by Tara Brent
I haven’t seen him since we arrived at the hospital. He went straight to Ali’s side and me to Tiffany’s. I felt this morning that nothing could infiltrate our happiness. Traumatic events can serve to remind you of your own mortality. Selfish as it seems, I’m so relieved that Tiffany is well. I stay with her a while and she falls back to sleep again from the sedative. It allows me to go and track down Nico and Ali.
When I get to him I can see that he's a broken man. My brother, the tough cowboy, sits with his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands, weeping. I thank the nurse who is comforting him and take over her role.
The doctors had told me that she was unsure of all Ali’s injuries. At that point, they hadn’t assessed her fully. Hopefully, we’ll have some news soon but it’s the waiting that's breaking my brother.
I hand over a cup of coffee I've got from a machine. It's insipid stuff but it's sweet so it might help. As I remark on how bad the hospital coffee is, Nico smiles and asks me about Tiffany. I reel off the information I’ve been told and as I’m finishing, a doctor approaches us.
“The good news is that your wife appears to have only a broken leg. If you can call that good,” he tells us, his eyes flitting between us as he assumes one of us is her husband.
I explain our situation and he turns to Nico.
“She's been very lucky. Her leg took all the impact and we've had to realign the bones with pins. The police inform me that the ski biker managed to steer away from her at the last minute. They also told the police that Ali's heart stopped as she was being treated, but luckily someone was on hand who knew what they were doing. It could have been much, much worse otherwise. She's now stable and you can go in and see her.”
Nico thanks the doctor and I can see the relief in his body as his muscles relax in his shoulders. We both follow the doctor into the recovery room. Ali’s leg has already been treated and is in a metal brace around her leg. The brace is screwed into the bone to hold it in place. Now I’ve seen how bad an injury it is, I understand how lucky she was to have Tiffany on hand. Hopefully, she'll make a full recovery and have a great story to tell her children when they see the scar on her leg. She remains asleep from the anesthetic and once I see she’s alive and breathing, I leave my brother alone with her. He's a much happier man now that he knows she’s pulled through.
For me though, I have an urgency to return to Tiffany and let her know that her friend is on the mend.
Chapter 31
Good News
Whilst the distress of the accident, and the stay in the hospital, was a difficult time for everyone, something good emerged. During Ali’s medical checks, they discovered she was pregnant! Nico is so happy that he walks around everywhere singing country and western songs, all the time. If I have to hear one more rendition of Achy Breaky Heart again, I'll scream right in his ears! Still, it’s good to see him happy after the recent traumatic events. I’m so pleased for them. They're a great couple and they'll make fantastic parents. The doctors have assured them both that all’s well as the baby was only about the size of a single grain of rice. Imagine that!
Since the accident, I can’t bear to leave her side. Its left me a little traumatized at the thought of losing her. I keep playing out the scene over and over in my head. If I hadn’t gone off and left her, maybe it wouldn’t have happened. Who knows? When you’re in a traumatic situation like that, you tend to blame yourself all the time. It's difficult not to play out all the different scenarios on how you could have changed things. To keep myself sane, I decided to stay on in Italy with Nico, and help him care for Ali.
Calvin's been brilliant and he is my savior. I was so torn between my son and Ali, but knowing Callum’s daddy will be with him helped me come to a decision. I spoke with my little boy and he told me that, I must stay with Auntie Ali if she’s hurt because I’m a nurse and I can fix her. Oh, the simplistic thinking of a child is so refreshing. Thanks to Calvin, I presently have no responsibilities that I need to worry over. I’m learning how much I can trust my fiancé, and I’m liking it.
We’ve stayed on for another two-weeks but now we’re all keen to leave. Italy is beautiful and I’ve enjoyed my stay but it’s time to leave. After a week in the hospital, Ali finally came home to the winery. Mobility is difficult for her at the moment, what with the metal contraption fixed to her leg. Most of the time we push her around in a wheelchair, which makes her laugh.
Ali’s not complaining one bit. She secretly loves that her fiancé has to tend to her every need, and he is a very willing servant. Despite the idyllic setting, all three of us are keen to get back to the States, but I still find I don’t want to leave her. She’s so fragile and I’ve never seen her like this before. Of the two of us, Ali has always been the tough one, both physically and mentally. No way can I leave her, so I discussed my dilemma with Calvin.
He completely understood and suggested that I go on to Texas with them. I have to admit I’m very nervous about this idea. Calvin will bring Callum and mom over to join me, while I’m helping out there. It seems they’re both excited about going to Texas for a holiday.
“You can take as long as you need, honey,” Calvin says as we finalize our arrangements over the phone. “Tell you what, you never have to return to San Francisco ever again if you don’t want to.”
“Oh, but my little house...and kindergarten for Callum...and work...and...” I stutter out, suddenly feeling scared.
“Think about what you just said,” he comes back at me in a soft but firm voice. “You’ve left work, remember? Callum has finished kindergarten here because we decided we’d be moving on anyway. As for your house, it isn’t going anywhere because it doesn’t have legs.”
“Oh, you're so funny,” I say sternly. “You know what I mean though. My house is all I have ever invested in. It’s my worldly possession. I don’t know I can let it go that easy”
“I know, but that's your old life, you’re about to start a new one. You need to leave those things behind. By the way, are you aware that Nico has arranged for Ali’s father to move to Texas?” He asks me. “He’ll already be there when you arrive.”
“Nico mentioned the possibility but I hadn’t realized it was in motion. I suppose it was the accident that's moved everything forward,” I say, a little shocked as Ali hadn’t told me. “Everything’s moving so fast.”
“Ali doesn’t know so don't say anything. It’s meant to be a surprise for her when she gets to Texas, so don’t spoil it for her,” he explains. “Nico spoke with her father and they agreed it was for the best. Do you think she’ll be okay with it?”
“Yes, she’ll be over the moon to know her pa is with her,” I respond. “They’re very close."
It’s good of Nico to have arranged this for her. It’ll be a nice surprise for her when she gets to her new home. Ali is such an adventurer in life always looking out for new experiences. Her favorite saying is that when one door shuts another one always opens.
Texas, Here We Come
The news that I’m going to be an uncle again was most welcome. It’s also a relief that Ali didn’t lose the baby in the accident. But, that's not the only good news; Tiffany wants to go to Texas with them. This could be the answer I was looking for. I've been wondering how I was going to approach her about moving to Texas. Fate has made sure that everything has fallen into place.
I returned to San Francisco to care for our son, while Tiffany stayed in Italy to help Nico with Ali’s recuperation. I decided to stay at Tiffany's house, believing that Callum would settle better with me there. The house feels tiny in comparison to what I’m used to. Schools out and Callum has left kindergarten, so we have plenty of quality father and son time together.
We're both enjoying each other's company but we're both missing Tiffany too. It’s been weeks since we’ve been apart, but at least we video call every evening. Modern technology! What would we do without it? Pauline's been a real support in helping me bond with my son. She's also been very supportive
of my plans for our future as I ask her about every part of my plan. I shared with her that I was thinking of buying a horse ranch for our new home. She thought it was a fantastic idea. When I asked her if she’s coming with us, she burst into tears. Turns out that she’d resigned herself to staying in San Francisco and letting her daughter lead her new life. Tiffany, on the other hand, always assumed her mom would move with us wherever we went. I like Pauline, she’ll be great company for my own mother.
If all goes to plan, we’ll never return to San Francisco ever again. Then again, it’s not entirely up to me is it? I’ve yet to convince Tiffany, but having her mother behind me will help.
Tiffany tells me that Ali is making a slow recovery. That’s what we all expected as it was a nasty break. She’s in a wheelchair most of the time, with a cast on her leg. I’m pleased that Tiffany wants to stay with her, not only because of my plans for Texas, but I like Ali and I understand how close their friendship is. Anyway, it keeps Tiffany busy while she plays nurse, so she won’t miss her old life if she’s in that role.
Pauline’s packing up some personal belongings to take with us, but I told her I’d get someone in to do the rest. She accepted the idea with a great sigh of relief, telling me she wasn’t looking forward to that job without Tiffany around. Neither Tiffany nor Pauline have yet realized how easy life can be when you are wealthy, and I quite like that in them. It means they’re grounded to reality, and that can only be good for my family.
Chapter 32
1 Month Later
We're at the ranch in Texas now, and even though Ali has limited mobility, she's as happy as I’ve ever seen her. She's walking with crutches, but Nico keeps worrying she’s going to fall over. It's so funny as he follows her around with the wheelchair. It's quite touching watching him, he’s a bit like a mother hen. Of course, Ali is having none of it and hobbles around the ranch on her crutches. She also insists that the wedding should go ahead, regardless of her leg.
To that end, every night we Skype with Mia back in San Francisco, to discuss the arrangements. We’ve all agreed that the wedding should be in San Francisco, it will be so much easier for guests and family. We suggested Mia find us a Wedding Planner but she wants to organize it herself. She loves to be busy and seeing as it also involves catering, she’s perfect for the role.
Since he joined us, Callum has been in his element. He adores Nico’s ranch and is very spoiled by his two grandma’s. Calvin’s mom is lovely. She’s a born and bred Texan and she’s been educating Ali and me on the history of the area.
Calvin finally got around to telling me about his plans for our new home. When he realized I already had an inkling, he said that Ali and I are attached by our brains. Our new home's still being built. Calvin and my mom had some input on the design. She knows exactly what my dream house should look like. I've nattered to her enough over the years and made enough drawings of it when I was a child. Always the house stays the same in my mind. They’d kept it a secret until the financial side deal was complete. I’m getting used to living in Texas. Even though it's only been a few months, I don't miss San Francisco and my old way of life.
Living in the middle of nowhere will be a little bit daunting. I’m used to civilization being close by. Our closest neighbors will be Nico and Ali's ranch. Even then it will be a drive, or even a horse ride, to get to them. The house won’t be ready before the wedding, so we'll be staying at Nico’s until then. The prospect of running a horse ranch is also a little daunting. Calvin thought of everything and invited the previous owner to stay on to help us settle and learn the ropes, pun intended. There's a separate house for the ranch hands which is the owner's old ranch house. We decided to leave it standing as it had too much character to pull down.
Mom’s decided she’s going to live in the older ranch house, along with the staff, as she wants to be the main cook. She hasn’t had any independence for such a long time and believes this is her calling. It's her means of contributing to the new venture. I felt appalled at the idea of my mom working, but she’s threatening to stay with Ali if I don’t let her. It seems we’re all adapting to our new lifestyle.
“My belly's fat,” Ali interrupts me from my thoughts. “For the first time in my life, I want to get big and fat.”
“Don’t rush it, girl,” I tell her. “Once you’re waddling around ‘cos of a big fat baby, you’ll be wanting it all over with.”
My phone rings and I answer.
“What? Really? Are you certain? ” I say, my eyes going wide with dismay. “Okay, okay, I will do, thanks, Trevor. I’ll see you soon.”
“Is that Trevor, the doctor that I’m seeing?” Ali asks, not hiding her curiosity.
“Y...y...yes,” I reply, stuttering with a cheesy grin on my face.
“Well, spit it out,” she insists. “What are you grinning at?”
“I...erm...I dropped off a urine sample thinking I had a UTI,” I explain. My stomach has a million butterflies flapping around inside. “It...seems...I’m pregnant too!”
“What!” Ali screams in excitement. “Oh, Tiffany this is fantastic, our babies will be like sisters, or brothers, or sister and brother.” She gets confused with all the possible options, but she's right.
I can’t wait to tell Callum he’s going to be a brother," I say. "Better still, I can’t wait to tell Calvin we’re having another child."
The Big Day
Today the big day has finally arrived, it’s our wedding day.
Calvin
With the news of another baby, I didn’t think I could love Tiffany any more than I already do, but when I see her in that wedding dress it takes my breath away.
Choosing the venue was easy. With Mia as our Wedding Planner, we decided on our family hotel in San Francisco. We've taken over the top two floors for a week, so our guests can stay there, and so can we. I want to give Tiffany a wedding she’ll never forget. Initially, she was against a big wedding but everyone else was so keen and she didn’t want to spoil it for Ali, so she agreed. I do feel for them both though as three-quarters of the guests here are complete strangers to them. Mia's making sure they're both the center of attention and she's done a great job of organizing it all.
All over our floors of the renaissance style hotel, are bouquets of the most exquisite flowers I've ever seen. I’ve been all around the globe and never seen anything like them. Not that I’m knowledgeable about flowers but each floor is pungent with the sweet aroma of nature's own scent. I don’t know how Mia has done it, but I know it pleases Tiffany, so it pleases me too. The rooftop is already fitted out with water features and potted trees and flora. The setting is perfect and this will be a day to remember for the rest of our lives.
We all four stand together in front of the official woman who is about to conduct the ceremony. Finally, we get to the part where we've said our vows and I place the ring on Tiffany's long, delicate finger. I can feel her hand has a slight tremor. It makes me want to embrace her and tell her not to be so nervous but all eyes are upon us. Instead, I lift the delicately embroidered veil from her face and speak to her with my eyes. Her body relaxes as she looks back at me, and I’m pleased I've managed to put her at ease. That’s my job, to care for my wife. I want to be the one who makes her feel safe and secure. I can’t believe how lucky I am that we've come together again, and now, here we are getting married. The official says you can now kiss the bride, and I do.
Tiffany
There are so many people here and most of them I've never met. Yet, they're all here to see me and Ali marry two handsome Italian brothers. As Calvin takes my hand to place the ring on my finger, my hand trembles. The reassuring look he gives me soon settles my nerves. He looks so handsome in his tuxedo. I feel a stirring between my legs and my thoughts immediately turn to my marriage bed tonight.
My dress is an exquisite lacy design by Oscar de la Renta. Though not in any way revealing, it does accentuate my shape which is now showing the tell-tale bump of our child. Ali chose a more
daring design, although it covers her leg that's still in a brace. She's chosen a low back, low front, and all the ruffles and sparkles that any wedding dress could possibly ever have. Even though her bump is bigger than ever.
Of course, Callum plays the most important role in our wedding so he feels a part of it. The whole day is like a fairy tale as we go from one wonder to the next. I was at my most nervous as Calvin put on my ring, but now it's all over. The guests follow us as we descend from the rooftop down a large, ornate staircase in the center of the reception area. Bright camera flashes blind us as the uninvited media take their photographs. This is a well-publicized event and will be all over the society magazines this weekend. I would have preferred a more informal occasion but I’ve accepted how much my life is about to change. The Luca family are far more influential than I thought. It's something I have to accept if I want to be with the man I love.
I feel an overwhelming sense of relief when the ceremony finally ended. As I leave the crowd, I quickly down one of Mia’s famous cocktails. Calvin whispers in my ear asking if I’m ready to be introduced to my wedding guests. I’m grateful for the alcohol in Mia's drink. If anything, it calms my nerves for the moment I’ve been dreading. I promise myself this is my last alcoholic drink while I am pregnant. Now to meet hundreds of complete strangers. Fortunately, the four of us do it together, which is a great relief. Still, it takes over an hour to go round every single table and meet business acquaintances, friends and distant family members. By the end of the day, I’m exhausted.
As the sun begins to set, it all comes to an end. I’ve loved marrying the man of my dreams. All four of us ride away in a carriage pulled by four beautiful horses. No expense has been spared for this day, and I will remember it for the rest of my life.
Finally, I kiss Callum goodbye and our carriage takes us to the yacht. There we will spend the night. Tomorrow, we fly to some exotic destination that I can’t even pronounce. Nico and Ali are postponing their honeymoon as her date is almost due. They'll take the boat out for a few days and do something together when their baby arrives.
