by ADAMS, J.
“You always look beautiful no matter what. As for me, I don’t have anyone to impress, but you do.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t be too sure. I’ve noticed Seth Walker checking you out lately. He’s quite a catch, you know.”
Jessica laughs softly. “I’m too old to go fishing now. I’m not sure I even have the bait anymore.”
I giggle, feeling giddy. “You’ve still got it. If you don’t believe me, just ask Seth.”
“I just might do that. We do still have an afternoon of dancing ahead of us.” I arch a brow and she laughs. We quickly touch up our makeup, finishing just as the reverend's wife tells us it is time.
The wedding ceremony is more wonderful than mere words can express. As Ingo takes my hand and we face one another, the reality of our union takes my breath away. We speak our vows, exchange rings and are pronounced husband and wife.
Ingo reverently places a hand on my cheek and I touch his in return. My happiness is indescribable. When we share our first kiss as husband and wife, there isn’t a dry eye in the church.
After endless hugs and picture taking, we head to the reception hall. As things get underway, I notice Ingo checking his watch every few minutes. I understand the reason perfectly. Smiling knowingly, my heart races at the thought of giving myself to him fully. Heat rushes to my cheeks as his eyes hold mine, making me again grateful for my brown skin. Taking my hand, he leads me out onto the floor for a dance, holding me close as we sway to the soft ballad.
“I love you, Mrs. Kelly,” he whispers in my ear. “I love you,” Mr. Kelly. And did I tell you I love my new name?”
“You did. I love it too.”
When our dance ends, we join Jessica at the table.
“Where’s Adagio?” Ingo asks.
“He’s out in the hall on the phone,” Jessica says. “One of the chefs from his restaurant called.”
“Is everything all right?” I ask.
“I don't think anything was wrong.” She looks at us and smiles. “You two are absolutely glowing.”
I squeeze Ingo's hand. “It's because I'm so happy.”
He raises my hand to his lips. “So am I.”
“Yes, it’s quite obvious. This is the first time I’ve ever seen my nephew grin for two consecutive hours without stopping. I think his face is stuck.”
We laugh. “I think you’re right,” Ingo says, massaging his cheeks. He points a finger at his aunt. “But just remember, this is all your doing.”
“I admit it. I wanted my two favorite people together. Is that so terrible?”
Taking in her exaggerated expression of innocence, he chuckles. “It’s not terrible at all.” Scanning the room for a moment, he looks toward the hall. “Hmm, I think Adagio is hiding. He’s had single women trying to attach themselves to him all morning.”
“Poor Adagio,” Jessica says with a chuckle. “He hasn’t had a moment's peace since he got here.”
“Did I hear my name?” Adagio sits down, looking at us expectantly. I release an unladylike snort and Ingo and Jessica snicker.
“What?” he asks, glancing at each of us.
“Oh, nothing,” Jessica says, patting his face in a motherly gesture. “Ingo was just talking about how much your animal magnetism is driving the single women wild and obliterating their self control.”
“Uh huh. What is that American phrase you use? Oh, yes. Whatever.” Ingo chuckles, patting his shoulder.
The music soon changes and an upbeat Marc Anthony tune fills the hall. It is one of my favorite songs and I automatically start snapping my fingers and moving to the beat. Adagio is also snapping and grins at me. I guess he knows the song as well.
“Ingo, I am going to take your wife for a spin on the dance floor, okay?”
“Sure, but I think it will be the other way around.” Ingo grins, winking at me. “Cisely, honey, try not to school the old man too much. Let him keep up a little.”
“Who are you calling old? I am only a couple of years older than you.”
“And in my book, that’s old.” Cutting his eyes to his aunt, he smiles slyly. “No offense, Aunt Jessica.”
She laughs. “None taken, my boy.”
Adagio shakes his head. “I have danced a little, you know.”
Listening to them banter back and forth, I realize the old saying, 'Boys will be boys' fits them perfectly. Ingo gives him a humoring nod to go ahead and Adagio rolls his eyes.
“Come on, Mrs. Kelly,” he says, taking my hand. “Let us teach this husband of yours a lesson.” Chuckling, I let him lead me out onto the floor.
“Hey, he really is pretty good!” Ingo says.
“I must say I agree,” Jessica says as Adagio and Cisely dance circles around everyone on the floor. “And how in the world does she move like that in that dress?”
“I don’t know. She’s pretty amazing.”
Jessica shakes her head, smiling. She squeezes Ingo's hand. “Do you have any idea how much you have changed her life?”
“Probably as much as she has changed mine.” Sighing deeply, he gazes out at Cisely for a moment. “I am the luckiest man in the world to have her, Aunt Jessica. And seeing her change has been amazing. But you have watched those changes, too.”
“Indeed I have.”
“When we first met, she was a beautiful lost soul.” He swallows, emotion welling inside him. “Being able to love her and help her understand her worth has been the most meaningful experience of my life. And to actually have her as my wife just . . . it just blows me away.”
“I am sure she feels the same. How could she not?”
He kisses Jessica's cheek. “Thank you for inviting her to come and stay with you.”
“You’re very welcome.”
As the song ends and we stop to catch our breath, Adagio squeezes my hands. “You are a special lady, Cisely, and I am glad you and Ingo found each other. You two deserve all the happiness in the world.”
“Thank you.” He hugs me, adding, “Thank you for letting me share this special day with you.”
“I'm happy you were able to be here. You just promise to stay in touch. After all, you are family to me now.”
He smiles, hugging me again. “I promise.”
Ingo and I catch a flight to Los Angeles, then board a Mexican cruise ship. I have always dreamed of going on a cruise but never thought I would.
Our wedding night is magical. I never knew the act of making love could be so emotionally consuming. Sharing that kind of intimacy is a powerful thing, one that I will never take for granted. As Ingo holds me in his arms afterward, I marvel at the feeling of oneness between us.
We savor every moment of our honeymoon, spending our days going ashore at each stop, shopping for souvenirs for family and friends, and lounging on the sandy beaches.
I treat myself to a couple of afternoons in the ship’s spa, and enjoy being pampered. We dine a couple of nights in the formal restaurant on board the ship, but most of the time, we order in room service and treasure our time alone.
When we finally return, Jessica greets us with a delicious welcome home dinner. We tell her about our trip and show her our photos. After dinner we unpack and give Jessica the gifts we purchased for her. I make a mental note to send Adagio’s gifts off to him the following day. He will definitely find the ones Ingo picked for him amusing.
The last few months have been the best of my life, and I know this is only beginning. I am truly happy. I can't imagine things ever being any different.
Eighteen
The months are passing quickly and Thanksgiving is fast approaching. I can’t remember ever being more grateful at this time of year. Marriage to Ingo has been amazing, and as Jessica fondly says, 'We are as happy as clams.'
Since we have no money worries–a fact I still find hard to grasp sometimes–I quit my job at the boutique. I'm able to travel with Ingo to photo shoots. There is nothing we enjoy more than being together.
Awakening one morning, I peel my eyes open, encount
ering a bedroom full of sunlight, and realize I've slept in a little later than normal. When I sit up, I am hit by a wave of nausea. I lay back against the pillows, close my eyes and swallow hard, telling myself I can’t be sick now. Ingo and I plan to take a trip down to Southern Utah in two days and I'm really looking forward to it.
I make another attempt to get up when the phone rings. Grateful for a reason to stay in bed for another moment, I answer it and smile when I hear Adagio’s voice, despite feeling sick. He is calling to say hello and catch up on what has been going on with us. We have only talked a couple of times since the wedding and both conversations were brief because he's been so busy with the restaurant.
“So, how are things?” I ask.
“Things are good, just trying to keep up with the increasing traffic and keep the kitchen guys in line. They are pretty crazy in there.”
“It sounds like you’re having fun.”
“I am. They are great to work with.”
“Well, I’m sure you are a pretty great boss.” I again close my eyes and swallow against the queasiness.
“So, how’s marriage treating you guys?”
“Ahhh, sigh. We love it!.”
He laughs. “I can hear it in your voice. You two are great together. Now all you need is a little one of your own to make it complete. Uncle Adagio has a nice ring to it, do you not agree?”
“I agree completely,” I say, chuckling. “I looking forward to being a mom . . .”
Wait . . . My cycle is late. With the haze clearing in my brain, I quickly calculate the days. I’m two weeks late . . . and I’m sick. My mind is reeling at the possibility. I have been so busy preparing for our trip and doing other things, I hadn’t noticed.
“Hey, Cisely, are you still there?”
“I’m here,” I answer, embarrassed to have let my thoughts drift so far.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes, I’m okay.” I’m better than okay!
“I should probably let you go, and I had better get back over to the restaurant.”
“It must be nice to work from home, so to speak.”
“It is convenient and I do enjoy it.”
“I’m glad. Hey, I’ll tell Ingo you called, but only if you promise to call him later. You know how much he looks forward to your calls.”
“I know. He needs to hear my voice once in a while.”
“It’s the accent,” I say and he laughs. “Promise you’ll call him.”
“I will. Ciao, Cisely.”
“Ciao.”
Hanging up the phone, I lay in bed a little longer and wait for my stomach to calm some. I soon realize it's useless and drag myself out of bed, making my way to the kitchen. After searching the cupboards for crackers to no avail, I settle on a piece of toast and a glass of juice. Within a few minutes I am a little better and am able to take a shower. Then I make a quick trip to the neighborhood pharmacy for a pregnancy test.
Grinning, I examine the positive result.
“I’m pregnant!”
Nineteen
Even the slight nausea doesn't dampen my spirits as I wait for Ingo to return from an all day photo shoot. I am glad Jessica is at the boutique today. She is usually so observant, she would have easily seen behind my smile and guessed my news before I could share it with Ingo.
Ingo arrives home a little after four and I meet him at the door. “I missed you,” he says, pulling me close for a kiss.
“I missed you, too. I’m glad you’re home.” Drawing back, I look into his eyes, feeling positively giddy.
“Either you're extra glad to see me or something good has happened. So which is it?”
“Both.”
“Both? Do I need to sit down before you tell me?”
“Maybe.” I smile at his arched brow.
“Okay.” Taking my hand, he leads me into the living room, then promptly pulls me onto his lap. “Okay, let's have it.”
“Well, I just found out that someone I know is going to be a papa.”
“Really? Who . . .” Pausing, he grins, and then laughs. “Really? Are you sure?”
“I am.”
He hugs me. “I can’t believe it! I’m going to be a father.” He caresses my cheek. “You’ve made me so happy.” Pressing his hand against my flat stomach, he draws me against him and kisses me slowly. Stirred by my breathless response, he quickly leads me up to our room, and there we stay until darkness falls.
When we finally head back downstairs to get something to eat, Jessica is sitting at the table enjoying a cup of hot chocolate.
“Well, good evening, you two,” she says with that knowing smile I recognize all too well. “Dinner is in the fridge if you’re hungry.”
“I’m sorry about dinner,” I say. It had been my turn to cook.
“I’m sorry, too, Aunt Jessica. It was my fault she forgot.” Of course he smiles as he says this. I slug him playfully, embarrassed.
Jessica chuckles. “It’s okay, dear. You can take my turn tomorrow.”
I sit down at the table while Ingo heats some dinner for us. Watching him pull several things from the fridge, I muse that I will soon be needing the large meals Jessica always prepares.
While the food is heating in the microwave, Ingo places his hands on my shoulders. “Sweetheart, we should tell Aunt Jessica the good news.”
“What good news?” Jessica asks, her eyes bright.
“I don't know,” I tease. “Are you sure we should tell her?”
“Hmmm, maybe we shouldn't just yet.”
“Tell me what?”
“You know,” Ingo says, “just forget we said anything.”
“Ingo and Cisely Kelly! You stop messing around and tell me this instant or I'll . . .”
“Okay, okay,” I give in, laughing. “We’re going to have a baby.”
“Really?” she squeals. “Oh, my goodness, how wonderful! Congratulations!”
“Thank you,” Ingo says. “We’re pretty excited.”
Jessica claps her hands jubilantly. “Your parents are going to be thrilled to hear this.”
“I think thrilled is an understatement. Unless one of my brothers' wives makes an announcement, this will be their first grandchild. I’ll call them tomorrow. I’m sure they will let everyone else know pretty quickly.”
“Oh, you should call Adagio back and tell him he’s going to be an uncle,” I add. “He called this morning and mentioned that Uncle Adagio has a nice ring to it before I even realized I was pregnant.”
“That’s Adagio for you. I’ll call him in the morning, too.”
Adagio whoops loudly when we tell him the news. “Congratulations! I’m so happy for you!”
“Thank you,” Ingo says. “We’re pretty excited.” “We will be officially calling you Uncle Adagio soon,” I
say on the other extension.
“And I will be ready for it! As a matter of fact, I think I
will plan another visit soon.”
“We would love that,” Ingo assures him. “You know
you’re welcome anytime.”
“I know.”
“We’ll let you know the due date as soon as we find out,”
I say.
“I will be waiting to hear. I have been told there is
nothing as wonderful as bringing a child into the world. And
Ingo, my friend, I know you will be a great father. Cisely, you
being a good mother is a given.”
“Thanks, Adagio. That means a lot.”
“I only speak the truth.”
“Well, you just get ready for your uncle duties,” Ingo tells
him.
“I am looking forward to it.”
After talking a few minutes more, we give him our love
and say goodbye. Taking me in his arms, Ingo holds me close,
kissing my brow.
“I'm sorry about having to postpone the trip, Ingo.” “Don't be sorry, love. We can go another time. Besides, it
> wouldn't do for you to be sick all the way down.”
“This is true,” I agree.
“I guess we should call my parents now. Only I’m sure
we'll be on the phone a lot longer.”
“You’re probably right.” I know how much his parents
enjoy talking to us. They will be so excited to hear about the
baby, we will indeed be on the phone a while.
Twenty
On Friday morning, Ingo comes with me to my appointment. My doctor, Judy March, is a good friend of Jessica’s. A kind and pleasant woman, she is a lot like Jessica as far as personality, and I can see why they are friends. She gives me a full checkup and pronounces me healthy. The baby will be due in July and I am grateful I won’t have to go through the complete summer pregnant.
The following morning after we finish breakfast, Ingo suggests that we go window shopping for baby things and I eagerly agree. We spend the morning roaming in and out of various stores and see so many cute things, Ingo insists on purchasing a few. Shaking my head, I laugh as we walk out of store after store carrying full shopping bags.
“Just a few things, huh?” I say.
“I can’t help myself. I’m in a spoiling mood already.” “I can see that.”
We put everything in the trunk. As he closes it, I give into
the urge to wrap my arms around his waist. “Thank you for this morning, and for being so wonderful.”
“You're welcome, love. Thank you for giving me a reason to smile each day.”
We have lunch at Romano's Macaroni Grill. It is one of my favorite restaurants, and now that I am expecting, I don’t feel as guilty about stuffing myself. Not that I've had to worry much about my weight in the past. So far, I have been one of those lucky people who can eat basically anything and not worry about my figure. But I'm sure that will change after I have the baby.
We enjoy a leisurely lunch and talk of our plans for the future. Afterward, we stop by the boutique and visit with Jessica for a few minutes before heading home.
We carry the bags up to our room. Sensing how tired I am, Ingo insists that I take a nap, and I am so worn out, I don’t protest.
“I don’t remember shopping ever being this exhausting,” I say, dropping my head on the pillow.”
