Chapter 28

Vic and Reba sighed in content as they cuddled up next to each other. They had been driving for a while now. According to Vic it took at least a half an hour to get to the hotel. That gave them plenty of alone time in the back seat. Vic couldn't shake off his grin. "I can't believe we just did that." Reba said as they relax against one another.

Vic smiled and wrapped an arm around her. "I think we should start our own club."

Reba rolled her eyes. "I doubt were the first couple to do that in a limo."

Vic just shrugged. "Well, we should be the first couple to start the club."

Reba just shook her head. "I don't think the club will catch on considering almost everyone does it when their in a limo. I am sure your grandmother has even done it once, if she has ever been in a limo."

Vic cringed. "I can't imagine my Grandmother doing that."

"Your grandmother is a wonderful vibrant woman and I am sure she enjoys having a little fun once in a while." Reba said.

Vic shook his head. "Please, let's stop talking about this."

Reba rolled her eyes. "I am also sure your mother has done it too."

Vic wanted to gag. "Please stop, my mother doesn't have this type of fun. She is different."

"You are her son!"

"That doesn't mean anything." he said. He wanted to change the subject. He didn't want to talk about something like this anymore. "Let's just get back to starting this club."

"Let it go." Reba stressed to Vic.

Vic frowned. "Why? It would be an awesome club to start."

"Vic…" Reba said sighing. "I admit I have never been in a limo before but I am sure, no, positive, we are not the first people to be standing in through sun roof while the limo is driving." Vic just shrugged and let the subject go.

Reba felt the limo come to a stop and she couldn't hold in her excitement and she was giggling uncontrollably. Vic just shook his head and waited for the limo driver to open the door. "Benvenuto." the driver said smiling.

Vic smiled. "Grazie." He said tipping the driver and helping Reba out of the limo.

Reba's eyes widened at the size of the hotel. It was huge. "Wow." She said, just standing there, staring up at the tall building.

Vic grinned. "Just wait until you see the inside."

"Let's go in." she said trying to drag him inside.

Vic chuckled and had to calm Reba down. "Relax, we have to get our bags and the bellman will meet us here and help with our bags to the room. We will have plenty of time in the hotel. I mean, come on Reba we can't spend all of our time in the hotel room." He said smirking.

Reba rolled her eyes and stood by the limo as the driver took their bags out of the trunk and set them next to the cart that a bellman just brought around. "Welcome to the Rome Cavalieri Hilton Hotel." The bellman said in an extremely thick Italian accent. They both smiled politely. "If you will follow me I will show you to the front desk where you may check in and then I shall escort you to your room."

Reba had to hold in her squeals as they were led into the hotel. Her jaw dropped once they walked in. She had to turn and look around at the vastness of the place. It was gorgeous with different shades of gold, beautiful statues, and a water fountain right in the middle of the lobby. She heard her heels click on the beautiful white marble floor and looked down to see flecks of gold in it and it was so shiny she could see her face in it.

"What do you think of it?" Vic asked, bringing her out of her amazement.

Reba smiled and turned to Vic. "I can't believe I am in Italy and from what I saw it's gorgeous. I have only seen pictures but seeing the city in person is so…"

"Different?" he said finishing for her.

Reba nodded. "I just can't believe this. First you get us the presidential suite which was absolutely beautiful and now this hotel. Are you intending on spoiling me?"

Vic smiled and took her hand, kissing the back of it. "Yes, I have a surprise for you later in the week."

Reba's face lit up. "Really, what is it?"

Vic shook his head. "Nope, you can't know until Saturday morning. You will just have to wait." Reba frowned and Vic kissed the side of her head. "Don't worry, you will definitely like it." He chuckled when she crossed her arms and pouted a little. He always thought she was so adorable when she pouted. "Reservations for Mariano." He said when they walked up to the front desk.

The gentlemen behind the counter smiled and tapped away at the computer. "Ahh, yes, Mr. and Mrs. Mariano…" The gentleman smiled once more and again tapped away at his computer. "I would like to welcome you personally to the Rome Cavalieri Hilton and if there is anything you shall be needing, please do not hesitate to call me. My name is Emilio and I hope you enjoy your stay." He then snapped his fingers and almost instantly a bellman came up behind them to help their bags to their room. "This is Angelo. He will help you to your room." Reba glanced at the man and she had to hold back a giggle when he bowed a little. She had never had this much special treatment before.

They followed a smiling Angelo as they walked toward the elevator. "You are from America?" he asked reading their tags on their luggage. Vic nodded. "Is this your first trip to Italy?"

Vic shook his head. "Her first but my family lives here. I just wanted to bring my wife here for our honeymoon." He said smiling wrapping a protective arm around Reba's waist.

"Congratulations to you both." He kindly said as they stepped into the elevator.

Reba clutched Vic's arm as they stood in the elevator. "Wait until you see the room." Vic said smiling. "It's has the most gorgeous view."

Reba smiled and held him even closer. "I can't wait."

Angelo smiled as he watched the couple out of the corner of his eye. He could really see the love between the both of them. He could tell just by the way they smiled and held each other the whole way. They were a sweet looking couple and Angelo had to believe that this Mr. Mariano was lucky to have such a beautiful wife. "Here we are." He said stepping out and leading the way to their room, "The Central Suite." Angelo said smiling.

Reba smiled and stepped through first. Reba grin was wide as she walked slowly further into the suite. To her right was a beautiful white marble fire place with a 42in plasma screen TV. There was a small seating area in front of the fire place along with a mini bar. Walking even further in to her left, right next to the mini bar, was the bathroom door. She walked in and she smiled when she saw the beautiful marble tub built for two and the separate shower full of what seemed different styles of spray settings and a lovely his and her sink next to the shower.

Reba came out of the bathroom and saw the beautiful balcony. She stepped to the doors that had beautiful white satin curtains attached. She opened the doors and stepped outside. The view was breath taking. She sniffed the beautiful sweet smell of the air and she still couldn't believe she was here. The city was gorgeous. It was full of color and people. This was her city.

She smiled when she felt arms wrap around her slightly baby bump waist. Vic's hands rested on her stomach, caressing it just a bit. "I told you it was beautiful."

"It's simply gorgeous. I am so happy you brought me here." She said stepping out of his embrace and stepping back inside the room. "Where is the bellman?"

Vic smiled and followed her back inside. "I sent the bellman away with a nice tip." She smiled when she saw the king size bed with pure white silk sheets and comforter. She sat down and patted the seat next to her. Vic chuckled and sat next to her. "You sure seem interested in this bed."

Reba rolled her eyes. "I just wanted you to sit down with me." Vic shrugged and wrapped an arm around her. "This is beautiful." She said looking around. "I can't thank you enough for bringing me here."

Vic smiled. "You're my wife and I wanted to take you somewhere special. Marrying me and having my child is enough thanks for the rest of my life."

Reba grinned and wrapped her arms around his middle and put her head on his shoulder. She took in his scent of aftershave and some cologne she couldn't identify. It smelled heavenly. She licked her lips and lifted her head, looking straight into his eyes. "I am getting one of my pregnancy cravings." She said giggling.

Vic smiled and stood up. "What is it? I will call room service."

Reba smiled and pulled him back down to the bed. "You are my craving." She said suggestively and she kissed him with all of her passion.

Vic and Reba spent a good part of the first day in bed. It was actually Reba who suggested "resting" for the rest of the day. Vic suggested at least getting up around dinner to get something to eat and that's what they decided. They finally emerged out of bed by nightfall to grab some dinner downstairs in the hotel restaurant. "You know…" Vic said stepping out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist after their shower together, "I can handle these cravings." He said smiling.

Reba winked and went through her suitcase, seeing what Vic had packed for her. She hoped it was something decent. Knowing Vic's taste it would be classy with a hint of sexiness. She could deal with just a hint of sexiness but she just hoped it wasn't too tight. Reba was frowned when she couldn't find any sort of dress in here. "Honey…" she said moving clothes out of the suitcase and onto the bed, "Did you pack any formal type of wear because they won't let me in without it."

Vic looked at her suitcase and shrugged. "I guess I didn't pack any."

Reba sighed. "How am I supposed to get into the restaurant without proper attire?"

Vic just smirked and shrugged again, walking away to the back to the bathroom. "Check the closet." He shouted from the bathroom.

Reba was confused. "Check the closet? Why would I check the clo…?" Reba stopped and her frown turned into a big smile.

"Maybe someone left something in there last time." He said smirking.

Reba ran to the closet and opened it. She smiled when she saw the beautiful silk dress that was in there. It was a beautiful light blue spaghetti strapped dress with a diamond jeweled trim under the bust line. It was exactly how Reba knew it would be classy with a hint of sexiness. She knew the neckline would be low cut. She didn't expect anything less from him either. She just shook her head and took the dress from the closet.

She held it up against her and turned around to find Vic smiling at her. "I had it sent here for you before we arrived. I thought you would…" He was cut off by Reba bringing him into a passionate kiss, "Like it." He finished once she broke away. "I love it when you do that." He said smiling. Reba giggled and pushed past him to go into the bathroom to change. "Honey I have seen you without clothes."

"I know." She said as she removed her towel. "I just want to see what it looks like on me first and then I will reveal it to you." Vic shook his head and dressed as he waited for Reba to come out and show him what she would look like in the gorgeous dress he had given her.

Reba had curled her hair and put on some light make up before slipping into the dress. Reba loved the feel of the cool silk against her skin. She took a look in the mirror and she was almost happy with the results. The dress pulled away from her growing stomach and it hit just above her knees. It was the perfect dancing dress as it swirled when she turned. The only thing was the neckline seemed a little low and a little tight. She knew her chest grew because of the baby but she could swear she was one cup size away from being Dolly Parton.

"Honey, are you okay?" Vic asked as he knocked on the door.

Reba sighed. "I'm fine, it's just…"

Vic was confused. "Just what?" he asked curiously.

"Well…" Reba said biting her lip. She tried fixing the top of the dress. She tried pushing them down, together, up only made them look bigger. She looked like a hooker. Reba sighed and opened the door. "These are the problem." She said pointing to her chest.

Vic's smile grew wide. "Wow, you look gorgeous."

Reba pouted. "I look like a hooker. Is there a wrap that comes with this?"

Vic chuckled and walked to the closet, on the hanger still hung the matching light blue shawl with diamond stud trim around the edge. He carefully took it from the hanger and walked over to Reba, slipping it around her shoulders. "You can't wear this all night you know."

Reba wrapped it around her shoulders to conceal herself. "I don't want to flash anything I shouldn't be. You don't have another dress do you?" Vic shook his head and Reba sighed. "It will be fine I guess. I just feel a bit uncomfortable that's all."

Vic kissed the side of her head and took her hand gently into his. "You look wonderful and if we should leave now because I am sure you are hungry."

Reba nodded. "We sure worked up an appetite." She said smiling.

Vic shook his head as they walked out of the room and towards the elevator. "I am rubbing off on you."

"I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing." She said as they stepped inside the elevator.

Vic smiled. "Right now, consider it a good thing." Reba giggled and slipped her arm through his.

She clutched his arm tightly as they made their way through the hotel to the restaurant. Reba happily let Vic lead the way, obviously because she had no clue where she was going. "Mariano." Vic said when they walked up to the host.

The host looked down at the list and smiled, checking their name off. "It's a pleasure to have you with us this evening. Your table is right this way." The host led them through the restaurant and to a secluded back way. They walked around a wall of plants and into a room. Reba smiled when she saw that it was a small room with a table for two with a beautiful view of the dome of St. Peter.

Vic smiled and held out his chair for Reba. "Thank you." She said sitting down, setting her wrap on her chair.

The host's eyes seem to widen a bit as he stared at Reba while handing them their menus and this didn't go unnoticed by Vic. He eyed the host and he cleared his throat. "My apologies. Your waiter will be with you in a moment." Vic could tell the host was trying to not to stare at his wife as he walked away from their table.

Reba turned her head away from the view and to her husband. She smiled. "I have to wonder why we had reservations if we just decided to have dinner here this afternoon. I also have to wonder why he brought us here, in this secluded room. Is this another surprise?"

Vic smiled. "I called and set this up when I called about the dress being sent. I wanted our first night in Rome to be perfect. I want you to be comfortable and relaxed."

Reba smiled and picked up her menu. "I couldn't be more relaxed then I am now." Vic nodded and picked up his as well. "Are you going to order for me?" she asked smiling.

Vic chuckled and shrugged. "I don't know. Can I trust you?"

Reba smirked. "I don't know. I might accidentally pick out something good if I can't understand the menu."

"Too bad it's in English." Vic said smiling.

Reba pouted and set down her menu. "You can order for me. You've been here before and I wouldn't know what's good."

Vic nodded and set his menu aside as well. "Are you sure?" Reba nodded and looked out at the beautiful view once more.

Their waiter finally made it to their table. "Hello, I am Fabrizio and I will be your server this evening. Can I start you off with something to drink? Would you care to see the wine list?" he asked smiling at the both of them. His eyes seem to stop on Reba for a moment and widen just a bit.

Vic glared at him but he didn't notice. "We will not need the wine list. We both will be having water and we are certainly ready to order." Reba raised an eyebrow at Vic's firm tone. She wondered what was making him act this way. "We will both start off with the stuffed mushrooms. She will be having the shrimp risotto. How are the chicken breasts?" he asked

"Lovely." The waiter said without taking his eyes from Reba.

Vic's nostrils flared and he looked like he wanted to hit the waiter. "Excuse me?"

The waiter just realized what he had said and snapped himself out of his stare. He looked at Vic with wide eyes. "My sincere apologies sir and madam, I am truly, truly sorry. The chicken is…

Vic waved it off. "Never mind, I will have the shrimp primavera. Thank you." Vic said handing the menus back rather quickly, hoping the waiter would go away. The waiter, quite nervous, because Vic wasn't a small man, by any means, he bowed out gracefully and hurried off to the kitchen.

Reba looked at him with a raised eyebrow, oblivious to all that just happened. "What was that about? What did he apologize for?"

Vic still was glaring at the departed waiter. "He was too busy staring at your chest to take the order. I hope he brings back the right food."

Reba just rolled her eyes. "I am sure he wasn't staring at me."

"What happened to you being uncomfortable? I think you should put the wrap back on." He said.

Reba raised an eyebrow. "You bought the dress. You knew how low it was."

Vic nodded. "Yeah but I didn't realize how BIG they were." He said chuckling.

Reba rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to the view, smiling. "This is a gorgeous view. Really, I love it." She turned to Vic and leaned over to kiss him sweetly on the lips.

Vic smiled. "I am happy you enjoy it. You will enjoy this whole week."

Reba smirked and reached over, running her hand along his thigh. "I am sure I will." She said suggestively.

Vic grasped her hand and brought it back onto the table. "Are you trying to cause trouble?" he asked smiling.

Reba gave a deep chuckle and put her hand back on his thigh. "I'm just trying to get a "rise" out of you." She said giggling as she moved her hand further.

Vic hissed and grasped her hand. This time he didn't let go. "You ARE asking for trouble. What has gotten into you?"

Vic immediately regretted his last statement. "Nothing has gotten into me…yet." She said smiling while she rubbed the back of his hand. They sat there in silence for a moment, just holding each other's hand and enjoying the lovely view and each other's company. "The host couldn't take his eyes off you either."

Reba rolled her eyes. "Will you let it go?" Reba stressed.

Vic shrugged and then they went into a conversation about the rest of her trip. Reba tried to get Vic to give her a hint what her surprise was on Saturday but he wouldn't give in, not even when Reba tried some "persuading". He just shook his head and kept drinking ice cold water to keep himself calm. The waiter came back with their mushrooms and did his best to keep his eyes away from Reba. Reba had never had such a wonderful meal. She was quite full once they consumed their main course.

Reba caressed her stomach and took a sip of her water. "The baby and I enjoyed that meal immensely." She smiled.

"I am glad you enjoyed it." Vic said pushing his empty plate to the side. Before Vic could say another word their waiter brought in two plates of what looked like dessert. "We didn't order dessert." Vic said eyeing the waiter, wondering what he was up to.

"It is on the house." He said smiling and started to back out of the room.

Vic stopped him. "We will not be having dessert." Vic said firmly looking at a frowning Reba. "You know you can't have dessert." He whispered.

Reba gave him puppy dog eyes. "Can I just have one bite, please?"

Vic sighed. He couldn't refuse those beautiful pools of blue. He turned to the waiter. "Thank you for the dessert and if we could get the check, that would be wonderful." The waiter bowed out.

Reba happily picked up her fork and dug into her Torta di Chocolate. Reba smiled as she brought the sweet big chocolate piece dripping with vanilla cream up to her lips. "Hmmm…" she said as she ate the dessert. It was heavenly. "This is good." She said smiling, taking another bite.

"Hey, one bite." Vic said smiling. Reba pouted and ate a strawberry dipped in vanilla cream before pushing the plate away. The check came quickly and Vic signed for it. "Would you like to take an evening stroll?" Reba nodded and stood up quickly. Vic helped her with her shawl and they walked out of the restaurant. Vic eyeing the host as they walked past him. He didn't dare look Vic in the eye.

Reba slipped her arm into Vic's again as they walked out of the hotel. The cool night air hit her face and she smiled. She grinned at the beautiful lights of the city as they walked down the hotel drive. It was simply gorgeous. Reba was so happy to be here. She couldn't ask for a better vacation and she certainly deserved it. After everything that had happened the past few weeks she needed to relax and just enjoy herself for a change. She was certainly enjoying herself and she was happy Vic was with her. She couldn't imagine anyone else by her side. Reba sighed in contentment and laid her head on his shoulder as they walked.

Vic was enjoying the company but he certainly wasn't enjoying the men that were leering at his wife. First the waiter, then the host, and the all of men of Rome, well, not all the men of Rome but every man they walked past down the street seemed to do a double take when they saw Reba. Vic glared at them but they didn't seem to notice. Their eyes were focused on one…well…two things and Vic didn't like it.

Vic took the wrap from his wife and wrapped it around her front as man number 48; yeah he was counting, glanced at his wife. "What are you doing?" she asked

"I am sick of Rome already. Let's go back to the hotel room."

Reba chuckled and shook her head. "Will you stop; we are having a nice time. Just relax." She said taking the wrap from her front and wrapping it around her shoulders.

Vic sighed and suddenly they were approached by a man with a camera that took Polaroid pictures. "Take picture?" he said smiling. Reba grinned and nodded. Vic hated when they just came up to you like that. The man took the picture and then handed it over once it was produced. Vic took out a few bills and was prepared to hand them over. The man shook his head. "No charge." He said smiling and walking away.

Vic looked confused as he watched the man disappear into the darkness. That was weird. They usually wanted money. "Look…" Reba said as she stepped into a light when the picture came into view. Vic smiled as he saw their picture. Reba was truly glowing and Vic looked completely happy as he wrapped both arms around her waist. "We look good." Reba said giggling.

Vic smiled. "Yeah we do."

Reba smirked at the photo and the grabbed a lapel of his jacket. "What do you say we go back to the hotel and make use of that tub? We can try out the jets? See if it really fits two people."

"And if it doesn't?" he asked raising an eyebrow.

Reba just smiled and dragged him into the direction of the hotel. "We will make two people fit in it." Vic really liked this new craving.

End of Chapter