Chapter 27

While all this insanity was going on with his children, in Texas Gerald had settled into ranch life as if he had been born to it. Adel was amazed at how seamlessly Gerald blended into life at the ranch. It was as if he had lived there all his life.

They were both looking forward to going back to Virginia for Liiani and AJ's wedding. There had been a lot talk about what to get them for a wedding gift. Both knew that the couple didn't really need anything and as it was they were going to have to figure out how to combine two homes into one. So Gerald and Adel began to discuss what they might be able to donate to in the younger couple's name. Both had many suggestions but couldn't come to a final decision.

Finally what they decided was to talk to both Liiani and AJ to see if they could figure out an organization that they may favor.

AJ brought in the morning mail as he had been doing since staying at Akaliiani's place when she was working. "It seems you have a letter from your brother Vince," he told her handing her the envelope.

"Thank you," she said and a moment later gasped, "AJ!"

"What?!" he questioned, returning to her side. He had been on his way to take a shower after his run.

"Vince sent a check to help with the wedding expenses. What kind of things does he think we are doing here?! Look at the size of this check!"

AJ took it from her hand and his eyes widened at the amount. "Ten thousand dollars?! Isn't that double what you have spent?"

"More than! Now I don't know what Collette's dress cost but they should have already covered that. Everything included we were still under four thousand. I guess we can just subtract one third of the total and give him back the rest of it when he gets here.

"Sounds like a plan Darlin'."

Then it was one week before the wedding and Mac and Liiani were having their weekly lunch to discuss whatever still needed to be done before the wedding. Both were happy to discover that there was nothing left to do! Everything was ready for the wedding which was only six days away.

"Thursday night AJ's daughter Francesca will be coming in from Italy and staying in his guest room. Then on Friday my family will begin arriving. Vince and Collette can stay in my guest room. Gerald and Adel will of course stay in his place and I thought I would put David, Nicci, and Joyce in his guest room. That leaves only Sam, Susan, and Peter to get a hotel room for," Akaliiani told her.

"That's not necessary, Liiani! They can stay in my guest room," Mac said.

"Mac that is very thoughtful of you, but I don't mind getting them a hotel room."

"Liiani, remember they are going to be my family too. Please allow me to do this."

Liiani placed her hand over Mac's on the table and sincerely said, "Thank you Mac, and I have to say that it already feels like you are my sister even if it's technically a week away."

Choking up a bit, all Mac could say, "Thank you, I feel the same."

"Do you think that we should schedule another lunch together, say maybe on Thursday?"

"Good idea, just in case anything has come up at the last minute," Mac agreed.

Their Thursday lunch went well because no problems had come up since Monday. However, Mac could tell that Liiani had something on her mind. Are you getting cold feet?"

"About marrying AJ? No, never!?"

"Then what is going on? I can tell there is something bothering you."

"Ummm," Liiani hesitated.

"Remember, you think of me as a sister."

"It's not being a sister that is the problem…" she trailed off.

"Oooooh, you're about to become a step-mom and AJ's daughter is coming into town tonight, isn't she," asked Mac.

"Yes," she sighed.

"You will be fine Liiani! Francesca is really nice. AJ had a party to introduce her to her staff and she was charming."

"But will she like me as a step mother?"

"She will love you, and if she doesn't, AJ can always send her back to Italy!" Mac laughed.

Liiani laughed too and Mac could tell her new friend was feeling better about meeting Francesca.

To be continued…..