by Grace Kagni
“What do you mean?” he asked, wondering what exactly she was anxious about.
“Meaning, I don’t know if you’re ticklish, what your favorite color is, if you like to climb mountains or relax on a beach,” she said before pausing. “I know you like chocolate and strawberry cake,” she laughed, thinking about their first day planning James and Serena’s wedding when they couldn’t agree on the wedding cake. Then a thought came to her mind. “You didn’t order a chocolate and strawberry cake for our wedding, did you?”
He grinned knowing she would be really angry with him if he did but luckily he left the choice of the cake to Rachael and Serena.
“You did, didn’t you?” she asked, crossing her arms ready to fight him about it.
He laughed so loud that tears came to his eyes but he was pleased to see the Milania he’d first met was back in his life. He missed her but he knew the events of life had changed her. It was good to see it was only temporary.
She hit him on the arm and swore not to walk down the aisle if he’d chosen the wrong cake.
“Baby Doll, would I do that to you knowing you hated the cake for James and Serena?” he turned, looking at her while tears still appeared in his eyes from the laughter.
“I hope not or it’ll be a cold wedding night for you!”
“Oh, you’d do that to me?” he asked, knowing she was joking. He knew they couldn’t be intimate for another three weeks because of the surgery but he was thrilled to see she was in good spirits.
“I’d do more than that so be forewarned,” she teased.
When they arrived home, the moment she walked into the apartment, she was surrounded by dozens of red roses. He had filled the room with flowers for Milania and as she turned her head to look at him she saw a grin spreading across his face.
“Thank you. They are beautiful,” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Have I thanked you for everything you’ve done for me?” She pulled his head down to kiss his lips.
“Mmm, I like this side of you. Where have you been hiding?” he asked while he kissed her back.
“I was lost until you found me,” she smiled as their lips were still attached.
“Okay, where did you hide Milania?” he looked into her eyes.
“You’re looking at her. I’m back,” she laughed, knowing he was happy to see her happy and feeling better.
He lifted her off the floor as he kissed her hard on the mouth. He didn’t want to stop but he knew he had to. A little while longer and she would be his. There was nothing more standing in between them so he just hand to be patient. “Green,” he said, thinking about what she said earlier.
“What about green?” she asked confused.
“It’s my favorite color,” he grinned, knowing she understood what he was doing. He was giving her the opportunity to get to know him better.
“I like blue,” she smiled.
“And yes,” he said, waiting for her to figure out to which question he just answered.
Her eyes glowed as she wrapped her arms around his waist and started to tickle him.
He slid her body down gently until her feet rested on the floor and he took her hands to stop her from tickling him but she was quick and managed to get him good before he ran off in the direction of a chair to get away.
“Running away from me?” she laughed.
“Hey, that’s not fair. I can’t tickle you because of your stitches,” he said, pausing before grinning. “But I can do this,” he continued, running back to her to hold her arms at her sides while he kissed the skin beneath her ear. She squirmed by his touch. “So you are ticklish.” Then he picked her up in his arms and brought her to the sofa to sit them both down. “Let’s take a breather,” he said.
She sat down, holding her stitches as they throbbed for a few minutes. Then she rested her head on his shoulder as they asked each other questions they didn’t know about each other.
“When did the girls say they would come by to take me dress shopping?” Milania asked.
He looked at his watch. “They should be here in thirty minutes so you may as well go get ready.” He turned to kiss her on the lips before she had to get up. “I’m happy you’re home.”
“So am I, Liam.”
“Okay, go get ready for your day with the girls,” he said, helping her up. Then he watched as she walked to the bedroom and disappeared. He was grateful to have her back and he was going to do everything possible to make sure she was always happy.
Milania was ready when Serena and Rachael picked her up. She was excited to be planning her wedding and was looking forward to searching for the perfect wedding dress with her sister-in-law and good friend. Serena had called ahead to schedule a meeting with Italian wedding dress designer Giuseppe Papini. He had designed something for a friend of Serena’s wedding and it was gorgeous so as soon as she found out there would be a wedding in Rome, she called him to book a meeting. He was in town for them and would be there all week until the dress Milania wanted for her wedding was made in time for New Year’s Day.
They met with the designer in his Rome office and discussed multiple possibilities until Milania explained what she wanted. He sketched something for her to look at on the spot and when she saw it, she was enthusiastic it would be perfect. Then they selected the fabric and applications to put on it. The seamstress took her measurements while he continued to discuss ideas for the Maid of Honor and bridesmaids.
Tessa, who was another bridesmaid, couldn’t join them so they had her measurements to order the dress on her behalf. They commissioned a wedding gown and three full-length dresses. Milania knew they were going to be beautiful dresses and was anxious to see the finished product but in the meantime, she was grateful for the sketches that gave her an idea how they would be.
By the time they left, Milania was drained of all energy and knew she needed to go home to rest. Serena dropped her off and promised to call her later in the day to give her an update of what was still left to do. Rachael took the bus home and said she would call a list of DJs as soon as she got home.
When Milania got home, she went to lie down. The moment Milania set her head on the pillow, she slumbered off to sleep.
As Liam came home after an afternoon with James looking over last minute wedding arrangements at their new hotel, he found darkness throughout the apartment and started to worry so he turned on the light and was about to call Milania when he walked into the bedroom and saw her sleeping.
He stood at the doorway a moment, watching her as she slept. The sight of her peaceful expression while she slept made him anxious to be alone with her on a deserted beach. He was looking forward to spending time with her and making love to her. He had waited such a long time for that moment and he would cherish every second he’ll be with her.
“Hey, when did you get back?” she asked, stretching her arms and legs.
“I just got home,” he said, walking to the bed. “Give me a few minutes to have a shower and change before I make us some dinner.”
“Not that I don’t appreciate your cooking, but what can you make that isn’t cooked on a grill?” she asked, knowing he didn’t spend much time in the kitchen. He could make a great breakfast but she was doubtful he could make a home cooked meal for dinner. “Why don’t I make us some pasta for dinner?”
He waited for her to get up and then pulled her close. He missed being with her and was content simply holding her for a few minutes. “Why don’t we make something together? I don’t want you to outwork yourself the first day out of the hospital.”
“I’ve had a long nap and feel refreshed so it won’t be strenuous for me. I’ll start in the kitchen while you have a shower.” She kissed him on the cheek before leaving the room.
He watched her leave and then went to the bathroom to strip before having a shower. It had been a long day so he planned on having a little wine while he relaxed for the rest of the evening with Milania.
He found her preparing a delicious pasta sau
ce, which made his stomach grumble from hunger. “It smells great. I’ll have a second helping since I didn’t have any lunch.”
Milania stopped what she was doing to look at him. “Did you skip meals while I was in the hospital?” she asked, suddenly concerned he wasn’t eating. What else was he doing – or wasn’t he doing? She looked at his eyes and noticed the dark circles. “Have you been working late into the night again?” Her question was out of worry for his health more than anything. Was he still having nightmares and if that was the case, she wanted to know about it.
“Baby Doll, Serena and Leena have pampered me the entire time you were hospitalized. In fact, they wanted to bring food over so you didn’t have to worry the first few days out of hospital but I told them I could cook for the both of us.” His expression was sincere and she believed he had been eating so why did he have those dark circles?
“I’ll take care of the cooking but I’m a little worried about you. Have you not been sleeping?” she asked, walking to his side. She wrapped her arms around his waist and placed her head on his chest, listening to his heart.
“This is all I need,” he said, wrapping his arms around her as she hugged him. “I can’t tell you how much you worried me when you were in the hospital. I haven’t slept because I was concerned for you.”
She looked up into his blue eyes and smiled. “I guess this honeymoon will give us both a chance to rest and recuperate.” She unwrapped her arms and went back to the sauce that needed stirring.
~~~
It was suddenly the day before the wedding and the dress designer delivered the dresses at their suite at the new Miller Hotel and Resort. Milania was excited to try it on and waited for Rachael, Serena and Tessa to join her. Tessa arrived four days before the wedding, enough time to help with the last minute arrangements and a final gown fitting. Everyone had a room at the new hotel to celebrate the hotel’s inauguration on New Year’s Eve. Serena’s belly was large so she wobbled into Milania’s suite with Rachael and Tessa just as Milania was looking at her wedding gown.
“It’s beautiful. Wait until Liam sees you in it. He’s going to be floored by you,” Tessa said, smiling at her sister-in-law.
Milania took Serena, Rachael and Tessa’s hand and then pulled them all into a hug. “If I haven’t thanked you for what you have done for me, then I’m doing it now. I could not have planned a wedding without your help and I will be really grateful to have you beside me tomorrow.”
They tried on their dresses and each fit like a glove. Serena was worried she could not fit into it because her belly was huge but the dress designer had expertly designed it with a flexible waistline so she could adjust it according to the fit.
When they were done, they went downstairs to the restaurant where Liam, James and their brother, Dalton, waited for a pre-wedding lunch. Liam’s parents were resting from jet lag since they would be up late for New Year’s Eve.
As soon as the four ladies walked into the restaurant, the men turned to smile. “Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?” Liam said, smiling at Milania.
“I agree with you one hundred percent. Dalton, you don’t know what you’re missing,” James said.
“I’m starting to realize it,” he said, grinning. He’d briefly met Rachael the day before but her long wavy auburn hair and green eyes unexpectedly attracted him. Actually, he kept thinking about her the night before when he was lying in bed. She was gorgeous and he looked forward to dancing with her at the wedding. It was tradition for the Maid of Honor and Best Man to dance with the bride and groom at the wedding.
“Hello boys,” Serena said, looking for a seat. Her feet felt like they were going to explode. She turned to James and indicated for the chair. “I really need to sit.”
“Baby, are you feeling okay? Do you need to lie down for a little while?” James asked, concerned about it being a long day for her. He helped her to the table and pulled out the chair, waiting for her to sit.
“I’ll be just fine if I can sit a little while,” Serena said, sitting down.
Liam pulled the chair out for Milania and waited for her to sit. “Is everything all right?” He just wanted to make sure she was fine.
“Yes,” Milania said as she sat.
“Rachael, Tessa, can I show you to the table?” Dalton asked, leading them both to the table and pulling out a chair for each.
Tessa turned to look at her brother, Dalton, and wondered what had gotten into him. He was being so polite and attentive around Rachael that Tessa was sure he was hiding something. He obviously liked Rachael but the question was how much.
“Well, since we’re all sitting down now, can we order? I’m famished – remember I’m eating for two,” Serena said, grinning.
The group had a leisure lunch and talked about many things. Mostly the ladies wanted to know more about when the Miller boys where growing up. They grew up in a family that had servants inside and outside of the home - butlers, housekeepers, cooks, chauffeurs and gardeners. Tessa told them the story of when Dalton had taken the Bentley for a ride when he was only fifteen.
“You drove the car into the ditch?” Rachael asked as her eyes widened. “Your parents must have been furious with you.”
“Actually, no. James took the blame for me,” Dalton said. “He was very protective of me, as was Liam for that matter.
“Yes, Dalton got away with many things when we were growing up,” Liam said, laughing.
“I can imagine,” Milania smiled, wondering how it must have been growing up with siblings. She was an only child so she didn’t have memories of this nature to cherish. Suddenly she wished she had.
“Well, I for one didn’t have an easy life growing up,” Tessa said.
“What do you mean?” Milania asked, wondering what she meant.
“Are you aware what it was like growing up with three older brothers? It was a nightmare. I couldn’t bring any friends to the house. These three baboons gawked at my girlfriends making it extremely uncomfortable to bring them home while male friends didn’t dare to come home because they knew the same three men you have sitting here would give them life threatening stares to ward them off. It was an unbelievably awkward way to grow up in a family that everyone wanted to befriend you,” Tessa confessed.
“Poor Tessa!” Rachael said. “I can’t imagine how you lived through it.”
“Poor Tessa my ass,” Dalton said.
“Dalton!” Serena said, laughing when she imagined the things Tessa must have done to get through her teen years. She knew very well, having three male siblings herself.
“I learned to be smarter than them and socialized away from their probing eyes.” Tessa giggled, thinking back in time.
“So, what is planned for the afternoon?” Dalton asked, wanting a little time to explore the city before the evening. “I wouldn’t mind a little free time to see the city.”
“Nothing since the ladies need to rest before tonight’s festivities,” Liam said, wrapping his arm around Milania’s shoulder as they got up to leave.
“I don’t need to rest so if you’re looking for a tour guide, I could show you around town if you like,” Rachael said, hoping he’d say yes. She liked Dalton and wouldn’t mind spending a little time with him.
“That would be great. So what time should we meet tonight for the New Year’s Eve party?” Dalton asked.
“We’ll meet down in the lobby at 7 p.m. Does that suit everyone?” James asked.
When everyone agreed, Dalton and Rachael left to visit the city, while Milania, Serena and Tessa went to rest while Liam and James went to check on last minute arrangements for the New Year’s Eve hotel inauguration party and the New Year’s Day wedding.
When the men had checked everything was on schedule, Liam went up to their suite to take a shower and when he entered the living area he found Milania asleep on the sofa. She looked peaceful and didn’t want to wake her but if he didn’t, they would be late so he crouched down and brushed his finger over her chee
k until she opened her eyes.
“What time is it?” she looked toward the window, confused by the darkness outside.
He helped her sit up and then sat down beside her, pulling her close. “Do you realize this is the night before our wedding?” he said, leaning down to kiss her on the head.
“Yes, I do and Las Vegas seems like a lifetime ago.”
“Tomorrow you will become my wife as per tradition and then we will start a new life together.”
“New year and new life – I like that very much,” she said, feeling the warmth of his body. She felt safe with him and trusted him with her life as she had that fateful night in Vernazza. If he hadn’t been there, she would not have survived. A chill ran through her body, thinking back to that horrible night.
“Are you cold?” he asked, seeing her shiver.
“No, I was just thinking about the night of the flood. It’s hard to forget or put it behind me,” she let out a long sigh.
“It’s not easily forgotten and with time the memory will turn up in your mind less often but for now, Baby Doll, you need to know that I am here for you every moment of the day or night should you need to talk about it,” he kissed her tenderly on the lips.
They snuggled a few more minutes on the sofa before going to get ready for the evening. “I need to get ready for tonight,” Milania said, getting up. She stood and stretched her neck to get the numbness out from having slept on the sofa.
When they were nearly ready to go out, Liam came up from behind to place a necklace around her neck. “This is for not shutting me out of your life after the reckless night we spent in Las Vegas.”
She looked at her reflection in the mirror and saw the most beautiful emerald necklace she’d ever seen. It had a large emerald stone at the center and then smaller ones as it circled her neck. “Liam, this is beautiful.”
“It made me think of your gorgeous eyes when I saw it so I had to buy it to give to you before our wedding.”
She spun around to embrace him and felt a sudden ache in her heart that she knew was love. “I cherish every day with you since you walked into my life because if it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be standing here so Las Vegas or not, you’ve found a way into my heart.” She felt emotional and needed to leave before she cried in front of him. She had promised herself in the hospital she would not show her weak side anymore so she went to the bathroom to put on her makeup and have a few moments alone.