanks, sweetheart. There’s more, but I want to hear your news first.”

      Emily told Tom about her meeting with Shane and the plans for the product launch. Tom had to suppress a laugh as she told him about the Tower conference and what Shane wanted her to do there.

      “So, I was thinking that we could make a vacation out of it,” she said, handing Tom her envelop. “They reserved a suite, and the hotel is close to all the attractions in that part of Florida. I thought maybe we could even go to some of the theme parks. We’ve talked about it a couple of times, and I’ve never been there. I printed out some information about the hotel and ticket prices for the parks,” she said as she opened the envelope and showed Tom what she had printed off.

      Tom tried to keep a straight face, but couldn’t. He finally burst out laughing, just as the waiter returned with the champagne.

      Emily looked hurt. “What’s so funny about this? I thought it would be a great way to celebrate our anniversary.”

      Tom handed her his envelope. “It’s the other part of my news for you. I’ve been asked to represent the company and speak at one of the sessions at Tower this year. The company booked us a suite at the Rothschild Centre, and I was thinking that it would make a great vacation for us.” He opened his envelope and handed Emily the ticket confirmations he had printed out. “I already bought us tickets for the theme parks because I knew that you always wanted to go there. This is how I was going to suggest we celebrate our anniversary.”

      Emily