I probably could have written another ten pages, but as it's nearing 1am, East Coast time, my arm is killing me, and I decided to make you wait. Hee Hee. Hope you like this. Promise to update soon.

Chapter 55

"Ma, it's just for a few nights."

"Don't you Ma me, Dante! I have a restaurant to run. I am not a babysitting service," Olivia told her son, while placing a single rose in a vase and turning toward him, one hand perched on her hip.

"Let Dad run Adela's for the night," Dante suggested, as Olivia looked at him with murder in her eyes.

"What? You're still not speaking with him? Ma, the wedding is tomorrow."

"Have you spoken with your father?" Olivia prodded, knowing full well that Dante and Sonny were still on the outs.

"No, but this isn't about me. It's about Lulu and making sure that this wedding is everything that she could want and deserves," Dante answered, a stubborn tone in his voice.

"Your father and I have an understanding, Dante," Olivia told him, turning to gently pat his cheek, "he stays on his side of the church and I'll stay on mine. He crosses the aisle and I'll not be responsible for the Bensonhurst girl that is released."

"If anything-"

"Dante Angelo Falconeri, have I ever let you down?" she scolded him, pinching his cheek, "Stop worrying. Now, what are your plans for the night?"

"Lucky wants me to meet him at Jake's, but I don't think-"

"A bachelor party? Honey, you should go," Olivia suggested, taking the puppy from his arms and nudging him toward the door, "Have some fun. Stop worrying about tomorrow."

"Why would you think it's a bachelor party? Do you know something? Did Vito-"

"Baby, it's the night before your wedding," his Ma answered, cooing at the puppy asleep in her arms.

"I don't want to go to a bachelor party, Ma. I don't want a church wedding and a fancy reception with hundreds of guests."

"Baby, your wedding is tomorrow. It's a little late to change your mind now," Olivia remarked, worry on her face.

"I'm not changing my mind. I'm doing all of it for Lulu. If this wedding is what she wants, then the church, the fancy reception, all of it- that's what she'll get."

"Oh, my sweet baby. She is one lucky girl."

"I'm the lucky one, Ma," Dante told her, "Now, about Lulu's wedding gift."

"Fine. She can stay," Olivia told him, as she rubbed the puppy's fur.

"Do you have a name yet?" Olivia said, while cradling the sleeping puppy in her arms.

"I figured Lulu would want to name her," Dante told his Ma, "Spencer is going to carry her down the aisle during the ceremony."

"This puppy? Dante Angelo Falconeri, "Olivia enunciated, lowering her voice, so as not to disturb the animal in her arms, "Are you out of your freaking mind?"

"Why does everyone think it's crazy. Ma, it will be fine. The puppy sleeps all of the time. She's Lulu's wedding gift from me."

"Sleeps all of the time, huh?" Olivia responded, looking down at the cherub in her arms and gently rubbing the puppy's head, "You're too cute to be a troublemaker," she murmered to the puppy, "But, we know differently, don't we?"

"Ma, stop worrying. This wedding will be perfect. What harm can one little puppy do?"


"Yes!" Maxie Jones shouted, placing her cell phone on the coffee table, "You can thank me later," she continued, glancing at Lulu, who was completely absorbed in the notebook in front of her.

"Hello, Earth to Lulu. Did you hear what I said?" Maxie shouted in exasperation.

"Hm?" Lulu answered softly, her mind elsewhere.

She was getting married tomorrow.

Married.

Not in a million years did she ever dream that this day would come.

She'd been to a lot of weddings. As a caterer, it was a big responsibility. Everything had to be perfect.

What if everything wasn't perfect?

What if something went wrong?

"Are you sure that the church is all set for tomorrow?" Lulu asked Maxie, her voice revealing her anxiety.

"Yes, Lulu. Kate's decorators arrived a few hours ago. The flowers will arrive tomorrow morning. Did you finish your vows?"

"What about the cake? What if it isn't finished?" Lulu asked, her pulse quickening, "It could be the wrong flavor. What if it's hazelnut? Dante hates hazelnut."

"It's not hazelnut, Lulu. The cake is fine. It's beautiful. Now, what about your vows?" Maxie questioned, suddenly worried that Lulu had forgotten to finish them.

"My vows? Oh, yes...my vows. I finished them," Lulu told her best friend, while examining the tips of her fingernails.

"And?" Maxie prodded.

"They don't feel right," Lulu answered, exasperated, "How am I supposed to write a paragraph of what Dante means to me? I have so much to say and I don't know where to begin, or what to leave out."

"Did you write what I told you to?" Maxie asked, sitting up straighter.

"Yes, Maxie. But-"

"But, what? If you-"

"It sounds so...choreographed, Maxie. The words, well, they sound like you."

"Exactly. They're perfect," Maxie answered, smugly.

"But, it's my wedding," Lulu answered, softly, "I don't care if I forget a word. I don't want to memorize some speech that will mean nothing to me hours later. I want to speak from my heart, Maxie."

"Fine. But, if your wedding turns into a disaster. Don't come crying to me."

"Maxie," Lulu whispered, as her best friend turned toward her, "What? You want to change the roses to dandelions?"

"I just wanted to say thanks. You are my best friend. I love you."

"I know," Maxie replied smugly, while she grabbed her coat, "Come on. We have some shopping to do before your bachelorette party."

"Bachelorette party? No. Maxie, I specifically recall telling you I did not want one."

"You did? Well, it's good that I didn't hear that. It would have ruined the surprise."

"I hate surprises, Maxie. You know that. I just want to spend tonight with Dante."

"Boring...Lulu, I'm your best friend. Trust me. I know what you need. Tonight is going to be so much fun," Maxie smiled, practically gushing, "Wait until you see the male stripper."

"Stripper? Maxie, I don't think-"

"You're coming. Now, let's go. I still need to get you to Armand's on Second Street."

"Armand's. Maxie, I am not buying lingerie."

"I know. I am. My gift to you and Dante," Maxie answered, whispering under her breath, "Well, mine and Kate's. Dante can thank us later."

"I hate you," Lulu told Maxie, as she reached for her purse and followed her best friend toward the door.

"You can thank me later," Maxie said, turning toward Lulu, "The right bustier will knock Dante's socks off."

"Dante doesn't wear socks to bed," Lulu answered, "Besides, I have a perfectly good tee-shirt. It's Dante's-"

"A tee-shirt? On your wedding night?" Maxie shouted, in frustration, "No. Absolutely not, Lulu. Destroying your wedding is one thing, but your wedding night? A tee-shirt?"

"What's wrong with Dante's Yankees shirt?"


Dante unlocked the door to the apartment behind Spencer's, juggling the bags in his hand and the bouquet of red roses, dropping his bags on the nearby counter once he was inside. He released a sigh, as his hand ran through his hair.

He was nervous.

Shit, he never got nervous.

He pulled the items from the bag one by one. Pasta sauce. Linguini Noodles. Parmesen Cheese. Fresh garlic. A bottle of sparkling grape juice.

He cut the stems on the roses and reached for a vase, filling it with water, before adding the flowers. A few additional petals were in a plastic bag and Dante placed these next to the vase.

Tonight was going to be all about romance. A little pasta, some music and rose petals for the bath.

Now, he just needed to wait for Lulu to get home.

He was pouring water into a large pasta pot when the phone rang.

"Hey, Lucky," Dante answered, reading his caller id.

"Dante, just wanted to make sure that we're still on for Jake's."

"Hey, about that-"

"You're not bailing on me now, Dante. I got someone to cover my shift. Lulu is out with the girls. Come on, Dante, a guy's night out. There is a beer at Jake's with your name on it."

Dante looked down at the pot in his hand, slowly filling with water, released a sigh and reluctantly reached over to turn off the faucet, "Lulu is going out? Are you sure?"

"I ran into Maxie earlier. She told me," Lucky replied, "So, we on?"

"Lulu didn't call. She would mention-"

"One beer, Dante. You can worry about Lulu tomorrow."

"Fine. But, only one beer, Lucky. I have something else in mind for tonight."

"One beer," Lucky reassured Dante, turning toward his companions at the bar, "How soon can you get here?"

"Twenty minutes," Dante replied, lightly smacking the counter with his fist.

"See you then," Lucky said, ending the call and turning to the gentlemen at the bar, "He'll be here."

Dante emptied the pot, dried it and placed it on the stove, before moving toward the living room and grabbing his jacket.

So much for a night in with Lulu.

Was it too much to ask for a romantic night at home with Lulu, before the big day?

Reaching for his keys, he walked toward the door, turned back toward the kitchen and the neglected items on the counter and released a frustrated sigh.

Starting tomorrow, no more interruptions.


"This is crazy, Maxie," Lulu commented, as the saleswoman handed Lulu the tiniest scrap of lace she'd ever seen, "Where's the rest of it?"

"Put it on, Lulu!" Maxie ordered, pulling the curtain aside and pushing Lulu into the nearest dressingroom.

"I need more. AND smaller," Maxie yelled, to the retreating saleswoman , as she turned and tapped her fingers on the frame of the dressingroom, "Well, how does it look?"

Lulu pulled on the next to nothing scrap of lace underwear that tied in bows at her hips and reached for the pink and white corset, lined with lace at the top. It hugged her breasts, pushing them upward until they nearly spilled overtop. She pulled on the sheer cover that tied with pink satin ribbons in the back.

"I look like I should be trying out for a burlesque show," Lulu commented, turning sideways in the mirror and checking out her image.

Was it her imagination, or were her breasts larger?

She rubbed her swollen belly, smiling, as she felt her baby kick.

"See, Maxie. My baby agrees. This one is a definite No," Lulu informed Maxie, quickly disrobing and tossing the bra contraption over the door.

"Could you find something that doesn't require instructions?" Lulu asked, picking up the next piece and turning it. Which side was the front?

"Oh My God!" Lulu exclaimed, as she realized the front had three gaping holes, "Are you out of your mind, Maxie? That's it," Lulu fumed, pulling the curtain aside and peeking out from the dressingroom, "No more. If it doesn't look like a tee-shirt, I don't want it."

"How about this one?" the saleswoman asked, holding out a blue and white striped negligee with matching sheer panties.

"That's perfect," Lulu exclaimed, reaching for the garment and yanking it from the woman's hands.

"Does it come with a bat?" Maxie asked.

"Shall I ring her up?" the saleswoman asked Maxie, who nodded her head and reached for a pale pink baby doll on the nearest rack.

"This too. Charge it to Crimson, compliments of Kate Howard. Sugar and spice," Maxie smiled, walking toward the counter, stopping to check out a risque policewoman's uniform, complete with handcuffs, badge and cap, "I'll take this too, but can you box that separately."

"I can't believe you talked me into this," Lulu told Maxie, as she approached the counter, shaking her head and laughing.

"Laugh now, Lulu, but I am telling you, one look at you in that," Maxie answered, "and you will have Dante eating out of your hand."

"Dante doesn't need sexy lingerie, Maxie," Lulu told Maxie, while glancing at the lingerie inside a separate box, "What is that?"

"What? Oh...that. Kate Howard's gift to you," Maxie informed Lulu, while signing off on the account.

"My gift? Why isn't it in with my items?"

"Because, my bestie, you are gifting it to me," Maxie grinned, walking away with her wrapped package under her arm.

"Oh My God, that's for Lucky!"

"Ssh. It's a secret, Lulu," Maxie replied, turning and smiling, "It's not official yet."

"I'm going to need therapy after today's shopping spree."

"Shopping is therapy, Lulu. The best kind. Now, hurry up, we have manis and pedis waiting before we meet the rest of the girls at Jakes."

"Why did I agree to this, Maxie?" Lulu said, worried.

"Because you love me and you would be super bored without me. Shall I go on?"

"Don't let me stop you," Lulu replied, grinning, as Maxie continued.

"I'm the smartest person you know. I'm extremely easy on the eyes. I never take no for an answer..."


"Can I help you?" the officer said, as the man entered the precinct and flashed a badge.

"I'm here for, Matt Hunter. Detective Monroe," he said tossing a paper at the officer and quickly flashing his credentials.

"I'm sorry, sir. We weren't expecting anyone until Monday. I'll have to check with my commisioner," the officer answered, nervously, while examining the transfer form in front of him.

"You're shitting me. I drove all the way from Pentonville to pick up a new inmate for transfer and you're telling me that you NEVER got the orders. I had to cancel a dinner with my wife, OFFICER NEWLAND. Our anniversary. Now, you're telling me you people fucked up. Unfucking believable."

"I'm sure it's just a mix-up. Let me just call the detective on the case," the officer said, reaching for the phone.

"You do that," Detective Monroe said, fuming, "And hurry up, I hate eating cold steak."

"Um...I forgot, sir. Detective Spencer, isn't on duty and well, he's at a bachelor party and isn't to be disturbed."

"Wonderful. Fucking wonderful, Officer. Now, I have to explain to my boss why this inmate isn't being transferred to our facility and I have to call my wife and tell her NOT to expect me at all. Fucking wonderful."

"Well, everything does seem to be in order, Detective. I suppose-"

"It damn well is in order, Officer. Now, are you going to get my inmate, or do I need to call my superior who will interrupt your Detective and haul his ass back in here to tell you to give me my fucking inmate?"

"No, no need to do that, Detective. I'll have Mr. Hunter released into your custody right away."

The officer returned ten minutes later, a handcuffed Matt Hunter in tow, "I just need you to sign here."

Detective Monroe scribbled on the appropriate line and the officer placed the form into the file, not glancing once at the paperwork.

"He's all yours, Detective," the officer stated, as he handed a bewildered Matt Hunter to the man in a dark suit.

"Well, it's about fucking time. I'll be sure not to mention this to either of our superiors," the Detective said, grabbing Matt Hunter by the arm and hauling him toward the door.

"What the hell? Why are you-" Matt Hunter started to say, as he was slammed against the door frame, "Oops. Sorry about that, pal. Didn't see the doorway."

Detective Monroe waited until he had exited the precinct and stowed his passenger in the backseat of his cruiser, before getting into the driver side and starting the engine.

He drove a few blocks away from the police station and tossed his badge and fake credentials into a nearby dumpster, before pulling off the side of the road and turning to greet his companion.

"Mr. Hunter," he said, as Matt Hunter looked into the eyes of Logan Hayes' father. His real father.

"Mr. Baldwin. You have no idea how glad I am to see you," Matt Hunter grinned, as Scott Baldwin peered back at him.

"We have to talk, Mr. Hunter. Let's take a drive and you can tell me all about how my son ended up at the PC Morgue."


"Maxie, can't we just call this off. I'm exhausted," Lulu told her, as she unlocked the door to her and Dante's place and opened the door.

"Surprise," they all yelled, jumping up from behind her couch, from behind chairs and the kitchen counter.

"I hate you, Maxie," Lulu mentioned once more, putting on a smile, as she walked into her apartment and waved at her family and friends.

"You'll thank me later," Maxie answered, as Lulu turned toward her with an belligerent expression, "You keep saying that. It won't happen."

"It will. I know," Maxie grinned, sashaying into the room, "Let's get this party started," she shouted, tossing party favors, while she walked toward the counter and placed the beers on top.

"Mm, your making pasta," Maxie asked Olivia, while picking up a jar of pasta sauce.

"With that? No," Olivia answered, looking offended, "But, you girls need to keep your strength up. So, I'm making my famous Sausage Rigatoni."

"Smells delicious," Maxie replied, as Lulu walked up to her kitchen counter.

"You did all of this," Lulu asked, as she took note of the red roses and the pasta ingredients on the table.

"No, honey. That was here when I got here," Olivia told her, winking, before turning toward the stove and stirring the pasta sauce, "Someone must have had other plans."

"Dante?" Lulu smiled, breathing in the scent of the roses, "How thoughtful!"

"Well, Thank God they were changed," Maxie exclaimed, grabbing Lulu and propelling her toward the living room.

"Lulu, Maxie said she took you to that new lingerie shop on Second Street. It's show and tell time, girl," Elizabeth shouted, while taking a swallow of her beer.

"Yes, I want to see what you got," Alexis chimed in, her breasts heaving over the bright blue satin dress that hugged her curves.

"Fine, I'll let you take a peek," Lulu blushed, as Maxie grabbed the packages and opened the boxes.

"Lulu, come sit over here," Giana told her, motioning for Lulu to sit between her and Emiliana.

Lulu was seated no more than a few minutes, when their was a knock at the door, "Honey, it's Mom," Laura said, from the opposite side.

"It's open," Olivia shouted, as Laura walked in carrying a covered dish.

"I told you I was making dinner," Olivia scolded, pointing her spoon at Laura.

"I brought dessert," Laura replied, setting it on the counter, "Apple pie."

"How is our little guest doing?" Olivia whispered, as Laura grinned, "Spencer is keeping her company."

"Are you sure that you are all right with that?" Olivia questioned, a worried expression on her face, "Those things get a hold of something and-"

"No worries, Olivia. Besides, this new companion might just convince Nicholas to get one for Spencer this Christmas," Laura smiled, turning to Elizabeth.

"Not a chance, Laura. Unless, it stays at your place," Elizabeth grinned.

"Not a chance for what? What can't stay at your place, Mom?" Lulu asked, suddenly feeling out of the loop.

"Nothing, honey. Just something between a mother and her daughter-in-law."

"Conversation that I look forward to having with you more, Lulu," Olivia stated, reaching for a plate of appetizers and bringing it to the coffee table, "Here, honey. Drink up."

"Mom," Lulu shouted at Laura, as Olivia handed her a glass of milk, "Enough with the milk."

"Your mother didn't have to tell me, honey. It's a sixth sense we have," Olivia said, forcing Giana to move closer to the arm of the sofa, "Now, let's see what you bought."

Maxie started hauling out boxes of lingerie, some Lulu recognized as actually having tried on, but others seemed to have miraculously found themselves into her bags.

"Honey, I like that one," Laura said softly, noticing the pink and white baby doll with lace accenting.

"What about this one?" Elizabeth laughed, pulling out a red and black corset with garters and a red thong, "I would have never pegged you for this one, Lulu."

"I didn't pick it out, Elizabeth. In fact, Maxie," Lulu said, glaring at her best friend, "I distinctly recall tossing something similar back to you."

"Did you? I thought you didn't like the color," Maxie answered, shrugging her shoulders.

"You know perfectly well-"

"Oh My God," Olivia exclaimed, as Laura pulled out a police officer's uniform and handcuffs.

"Hands off," Maxie shouted at Alexis, reaching for the outfit, "Those are mine."

"Exactly who do you plan to entertain with that outfit?" Olivia asked, as Lulu averted her eyes and reached for a box on the floor with her name on it.

"None of your business," Maxie replied, as Elizabeth looked at her with suspicion.

"What's in the box, honey?" Olivia asked, as Lulu placed it in her lap.

It was a white box with a blue ribbon and bow attached. A note card was underneath the bow.

"Who's it from?" Maxie asked, moving closer.

Lulu pulled the card from beneath the bow and turned it over.

Something Naughty and Nice.

Love,

Mom

Lulu looked up at her mother, tears in her eyes, smiling as she pulled the ribbon aside and opened the box.

"Oh, Mom, it's beautiful," Lulu exclaimed, removing the pale blue satin robe from the box.

"Definitely, nice," Alexis noted.

"Where's the naughty?" Maxie asked, impatiently.

Lulu's hands dove beneath the tissue paper, her fingers pressing upon the satin and lace material beneath. Gently, she removed the white baby doll from the package.

"Mom, it's so pretty," she exclaimed, running her fingers over the white lace of the brassiere with a pale blue bow in the center and down over the sheer fabric that draped on both sides.

"That's naughty?" Maxie commented, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh My God," Lulu exclaimed, as she reached into the box and pulled out the thin, white satin thong, "Mom?" Lulu gasped, as she turned it around and noticed that the only thing holding it together was one tiny blue flower, with a sparkling gemstone in the center.

"Now, that's naughty," Maxie grinned, as Lulu sat speechless, blushing.

She started to say something when they heard another knock at the door and Olivia looked at the clock and grinned, "I wonder who that could be," she said in a loud voice, walking toward the door.

"Lulu, you should sit over here," Maxie told her, dragging her off of the couch and into a chair at the front of the room.

"Maxie, why-"

Olivia opened the door and Lulu turned toward the doorway to see a fireman standing there.

"That's my cue," Laura said, grabbing her purse and hugging Lulu, "Have fun, honey."

"But, Mom, where are-"

"Is something wrong?" Lulu asked, starting to stand, as Laura brushed past the fireman entering the apartment.

Giana and Emiliana were ogling the man in front of her, as Lulu looked on in confusion.

"Are you, Miss Spencer?" he asked, walking toward her.

No, swaggering, Lulu thought, as she looked toward Maxie, suspiciously. He wasn't.

"Yes. Is there a problem?" Lulu asked.

"I'm afraid there is, Miss," the fireman said, stopping to place a box near her feet. Lulu looked down to see what it was and saw his bare feet.

Since when did fireman come equipped with...music and...barefoot.

She was about to ask him what this was about when he pushed the button on the box and started to sway to the music.

Then, he started to undress.

In front of her.

Then, he reached for her hands and placed them on his chest.

"O.K., there, pal. No touching. You can dance for them," Lulu blushed, snatching her hands back.

"Maxie!" Lulu shouted, closing her eyes in embarrassment, as he started removing the rest of his uniform.

"You'll thank me later," Maxie shouted, as Lulu glared back at her, saw the nearly naked man in front of her and covered her eyes once again, "I hate you."

"Woo hoo," Elizabeth, Olivia and Alexis shouted in unison, watching the hunk dance in front of them.

"Yo, Mr. Fireman, if my soon-to-be daughter-in-law can't handle the flames, I can," Olivia laughed, standing and swaying to the music.

"Please God," Lulu whispered, "Tell me that Dante is just as miserable as me."


"And then, Giana kicked me out," Vito told Dante, while nursing his third beer.

"I'm sorry, Uncle Vito. I'm sure that once you explain everything-"

Dante sat at the bar, a beer in his hand, as he watched his Uncle Sal talking to Nicholas and Lucky, while Jason and Coleman sat at the opposite end of the bar and Dante was stuck at this end with Vito.

"Yo, Vito. Our boy, Dante, doesn't need to hear about your troubles. This is a party," Sal shouted, interrupting.

"Someone arrest this man," Sal yelled toward Lucky, his voice starting to slur.

"What's the charge?" Lucky asked, turning away from Nicholas and looking toward the man that in less than twenty-four hours would be his new brother-in-law.

"Alcohol abuse," Sal answered, grabbing the bottle from Dante and turning it upside-down. A few drops trickled out.

"Not enough of it," he replied, as Coleman slid another beer toward Dante.

"I said one beer," Dante announced, turning to all of them and shaking his head, "Hey, fine, but if I show up drunk to my own wedding, end up in jail, or god forbid pass out in this place," Dante yelled, "All of you are explaining it to Lulu."

"Agreed," the boys said in unison, while Dante glared back at them.

"I hate all of you," he shouted, taking a long swallow and visualizing where his night should be at this point, had his plans went full-speed ahead.

Right now, he could have been enjoying a glass of wine, while Lulu sipped a sparkling grape juice and they both reclined in their bath, complete with rose petals.

Instead, he was here, at Jake's, with these buffoons.

"Just letting you know, starting tomorrow, I'm changing the locks," Dante told them, taking another swallow, "AND I'm turning off my phone. No interruptions."

"He means AFTER the wedding, right?" Vito asked Sal, as he downed the shot that Coleman placed before him and Dante sent him an irritated look.

"I hate you guys," Dante whispered, taking another swallow of his beer and praying that the clock would move faster.

"Can I get you a shot?" Coleman asked Dante, who shook his head.

"Hey, Sal," Vito said, turning toward his brother, "What time did you say the girls arrive?"

"Girls? What girls?" Dante asked, looking toward the guys.

"The dancers? They should be here any minute," Coleman answered, straightening his mustache.

"Coleman hired dancers?" Nicholas asked Lucky, who turned to the bar.

"What kind of dancers, Coleman?" Lucky asked, as Coleman wiped down the bar.

"Relax, bro. No need for the badge. They're legit."

"My gift to our groom," Coleman said, winking at Dante.

"I changed my mind, I'll take that shot now," Dante told Coleman, while rubbing the side of his head and praying that his sudden migraine and this night would disappear.


Lulu closed the door, the last of her party guests departed and turned to survey the empty room before her. Olivia had cleaned the kitchen and placed the boxes of lingerie in a pile next to the couch. Yawning, Lulu walked toward the boxes, reaching for a few and taking them to the bedroom. She returned to the livingroom and plopped down onto the couch, one remaining box at her feet.

Reaching down, Lulu removed the lid from the box and grinned wickedly at the garment inside.

What the hell. She was alone.

She shed her clothing, reached for the blue and white striped baby doll brassiere and attempted to secure the clasp behind her. Frustrated, she turned the bra around, secured it from the front, then moved it to the back once more. The bra hugged her breasts, pushing them higher, so that they swelled above the cups of the fabric. The letters N and Y were embroidered on each lacy cup and a sheer striped fabric hung on both sides. She reached inside once more, grabbing the navy blue lace thong and pulling them on.

She smiled, as she walked toward the kitchen and reached for a bottle of water from the refrigerator, twisting the cap and taking a swallow.

She walked back toward the living room,turned off the lights and placed the bottle of water on the coffee table and waited for Dante to return.


Dante waved goodbye to Lucky and with keys in hand, headed toward his apartment behind the brownstone building.

He rubbed his eyes and shook his head to clear the cobwebs from his eyes.

Damn Coleman and his shots.

Turning the key in the lock, Dante pushed the door open and tossed the keys and his coat onto a nearby chair.

"Dante?" Lulu whispered, sitting up on the couch, as he entered, "What time is it?"

"Late," Dante answered, moving toward her and stopping in his tracks.

"What?" Lulu asked, watching, as he reached for the nearby light switch and turned it on.

She stood and yawned, stretching her arms, as she blinked her eyes against the force of the light.

"Why are you staring? Do I have something in my teeth?" Lulu asked, using a finger to check her teeth.

"No, teeth are fine," Dante whispered, as his eyes roamed every inch of her from head to toe.

"What?" Lulu asked, looking down at herself, "Oh, God," she exclaimed, blushing, as she snatched a blanket from the couch, "I forgot I was wearing this."

"Don't. I want to see it, "Dante told her, moving closer and reaching for the blanket. He tossed it to the floor and stepped back to take a closer look.

"Wow. You look...amazing," Dante said, with a shaky breath, his hands stroking the sides of her arms.

"You think so. It's not too naughty?" Lulu asked, smiling.

"Hm, no, very nice," Dante grinned, stroking the embroidered letters on her breasts.

"I saw it and thought you'd like it," Lulu commented, as Dante's hand parted the sheer fabric and stroked her swollen abdomen.

"I love it," Dante said, moving closer and kissing her.

Soft. Gentle.

Lips brushing against each other.

Barely touching.

He rested his forehead against hers, sighed and looked toward the kitchen counter, while his hands played with the fabric that draped across her hips.

"I had this romantic dinner and night planned for you."

"I saw. The roses are beautiful," Lulu said softly, "Maxie threw me a bachelorette party. Here," Lulu told him, "I hated it. I just wanted to be with you."

"Lucky dragged me to Jake's. The guys were there. It was only supposed to be one drink. It turned into a bachelor party. I didn't like it either. I kept thinking of you, those rose petals," Dante said, motioning her toward a bag on the counter, "and a bath for two."

"Rose petals?" Lulu replied, running her hand through his hair and wrapping another around his waist, "Today was pretty exhausting."

"You probably want to go to bed," Dante said, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

"Actually, a bath sounds pretty good right now," Lulu told him, while stroking his back, "I could really really use someone to wash my back," Lulu whispered, kissing his forehead, "my feet," she continued, kissing the tip of his nose, "and my-"

Dante kissed her hard, pressing her body to his, crushing her lips under his assault, as he inhaled her scent, every touch intoxicating. His heart was pounding in his chest, as he led her toward the bathroom.

In between kisses, he drew the bath water, testing the water and making sure it wasn't too hot, "Dammit, the rose petals. I'll be right back," he said, as she started to take down the straps of the baby doll nightie.

"Oh, no, you don't. Just stay the way you are," Dante ordered, pulling the strap back onto her shoulder and racing toward the kitchen. She heard the sound of glasses, a crash and a muffled groan.

"Are you all right?" Lulu asked, as Dante returned a few seconds later, two glasses, a bottle of sparkling wine and the bag of rose petals in his hand.

"Hold these, please?" he said, handing her the bottle and glasses, as he sprinkled the rose petals into the water.

Lulu closed her eyes and inhaled, the fragrance from the roses immediately hitting her nostrils.

"Baby," Dante whispered, just a breath from her face, as she felt him pull her toward him.

"Hm," she answered, opening her eyes, as Dante poured the liquid into the glasses and set them on a nearby counter.

Dante reached for the straps of her negligee, his lips kissing each shoulder, before he slowly, lowered the straps to her elbows.

"You take my breath away," Dante whispered, moving his hand behind her head, cradling it and pulling her closer, "All night, all I could think about was your taste," he said, kissing her, his lips sucking and pulling on hers. His tongue teasing hers.

He reached around her and unfastened her bra clasp, the fabric parting. He stepped away and watched it drop near her feet, her breasts bare, as she stood before him in only her panties.

"I feel under-dressed," Lulu said softy, gazing at Dante dressed in his blue jeans and a dark blue tee-shirt.

She reached for the hem of his shirt and lifting, pulled it over his arms and head, tossing it to the floor at their feet.

Dante kicked off his shoes, wrestled with his belt and unzipped his pants.

"Wait," Lulu pleaded, stepping toward him, "Let me."

She reached for his zipper, pulling it all the way down and pushing his jeans downward, over his hips, watching as they slid to his feet.

Dante stepped out of his jeans, his hands resting upon her hips, then moving behind her.

He inhaled a sharp breath, as he felt the soft skin of her backside beneath his palms and molded them gently against his hands, his fingers catching the thin band of fabric and pulling it over her hips.

It fell, pooling at her feet, and she stepped out of them, her hands instinctively cupping her breasts, as she stood bare as the day she was born, before him.

Dante quickly shucked his briefs and socks, reaching his hand toward Lulu and helping her into the tub. He stepped behind her and slid down into the water, sitting back against the porcelain tub, as Lulu lowered herself into the water and reclined against him.

Reaching for the loofah sponge on the counter, Dante dipped it into the water, soaking the sponge, before squeezing it over Lulu's back.

"That feels good," Lulu sighed, as the water poured upon her skin and she felt the sponge glide across her back.

Dante washed her shoulders, the middle of her back, gently lifting her arms and washing beneath. He trailed the sponge lower and Lulu felt her breath catch and her pulse quicken. He teased the dimples of her lower back, caressing the skin with the sponge, before moving slowly upward and wrapping his arms around her.

Lulu rested her head upon his shoulder, as Dante squeezed the sponge over her breasts, watching as they puckered and blossomed before his eyes. He nuzzled the side of her neck with his lips, closing his eyes and inhaling her fragrance, as the sponge dropped into the water and his hands replaced it, molding each mound beneath his tender assault.

Lulu pressed her bottom closer, felt him behind her, as one hand continued to fondle her breasts and the other dipped lower beneath the water.

She gasped as he stroked her, teasing the swelling folds and capturing the tiny nub between his fingers, stroking it, tormenting her with his steady touch.

Her mouth parted, her head tilted to the side and Dante moved his hand from her breast to cradle her head, as he captured her lips with his own, thrusting his tongue into her mouth, silencing her gasp, as his fingers moved inside her, slowly at first, then gaining momentum.

He felt her tremble beneath his touch, her body shuddering, as his hand continued to tease and torment, her hips rocking against him, as held her tightly. He thrust higher, his thumb stroking her her, holding steady, as she trembled, her body quaking beneath his touch, swelling tightly against his fingers and then releasing as she collapsed against him.

He continued to caress her, waiting for her breathing to become steady, for her racing heart to lessen, as her body continued to shudder with aftershocks. He kissed her shoulder, nibbled the side of her neck and gently stroked the side of her breast, as his hands moved toward her abdomen and he cradled his child deep within her womb.

They lay inside the tub, until the waters cooled, Lulu's head upon his shoulder, his hands caressing her stomach, both content in nothing more than each others arms.

"We need to get out soon, Dante," Lulu said softly, her eyes closed, as she felt his arms holding her close.

"Just a few more minutes," Dante said, nuzzling the side of her neck, his teeth nipping playfully.

"In a few minutes, we'll turn into prunes," Lulu laughed, inhaling sharply, as she felt Dante's lips tug at her ear and she shifted, feeling an awakening deep inside of her.

"You first, " Dante insisted, as Lulu scooted forward, using the sides of the tub to rise to her feet, as Dante steadied her with one hand on her back. He leaned forward, placed a kiss on one cheek, while his hand caressed the other. Then, he gently swatted her backside, grasped the side of the tub and rose to his feet behind her.

Lulu stepped out of the tub and reached for two towels, tossing one in Dante's direction. She quickly dried herself and draped the newly sodden towel over a towel rod to dry.

"Last one to the bed is a rotten egg," she shouted, smacking him on the ass and darting past a naked Dante, who stood with mouth agape and towel in hand.

She felt his hand on her waist a few seconds later, her body held gently against his chest, as he lowered her to the bed.

She sighed, as his lips captured her breasts, sucking until one bud opened and then moving on to the other. His hands caressed her soft skin, paid special attention to every indent and hollow of her body, moving lower and stroking her thighs.

She parted her legs, closed her eyes, as she felt his weight upon her and sighed, as his hands once again reawakened her, teased her with his touch.

Then, he was inside her, moving within her, his arms wrapped around her, as he thrust gently, a slow build that made their bodies tremble as own, that held their breaths hostage, their pulses racing in tandem, as they reached their peak together, shuddering uncontrollably, before crashing back to Earth together.

Minutes later, Dante held Lulu close, laying on his side and holding Lulu against him, her head upon his chest. He placed his hand over her abdomen and felt his baby kick within her. He smiled, kissing her forehead, as she slept nestled in his arms. He imagined stick ball games on the pier, tea parties with teddy bears and little hands clutching his, as they raced into the warm surf of the Caribbean water. Then, evenings by a fire, sand beneath their feet, while his babies slept safe and sound by his side.


"I knew it," Maxie shouted, as she drove toward the Spencer's restaurant, "I told her that her wedding would be a disaster. I was right."

"We have plenty of time, Maxie," Lucky told her, gripping the side of the door, his heart beating faster, with every pass of every car, "Do you mind slowing down? It's not the Indy 500."

"The wedding is in three hours, Lucky. Do you have ANY idea how long it takes to get a bride ready for her wedding?" Lulu yelled, cutting off another car and earning a bird sign from its driver.

"No, but as a former groom, I think that I can understand-"

"You can't, Lucky. There is nothing, as a guy, that you can understand. It's the biggest day of a woman's life, Lucky. It's important. It's the beginning of the rest of your life together."

"Maxie, pull over, " Lucky told her, as she drove to the side of the road, but continued talking.

"It's special. It's supposed to create a bond. It means that you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, that-"

"Maxie, stop. I get it," Lucky told her, turning in his seat and looking at her.

"I told you, you can't possibly understand-"

Lucky reached over and drew her close, kissed her on the lips, long and thorough, "I love you, too," he told her, sitting back in his seat and waiting for her answer.

Maxie's hands gripped the steering wheel, a breath escaped her body and she felt a sudden weight lifted from her body, "Well, O.K., then."

"O.K?," Lucky questioned, as Maxie turned and smiled, "If you are expecting more, Lucky Spencer, you are going to have to wait. I have a bride and groom to find, bridesmaids and groomsmen to assemble and a wedding to pull off better than anything the Royal family has ever seen. Are you in?"

"Do I have a choice?" Lucky answered, with trepidation.

"No, now hang on. I need to make up time," Maxie told him pulling back into traffic and pushing down on the accelerator, as Lucky's stomach lurched upward.

They arrived at the restaurant minutes later, and the car had barely stopped, before Maxie was racing toward the apartment behind the restaurant, her detective in pursuit.

"Maxie, I don't think that we should just-"

"What? Relax, Lucky, I'm not going to pound on the door," Maxie scolded, "I have a key."

"Oh, God. Do I need to cover my eyes?" Lucky asked, as Maxie unlocked the door.


"Wake up, sleepyhead," Dante whispered, pressing a kiss upon her shoulder, "It's your wedding day."

"Go away, Maxie," Lulu mumbled, as Dante laughed, nudging her.

"I do not sound like, Maxie," he told her, slightly irritated.

"You do, too," Lulu giggled, pulling the covers over her head, as Dante covered her with his body, his hands reaching for the blanket.

"Take it back, or I won't tell you my idea," Dante ordered, as Lulu peeked from beneath.

"What idea?"

Dante stood stubbornly before her, his hands folded across his chest. Silent. Brooding. Waiting.

"Fine. You don't sound like, Maxie. Now, tell me. What idea?"

"I don't want to get married in the church," Dante told her, suddenly feeling like a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

"Uh, newsflash, Dante. Today's the wedding. You want to call it off?" Lulu asked, suddenly nervous for his answer.

"No, baby, nothing would stop me from marrying you. But, I don't want to do it here."

"Not here? You mean in a church. But, I thought that this is what you wanted, the church, the reception, our parents planning everything."

"I thought it's what you wanted?" Dante asked.

"It's not," they said in unison, smiling, as they both felt relieved.

"What are we going to do?" Lulu said, "We can't just not go. We have guests, Dante. A church. A reception hall. Oh My God, the food and the cake."

"Do you trust me?" Dante asked Lulu, as she leaned over and kissed him on the lips.

"You know I do, honey. But-"

"Leave it up to me. I promise, baby, it will be everything that you dreamed of. Everything that we both want."

"What are you doing?" Lulu asked, as Dante jumped from the bed, and reached for his cellphone, "I have to call Milo."

"Milo? What does he have-"

"What? Second thoughts?" Dante asked, as he searched his directory for Milo's name.

"No. I just realized how truly upset, Maxie is going to be," Lulu answered.

"She'll get over it. Now, get dressed. We have a plane to catch."


"Lulu Spencer, you get out here right now," Maxie shouted, storming through the apartment and back toward the bedroom.

"I'll just stay right here," Lucky announced to the empty room, nearly jumping, as Maxie came barreling back, "They're not here."

"Maybe they already left for the wedding," Lucky answered, trying to reassure her.

"Their luggage is gone. I don't like this. My gut is telling me-"

"Maxie, relax. Let's just go back to the church and-"

"You're right. I'm just being paranoid. They are at the church as we speak. I'm sure of it," Maxie told him, dragging him toward the door and back toward her car.

Ten minutes later, Maxie Jones stood in front of the altar, took in the guests around her, the flowers that lined the aisles. The hand-picked flowers. The ribbons that were tied to perfection, every pew boasting the same tied bow. It wasn't true. Lulu wouldn't do this to her. Maxie had spent weeks working on this.

"They did what?" Maxie yelled, as Olivia calmly stood before her, announcing to her and all of the guests, "Dante and Lulu aren't getting married here today."

"What did he do?" Lucky demanded, as Olivia glared back, "Dante didn't do anything.

"Lulu broke it off with him? She called off the wedding," Maxie asked, as Olivia raised her hands in exasperation, "No, Lulu didn't call off the wedding."

"Oh My God. They eloped, didn't they?" Maxie shouted, fanning herself, "How could she do this to me? I'm her best friend. We...we... tell... each... other... EVERYTHING."

"Maxie, honey, you're hyperventilating," Lucky said, rubbing her back, while the guests looked at each other with curiosity, trying to figure out what happened to the bride and groom.

"I'm not hyperventilating," Maxie yelled, "Where did they go? New York? LA? Mexico?"

"If Maxie's finished," Olivia said calmly, "I was trying to tell you that you are all invited to their wedding. It's just not here. The jet is fuelly fueled and waiting. However, there is a catch?"

"Jet?" Maxie and Lucky said in unison.

"All of the guests will be required to wear a blindfold, once we land."

"Blindfold? Oh hell, they are getting married on Sonny's island, aren't they?" Lucky questioned, directing his gaze to Sonny who stood on the other side of Olivia.

"Yo, stay where you are, Sonny," Olivia pointed to the marker on the floor, "Your side, my side," she said motioning to where she stood.

"This is ridiculous, Olivia. They aren't even getting married here."

"Who's fault is that?" Olivia shouted, as Milo directed the guests toward the doorway.

"If you'll just follow me, please. There is just a short agreement that you need to sign before you can be on your way. Thank you, Carly, Jax. Here are your blindfolds."

"I've been to the island, Milo," Carly told him, as Milo whispered back, "Not this one, Mrs. J."

Milo continued to usher the guests toward the doorway, as Sonny and Olivia carried on behind him, their voices rising with every sentence.

"You are the most infuriating, horse's ass that I have ever met," Olivia shouted, as Sonny fumed beside her.

"I'm infuriating? You woman, drive me to insanity," Sonny shouted.

"Hey," Milo shouted, interrupting them, "The guests are on their way to the plane. Your jet is ready when you too, are."

"I'm not going with him."

"I'm not going with her," Sonny told Milo.

"Look, I don't care if I have to ducktape your mouths. You are getting on that plane. Now, move," Milo shouted, pushing them toward the door, "I still have one more stop to make."


"Do you think that everyone is throwing fists?" Dante laughed, as he stared up at the blue sky.

"I know Maxie is," Lulu laughed, grinning, as she reclined against Dante, her feet playing in the sand.

"I wish I could be a fly on the wall of Sonny's jet," Dante smiled.

"Do you think they'll fight the entire way?" Lulu giggled.

"I'm wondering if she'll let him on the plane," Dante replied, kissing Lulu on the lips.

"Are you happy, Dante?" Lulu asked, as he looked toward her, the warm breeze of the Carribean caressing his cheek, "More than you know. Are you? No regrets?"

"None. I cannot wait to marry you, Dante Angelo Falconeri."

"Good. Now, we still have a few hours before our guests arrive. Last one in is a rotten egg," Dante shouted, as he raced toward the ocean.

Lulu ran toward him, laughing, as Dante caught her in his arms, his face suddenly turning somber.

"What is it? Are you having regrets?" Lulu asked him, brushing an errant lock from his face.

"No. Not at all," Dante told her kissing her on the lips, "I just remembered my special guest. I hope they don't forget her."

"Special guest. What special guest? Dante, who is she?" Lulu demanded, her hands on her hips, as Dante caught her and they fell into the water, the waves crashing over them.