The Legacy

by ADAMS, J.

  “I am happy, Adagio, completely happy. I have everything.” Waving at a passing neighbor, I am thoughtful a moment. “I have lost much, I've been given much, too. I have little Ingo to always remind me of Ingo, and I have you. I can't ask for anything more.”

  Smiling warmly, he touches his forehead to mine. “You are amazing.”

  “So are you,” I say, kissing him. “I love you,” I whisper, longing for tomorrow.

  “I love you. And I am counting the minutes until I am your husband.” Tightening his embrace, he brushes the hair from my face and slowly lowers his head until his mouth hovers just above mine, his voice a husky whisper. “And I can't wait to make love to you, angel.”

  My breath quickens as his mouth claims mine, heat rushing through my entire body, and I melt against him. Pressing my hands into his hair, I draw him closer still. The low moan that escapes him ignites an inferno of desire inside me, and as the urgency of our kiss grows, we begin to lose ourselves in our need for one another. Adagio finally parts his lips from mine and we simply gaze at each other for a moment, our breath mingling, hearts pounding, and adoration burning in our eyes.

  Sighing, I caress the shadow of soft stubble on his cheek and rest my head against his shoulder. He rocks the swing gently, and there we stay until late, anticipating our wedding day.

  Thirty-seven

  We marry in the backyard beneath an arched, rosecovered trellis. Because I am nursing and have been exercising regularly, I do regain my figure. The slim fitting, ivory silk and lace dress fits well, falling just above my ankles. My hair is styled by Tara Flynn in an intricate up-do that is truly a work of art. From the moment Adagio sees me, he tells me repeatedly that I am beautiful and never takes his eyes off me.

  And I hadn’t thought Adagio could be any more handsome, but the dark blue Armani suit he wears looks like it was made just for him, and there isn’t a more perfect looking man on the face of the earth. I know he is breaking hearts everywhere by marrying me, and I'm okay with that.

  Our only guests besides Jessica are Gary and Tara, and the women from the boutique. We felt a small wedding was best.

  Vows and rings are exchanged and we are pronounced husband and wife.

  When it is time for us to share our first kiss, Adagio softly caresses my cheek, the tears in his eyes mirroring my own. Taking me in his arms, he kisses me and I sense his restrained passion. The yearning in his eyes as he parts his lips from mine warms me to the core.

  “I love you, Mrs. St. John,” he whispers.

  “I love you, Mr. St. John.”

  After receiving hugs and heart-felt wishes, we have a few light refreshments. We thank the reverend for performing the ceremony, as well as everyone else for coming and supporting us.

  Since I am nursing Ingo, I can’t leave him with Jessica, but I wouldn’t anyway because he is so young, and I can’t bear the thought of being separated from him even for two days.

  Adagio loads our bags in the trunk while I say goodbye again to Jessica. Giving her one last hug, we leave for the hotel.

  We check into an executive suite at The Grand America.

  While Adagio puts our things away in the bedroom, I nurse Ingo before placing him in the portable crib, and then head to the bathroom to change. Taking a little extra time, I contemplate that I am now Mrs. Adagio St. John. I whisper my new title and sigh. It's hard to believe we are really married.

  Melancholic tears come as I think back on the day I married Ingo. It would have been our one year wedding anniversary in a little over a week, and I can’t help remembering the happiness we shared that day. But the memories don’t make me sad, nor do I feel guilty for falling in love again. Had Ingo lived, we would still be blissfully in love. But this doesn't diminish my feelings for Adagio. I know marrying him was right. We are supposed to be together now. He has been with me though the hardest time of my life and I couldn’t help falling in love with him. Now I can’t imagine not being with him. It still seems a little strange to feel this way, but I do.

  Having finished changing into a peach lacy chemise, I check my reflection once more. Taking a deep breath, I open the door.

  Sitting on the side of the bed, Adagio stares out at the vast city, marveling that Cisely is now his wife. After being alone for so many years, he had wondered if he would ever find love. He'd searched, pondered, prayed, and waited. Then he decided to just be still and trust God.

  When Ingo died, it nearly crushed Adagio. Losing his friend was one of the hardest things he’d ever had to face. Cisely was alone again and his heart had gone out to her. Supporting her through her grief, he sometimes wondered if she would ever truly be okay again. He'd also wondered if his own wants and desires even mattered anymore.

  He had been wrong to doubt.

  Because a miracle happened. Without even realizing it, the desires of his heart were being granted. Cisely had healed his heart and claimed it as her own.

  His insides swell with love and longing as he thinks of Cisely. His feelings for her are so strong, he can’t imagine not being with her now. He loves her with every fiber of his being, and now that she is his wife, he can fully share that love with her.

  As I enter the room, Adagio stands, letting his eyes roam over me. “Beautiful,” he says softly. I swallow hard, my pulse quickening at the sight of him standing before me shirtless, his arms, chest and torso looking like they were chiseled from marble. His hungry gaze sends a rush of heat through me.

  “I love you,” he says softly before drawing me into his arms and kissing me.

  “I love you,” I murmur against his mouth. Drawing back, I leisurely take in his perfect form, awe filling me. “Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?”

  Looking into my eyes a moment, he replies, “Not until you looked at me. What you see is the only thing that matters.”

  “I feel the same.” I stare into his eyes a long moment, sharing my thoughts and feelings without words. Tightening his embrace, he pressed me against him and I surrender my body and soul to the warmth of his arms and the safety of his love.

  Lying in Adagio's arms, I bask in the intimacy we have just shared. We talk quietly as little Ingo sleeps.

  “Are you okay?” I ask softly.

  He sighs, pressing his face into my hair. “There are no words. I have never experienced anything so incredible in my life.”

  I smile. “Thank you, for saving yourself for me.”

  “Thank you for making me so grateful that I did.” Burying his fingers in my hair, he whispers against my lips, “And I know I could never tire of making love to you.”

  “The feeling is definitely mutual.” I kiss him and look toward the front room. “And I can’t believe Ingo didn’t make a sound.”

  “I can't believe it, either. Maybe he knew we needed this time.”

  “Maybe you’re . . . right.” Ingo lets out a loud cry and we laugh.

  “Let me get him,” Adagio says, immediately getting up. I watch him walk over to the door and can’t help likening his body to a Greek statue. He is so masculine, so perfect.

  Adagio coos as he picks Ingo up and brings him to me, placing him in my arms. Changing him quickly, I begin to nurse him. Adagio slips back under the covers next to me and watches. “He is growing more handsome every day.” “He is. He’s such a miracle. All babies are.”

  “Does that mean you are willing to go through this again?”

  “I am definitely willing, as many times as I am blessed with the opportunity.”

  He kisses me. “I was hoping you felt that way. I didn't bring it up before because you just had Ingo and I thought it might be a while before you would even want to think about it, but I am glad you do.”

  “Well, truthfully, I want as many children as God cares to send us. And I know you love Ingo like he is your own flesh and blood, but I do look forward to the day that I can have your child.”

  “I do as well,” he says with a smile.

  When Ingo drifts to sleep again, I
place him back in his bed and stand for a moment, watching him sleep, marveling at how blessed I am. I have a new life with a wonderful man and a beautiful child. After suffering such loss, I never dreamed I could be this happy again, that I could be so content.

  I sigh as Adagio moves behind me, circling his arms around my waist. Leaning back against him, we stand for a moment longer, watching Ingo sleep. Turning in his arms, I glimpse the renewed desire burning in his emerald eyes. Smiling lovingly, he lifts me and carries me back to bed.

  Adagio watches moonlight sift through the drapes and fall softly on Cisely’s sleeping form nestled in his arms. He can’t sleep because he doesn’t want to close his eyes. Not yet. Drawing back a little, he gazes at her face through the dim light. He can’t help himself, he just has to look at her. Feeling her soft warm breath against his skin, he listens to her even breathing. His gaze roams over her slender curves. If ever there was a body made for his, it's hers.

  And she is his! This beautiful, amazing and incredible woman is his wife, his best friend, and the love of his life. He is no longer alone. For the first time in his life, he is lying in bed next to a woman, and his life is completely and irrevocably connected to another. It is a wonderful feeling.

  Heaving a deep sigh of contentment, he draws her closer, tightening his embrace, soaking in the warmth of her body. Then he finally closes his eyes and drifts to sleep with her name on his lips.

  Thirty-eight

  I am going to miss you so much,” Jessica says as she

  tearfully hugs me, then Adagio.

  “I’m going to miss you, too. Thank you for everything.” “Thank you for letting me be a part of your life. Never

  forget you have a home here, both of you. After all, when I’m gone the house will still be yours.”

  “I love you, Mama,” I whisper.

  With that one spoken phrase, a river of tears trail down Jessica's face. “And I love you, my daughter.” She hugs me again for a long moment, then kisses little Ingo goodbye.

  “Take care of her,” she says emotionally to Adagio. He hugs her again. “I will. I promise.”

  I wave at Jessica as we pass through the security gate and head up the escalator to our terminal. When we finally board and are settled in our seats, a mental picture of Jessica again living alone in that large house causes my heart to ache. With Ingo and I there, she'd finally had the family she always wanted, but Ingo is gone now and I am leaving to start a new life. Turning my face toward the window, I try to discreetly wipe away my tears, but Adagio sees them. I can't hide anything from him.

  “It will be all right, baby,” he says softly. I know he understands how hard this is for me.

  “I know.” I squeeze his hand. “I’ll be okay.” Drying my tears, I smile. “I’ll be okay because I am going home with my husband and little boy today.”

  Smiling, he lifts my hand to his lips. “And I am taking my wife and son home. I could not be happier.”

  Tilting my head against the seat slightly, I silently look into his eyes for a moment, my thoughts turning melancholy. “I'll bet you never guessed on your way here you would be bringing a wife and child home, did you?”

  Holding my hand between his, he brushes his thumb across the back of it, meeting my unwavering gaze. “It was an unexpected blessing.”

  “It was for me too.”

  We continue to stare at one another, silently conveying our thoughts. The changes in our lives have taken us both by surprise and sometimes it is still hard to believe all that has happened. Ingo will always have a place in my heart, and though I harbor moments of unspoken confusion, I can't deny how right my love for Adagio feels. I know everything is as it should be. Moving forward, our lips meet in a warm kiss, a kiss born of sweetness and dreams for the future.

  During the times of the trip when we are awake and Ingo is settled, I spend a little time studying a book on Italian, and with Adagio’s help, I pick up quite a bit. I am grateful for the words and phrases he has taught me over the past months, but I had no idea I would really come to need the language one day.

  It’s true what they say. Life is full of surprises.

  I am awestruck as we turn onto the cobblestone driveway and pull up in front of the large villa.

  It is absolutely breathtaking! The building is covered with peach-colored stucco and trimmed in white. The main entrance boasts two white columns with a large potted plant in front of each. Some of the window terraces are lined with beautiful flower boxes and the landscaping is amazing. The right wing of the home is “St. John’s Place.” The left wing and main part of the building are the living quarters.

  “Welcome home, amore,” Adagio says as we get out of the taxi.

  I give him a look of astonishment. “This is incredible!” It's like at a scene from a European travel show.

  He smiles and kisses me. “This is your home now, Mrs. St. John.”

  I again stare up at the large building. My home! I can’t believe it!

  Once Adagio sets our luggage on the porch, he lifts Ingo out of his car seat and leads me inside.

  “Wow!” I whisper as we enter the grand entryway. Above us hangs a large crystal and brass chandelier. Casting my eyes down, I take in the beautiful mosaic tile.

  “Come.” Adagio loops my arm through his and gives me a tour of the place. Most everything is updated, but the home still has a lot of the original decor, giving it a vintage feel, and I fall in love with it completely. I lose track of time admiring the paintings, antique fixtures and elegant baroque decor. I still can't believe this is really my home.

  While Adagio checks on things at the restaurant, I put Ingo down to sleep and unpack my clothes and a few boxes we'd sent ahead of time. Stacking the empty boxes in the corner, I start unpacking Adagio’s clothes.

  Closing my eyes, I press one of his shirts against my cheek, breathing in the faint lingering scent of his cologne, marveling at the rush of emotion it brings. Hugging the shirt to me, I cast my eyes around the room for a moment. It's not quite as large as the room at Jessica’s, but it's cozier and the elegance matches that of the finest hotels.

  Adagio’s maid did redecorate the room and I am pleased with the results. The high, black four poster wooden canopy bed is draped in sheer ivory netting and covered in burgundy and ivory-colored bedding. There are multi-color striped square toss pillows on an ivory sofa in a corner of the room that is designed as a sitting area. A vase of wildflowers sits on a small bistro table near a corner window and abstract paintings hang on the walls. Taking in my surroundings, I look forward with anticipation to the nights I will share with Adagio in this room and the memories we will make here.

  Walking over to the large window, I gaze out at the city and the River Sile, and try to picture Adagio standing alone looking at this same view. I take comfort in the knowledge that I will be here to share it with him now. It is all so incredible, I can scarcely take it in. This is now my home and where my life will be.

  Adagio’s strong arms come around me and he presses a soft kiss to the side of my neck. His warm breath against my skin sends shivers of pleasure through me.

  “I absolutely love it here.”

  “It makes me happy to know that. I felt guilty thinking I was taking you away from everything and everyone you loved. I never want you to be unhappy, amore. I give you all that I have and will do everything in my power to give you a happy life.”

  Turning, I wrap my arms around his neck. “I am the happiest woman in the world, and as long as I am with you, I will always be, no matter where we are. This is home now.”

  “Even with the language challenges?”

  “Well, what better way for me to learn Italian than marry an Italian man?”

  “I agree completely. Especially,” he says, kissing the corner of my mouth, “since it's me you married.”

  “Oh, definitely,” I agree. I turn back to look at the river, enfolded snugly against his chest.

  Tightening his embrace, Adagio rests h
is head against mine, taking in the panoramic picture with me. “You don't know how good it feels to share this view with you. I have always found some pleasure in it, but it was not the same. To have you here makes it all so different. I feel as though I am seeing it for the first time. Nothing will ever be the same for me again.”

  “You know,” I say, turning back around, “even when Ingo was alive, it hurt to think of you feeling so alone here.” I press a hand to his face, touching my fingers to his lips. “But I am grateful it was me you waited for, though I still find this all hard to believe sometimes.” I pause, silently staring into his eyes. “So many changes.”

  He meets my gaze, his own unwavering. “I am not sorry to have you,” he says softly, yet I hear the conviction in his voice. “I will always treasure the friendship I shared with Ingo, but I am not sorry to have you now. I could never be ungrateful for the blessing of loving you.” Sighing, he rests his brow against mine.

  Blinking back tears, I take in the poignancy of the moment. “I am not sorry, either. I will always treasure my marriage to Ingo, but I am not sorry for loving you.” I touch his face. “You believe me, don't you?”

  His eyes roam over my expression, not missing the bittersweet irony there. “I believe you, angel.”

  “This is where I am supposed to be–right here.” I wrap my arms around his neck. “Right here in your arms. And this is where I will always stay.”

  Adagio smiles and kisses me, and kisses me. Then he carries me to the bed and makes love to me, and we relish the happiness we feel as we begin our new life in the country of his birth, and the home we will fill with love.

  Thirty-nine

  Settling into my new life is even easier than I thought it would be. My heart overflows with the joy of motherhood, and being Adagio’s wife brings me a happiness I never thought I would have again.

  Each day I watch Adagio revel in his role of being a husband and father. Hiring another chef, he moves Sam, his most experienced chef, up to his position, which enables him to spend most of his time with us. Being together is our favorite past-time.