Everyone just stands there for a minute, looking at each other. Gearing up for meeting the guests. Katie walks up to Tony. "Nonno?" as she holds up her arms to him.

"Hey sweet pea!" He picks the little girl up.

"Nonno, I love you." She says kissing him on his cheek. Tony can't help but smile, Katie had always been the most sensitive one of all the grandkids, even at her tender age, she could read a room and feel someone's sadness.

"I love you too sweet pea!" He gives her a big hug.

Angela looks at the interaction at hand, she feels so much love for her family, making the hole Samantha and Hank leave behind so big. Fran and Joe are sitting and talking to Maria and Sophia. Jonathan leans into Adam. Mona and Stanley are talking to Bobby. Nicky is being doted on by Mrs. Rossini. And Angela just watches everyone around her. Tony comes up next to her, Katie still in his arms. Angela caresses her little face. "Hey sweetie."

"Hi Nanna." She says laying her head on Tony's shoulder.

Angela chuckles. "Well I guess you just have a way with Bower women." She interlaces his free hand with hers and kisses his cheek. He gives her a small, but genuine smile. Thankful for this moment of peace before having to face everyone.

"I guess we all have to meet our guests." Tony says looking around the room. Slowly heads start nodding. Tony squeezes Angela's hand and she softly squeezes back.

The funeral director leads them to their reserved spot and slowly people start walking up to them to give them their condolences. Nicky, Maria and Sophia stay close to their 4 grandparents, feeling overwhelmed by all the people.

Angela notices Michael and Heather walking up to them, she watches them hug Jonathan who stands next to her. She can't remember the last time she saw him. Jonathan is holding Katie and Adam has Bobby on his arm. Jonathan snaps his head towards his mother, he has a slight panic on his face, but there are people talking to her.

"Excuse me." She says and turns towards her son and ex. "Hello Michael." She extends her hand. "Heather." She gives her a smile. "How are you?"

"Angela." Michael hugs her. "My condolences, I am so sorry for your loss."

"Who is Nanna hugging?" Nicky asks Tony.

Tony looks at Angela and Michael. "An old friend." He smiles down.

"Doesn't look like a friend, Nana looks different." Nicky notices. "That's not how she hugs aunt Isabel or aunt Wendy."

Tony can't help but slightly smile. "This is a friendship that has died years ago, buddy. Nana is probably uncomfortable seeing him again. We haven't seen him in years now."

"You know who he is?" Nicky looks up at a nodding Tony.

"Thank you for coming Michael." She pulls away and gives him a smile. She would love to scold him, for never spending time with his son, for not coming out for his grandchildren, but she know this is neither the time or place. She knows even if she did, it wouldn't change a thing. And if she was being honest, she'd accepted years ago that this is what it is. "Thank you too Heather." She gives her a hug. "It means a lot to our family that you are here." She meant it, they needed all the support.

"Hey Tony." Michael walks towards him and hugs him. "My condolences." Michael shakes his head. "I'm so sorry. I remember when she came out with Jonathan when he graduated high school." Michael smiles. Tony can't help but also smile. Sam had insisted that Jonathan wouldn't travel to California on his own but Angela had work and Tony was giving summer courses, so she decided to go with him.

"She really saw him as her little brother." Michael looks at Jonathan.

"Yeah, he really sees her as his big sister." Tony adds.

Michael looks at Tony, his eyes serious but kind. "Angela and you did a great job with your family. I dropped that ball and you picked it up. I don't think I've ever thanked you for that."

Tony is taken aback by this confession. "Well both Angela and Jonathan are easy to love. And Bobby and Katie.." Tony smiles as he looks at them. "I'm just happy Sam and I got the chance to love them and they decided to love us back." Michael nods. There was no animosity or anger between the two men. Both felt that they were exactly where they needed to be.
Heather hugs Tony and gives her heart felt condolences.

Before walking off Michael turns to Angela and gives her another hug. "I wish we could have met under better circumstances. Because you've done amazingly Angela." Leaving her stunned as he walks off.

Tony puts his arm around his wife. "You okay?" he whispers in her ears as she nods.

"I'm always okay when you're here." She smiles. "I love you so much." She leans her head into his shoulder.

After most of the people have left, the most dreaded moment was ahead. As the funeral director leads them to the plot of land. The family and selected friends stand around the plot as the coffins are lowered Nicky is tightly hugging Angela and crying, she has one arm around him. Angela has turned pale as she watches the coffins being lowered. Fran is crying uncontrollably, hanging on to her husband who has also started to cry. Mona is standing hand in hand with Mrs. Rossini as they both quietly cry. Tony has his arm around Angela and starts crying as she holds him with her other arm, she feels numb, she's never felt this empty in her life. She looks at Jonathan and Adam, also hanging on to each other crying. She wants to hold everyone, comfort them all but she can't move.

The funeral director starts talking. Angela can't make out what she is saying, she just stares at the hole in the ground. The hole with the 2 coffins. The hole where her daughter now rests in.

When the first hand of dirt is thrown on the coffins Angela is called back to the here and now. She looks at Tony who is still crying, he looks at her, all colour drained from her face as tears start to flow. Tony grabs his wife and holds her close. Nicky still to their side. Angela starts crying uncontrollably. All faces our now turn to them. Jonathan hugs his mom from behind, resting his arms on Tony's shoulders. Mona has never seen her daughter cry like that and hugs Tony from behind.

"Tony.." Angela sobs in his ear. "Tony.. this.." she can't bring herself to say the words resting on her tongue.

"This is it." Tony holds on as they both cry.

"It is so final." She can't control her sobbing.

"I know mi Amore." Tony had been aware of the finality of it all. "I know."

In the end only Tony, Angela, Fran and Joe remained. Jonathan and Mona had taken the kids back to the house. None of the parents were ready to leave their kids. Tony drops to his knees. "I promise you kids, I will come back as much as I can. Bring the little ones. We will take care of you.. your resting place. Oh Sam.." He hangs his head low. "You and me since mom died. I could always count on you, even to scold me when I was wrong. How will I make it without you?"

Angela softly cries as she sits next to him. "You know what she'd say right?" She takes his hand into hers. He turns to look at her. "With Angela." She smiles through her tears.
"No.. that's not what she would have said." He looks at the fresh grave as Angela feels her stomach turn. "She'd say, because you have mom now. You can do anything with her by your side, so don't screw this up." A small laugh escapes his mouth. "I just don't know, Ange.. I can't leave her here. In this cold ground. It hurts so much."

"I know darling, I know. I don't want to go away either." She puts her head on his shoulder again. "But we have 3 little children to take care of now."

"I know. We're starting over again." He cups her face. "I'm very relieved I am not alone this time. I could have never gotten through all of this without our family and especially you." He leans his forehead onto hers. "Thank you my love, for always being by my side."

"There is no place I'd rather be my darling." They sit like that for some time.

"Angela, Tony?" Fran's voice is hoarse from crying. "Shall we go to the kids?"

Angela and Tony get up. "Bye baby." Tony says to the grave.

"See you soon sweetheart." Angela blows a kiss.

"Mom and dad love you so much." Tony says before walking away

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Two days later Fran and Joe fly back to Florida. Agreeing to meet up when they headstone is ready, so they can settle on a date to get it in place.

That weekend is spend with the kids, getting them ready to adjust to their new normal. Which is turning out to be quite the task for the five of them. Sam worked from home a lot. Their balance had been perfect. Tony will not be able get his schedule changed this semester.

"How will we do this?" Tony asks. "You can't be here every day after school."

Angela smiles. "Well for the time being that is just going to be just the way it is." She takes her cup of tea between her hands. "For now, you will take them to school, I will take the early train. I will be back in time to pick them up again. All the while we will look for after school care. We will get through this Tony."

"I know mi Amore, I know. You do take too much upon yourself you know." He sits next to her and places his hand on her arm. "It's like the reversed 80s."

Angela giggles. "Well those years you did most of the childcare, owning my own business just allows me more freedom. Jack knows what he's doing, mother has offered to help around even though she's retired. We will be fine. Your schedule has been settled, you can try to get a different one next semester. You could even work less hours if you want to."

Tony ponders for a moment. "Maybe we could also ask Adam and Jonathan to help us. They both have one afternoon off to take care of the kids. Maybe they wouldn't mind taking Nicky, Maria and Sophia as well? I could ask to clear Thursday afternoon. I could also take Bobby and Katie. Leaving Monday and Tuesday afternoon." He looks at her. "If you're up to that."

She smiles at him. "Anything for our kids and grandkids."

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Two and a half months pass by. Tony, Angela and the kids slowly settle in their new normal. Days become easier, laughs become more genuine and love grows daily.

December 12, 2002 - 6:30AM

"Good morning. Happy anniversary mi Amore." Tony pecks Angela's lips.

She slowly opens her eyes. "Good morning honey bunny." She smiles. "Happy anniversary."

He kisses her again. "Can't believe I have been calling you my wife for 10 years now." He deepens his kiss. "I remember when I asked you to marry me again."

Angela smiles at the memory. "Me too." She cups his face. "You looked so handsome in your tuxedo. Although I didn't exactly expect it." She sighs. "Oh you looked so handsome."

"You looked awfully cute in your bathrobe, Angela. Although you look great in anything. Always have." He pulls her close. "I didn't know I was asking you until it happened." Tony's mind goes back to that day. "When I kissed you, it just felt like coming home." He moves a strand of her hair behind her ear. "And when you said 'you've got the job'.." He chuckles at the memory.

"And then you said 'no kiddin''" She imitates him.

"I just knew Angela.." His face serious. "I didn't want to spend to much time wasting anymore. God, I was such a fool." He caresses her face. "Thank you for becoming my wife and making me happier than I have ever been." He pecks her lips again.

Angela cuddles into him. "You have no idea how happy I was seeing you standing outside our door, with your plaque. And thank you for asking me to marry you again, because I've never been happier ever since.. even when you drive me crazy, I'm still so happy we've made us work." She hears him inhale her scent. "And that after 10 years, the sparks are still flying."

There is a small knock on their door.

"Come on in." Tony says still cuddling Angela.

"NONNO! NANA!" The little girls jump on their bed.

"Good morning ladies." Tony says as Angela and him pull apart to each cuddle with one of the girls.

"You two are up early." Angela pulls in Maria and tickles her.

"Nicky woke us!" Sophia says in a riled tone. Tony had already sat her on his lap while teasing her.

"Nicky?" Tony says in surprise. "Why would he wake you this early?"

"Because of this!" The young boy stands in the door opening holding a tray with toast, fruit, juice and coffee. "Happy anniversary!" He give huge smile.

"Oh my! Buddy! How did you know?" Tony jumps up to help him with the tray as Angela also pulls Sophia to her lap.

"Well it is on the calendar. I saw it on Monday." He proudly smiles. "We also made you a gift."

"Oh yes.." the girls jump off of Angela's lap as they run back to their own room.
"That is so sweet, come here my sweet boy." Angela pulls him in for a hug. "Thank you so much for remembering." As she kisses his forehead.

"Let me get my present." He speeds off.

"We have some amazing grandchildren." Angela leans into Tony who has the tray in front of him.

"We sure do Mi Amore. Coffee?" He asks, handing her a cup.

"Yes please." As she takes it and starts drinking, secretly grateful that they always prepare the pot the night before, so they only have to turn it on.

Tony starts eating some toast and drinking his coffee. Offering Angela a bit every now and then, which she takes.

The kids run in holding their wrapped presents. Both girls give one of their grandparent a gift. Tony gets a larger, flat present as Angela is presented with a box. Tony opens the gift he has been given, revealing a framed drawing of Angela and him, all out of proportion, but he loves it. "Oh wow, girls, did you make this together?" Two heads start violently nodding. "This is brilliant!"

"You like it?" Sophia squeals.

"Open yours Nanna!" Maria pushes.

Angela opens the box. In it is a small clay heart, painted red, except for 3 circles. Angela grabs her glasses to take a closer look, she feels a lump form in her throat. "Oh kids, this is just.." her voice cracks. "I love it! Look Tony! They've made a clay heart, then pushed in their fingers.. showing their fingerprints." A joyful tear escapes her eyes.
"You really like it?" Nicky asks insecurely.

"I love it, my sweethearts." She takes a moment to look at all of them and smile.

"This is our last present." Nicky places another flat present in front of them. "We bought it from our allowance."

"You open it." Angela says to Tony.

Tony opens it, revealing a beautiful and detailed frame with the words 'Our Family' at the top of the frame. Tony stares at the letters, trying not to cry.

"You like it Nonno." Nicky insecurely asks as he cannot read his grandfather's face.

Angela hear Tony swallow. "Buddy.." He looks up at the boy with tears in his eyes. "It's perfect. Now we need to find the perfect photo for this frame. But we will!" Angela takes his hand, he looks at her.

"I told you we have amazing grandchildren." She says as both have a hard time not to shed a tear. All three kids gloat by her words.

Tony looks at the kids. "You guys are amazing! Don't you ever forget that. But for now.. it's still a school and work day. We do have to get ready!" he smiles. The kids run off to their rooms to get ready. "I'll take a shower first." Tony kisses her one more time before getting off the bed.

"I will be home early to help you prepare dinner." Angela says. "Mother, Stanley, Jonathan, Adam, Bobby and Katie will be here at around 6." They'd planned a family dinner moths ago. This was their first major celebration after Sam's and Hank's passing. "I think I want to go with you to bring the kids to school."

After dropping off the kids Tony heads towards the station.

"No don't drive to the station, just drop me off at home if you don't mind. I think I want to work from home today. No commute." She smiles.

"Are you sure? I finish at 2pm today. So will be home quickly. All the groceries are done, it's just cooking. So it's not that much." He puts his hand on her lap. "I know."

"You know what?" she asks in surprise.

"This is the first celebration without Sam and Hank." She hears the emotions in his voice. "It's hard."

Angela can't help as the tears flow. "God Tony will this empty feeling ever go away? I miss them so much, I mis her so much. And when the girls smile just like her. Just for a moment I feel she is with us. And I know that sounds ridiculous.."

"No it doesn't!" He interrupts. "I see it too."

They sit in silence for a moment.

"Oh " Angela breaks the silence. "You don't have to pick up the kids." Jonathan and Adam are picking them up so we can prepare the dinner."

"We are so lucky to have Jonathan and Adam helping us." Tony smiles.

Later that evening the house is filled with family and laughter. The kids are playing together as the adults are in the living room talking and enjoying each other.

At 6:30pm the doorbell rings.
"I'll get that." Jonathan walks up to the door.

"Good evening. Micelli family?" A delivery guy is standing there.

"Yes." Jonathan takes the package. "Thank you." He closes the door. "Mom, Dad! There's a package for you." He puts it on the side table behind the couch.

Angela and Tony come out of the kitchen, holding some appetizers, glasses and a bottle of wine.

"Well, seeing as a package was delivered, maybe this will be a great time for gifts." Mona says with a big grin.

"Why do I think we shouldn't be opening your gift with the kids present." Angela side-eyes her mother as she starts pouring the wine.

"I'd say you know your mother and are probably correct." Mona's grin grew. "Just leave that for later tonight."

"I'm sorry Angela, I tried to change her mind." Stanley tries.

"Don't bother Stanley." Tony chuckles. "We know her by now. You should have seen what she got us for our wedding night." Both Angela and Tony blush at the thought.

"Oh dad! Ewwww. TMI!" Jonathan shivers.

"Could you go get the kids, Jonathan?" Angela looks at her son, she sees the relief for this break of the conversation. "We can do the presents."

They all run down within minutes. Katie jumps on Mona's lap, Bobby sits between his fathers as Sophia and Maria ask to sit on their uncles laps. Nicky sits next to Tony.

"So as your mother got you the other gift." Stanley starts. "I thought I'd give you this." Stanley hands them an envelope. Angela opens it and smiles. "A gift card for Chez Rene! Thank you Stanley. This is very much appreciated." Angela leans in and kisses Tony. "A romantic dinner for two. I can't wait."

"This is from all of us." Jonathan hands Tony a large box.

He opens it and a beautiful album is revealed. "Oh this is pretty." He takes out the album and opens it. Both Angela and him gasp. Tears flow with smiles on their faces. "Oh guys.." Tony says through his emotions. "This is.." his voice breaks as he flips through the pages.

"Beautiful, just perfect." Angela adds through the tears.

"You like it?" An insecure Adam asks. "We've tried to make it as best as we could."

"We?" Jonathan gives a weak laugh. "Adam spent nights making this album. I couldn't handle it. I cried just as much as you are right now. But on that note." Jonathan gives another present. "This is the second part of the gift."

Tony opens it revealing the last family photo they had made the night Sam and Hank died. Everyone looks happy, there wasn't a care in the world. Angela caresses Samantha's face as Tony holds the large frame. "Our baby." She looks at Tony.

"Is it too much mom, dad?" Now Jonathan feels insecure.
"It's absolutely perfect." Tony says. "It was a beautiful day, with the worst ending ever. But Adam.." Tony looks at him. "The one photo of Sam, Hank and the kids." Adam nods in understanding. "Could we get an extra print? You've captured them all so well and.." Tony wipes his tears. "Nicky, Maria and Sophia but us the perfect frame for it."

"No problem dad." Adam smiles.

"Now open the package!" Nicky grabs it and hands it to Angela.

"Okay you little noisy monkey!" She giggles. Angela starts opening the package, revealing a wrapped gift. "Did you send this?" She asks Tony. He shakes his head. Angela unwraps the present and opens the beautiful box. She finds a beautiful, emerald green, leather bound book. 'Sometimes love is worth the wait.' Is printed in golden letters. Angela swallows.
"What is it mi Amore?" Tony asks.

"Samantha's book." She looks up at Tony. "I don't know how she did it, but this is a printed version of her book." Angela opens it and audibly gasps. "To my mom and dad, you've always been my inspiration. I love you more than words could ever express. Thank you for all you've done for my family and me. All my love, Samantha." Angela reads. "It's in her handwriting." She gives Tony a shocked look. Angela grabs the box again and looks for a letter, she finally finds it, opens it and starts reading. "Dear Mr. and Mrs. Micelli, Samantha had written this book in beginning of this year. She had it printed in July. Only keeping her original copy at home, which I heard you've found. She had already wrote her message in it, because she wanted to keep this a surprise for you." Angela looks at Tony. "So she asked me to safe keep it for her. We had agreed to send this book to your house on this day. I know circumstances have changed, but I also know that Samantha would still want you to have this book. I do hope this adds to the love of your family. Kind regards, Kimberley Livingstone."

"Sam's publisher." Tony says. Angela just nods.

She smiles up to Tony. "Can you believe our little girl?"

He gives her a confused look.

"She still found a way to be with us on this special day." Tears stream down her face.

THE END

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A/N This is it, the ending. I feel sad for my story to end, but a story can't go on forever. Thank you to each and everyone reading and reviewing my story. Your reviews mean the world to me. On to a new story.