Ciao Amores,

Cheers to the 45th Installation of Italian Coffee House.

Please

ENJOY XD.

XO,

Ang

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Following our little adventure in Italy, Nicky and I returned home.

Having learned that Krysta had alerted the police of my kidnapping, the issue to be put to bed so that we, along with everyone else could move on.

The responding officers, on the case, came by to take my statement. They asked me a number of questions, until I had satisfied their curiosity enough to clear up any and all their blind-spots. Shortly afterward, they left bidding us a good day.

Apparently, in light of all the chaos, Josie had managed to keep Papa at bay. She'd convinced him that Nicky and I had gone on a trip Italy. It was partly true, just not under the most favorable circumstances. Very quick thinking on her part. I was immensely grateful.

Tey held me dearly, claiming that she would've killed me if I had turned up dead. Ridiculous, eight? I know.

Krysta beamed, teary-eyed and all, confessing her elation at my wholesome return. Also, that had things gone awry, Nicky wouldn't have recovered and neither would she.

Even Jan made an appearance. I knew what he'd done for me. He had saved my life, and in doing so saved my babies life. For whatever it was worth, I couldn't be more grateful. I told him as much, to which he responded by embracing me in a warm big-brotherly hug.

Everything was getting back to normal. As normal as could be, surviving such a traumatizing ordeal.

Nicky and I scheduled visits with my obstetrician to keep abreast with the health and development of our little ones.

We worked on baby-proofing the house as well as the room we'd decided was suitable for our little darlings. We were deciding on gender-neutral colors for the baby room in anticipation of any surprises. Tey had suggested a mint green.

When we had just about settled back in and some semblance of normalcy had returned, my Nicky came up with an elaborate plan to properly wed me. Or as he'd so kindly put it, renew our vows.

Back in Italy, he'd mentioned wanting to do right by me. Something about not realizing how good he had it. However, it never crossed my mind that he would go to such extremes.

Nicky had contacted a courier to have an assortment of balloons of several colors in thirty minute intervals from the time I woke up in the morning. Remarkable that he knew my sleep regimen well enough to incorporate it into his plans.

His was the last delivery of the day and came in the evening. With him were two red balloons. A cute wine red palm-sized satin drawstring pouch-bag attached to one, and a ribbon tied to something in his pants pocket of the other.

In the pouch-bag, written in his own hand, was a piece of paper no larger than a business card. On it were guidelines to his carefully crafted teaser. Instructions to arrange the pieces accordingly.

After following his rules to a 'T', the words 'MARRY ME FOR REAL' were revealed in all caps.

To anyone else it would appear, neutral. To me, it was obviously personal to him. Our little inside joke. I was so moved by the gesture, that even though tears pricked my eyes, he managed to get a laugh out of me.

He stared down at me, holding me to him by the small of my back, delving his available hand into the pocket of his slacks. He offered deep red velvet box to me before joining his hands behind my back.

The balloon held steadfast to the hinge of the box, marks of question and exclamation respectively adorning it in bold print.

A shimmering fourteen carat yellow-gold infinity diamond engagement ring beckoned. I took the ring out of its casing. Nicky took the ring from me. The box discarded, and all but forgotten, floating to the ceiling.

Pulling my husband by his collar, I stood on my tippy-toes to give him a toe-curling kiss. He chuckled, against my mouth causing chills to reverberate from my lips to the apex of my thighs.

"Is that a yes?" He murmured against my lips.

"Every time," I reclined, a bit to rest my forehead against his.

It was my fondest memory yet.

Now here I was, in a bridal tent on the hilly oceanside venue, gazing out at the horizon about to renew my vows with a man I didn't have enough courage to dream up.

Tey had taken care of the details. She succeeded in blowing all my daydreams of a simple wedding out of the water.

Everything from the floral arrangements to the wedding gown, to the unique ocean view was damn near perfection.

Everyone from Nicky's uncle Demetrius and his wife Ortensia, to Papa's and my old neighbour Ms. Alice was in attendance. Tey had designed it to be a small personable affair.

Krysta was Nicky's best man and the ringbearer, and Tey was my maid of honor. Jasmin and Poppy were our darling little flower-girls.

The guest stood as the bridal theme song filtered through the air. Papa accompanied me down the aisle, cane and all. I was unable to keep the waterworks at bay because, as I neared the chapel, it was that much more special a moment to share with the people I loved.

Nicky stood at the foot of the chapel, intense emotion in his eyes.

"There's no mistaking how smitten that boy is, my dear. And he has every reason to be. You make an exceptional bride." Papa whispered to me.

Upon reaching the chapel, the reverend asked, "Who gives this bride away?" to which my father answered, "I do." stepping aside to find his seat in the first row.

Nicky took my hand, Reverend Wilson told our guests to be seated after which the ceremony began. He addressed a few issues. Spirituality, Trust, Forgiveness, Love and our covenant with God.

When the time came to exchange our vows, Reverend Wilson made everyone aware that Nicky and I wrote our own vows.

Krysta bore our rings as Nicky began his.

"Ada, I wasn't meant to survive meeting you. Foolish of me, not to notice that you're the best of everything I never knew I needed; kindness, compassion, spirituality, wisdom, forgiveness and you have a particularly high tolerance for me."At the last line, a surge laughter filled the air.

"It didn't hurt that you are painfully beautiful, a rare combination of stubborn and sweet, capable of bringing me to my knees.

My dear sweet Ada, it is quite rare that I utter something without merit and inconceivable, that embark upon anything without desire for it. So it is with a pure heart and a clear conscience that I devote my inexhaustible faith and love to you, unto my dying breath.

I promise to comfort, counsel, protect and support you, everything God ordains me to. I can't promise you a happy-ending, but I vow to strive every minute of every day towards being the man you deserve, the one to make you happy.

That's enough for me because I love you."

Nicky beamed, tears glazing his pale blue eyes, as he slid the band up my finger.

"Nicky, I could have never imagined standing next to you, enough to dream it up. Or envisioned taking such a big step, enough to make it happen.

But, alas, here we are—you and I— exchanging a promise.

I was so certain that we weren't meant for each other. After all, we were polar opposites. However, I quickly learnt, that my brain never got the memo and my heart was shifting all the gears.

I had almost given up, when God sent you to challenge me. And in doing so, reignite my faith and passion. You made me realise there was more to life and that I wanted it with you.

For all the times you put up with me, long before things fell into place. For every time you stayed, I promise to stand by you and never back down, To love and cherish, encourage and support, be faithful to you in my thoughts and deeds even unto death.

I thank God for this—another occasion—opportunity to profess my unquenchable love. Of with my pure heart open and with a clear conscience. I love you." I slid the ring onto his finger, feeling the electricity of our moment.

"Adaramola and Niccolò, you have expressed your love to one another through the commitment and promises you have just made. It is with these in mind, that I pronounce you husband and wife.

You have kissed a thousand times, maybe more. But today, the feeling is new. No longer simply partners and best friends, you have become husband and wife, and can now seal the agreement with a kiss.

Today, your kiss is a promise.

Niccolò, You may kiss the bride." Reverend Wilson pronounced.

Nicky smiled, guiding me into a heartsearing kiss. An eruption of cheers and applauds swamped the atmosphere. I couldn't believe it. We'd actually done it.

The sun was setting as Nicky escorted me back up the aisle to the tent where cocktail dinner wedding reception would be held.

The park was lit up by the lanterns, helping to creating an almost magical atmosphere. The moment was so surreal. Beautiful handcrafted wooden table and bench six-seater sets stood out against the white background of the tent and twinkling backdrop of the night sky.

Jazzy vibes played low, setting a relaxing tone for the evening.

Taj, Tey's eighteen year old brother, busied himself capturing photos for memoirs and albums. He was at work when Nicky and I exchange vows, sealed our nuptials with a kiss, posed for photos with our Krysta and Tey Jasmin and Poppy, shared our first dance and cut the cherry topping cheesecake fondant chocolate cake.

He even managed to capture a few frames with all those in attendance, including himself.

When we all sat down to dinner, sharing in the various incredibly delectable cuisines. Laughter filled the air, and I was happy, evidently our guests were having as good time time as we were.

It was so amazing that they all were able to share the moment with us, the second time around.

Clearly, everyone was getting swept in the charm of the affair. Studying the couples dancing on the manicured lawn a little way off, my eyes settled on one pair in particular. I near did a double-take. Jan lead Tey in a dance.

I gently nudged Nicky in his arm, prompting his attention in their direction.

Jan. Of all people, Tey was dancing with Jan. I wondered how he'd managed that. Especially, when my best friend actually seemed to be having a swell time, in his company. He said something just then, prompting Tey into laughter as a result. A night made even more magical by the sight.

Those two found some way to get along, though they usually harbored reservations towards each other. Or at least Tey did.

When the song ended, Jan accompanied Tey back to the tent. Jan stepped away to get a drink for her while Tey sat at the table. I was beyond impressed. Try amazed.

"How are you lovebirds doing?" Tey exhaled, clearly gathering her breathe.

"Truth be told my friend, I was about to ask the same of you." I teased.

"What?" Tey answered, obviously perplexed. It only took a moment for my meaning to dawn on her. "Oh, you mean Jan. Well he and I have decided to be friends, find neutral ground."

"That's nice," Nicky offered, and of course he was right. The notion was rather dandy if I do say so myself.

"I'm glad." Tey held my hand, before I gave hers a gently squeeze.

"Speaking of neutral ground. I have something to tell you both. I've been mulling over the idea for some time. I finally decided to quit waitressing altogether." She declared enthusiastically.

"Really?" Nicky and I answered in unison.

"That's good." I began. "What do you plan to do instead?"

"I'm going to work rebrand and return to the market as an event coordinator." Tey elaborated. "And if it is ok with you, I would like to use the photos Taj takes for your wedding and incorporate it into a portfolio."

"That's a brilliant idea, Tey." Nicky praised. "Making the most of it. I'm all for progression."

"I don't mind either. How you've managed to transform the venue—everything, has made this a truly enchanting experience." I added. Tey smiled, clearly appreciating our positive review. "Even if it is our second time around."

"I hope you don't mind that I quote you on that." Tey teased, just as Jan returned with her drink.

"Not at all," I smiled, thrilled to note that things weren't only falling into place for me, but also my best friend.

Soon, it came time for us to release the sky lanterns. Once everyone guests had secured theirs, Nicky and I lit the circular disc that was the fuel source of ours. First there were two, as we lifted our pair skyward, witnessing in awe as it took flight. The others followed, drifting like a magical stream of light in the sky.

It was considered good luck to release a sky lantern. In some cultures, the act was even believed it to be symbolic of problems and worries floating away.

Either way, the sight was truly mesmerizing.