Happily Ever Never

by Jennifer Foor

  “Trust me, we’re not downtown. He’s fine.”

  “I want to talk to Major. Put him on the phone, Vince.”

  “Sorry, no can do.” I noticed it had gotten quiet, which only told me he’d left the loud room. “I’ll return him once we’re done. It’s his bachelor party, Bails. Just release the ball and chain for a few more hours. He needs to cut loose, otherwise he’ll regret it and stray later on.”

  “What? Who thinks like that? You’re as asshole. I want to talk to Major.”

  “Like I said before, he’d indisposed and unavailable. I’ll return him tomorrow morning. Goodnight, Bailey.”

  When he hung up I was so angry I felt like I could reach through the phone and murder him. I wasn’t upset about Major getting a bachelor party. I trusted my fiancé. It was his best friend who I didn’t. If Vince had his way he’d give one last attempt at convincing Major that marriage was a terrible idea. The fact that he’d mentioned Major wouldn’t be returned home until the next morning left me an emotional mess. Even though she’d probably just walked in the door at her home, I called Shawna to come back. If anyone could keep me from freaking out it was her.

  I felt like it took forever, but finally she arrived equipped with two pints of ice cream. “Tell me all about it. Is it the blanket?”

  “No.” I let out an air-filled laugh. “He’s out with Vince for his bachelor party. I find it funny that none of his sisters mentioned their husbands being invited to such an event. I’m pretty sure it’s just the two of them. Vince says they’re not downtown at a strip club, but I don’t believe him. Why Major is friends with such a douchebag is beyond me.”

  “He is good looking. I’ll give that to him. Vince is a ladies man,” she added.

  I shoved her. “Seriously, Shawna, you’re married, and ewe. He’s disgusting to me. I hate him. I know it is a strong word, but it’s true. Vince Gallo is the devil.”

  “It’s not like it’s the end of the world. Do you really think Major would let him sway his decisions? He loves you. He’s not going anywhere. Woman, you are the luckiest person I know. Look around. You’ve got the perfect life. Your man is amazing, and he’s crazy about you. You’re going to have beautiful babies with your dream guy. Chill out and let the boys be boys.”

  She was right. Major couldn’t be influenced by Vince. He wouldn’t put himself through that. I had to calm down and get over my fears. Nothing bad was going to happen. When he returned we’d get back on track with packing and making the final arrangements for our service. Everything was going to turn out perfect, especially our future together.

  Chapter 5

  Last minute double checking was setting Major crazy.

  “Don’t forget the folder with the information. We’re going to need that to pick up the flowers.” I was ordering Major around left and right to avoid losing it in front of him. Our plane was set to leave in three hours and I kept feeling as if I was forgetting something. I went over my list three times, checking off everything I knew was already packed in the car.

  “Bails, take a deep breath. We’ve got this, and if we forget something we’ll make do. The only two things we need to make this wedding happen are me and you.” He took me into his arms and ran his fingers through my long hair, tucking it back behind my ear. “I know you’re nervous, but there’s no need to be. We’ve got this. I told you before, nothing will keep me from marrying you.”

  I knew he was right, but ever since the bachelor party, and his not returning home until the next morning, I couldn’t shake feeling like he was hiding something from me. Long story short, Major had come home nursing a hangover. He’d told me Vince had hired a private dancer to come over to his house. From what he said, Vince asked her to stick around and hang out once her working hour was over, but Major swore he wanted nothing to do with her. Instead he claimed that he passed out early and Vince kept her entertained. At any rate, I didn’t like it. Vince was a bad influence. It made me feel like he was still grasping at straws to try to come between us. For that reason I cringed at the idea of him being with us every waking second during our trip to Sicily. I think it also rubbed me the wrong way that his family overseas knew Vince and treated him like blood, while I was still worried that I wouldn’t be accepted due to their traditions.

  It had become clear to me a long time ago that Vince would be in our lives for the long haul. I just loathed the idea of him remaining a terrible example for, not just my husband-to-be, but also our future children.

  “We need to head out if we’re going to get through security in time after checking all the bags. Are you ready?”

  I shrugged. “I suppose.”

  “Then let’s go get married. I’m tired of waiting. The sooner we all get there the faster we get hitched.”

  “I’m ready for that. I’m just worried something will go wrong.”

  “It’s normal,” he reassured me. “Come on. I’ll make sure it’s perfect. Don’t you worry about anything, bella.” I love when he referred to me as beautiful in Italian. The way it rolled off his tongue was tantalizing. It made me want to jump his bones.

  An hour after we left the house we were walking through the security gates at the airport. We both recognized familiar faces of family and friends that were all on our same flight. Sitting at a bar next to our gate was Vince and Major’s two older brothers, Tony Jr. and Victor. In front of each of them was a draft beer. I wasn’t bothered that they were celebrating. I wasn’t even annoyed that Vince was flirting with someone sitting next to him. What concerned me was that it was nine in the morning and they’d already started. Since I knew they’d be drinking on the plane I worried about the condition they’d be in once we arrived, but since no one else was making a big deal out of it I kept my opinions to myself. The last thing I wanted to do was get into an argument with an Italian woman. If their wives were okay, then I would be too.

  With a ton of attention directed toward me, my focus was diverted for the time being. When we boarded the plane I was thrilled to have been upgraded to first class while the rest of the family remained in coach.

  This gave Major and me some time to reflect on our upcoming schedule. We ordered two drinks after takeoff and sat back enjoying the comfort of our seats. Major played with my hand while he held it. “This is nice. I might even be able to get some shut eye before we land.”

  “Well, how about we discuss what we have to do once we arrive? I know your mother wants to help as much as possible, but we still have a lot to do.”

  “That’s true.” He leaned over and whispered in my ear. “As long as it includes some alone time I’m game.”

  “You know that’s going to be difficult with everyone around us. Just because we’re all spread out in one hotel doesn’t mean they won’t come and find us. Let’s face it, this might be as close to being alone as we’re going to get. Have you even considered all the outings the family signed us up for?”

  Major smiled, displaying his sugar-bowls. “Yeah, I know. How about we agree to only do half of them? I don’t think I want to spend every waking second with my family. Besides, your dad will only be there for a couple days. When he arrives I know you’ll want to have time to yourselves. I’ll break the news to everyone once we’re settled.”

  “I don’t want to give them reasons to hate me,” I reminded him.

  He looked at me like I had three heads. “They aren’t going to hate you, Bails. They’ll love you, just like I do. Stop fretting. It’s all going to be fine.”

  “Our wedding is in a few days. Let’s get past that and I’ll start to relax,” I promised.

  He chuckled quietly. “It’s a deal. Just know that if you need to talk about anything, you come to me. We’ll figure it out together. If my grandparents make you feel uneasy I’ll take care of them too.”

  I pictured an old Italian woman chasing me down a Tuscan alley with a large wooden rolling pin, her hair up in a silk scarf, while she yelled profanities in her language. I don’t know why the image wa
s so vivid, but it was enough to alarm me.

  In all honesty I didn’t know what to expect. I’d seen pictures and talked to them on the computer. I’d celebrated holidays with his family in the states and they’d filled me in on their traditions. Major assured me every time that no matter what we’d still get married. He told me their blessing wasn’t a deciding factor for him, yet I couldn’t bring myself to be okay with that, not when I knew they’d forever resent me. For the time being I’d have to try to remain optimistic, at least until I could stand in front of them and read their reactions.

  After our brief conversation, we both sat back and relaxed for bit. Major turned on a movie and we shared headphones so we could watch it together. I never expected Vince would sneak his way to the front of the plane and interrupt us, but there he was, sticking his head in between us like a giraffe to fresh greens. “What the…”

  “Calm your tits, Bails. I’m just saying hello. The shitter is full in the back.”

  I looked around the small first class area and noticed quite a few people giving him the stink eye. Thankfully I spotted a stewardess heading in our direction. I crossed my arms over my chest and waited for him to be reprimanded. “Excuse me sir, but you can’t be up here. I’ll have to ask you to head back to your seat now,” she requested.

  “I’ll see you later, Buddy. I’ll come back to chat in a bit,” Major told him.

  He pointed at Major, and his next words made my skin crawl. “You better. Madison wants to say hi. Can you believe she came along with me? That shit is unreal.”

  I waited for Vince to leave before addressing the situation. Since I’d seen him earlier flirting with a young looking blonde I could only assume he’d brought her along as his date. “Who the heck is Madison?”

  Major sighed and looked at me with concerned eyes. “Do you promise not to get angry?”

  I shrugged. “Why in the world would you have to ask me that? If Vince wants to bring a date he’s entitled.”

  “It’s probably better if I tell you now in case he gets drunk and starts running his mouth.”

  Now I was definitely becoming curious. “Spill it then.”

  “Madison isn’t just his date. She was the stripper from the bachelor party. He’s been seeing her apparently.”

  “What?” I could hardly contain my frustration. “You’re telling me that asshole brought a stripper halfway across the world to attend our wedding, and this is the first I’m hearing about it? My God, you’ve recently seen her naked. Did you ever think how awkward it would be for me? What kind of girl takes her clothes off and then lingers around, reaping the benefits?”

  “Come on, Bails. This is our wedding. Vince is Vince. He’s harmless. Just let him have some fun and he’ll stay off our backs.”

  “I’m not okay with this,” I reiterated. “Not at all.”

  “I know.” He reached over and rubbed my leg. “Just try to ignore it. It’s what I do.”

  I sighed and looked out the window at the clouds we were flying through. “I wish you could admit how much of a prick he is. How you’re still friends with him is beyond me. You’re nothing alike. He’s like a child in a grown body. Does your mother know his date is a stripper?”

  “I don’t know. She won’t care. This trip isn’t about Vince. My family is here for us, and so is Vince. I know he makes you crazy, but he’s my brother. You can’t change family, you just have to accept them for who they are.”

  I still refused to look in his direction. “I choose to have no part of that man and his antics. I’m not trying to be a prude, but he’s a male slut. He probably hired the girl for you to sleep with.”

  Major actually laughed at my comment. “She’s got nothing on you, bella. Relax. You’re the only woman for me. Besides, if I wanted someone else I wouldn’t stoop so low. I’d sit you down and let you know we weren’t working. I’d be decent about it. Come on. You know me. You know how I was raised. Vince can’t help himself. I’m nothing like him.”

  “I know.” I did. Major had morals. He was a kind and generous man. It was the reason I fell in love with him so quickly. “Let’s change the subject.”

  “Good idea.” He brought my hand up to his lips and kissed it tenderly. “You’re going to be my wife in three days. I can’t wait to call you Mrs. Valero.”

  Just hearing it made me smile huge. The idea of finally being married, after always assuming I wasn’t meant to find my Mr. Right. Growing up I’d been the girl with her head in a book. I didn’t have a date to the prom; instead I went with a few girls from the math club I was a member of. College was much of the same scenario. I didn’t pledge a sorority. I focused on keeping my GPA high to enable me the opportunity to advance into a good job after graduation. I’d worked hard to have my career, and even though I’d just begun prospering from it, I felt like it was worth the struggles.

  I’d dated a few people. I’d even had sex. None of it ever amounted to anything serious. For lack of a better term I was only experiencing things to say I had. Meeting Major changed my life. It wasn’t about being forced into going on a blind date. I’d met him on my own, and he’d asked me out without being persuaded. When he told me he loved me a month later I felt like I was dreaming. I’d never expected someone as handsome and successful to come into my life. He made me feel important each and every day, and I vowed to be the best wife, mother and friend in return. Since my mom had passed away, I wanted to spend every waking second with my children once they were born. We hadn’t decided on a number, and I don’t think it would have mattered anyway. If God graced us with ten kids we’d raise them with love.

  Imagining being a mom made me think of my father. Since I’d moved out of the house he’d been distant. I know I’d broken his heart, and a part of me hated myself for that. I think in a lot of ways my dad liked the little nerdy girl he assumed would never leave home. It took a while for me to be okay with moving away. I knew he wasn’t ever going to have home-cooked meals, and I had to accept that. My mom wouldn’t have wanted me to waste my life away. Still, I’d always felt like leaving had ruined my relationship with my father, and I hoped that when I had my first child he’d come back as the loving grandfather I imagined he’d become.

  With Major by my side I simply leaned my head on his shoulder. “If you’d like to practice saying that some more, I’m all ears.”

  I could feel his body rumble as he chuckled. “Soon enough my dear. Nothing will stop us. I knew in that grocery parking lot that you were meant to be my wife. I think I dreamed of you in my past. You’re the reason all my other relationships failed. I was just warming up for you to walk into my life, or stumble if you want to get technical.”

  I patted his arm and laughed to myself. I knew he was kidding with me, but Major’s seriousness was also shining through. He might not have been a nervous wreck, but he was determined the wedding would go off without a hitch. That gave me a sense of peace I desperately needed. People say all the time that wedding jitters are normal. Mine weren’t jitters. I was absolutely terrified something would occur to prevent it from happening.

  Chapter 6

  Since I’d never had much money, I’d obviously not traveled anywhere overseas.

  I hadn’t gotten a passport until Major told me I wouldn’t be able to leave the country without it. I’d read up on my travel itinerary, and he’d filled me in on the beauty that Sicily carried, but I couldn’t have even imagined the extent of it until I witnessed it firsthand.

  The buildings, old and secure, lined the streets in the main town of Massimo. While our bus took us to the hotel, the driver gave us descriptions on the landmarks and what some of them served as at one time. He told the tale of a volcanic eruption and what was left in the aftermath. He explained how people settled back in and rebuilt the town. The whole time he spoke I was memorized. I couldn’t stop taking pictures and staring out the window like a child first reacts to the sight of snow.

  Major leaned close to avoid being drowned out by his loud Ita
lian family. “It will all be there tomorrow and the next day.”

  “I know. It’s spectacular. I never imagined it would be this amazing.”

  “Wait until you see the beach. It’s gorgeous. Tomorrow I have a surprise for you. Do you think you can last that long?”

  I snickered and nudged his side. “Shut up. I’m not that bad. Of course I can wait, that’s if we go to bed as soon as we get to the hotel, otherwise I’ll be ripping at the seams.” I think it was hard for Major to understand I’d never been anywhere. His family traveled back to Sicily at least every two years, not to mention the cruises they went on together to the Caribbean. I knew for a fact that they’d been to Mexico recently, and some even Costa Rica. The fact that my father also had to get a passport should have said something about how many places we’d traveled to. Aside from work conventions, I never left my lab. Since I’d been involved with Major we’d visited the beach and even been to Las Vegas twice. He’d taken me to New York to watch the ball drop, and then we traveled to Niagara Falls, but only on the U.S. side.

  “By the time we leave you’ll know your way around,” he assured me.

  Pulling up to the exquisite hotel made me eager to settle in. We’d been traveling for a whole day, and although my excitement was keeping me awake, I was physically exhausted. “The only thing I want to know right now is how soft the pillows will be in our room. I feel like I could sleep for a week.”

  “I won’t let that happen.”

  I wrapped my arm inside of his and cuddled up close to him. “Take me to our room, undress me, and tuck me into bed.”

  Chaos set as everyone on the bus climbed out and waited for their luggage to be brought out from underneath the vehicle. As soon as Major spotted our bags he collected them and led me inside to check in. “Should we wait for everyone else?”

  “No way. They’ll take forever. Let’s hurry up so we don’t have to tell them what room we’re in.”