by Cee, DW
Emily let go and smiled. “I understand completely. Your brother is no slouch in that category, either.”
Our heart-to-heart was interrupted by a frazzled Bee, who had the twins hanging on each leg.
“Help,” she begged. “I went to grab a drink, but ended up with these two munchkins.”
The rest of the afternoon flew by between entertaining the kids and helping Jake and Emily pack. Once my parents returned from their outing, Max and I left for the airport to meet up with the giddy couple.
“Weren’t you supposed to pack your belongings? Isn’t that why you came here?” I accused a very happy Laney.
“My beloved already packed for me. I was told when I landed that this was a purely pleasure-filled trip.” Her blush told us that the pleasure part of this trip was had already.
“Please, spare me the details. If you two are not going to help us find a location, why don’t you stay locked up in Donovan’s bachelor pad?”
With an easy smile that so defined Donovan Taylor, he said, “Why do in London when we can do, again, in a more picturesque setting?”
“Donovan…” After all that, my cousin had the gall to appear embarrassed.
“You two are disgusting. Let’s get on the plane.” I slapped my soon-to-be partner-in-crime on the back, and pushed him on the plane.
“Do you have a plan?” Donovan asked us both.
“I like the villa Ruby suggested.”
“Ruby and Michael’s family stayed there one holiday when the duke’s villa was occupied and she said they both enjoyed it very much. The food was excellent, the house-made wine was phenomenal, and the service was impeccable. She said there was nothing about this place that wouldn’t suit your wedding. Only her grandfather’s villa topped this location.”
“Have you been to their grandfather’s villa in Tuscany?” Donovan turned his attention toward my question and gave me an ugly glare.
My cousin laughed at her fiancé’s scowl. “I’ve been to their country home and their castle up in Scotland.”
“Emily told me that castle was like being in Downton Abbey.”
“It was.” Laney’s dreamy eyes didn’t suit Donovan.
He interrupted our conversation with, “Did you book us a room at this location or are we staying at Roland’s?”
I chuckled at his surliness. “I thought we’d stay at this villa rather than at Gimpy’s. If I do everything differently, my luck should change, shouldn’t it?” This question was more for my love than anyone else.
“I don’t need luck, Gem. I’ve already won the Super Lotto with you.”
Donovan rolled his eyes. Laney gushed at my man’s sweetness. I gave him a kiss that promised lots of loving tonight.
Our stay at The Antoni Villa was over the top: from the most picturesque view of Tuscany, to twenty-four hour butler service, to sumptuous feasts around the clock; the four of us couldn’t get enough of the luxurious amenities. There were spa services, a small but all-inclusive gym, and a stunning infinity pool that gave off the mirage that the pool was falling into the Tuscan valley.
“This place has the old-world charms of Tuscany and a sexy new-world vibe of Manhattan.” Donovan obviously approved of the location. “I didn’t think there’d be such modern luxuries here. I’m impressed.”
“This place is ideal, Jane. Is it better than the previous two villas?” Laney asked.
“Without a doubt this is better than the first two!” I exclaimed. How had I not noticed this location during my research? “It pays to know rich people who can lead you in the right direction.” That was my thank you to Ruby Bennington. “Do you talk to Ruby and Michael, much? Ruby was a hoot when we met her yesterday.”
Laney looked at her fiancé a few times before awkwardly answering. “Ruby and I talk and text as if she lived on the cul-de-sac, but Michael and I have no communication…not that I haven’t tried.”
“What?” Donovan coughed up his Chianti and hollered, “You’ve tried to contact him?”
“Of course I have, Donovan. What I did to him was terrible, and I know he’s hurting. I need to make amends and make sure he’s doing OK.”
“Like hell you do,” Donovan spit out. “You and he dated for a short while, then you dumped him for me—end of story!” That egotistical smile was emerging.
Laney shook her head, annoyed. “Whatever, ‘hottie fiancé’—Ruby’s words, not mine.”
“At least that Ruby knows what’s up. You tell her to tell that brother of hers to get a life and move on. The little that was between you two is over—O-V-E-R!” As if he needed to spell the word out for emphasis. His tone was emphasis enough.
“You’re a pain,” Laney declared.
Donovan grinned and lunged at his fiancée with an amorous kiss. “I thought it was only pleasure back in the cellar.”
“You two are disgusting.” It was my time to make a declaration. Max leaned over and gave me his version of an amorous kiss. We rivaled my cousin and her mate in the “disgusting” department.
“Is your dress done?” I changed topics when we all came up for air.
“It is, but I’m being told by Gram I need to lose a little weight. I was told to only eat white meat chicken and vegetables from now till the wedding day.”
“Are you going to listen? No vino for you?”
“She’s been putting me on a scale twice a week. I don’t have a choice. A little vino here, but no pasta, cheese or dessert for me. I don’t know if Italians make anything with white meat chicken but that’s what I’ll be enjoying.”
“You’re perfect the way you are. There’s no need to lose weight.” Of course, Mr. Casanova had to get that comment in.
“Donovan. Have you ever seen Gram when she gets an idea in her head? There’s no fighting it and since she’s being militant for my own good, I’ll comply. The wedding dress is gorgeous and I would look better having lost a few pounds.”
“Yeah. Your grandmother has kicked my ass a time or two.” None of us had any idea what Donovan was talking about—at least I’d never seen Gram lay a hand on a man she possibly liked as much as Jake.
“Have you guys set a date?” Laney asked. Had I not told her when we were getting married? This was the perfect segue into what Max and I had to ask of these two.
“I’m glad you asked. We’re getting married on May 31st and Max and I just came up with a list of bridesmaids and groomsmen. I was wondering if you might want to be one of my bridesmaids?”
“Oh my gosh! Really?”
“Yes. Really!”
“Of course I do!” Laney and I did a happy dance with many onlookers. “Who else will be in the wedding?”
“It’ll be you, Evie, Becky, Ashley, and Emily. And for the guys, we’ll ask Garret and Josh, Jake and...” I let my man finish the sentence.
“Though you and I had a rocky start, I think we’ve patched up our relationship nicely and I look forward to bonding as a family. And I think I know you well enough to believe that you will not be happy watching another man standing next to your woman at the altar. I thought maybe...”
“I do!” Donovan responded with more gusto than a blushing bride.
The men shook hands. We women hugged again, and all was perfect. All we needed was to seal the deal, here.
“So I take it this place is a go?” Laney asked while perusing the place with awe.
“We’ll see.” Max sounded more doubtful than I’d like. “This place isn’t cheap.”
“Maybe your woman hasn’t revealed how much she’s worth, but she’s a mini-heiress thanks to her Gimpy. She’ll pay for everything.” Donovan exaggerating my worth didn’t make Max hopeful.
“I think even my ‘mini-heiress’ might have a difficult time affording this place. We meet with the coordinator…” Max stopped himself and tilted his head toward the woman approaching us. “There she is. You two stay out of trouble,” he warned the happy couple.
“Yes,
Sir.” Laney winked at us and waved good-bye.
“Gem.” The tone of this one word spoke volumes.
“But, Max...” I tried to get him to see things my way. Thoughts of seducing my fiancé and making him agree to my desire were tempting, but I didn’t see positive long-term effects of this scheme. “I have the money. I’ve lived with my parents for so long, I have tons of money saved. You’ve seen my bank account. If it isn’t enough, I can ask my parents and grandparents for help. They’ll want to give us a wedding present, and they can sponsor parts of this wedding.” There was no point in pleading. I knew the inevitable answer going into this argument.
Here was the crux of the problem. “Antoni Resort and Villa is asking us to rent out the entire place regardless of the number of guests for four nights. Between lodging, food and drinks, activities and incidentals—and this is aside from wedding costs—we are at $1500 per head. Add to that the ‘incidentals’ of the wedding and we could be near $2000 per person. For 100 people, you can buy a nice house somewhere in America for that price. It’s insane and irresponsible.” I sat silent contemplating how to rationalize spending so much money for a wedding. There was no doubt my fiancé was correct. I was hesitant to admit it.
Winter
Chapter 1 Max: Celebrating Memory Lane
With Donovan and Laney’s wedding occupying every bit of Christmas Day, Jane and I chose to celebrate the holidays in New York on New Year’s Eve. Since our trip two weeks ago, Jane’s wedding-planning zeal took a nosedive. She understood and accepted the ridiculousness of such a lavish wedding, not that any wedding in Tuscany wasn’t over-the-top, and she decided to concentrate her efforts on work. Since making partner at the firm, she purposely threw herself into learning about the firm so she would eventually take her place next to Donovan.
“Is this all you’re taking?” Her suitcase was lighter than usual.
“Yeah. I have winter clothes in the Soho apartment.” She finished her makeup and followed me out the door. “This is a nice treat to head back to New York for the rest of the holidays.”
“It sure is, Gem.” I hated hearing the spirit zapped out of my woman. Jane never once complained about not being able to marry at the Antoni Resort, but I could feel her disappointment. Once in New York, I’d lift Jane’s spirit with a few Christmas cheers.
Due to a surprising pregnancy revelation, Donovan and Laney altered their honeymoon path and offered all of us a ride on their plane. Jake’s family, Nick, Bee, Jane and I, were grateful to bum a ride off the happy honeymooners.
Immediately upon landing, I took Jane to start our New York adventure.
“What about our belongings?” Jane wondered why the cab dropped us off in Times Square while our luggage stayed in the car.
“Your brother and Bee will put them in your bedroom. I’m sure they’re headed straight to the apartment.”
“Those two are cute together, aren’t they?”
“They are,” I agreed, pulling my fiancée through the massive crowd. “We’re almost late, Gem. You need to hurry.”
“Max. I’m in high-heeled boots. I wish you would’ve told me to wear running shoes so we could sprint across Times Square.”
I held back the chuckle and pulled her toward the theater.
“Here we are.” By the big smile on her face, my fiancée hadn’t forgotten the significance of this place.
“A recreation of last New Year’s Eve?” Her appreciative look made all the last-minute efforts worthwhile.
“A recreation, minus the phone call right before sex, hopefully.” We laughed at that memory of being called away from the Trump Hotel, literally minutes before we were about to make love for the first time. Instead, we ended up taking care of two sick kids.
“Let’s go and enjoy the make out session,” My sassy fiancée announced with a wink.
That was exactly what we had done last year, and today was no exception. Sitting in the same box at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theater, I did what I hadn’t taken the time to do since we threw ourselves into wedding preparations. I savored each and every kiss. With my hands cradling her softness, I explored every part of her face with my lips. My beautiful “Green-Eyed-Monster” glowed, utterly high on pleasure. I loved this sensual look.
“Why are you stopping?” Jane whispered when one of my hands fell away to dig into my pocket.
“Because, Gem. You obviously haven’t noticed, but the lights are on. It’s intermission.”
“Already?” she pouted. I kissed her puckered lips once more.
“Already. Plus, it’s present time.”
“Goody!” She clapped.
“This is present number one.” I handed her the same slim, elongated box I’d presented her last year.
Jane opened to find several charms to add to the charm bracelet I’d given her the Christmas before.
“I’m glad you chose to wear this today. I haven’t seen it in a while.” On her wrist was the gold chain bracelet with a Statue of Liberty charm from last Christmas. “I’ve been negligent in adding to this bracelet.”
“Yay for me for wearing this bracelet today.” Jane giggled. “Tell me about each charm. There are quite a few in here.”
“I have a lot to make up for, my beautiful fiancée.” I pulled out the first charm, a solid gold heart. “Whenever you look at this charm, I want you to understand that you are my heart. You are what makes me feel alive, what makes me whole, what keeps me centered. Without you, my heart would beat but I’d feel dead.”
“Max…” The tenderness in her voice welcomed my lips back onto hers.
“The next is a sun to symbolize the wedding we will have in Tuscany at sunset. I know there have been a few setbacks, but I promise you your heart’s desire of an ideal wedding.” I could see the tears forming. It wasn’t everyday my Gem was speechless and pushed to tears. “The next is a little gavel to show you how proud I am of you as a lawyer. I know your grandfather helped, but he wouldn’t have chosen you to eventually run the company if the ability wasn’t there. You’re a brilliant lawyer and it gives me goose bumps whenever I think of you in the courtroom arguing your case.”
Her tears were now falling in droplets with her every nod, understanding my heart. “And what does this signify?” She pulled out an old-fashioned stove.
“This is my way of thanking you for moving in with me without protest.”
“Why would I have protested?”
“Because the house I purchased for us is a fraction of your house on the cul-de-sac, smaller than your brother’s pool house, and about the size of Donovan and Laney’s closet when their new house is finished.”
“Max…” she protested. “I love our home.”
“I know you do, and I’m grateful you don’t complain about my provisions for you. Even as a doctor, I’ll never provide the life of luxury your sister and cousin will enjoy. When our kids come and I know I can give us a stable life, I’d like to give medical care to those in need. You’re still all right with that?”
“Of course I am. There are babies who are waiting for you to finish your education, Dr. Davis.” This time, she leaned over with affection.
“The last of the charms is a diaper pin. This is thanks in advance for being the mother of my children. With your strength, you will love our children deeply, discipline them fairly, and raise them all courageously. Our kids have no idea how lucky they are. I can’t wait to have beautiful babies with you.”
That did it. I’d never seen my fiancée cry like a waterfall.
“Thank you,” was about all she could say before the lights went down and Once started its second act.
“Where are we off to now?” My fiancée wondered as I headed north to our next destination rather than south to the apartment.
“We are recreating last year, but to perfection. We need to head to dinner.”
“Masa???”
“Masa!”
We were the last ones to arrive. The
two other couples were seated at the small sushi bar, laughing away at something Jake had said.
“You’re late, Davis.” By the look of surprise on Jane’s face, she wasn’t expecting her family’s attendance. Her pleasure was apparent.
“I thought you were headed straight to Amsterdam?” The male half of the newlyweds had emphatically stated that his pregnant wife could not eat raw fish when I suggested they join us at Masa. Obviously, the female half of this relationship won the argument.
“Give up the notion now that you’ll ever win an argument against your woman.” Donovan warned in advance. “Mine told me it was Masa or honeymoon alone. Did I have a choice?”
We all chuckled more at Laney’s satisfied face than Donovan’s dissatisfied one.
“And Nick?”
Jake answered, “I’m unsure what’s happening over there, but one minute they were coming, then the next they canceled.”
“Uh-oh. Should I call them?” Laney wondered.
“Don’t want to know and hope not to have to interfere. Everything is new. They’ll eventually figure it out.”
“You are always the wise one, Yoda.” Donovan teased his best friend.
“How are you feeling, Laney?” I asked.
“Embarrassed.” She blushed.
“Why?”
“Because, Max…” she stuttered through her explanation, “I went from being a twenty-three-year-old virgin to a twenty-three-year-old-prego-out-of-wedlock-slut.”
This was the humor that started the night.
“That was wonderful.” My fiancée thanked me with a kiss when we reached our hotel room. “This trip down nostalgia lane with Once, the charms, Masa with family, and even the same hotel room is unreal. If you pull out anymore surprises, I may die from a heart of contentment.”
“Well, we can’t have you dying any time soon, but I do have two more gifts.”
