Life's Second Chances: The Show Me Series: Book One

by Anne Stone

  “Angelina, I want to thank you for bringing our Alejandro back to us. You’ve helped one another through some difficult times. I don’t think either of you could have gotten through these times without the other. We love you and welcome you into our family as our daughter—to Angelina.”

  Everyone raised their glasses in honor of the bride. She glanced at Alejandro with tears in her eyes. He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek, whispering how much he loved her. She smiled at him as his parents approached, giving them both hugs and kisses.

  Maria told Angelina that she was thrilled to be able to refer to her as her daughter now. “You’re the best thing in the world for my son. You make him happy. Thank you for putting the smile back on his face.”

  The rehearsal dinner ended and Alejandro drove her back to her parents’ house. “I guess the next time I see you will be tomorrow when you walk down the aisle.”

  She nodded.

  “Angelina, I love you with all of my heart, my soul… I want you to feel like you can tell me anything, good or bad. As our marriage grows, we need to continue to communicate. I know I’ll be busy at times, but we can’t forget that. Communication is the key to a happy, healthy marriage.”

  “I know, sweetheart. I’ll always tell you when I’m happy or sad. And right now, I couldn’t be happier. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I’d marry you, Alejandro. It’s a dream come true, and I won’t do anything to jeopardize it. You’re my world and nothing is going to stand in the way of our happiness.” She reached over, grabbed his face between her hands, and gave him one last kiss before she would see him as she walked down the aisle. “I love you, for always and forever.”

  “You’re my life, Angelina. I’ll do everything and anything to make you happy. Always remember that.”

  Colleen woke Angelina from the best night’s sleep that she’d had in a long time. She was content and happy with where her life was headed. Colleen prepared her sister breakfast in bed. After eating, all of the girls pampered themselves at the spa, then headed over to their favorite beauty salon where they had their hair and make-up completed by their favorite beautician. The men, on the other hand, had scheduled an early game of golf prior to their late afternoon wedding. Jackie couldn’t believe how relaxed everyone was. She figured it was a good sign.

  The photographer Angelina hired not only followed the women around for most of the day, but also the men. Photos were taken of the men goofing around on the golf course, while the women were photographed with green masks on their faces and with their hair in curlers.

  Angelina wanted to showcase the fun along with the serious side of the wedding. She couldn’t wait to see Wyatt hamming it up in front of the camera while riding around in a golf cart. And she couldn’t wait to see what photos came out of their day at the spa—her mother’s face covered in a mask. Priceless, is all she could think when the photographer was clicking away. Angelina didn’t even know if her mother realized she’d had her photograph taken.

  They all laughed endlessly until it was time for hair and make-up, and that’s when the importance of the day struck Angelina. She was marrying Alejandro, the man of her dreams. The entire time leading up to this day, Angelina took everything in stride—nothing bothered her. Her true nervousness had gone away once she’d told their family about her infertility.

  But now, the nerves rushed at her from all sides. She worried that her dress wouldn’t fit even though she knew it did. She worried about the flowers, her hair, her make-up, the reception… until she took one look in the mirror. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She pictured Alejandro standing at the end of the aisle, waiting for her as he did the night before at the rehearsal. His hand reached out to her. The smile on his face and the love that shown for her in his eyes… That memory from only the day before brought her out of her stupor. Her nerves dissipated and a feeling of calm overcame her.

  The women all drove to the church where the wedding party planned on dressing. When Angelina appeared from the dressing room, everyone stood in awe. Jackie had never seen her daughter look more beautiful. It brought tears to her eyes.

  Angelina’s hair had been styled in an up-do with soft curls that framed her face. Her dress was a spectacular off-the-shoulder, beaded with Austrian crystals that carried all the way down her eight-foot train. Her veil was exquisite and contained the same intricate beading in her headpiece. She wore a single-strand pearl necklace that contained a diamond drop in the center, along with a pair of matching earrings that complemented her dress. The jewelry was a wedding gift from her parents.

  Maria walked over to her and grasped her hands. “My dear, you’re absolutely beautiful. My son is so lucky.” Tears glistened in her eyes.

  Gabriella could hardly contain herself. She turned away and walked from the room. Angelina noticed her disappearance and wondered why she’d left. Colleen gleefully spoke of how gorgeous her sister looked. “I’ve never seen you look so…”

  “Marvelous,” chimed in Kelly. “Angelina, you’re stunning. Alejandro won’t be able to take his eyes off of you when you walk down the aisle. You’re going to take his breath away.” She smiled at Angelina as she herself became emotional.

  Gabriella paced the hallway outside the dressing area. Alejandro strolled down the corridor towards the patio area where the photographer was waiting, taking candid shots of the wedding party. Alejandro saw a tear on his sister’s face and approached her. He wiped it from her face and asked why she was crying.

  “She’s beautiful, Alejandro. She’s going to take your breath away…” And with that the photographer captured a moment between brother and sister that was priceless.

  “I’m sure she is. I can’t wait to see my bride.”

  Every other pew was decorated with a floral spray that matched that of the bridesmaids. Peonies were Angelina’s favorite flower and it was showcased in the sprays, along with roses and baby’s breath. The sweet smell filled the church.

  Candles adorned the altar, along with several large displays of peonies, roses, and a multitude of other spring flowers. No expense was saved when it came to the flowers.

  The organist began playing as both of their mothers were escorted down the aisle. Surprisingly, Jackie was dry-eyed. Maria had a handkerchief clutched in her hand which she used to dab her eyes when she saw her son standing so stoically at the front of the church. Maria had a flash back to another day such as this—the day Alejandro and Tammy were married. She looked at her son. He was happy then and he was happy now. He’d overcome the tragedy of losing his wife. And today… today was about the future, not the past. They’d always have their memories, but today was about making new memories, not dreaming of a past that could never be recovered.

  Alejandro stood beside his father. The processional music began as the bridesmaids, escorted by his brothers, walked slowly down the aisle. The bridesmaids were all dressed in peach-colored, tea-length dresses that complemented the grandeur of Angelina’s dress. The groomsmen were dressed in tuxes with coordinating peach-colored bow ties.

  There was a brief pause in the music, and then he saw her standing at the end of the aisle. Alejandro was breathless. His sister was right—she took his breath away.

  Angelina had the most beautiful smile on her face as her father walked her down the aisle. Alejandro had never seen her look so beautiful or so happy. Her father raised her veil and kissed her cheek as he handed her over to Alejandro. Alejandro reached for her hand and winked at her, mouthing, “I love you.”

  She smiled and nodded in return. She squeezed his hand as they turned towards the priest. She caught Alejandro’s eye several times during the ceremony with a chaste smile and a wink only he could see. He was almost her husband. As she looked around the church, she took in the beauty of the flowers. She could smell the peonies that stood beside the altar. Her bridesmaids looked beautiful and the groomsmen were just as handsome. It was her day—no, their day. She was doing her best, taking in every glance, every smi
le, and every tear. This was the day she’d dreamed of her entire life. She almost let it slip away when she’d been overcome with her reaction to the effects of the peritonitis. She had been reacting to the situation. In all honesty, she had known she’d marry. It just took Alejandro’s belief in her, and his desire to love her that pulled her through those days.

  They made it through the majority of the ceremony without any tears. As they began to exchange their traditional wedding vows, the tears started to flow. Thankfully, she’d stuffed a handkerchief into the kneeler and was able to extract it without difficulty. She squeezed his hand especially hard when she reached the “in sickness and in health” portion of her vows. Tears were cascading down her cheeks. He knew she was reflecting on what they’d already been through together. As he said his vows, he choked up a bit, somehow getting through his without tears.

  They both gave their mothers red roses during the ceremony. Jackie pulled Alejandro into an embrace and thanked him for making her daughter so happy. Maria dabbed at her eyes when the couple approached. Alejandro hugged her when he handed her the rose. She turned to Angelina and pulled her into an embrace, whispering that she loved her.

  They shared their kiss as a married couple after they were pronounced husband and wife. As the organist played the recessional, they walked hand-in-hand down the aisle, taking their time as they soaked in the moment. They partook in the family photography session, both at the church and nearby park, before heading off to the reception. At the park, as they exited the limousine, a couple greeted them as they walked their dog. They were in awe at what an attractive couple they were and wished them a lifetime of happiness. Angelina glowed, as she’d never been happier.

  The wedding party gathered outside the reception doors. As they were announced, the doors opened and loud applause rang out. The receiving line was held at the reception so everyone could enjoy the cocktail hour. The couple was flanked on either side by their parents. At one point, Angelina couldn’t see the end of the line and then Mary came into view. She hugged and kissed Angelina, telling her she was the most beautiful bride she’d ever seen.

  “I couldn’t agree more,” said Alejandro as he pulled her towards him.

  The reception hall was decked out with the same floral arrangements that were in the church. Large vases of flowers stood on either side of the wedding party’s table. Floating candles lit the tables. The napkins were tied with peach-colored ribbon that matched the color of the day. A string quartet played in the background while waiters passed around hors d’oeuvres for the guests who had already greeted the couple. Between family, friends and business acquaintances no one was left off the list of invited guests. The room was packed to its limit—six hundred guests were expected.

  Everyone enjoyed their meal as toasts were given throughout for the happy couple. Both of Alejandro’s brothers spoke, but Alec’s toast really hit home.

  “To my brother and his ever beautiful wife,” Alec said as he raised his glass. “Alejandro, you’ve chosen the perfect woman. You complement one another, and I haven’t seen you happier. Both of you have experienced your own challenges on your way to this day. We recognize them and know that any challenges you face in the future you will face together as one. I’m proud to call you, Angelina, my sister. I know I speak for my entire family… We welcome you with open arms. To the happy couple.” After completing his toast, Alec approached them. He pulled Angelina into a hug, telling her how happy he was for them and then rapped his brother on the back, again offering his congratulations.

  The reception flew by as they spent time dancing and circulating among their friends. When it was time for their first dance, Alejandro pulled her into his arms, brushing her forehead with a soft kiss. “Are you having fun?”

  “I am,” she said as she looked up into his eyes. “I’m taking each moment and burning it into my memory. I love you, and I’ve so enjoyed our day.”

  They danced to a classic wedding song. Then, she danced with her father and he danced with his mother. Next, he danced with Jackie.

  “I’ll do everything in my power to keep her as happy as she is today. I want to see that smile plastered on her face always. I love Angelina, Jackie.”

  “I know you do.” Jackie said as Alejandro spun her around on the dance floor.

  When it came time to toss the wedding bouquet, all of the single women gathered: Gabriella, Kelly, Colleen, and all of the single teachers from St. Margaret’s. Cheers rang out as Angelina prepared to toss her bouquet and turned her back to the ladies.

  “One, two, three!” Alejandro called out.

  Angelina tossed the bouquet over her shoulder, aiming for Gabriella. Moments before the toss, Gabriella moved. The bouquet caught Kelly off guard, almost smacking her in the face. “Oh, my,” she said as she grabbed the flowers. She sniffed them as she raised the bouquet to the crowd.

  Next came the garter toss. Alejandro had a blast pulling the garter from around Angelina’s leg. Alec had joined the crowd of bachelors on the dance floor. He wasn’t paying a bit of attention when Alejandro flung the garter into the crowd. Somehow, the force of the garter shot across the room landing in his lapel pocket. Shocked, he looked down and retrieved the garter. “You didn’t… I can’t believe you aimed for me.”

  Alejandro yelled across the floor, “I didn’t, but I guess we now know who will be married next in the family!”

  Everyone laughed except Alec who continually told everyone that his career was foremost in his life. He was a bachelor through and through and didn’t have his sights set on marriage now or ever.

  Of course, there was a photo taken of the two winners. Angelina couldn’t wait to give Alec a copy of it. She wanted him to remember the day he caught the garter and Kelly the bouquet.

  They both attained their goals for the day, making memories they’d cherish for a lifetime.

  Angelina still didn’t know their destination when they left for their honeymoon. They had a late night flight, and that was all she knew. They both changed into travel clothes before leaving the reception.

  Alejandro helped her into the limousine.

  “Now, you can’t keep our destination from me any longer. Where’re we going?”

  “Where do you want to go?”

  She slapped at his forearm, “Come on now, quit teasing me and just tell me where we’re going!”

  He just smiled at her.

  “Alejandro?” She wrapped her arms around his neck, rubbed her nose against his, and drew him in for a kiss. “I’ve waited all this time. Tell me where we’re going.”

  “Ah,” he said as she continued her seduction. “We’re…”

  “Tell me,” she said as she pulled away. “I can’t wait any longer. I’ve already waited long enough.”

  “Come here,” he said and drew her into his arms. Kissing her, he pulled away. “We’re going…”

  “Yes.”

  “Somewhere warm.”

  She slapped him on the arm again. “Come on now.”

  They continued with this banter as the limousine headed towards the airport. She still had no clue as they walked towards the gate indicating a flight to Chicago. “We’re going to Chicago? You mean I’m spending my wedding night in Chicago?”

  “That’s what it says…”

  She was disappointed, thinking they were just going to Chicago.

  Their seats were in first class. After they boarded, the flight attendant handed them a glass of champagne. He turned and raised his glass in a toast to her. “To my beautiful wife, I love you with all of my heart.” He leaned over and gave her a brief kiss.

  They sipped their drinks before the plane taxied to the runway. He reached for her hand as the plane’s engines roared to life. He leaned over and said, “Are you ready to start our new life together?”

  She smiled, nodded, and kissed his cheek. “Now more than ever.”

  When the plane reached its flying altitude, he jumped up from his seat and reached into the overhead b
in and retrieved his duffle bag. He withdrew an envelope and returned his bag to the bin. “For you, my dear.” He handed her the envelope with her name scrawled across it.

  She looked at him quizzically. “What’s this?”

  “Open it and you’ll see.” She opened the envelope and withdrew its contents. Inside was an itinerary. The first line indicated their first destination of Chicago. Then she glanced at the subsequent arranged flights, their final destination… Bora Bora. She raised her hand to her mouth and gasped. “Bora Bora?”

  As they journeyed to their honeymoon, he told her, “The one goal that I have is that we do whatever we want, whenever we want. I don’t want to be tied to a schedule. I want everything to be spontaneous. I just want to enjoy each moment until the next one plays out. No planning whatsoever.”

  “Got it.” she said as they waited for their plane to touch down.

  When they arrived in Bora Bora, they were exhausted. They’d flown from Chicago to Los Angeles International airport, and then on to Tahiti where they picked up a short flight to Bora Bora. In all, they’d spent over nineteen hours in the air. They did their best to sleep on the planes, but both of them found it difficult. She waited for what seemed like an eternity to sleep in Alejandro’s arms as man and wife, and she was going to have to wait a little longer.

  When they arrived at their destination, they were whisked away to their private overwater bungalow where they were able to walk right out and enter the picturesque waters. The first thing they did was fall into bed and sleep. She’d waited for this night forever and she wasn’t going to rush it.

  It would be their first time making love and, like her wedding, she wanted to remember every moment.