"I can't believe my baby is going to Africa. I'm so proud of you mija. I'm going to miss you," My father Andres said as he kissed me on my forehead.

"I'm going to miss you too Papi. I'm going to miss all of you."

Family, friends, and colleagues, were all sanding at the gate saying their goodbyes. It was not one dry eye in the airport that day. We were leaving for Ghana for an entire year and there was no guarantee what was in store for us. All we knew was that we had to cherish each moment with the people we loved without any regrets or anger in our hearts.

I had chosen to forgive my mother that day at church. Though I have, it does not mean everything is peachy. We still have a lot of work to do to repair our relationship. Our timing may not be the best but I am willing to do what ever it takes to have my mother back in my life. After all, she was going to be someone's mother-in-law and someday someone's grandmother.

I took a moment to look around at everyone. The warmth in the room was overwhelming. It was a nice feeling. I took it all in and smiled. It felt like a dream. I did not want to wake up. I looked to my family and friends when I heard our flight being called.

"Well Rosa that's you. You be safe out there ok?" Beth hugged me.

"I will Beth." she kissed me goodbye.

Santino then reached for my hands.

"Take care of my favorite ladies for me Santino"

"I most certainly will. See you in a year," he hugs me. Santino and Beth say bye to everyone as they leave the airport. I could see Santino comforting Beth while they walked toward the exit. I was really going to miss my best friend.

I felt tears welling up in my eyes. That's when my father took a piece of tissue and began wiping them off.

"Oh mi amor, it's ok. Just let it out," he said while wiping the last of my tears. He handed me the tissue.

I laughed, "I'm sorry Papi I tried keeping it in but I can't anymore. I'm going to miss you all" I buried my head in my father's chest.

He stoked my hair gently, "I know you're a strong girl mija but you have to let it out sometime."

"I know, I know. I just realized how much important this trip is and how much you all mean to me. I don't want to leave without you all knowing that."

"You mean the world to us Rosa. We want nothing but the best for you. And this trip is beyond that. We are so proud of you," Marco placed his hands on my shoulder.

"Thank you. That means a lot." I sniffed.

"Ok baby girl. We don't want that plane leaving without you. I love you sweetie. Take care," Mami hugged me so tight. I did not want her to let me go.

Marco, Papi, and Marco's dad all hugged me goodbye then left the airport.

It was only Wade and me now.

"So what do I do now that my fiancée is leaving me?" Wade asked as he placed his hands around my waist.

"I have one suggestion. It involves a lot of lotion, smut, and tissue." I giggled.

"What if I don't have any more of those things? What do I do then?"

"You can always go out and buy more."

"What if I want the real thing?"

"There is always the flesh light or dolls. You can order one of those real ones to have her look like me."

"Disturbing but I will keep that in mind." Wade kissed me. "Take me with you," he whispered.

"I wish I could baby. I wish I could." I hold Wade a while longer. We stood silent until my flight was called again.

"Destiny awaits you Rosa. I don't want you to miss your flight." Wade let go of me.

"I will call you when I land."

"Sounds good." Wade kissed me one last time. I didn't want him to stop. This was really it.

"Now, on to your flight Ms. Mendes."

"Right."

I left Wade to board the plane. I was on my way to Africa, leaving behind everyone and everything that I loved for an entire year. As I starred down at my ring, all I could think of is that when that year was over, I would become Mrs. Wade Barrett. It was something to look forward to.

Fall had arrived. It was my favorite season. I was looking out of the window, watching the leaves fall when I heard someone call my name.

"Rosa? Are you ready?" It was Mami.

I shook my head to get out of my daze. "Yeah, I'm ready." I got up from the couch and walked over to my mother.

"You're father is waiting for you," she smiled as she covered my face. "Let's not keep them waiting."

I smiled as my mother took my hand. I seen my father at the double doors turn around and smile.

"Mi amor. You look so beautiful. Wade is a lucky man."

"Thank you Papi. I'm so nervous." I sighed. I wiped my sweaty palms on my dress. I did not mean too but I had no other choice.

"Esta bien, mija. Everything will be alright. Just take my hand. Papi won't let anything happen." I trusted my father because I knew he was right.

Soon the music started playing and everyone rose out of their seats. I stepped carefully along with my father, gripping his arm as tight as I could to make sure I wouldn't fall. I could see Wade's smile from what seemed like the longest aisle ever. All eyes were on me. I could hear people saying whispering to each other about how beautiful I was or how they promised themselves they wouldn't cry.

Finally we arrived at the end. I slowly let go of my father and handed my bouquet to my mother. I looked at Wade who seemed like he had been not stopped smiling since I proposed to him.

I placed my hands in Wade's and together we turned to Dr. Arnold. The guest sat down.

Dr. Arnold then started, "Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join Wade Barrett and Rosa Mendes in matrimony . . ."

In that moment, I realized that my life was now perfect.

"You know what Genie? Heaven is completely different from what was explained in bible study. It seems kind of nice up here. I could really get used to this"

"Don't get too comfortable Ms. Rosa. You have a wedding to attend tomorrow."

"Oh that's right," I sighed. "Can you believe it? I'm going to be Mrs. Wade Barrett. I can't begin to tell you how excited I am! It feels like I've been waiting forever for this day. Genie I'm so happy."

"I'm glad you are honey. You deserve this happiness."

"Thank you. I really wish you were here Genie. If I could wish you back for one day, tomorrow would be that day. You don't know how much I need you right now."

"Rosa. You know I would if I could but this is where I belong now. Besides, you have everything that you could possibly need, if not more. You have grown into a fine woman."

"I love you Genie"
"I love you too Rosa. Kiss Wade for me."
"I will" I hug Genie for the final time.

". . . The rings please . . ."

"Before you go. There is someone who wants to see you."

I looked to the trees to see Matt coming my way. I ran into his arms and kissed him.

"Matt! It's really you. Oh my God. This isn't real."

I held him tight. All the memories we had together instantly flooded my mind. I did not want to let him go.

"I Wade Barrett give you Rosa Mendes this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you . . "

We pulled apart from each other and were silent for a while. Then Matt spoke, "So Rosa, a little birdie told me you're getting married tomorrow. That Wade is one lucky man. I wish you nothing but the best."

"Oh Matt!" I threw myself in his arms once again. We held on to each other until I heard my alarm clock buzzing.

"I Rosa Mendes give you Wade Barrett this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you . . ."

"It was nice seeing you again Rosa.

"Same here"

"Enjoy your day."

"Goodbye Matt."

"It's never goodbye Rosa."

"By the power vested in me by the State of Michigan, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Wade you may now kiss your bride"

Wade and I kiss as the crowd erupted into applause.

We had finally made it to the car. We waved out of the window to our guests as we were taken to the hotel. When we finished, I jumped on Wade and planted the biggest kiss on him.

"I'm sorry baby but I'm just so happy. We're married now!" I squealed as I gave Wade another kiss.

"Since there is only an hour to until the reception, how about I use that time to break you in so you can officially become Mrs. Wade Barrett ," Wade suggested in between kisses.

"Sounds good to me," I said.

We had arrived at the hotel and wasted no time. The hour became two as we lost track of time. Everyone from our family to friends called us to make sure we did not skip town on them. We made our way inside the reception to a packed room. It seems that more people showed up here than at the actual ceremony at the church. Regardless of it all, they were here and celebrating us.

As we walked in, I heard Marco announcing us. "Now for the moment we all have been waiting for. I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Wade Barrett!"

The cheers could have caved in the roof of the hall. I don't think I ever heard such loud cheers in my life. I could tell that Wade loved the attention because he surely was eating it all up. I couldn't help but to laugh at him every time I looked his way. Everything was right. I could not ask for anything more.

After the reception, we headed back to the hotel. I stepped out into the balcony for some air. The stars were shining bright with the full moon. I sighed and closed my eyes. I took in the slight breeze whispering to myself that this day was not real.

I then heard a familiar voice.

"Was this day all of what you have dreamed of?" It was Matt.

I opened my eyes and looked at him. "Yes, yes it was," I responded.

"I'm glad to hear that. You deserve to be happy. I miss you Rosita."

"I miss you too mi amor. If only you could stay."

"Yeah, if only. Give Emily my love."

"Of course. Is this the part in where we say goodbye for good?" I asked.

"Yes. Goodbye Rosa."

"Goodbye Matt." He was gone forever. I closed my eyes again facing the moon and the stars. I felt Wade wrapping a blanket around my shoulders then closing his arms around me.

"Beautiful night." he said.

"Yes it is." I sighed. We both were now starring in to the sky.

"Love is definitely in the air tonight. Can you feel it" Wade asked.

"Very much." Wade held me tighter.

"Do you want to go in?"

"No, let's stay out here for a little while then we can head inside."
"Whatever you want Mrs. Barrett."

We didn't go back inside that night as we ended up sleeping on the balcony in our clothes. I went to sleep in Wade's thinking of how lucky I was to have him and also if we could agree on baby names. Life was beautiful.