CHAPTER 43
MID-DECEMBER
Sara opens her eyes and smiles seeing Ian propped up beside her his free hand covering her middle. "Morning." She yawns.
"Morning."
Sara stretches "Mmm." She sighs happily.
"What time will you be home from work?" Ian inquires.
"7. Why?"
"Just wondering." He says secretively.
Sara frowns at the mischievous twinkle in his eyes. "OK Bright Eyes, what are you up to?"
"Nothing."
"I know you Nottingham. I know when you're up to something."
Ian shrugs "Maybe I am, maybe I'm not."
Sara scowls at his not budging tone. "Ian"
"Come on love. We need to get a move on. We'll be late for work."
"Oh fine." Sara sits up and runs her fingers through her hair then groans scrambling out of bed she bolts into the bathroom.
Ian winces as he hears her heave. "Sara?" He stands going to the bathroom door he watches concerned as she leans over the toilet coughing and heaving.
After a moment, Sara lifts her head looking at Ian. "I'm fine. Just" She groans turning back to the toilet.
Ian sighs entering the bathroom he closes the door behind him.
NOON: ARAS'S APARTMENT
"Thank you Aras." Ian says appreciatively.
"So you're finally going to do it."
"Yes." Ian nods
"Good. You're the only guy she's ever loved." Aras leans back resting her head on the cushion as she looks at Ian. "One question."
"What is it?"
"Is it because you knocked her up... again?"
"Partially." He admits. "I would have married her the moment she told me she was pregnant with Emma... if things had been different."
"You mean, if I hadn't lied."
Ian looks at Aras and shrugs "We can't change what happened."
"If we're going to be related I don't want leftover issues."
"None from me." Ian assures. "I know that you were looking out for her and I understand that."
"She does want to marry you Ian."
"Then I hope she says yes." He smiles faintly.
"Have you told Emma about #2 being on the way?"
"No. We agreed to tell her this weekend."
"She's going to be ecstatic." Aras assures.
"Yes, I know. I told Sara that when she told me she was pregnant but she wasn't ready to tell Emma."
"Sara just doesn't want to step on Emma's toes." Aras shrugs "It has been you and Emma for so long."
"I tell her Emma is fine with things but..."
"Look, just ask my sister to marry you and things will fall into place."
Ian nods "I should get back to work." Ian stands "Thank you again Aras."
"Not a problem. Just make my sister happy."
"I plan too." Ian smiles
"Good because if my sister's not happy I won't be happy." Aras warns "And you don't want me unhappy."
"I'm not going to do anything that makes her unhappy."
"Good." Aras nods
"Do you think you can stay with Emma tonight?" Ian asks
"Where's Martha?"
"She went to her parents for the vacation."
"Sure. What time?"
"7?"
"I'll be there." Aras assures as Ian walks out of her apartment.
LATE THAT NIGHT: FOUR SEASONS
(Note: I lack a romantic side so sorry for the lack of romance.)
"Now that was fun." Sara says happily as she snuggles against Ian.
After a few moments of silence Ian pulls back slightly, "I'll be right back." He kisses her shoulder as he sits up.
"Where are you going?" Sara grumbles unhappy with the loss of his warm body.
"Just a minute."
Sara smiles watching as Ian walks naked out of the room. 'That's your Daddy.' She rubs her middle.
Ian picks up his tossed aside overcoat and reaches into his overcoat pocket he removes a black velvet box. He takes a deep breath and returns to the room and crawls back into bed with the box in hand.
"What is that?" Sara asks curiously.
"Open it." Ian hands it to her.
Sara takes the box from him and opens it her eyes widening at the sight of a diamond ring with a medium sized diamond with four smaller diamonds on either side in a platinum setting. "Ian" she breathes
"Marry me." He says hopefully.
Sara grins looking at him. "Yes I'll marry you."
Ian grins back. "Really?"
"Really... under one condition."
"You know I would do anything for you."
Sara looks at the ring then back at Ian. "This may seem like a weird condition but it makes the fact of getting married less... stressful."
"And that is?" He asks curiously.
"We just take off and get married then tell everyone." At his expression she continues, "We grab Emma, and Aras and maybe Mobius for witnesses and just go get married. That way we can avoid the whole stressful situation Marie, Lee, and even Irons would bring us into with doing the whole traditional wedding thing." She absently touches her middle, "Besides the stress of the whole issue of planning a wedding wouldn't be good for baby... and I don't want to wait until after the baby's born to get married."
"If you want to get married we'll get married." He takes the ring out of the box and slips it onto her finger. "So when do you want to get married?"
"This weekend? I have the weekend off."
Ian smiles "Well then let's see if we can get married this weekend."
"Really?"
"Really."
"Do you think it's possible we'll be able to get married?"
"There's one good thing about being related to him... you learn how to get what you want no matter the cost."
"I'm not going to touch the being related to that creep issue."
"Tomorrow I will do some checking and hopefully by Sunday night we will be married."
"Looks like we'll have two things to tell Emma tomorrow."
"She's going to be ecstatic." Ian smiles
Sara gently pushes him onto his back and sits astride his waist. "You sure you want to marry me?"
Ian runs his hands down her sides "You are mine Sara." He says possessively.
"Oh really?" Sara leans down her lips inches from his, "I like the sound of that."
"You're the mother of my children, the love of my life... and soon you'll be my wife."
Sara grins, "Your wife... I like the sound of that." She kisses him deeply.
EARLY NEXT MORNING
Sara stirs frowns as she feels a heavy arm slung across her middle. Slowly she lifts her head and smiles when she sees Ian is asleep beside her. 'He's so cute when he's asleep.' Her eyes go to the ring on her finger and smiles, 'I'm getting married... to the love of my life... the father of my babies.'
Ian slowly opens his eyes and smiles sleepily when he sees Sara watching him, "Morning, my love."
"Morning, Bright Eyes." She grins
Ian shifts moving over to rest his head on her middle.
Sara strokes his hair. "I wonder what everyone would think if they knew you were cuddly." She muses
Ian grunts
"Tired?"
Ian lifts his head and looks at her. "If you recall you've been very... amorous these past few nights. I haven't been able to sleep more than a few hours at a time these last few days, between you wanting to make love every few hours and Emma waking up in the middle of the night. I haven't even been able to meditate without being disrupted."
"Sorry baby. I can't help it." Sara says sheepishly. "Hormones have started going wacky. Blame your baby for all the wackiness. Emma didn't wreck havoc on my emotions this early."
Ian chuckles
"It's not funny. It's bad enough I can't have coffee but the feeling of wanting to cry over nothing is not fun." She scowls "Now where's my morning kiss?" She grumbles pouting.
Ian moves up the bed and kisses her sweetly. "Are you still going to marry me?" He asks
"Oh yeah." Sara grins happily. "You are so not getting out of marrying me."
"I don't want to get out of it." He assures
"You know there is something good about getting married before the baby's born."
"And what is that?"
"Joe and the boys won't threaten to hunt you down."
"Good point. I would not want to get on the bad side of the Siri men... or Marie's for that matter."
"No having to deal with planning a big wedding... which is what would happen if Marie and Lee and the girls had their way. I swear they have already started planning."
"You know if you wanted to we could to the traditional wedding some other time." He offers
"Nah. I'm not the traditional type." She looks at the clock. "It's 8. We should take a shower and head home. Then we can wake Emma and Aras and tell them."
"Aras knows."
Sara lifts her brow "You told her before asking me?"
Ian lifts his shoulder "I wanted to make sure the ring would fit."
Sara looks at the ring on her finger and smiles. "And how did you know I would like it?"
"I just thought you would." Ian replies lifting his shoulder. "I had an idea that you would like to keep it simple."
Sara kisses his nose. "You know me so well."
"I should... I'm about to marry you." Ian grins
"That you are buster and you aren't getting out of it."
"Who says I want too?"
"Now get a move on buddy... I want to get home so we can tell our daughter that we are finally getting married."
OVER AN HOUR LATER: NOTTINGHAM HOUSE
"Emma" Ian gently shakes the sleeping teen.
Groaning Emma rolls onto her back looking up at her Dad as she rubs her eyes sleepily. "Daddy it's too early to be up."
"I know but your Mom and I want to talk to you."
"About what?" Emma asks sleepily.
"You'll see. Now come downstairs." He orders
"Do I have too?"
"Yes."
Emma sits up rubbing her eyes "Oh fine. This better be good though or I will be very grumpy." She warns.
"It will be." Ian watches as she slowly stands. "Aras told me you had another nightmare."
Emma shrugs
"What was it about?"
"Same as always."
"Emma we do need to discuss whatever it is that is causing these... nightmares."
"It's too early Dad."
"All right but we will discuss these issues."
"Fine." Emma yawns. "Are you working this weekend?"
"No. I told your Grandfather that I am taking the weekend off."
"Really?"
"Really."
"Goody." Emma says happily as they enter the living room where Sara is waiting. "Morning, Mom."
"Morning, Sweetie. Did you have fun with Aras?"
"Yep. We watched movies, played pool." Emma says as she flops on the couch.
"Glad you had fun." Sara smiles
"So what is the reason for waking me up this early on my first day of vacation?"
"Well it's a few things" Ian hedges looking at Sara. "What should we tell her first?"
"You decide."
"Out with it already!" Emma orders. "I could be sleeping here people."
"I think you will get over the fact you were woken up early for this news." Ian assures
"Well then tell me already." Emma demands impatiently.
"OK, OK." Ian laughs. "For now until we say so this stays with us."
"You're stalling." Emma accuses
Ian glances at Sara then back at Emma. "Well in about 6 months you'll have a little brother or sister."
Emma looks at them surprised then grins scrambling onto the couch "Woo hoo." She jumps up and down on the couch.
"I told you she'd be happy my love." Ian looks at Sara.
"You were right." Sara agrees watching amused at her daughter's excitement.
Emma stops jumping then looks at them "What else did you want to tell me?" She asks suspiciously.
"I finally convinced your Mom to marry me."
Emma grins "Yeah." She continues jumping up and down on the couch.
"Be careful." Ian warns then quickly moves as he sees Emma start to lose her balance. He catches her before she falls. "What have I told you about jumping on the couch?" He asks sternly.
Emma wraps her arms around his neck. "Not to do it."
Ian kisses her nose then sets her down, "There is also something else we have to tell you."
"I'm getting a raise in allowance?" She asks hopefully.
"Only if you help Martha out more." Ian returns as he gently brushes her hair back.
"Then what?" Emma asks curiously.
"Well we decided to try to get married this weekend... or if not this weekend, then another time when your Mom has some time off." He looks at Sara and smiles "Hopefully this weekend."
Sara joins them "So what do you think Emma?"
Emma tilts her head thoughtfully then grins, "Can I help pick out number 2's name?"
Sara smiles and looks at Ian. "I think that can be arranged."
"Good because no little brother or sister of mine is getting a geeky name. If anyone is going to torment them it's going to be me."
Sara bursts out laughing as Ian just shakes his head. "Why don't you go call Martha and tell her the news?" Sara suggests
"Ooh can I tell the Evil One?" Emma asks hopefully.
"I will tell your Grandfather when the time is right." Ian says firmly. "Now go call Martha."
Emma bounces out of the living room obviously happy.
"See love, she's happy." Ian pulls Sara close.
"Good because I am too." Sara's arms go around his neck. "Now you go find a place for us to get married and then I will call my sister."
"I love you."
Sara smiles "I love you too."
WHILE LATER
Sara knocks on Emma's open door "Hey sweetie can I come in?" She asks
"Sure" Emma pauses in brushing her hair. "What's up?"
"Nothing. Just thought I would come and spend some time with my girl." Sara sits on the bed.
"What's Dad doing?"
"Finishing up some stuff." Sara answers. "How was school?"
"Boring."
Sara laughs, "I'm not surprised. You do have your Father's brains."
"Mom?" Emma tosses her comb on the table then joins her Mom.
"Yes?"
"Why aren't you doing the whole wedding thing?"
"Lots of reasons." Sara shrugs. "Mostly because I'm not the wedding type and I don't think your Dad is either."
Emma scrunches up her nose, "No he isn't."
"Besides planning a wedding is stressful and add Marie, Lee and your Grandfather into the mix..." Sara winces
"Not pleasant."
"No." Sara agrees
"I'm glad you two are getting married."
"Thanks sweetie."
"You know... now this means you can overrule Dad on the allowance issue."
"Sorry kiddo. It's your Dad's decision."
"Damn."
"Good try though."
"Had to give it a try."
Sara laughs
LATE AFTERNOON: CAR
"I'm hungry."
Ian groans "Emma I told you to eat before we left."
"I wasn't hungry then."
"We left the house twenty minutes ago." Ian points out.
"I'm a growing kid." Emma shrugs
"We'll get you something to eat when we get to the airport."
"Um Dad what are you going to tell the Evil One where you were this weekend?" Emma asks curiously.
"The truth."
"He's definitely not going to like that." Emma muses
"He knew it would happen sooner or later... he probably thought it would be later."
"You know there would be one good thing about doing the whole wedding thing." Sara smirks
"I know that look." Ian sighs
"Marie and Lee would have totally laid Irons flat with their whole 'our way or no way' mentality."
Ian shakes his head and brings Sara's hand to his lips, "Anything to annoy my Father."
"Of course."
LATE THAT NIGHT: NIAGRA FALLS HOTEL SUITE
Emma jumps up and down on the bed while watching T.V. "Daddy I want ice cream."
"No. You've had enough sugar for one night." Ian says as he enters the bedroom. "It is time for you to go to bed."
"It's too early." Emma whines
"It's 11. We have a long day tomorrow. Now come on get in bed."
Emma flops on the bed with a sigh, "But Dad."
"No arguing."
Emma scowls as she gets under the covers "Oh fine."
"Thank you." Ian pulls the covers up to her chin. "Tomorrow things change."
"Yeah"
Ian picks up the remote and turns the TV off. "Now get some sleep." He says sternly. "I will be waking you up early tomorrow." Ian informs Emma.
"OK"
Ian leans down kissing her forehead, "I will see you in the morning."
"Night Daddy."
"Night baby."
"Say night to Mom."
"I will... if she ever leaves the bathroom." When he sees Emma scrunch up her nose he chuckles "We will be dealing with that for the next few months." He stands, "Now go to sleep." He says sternly.
"I'll try."
"Good." He stops at the door and looks at Emma "Sleep well." He turns off the light and steps out of the room pulling the door closed behind him. Ian returns to the master bedroom where he finds Sara flopped on the bed. "How are you feeling my love?" He asks concerned as he sits beside her.
"Fine... as long as I don't sit up."
Ian strokes her hair, "Emma said goodnight."
"I'd go say goodnight if I could be upright without feeling like I'm going to hurl."
"She knows." Ian leans down kissing her forehead. "Ready for tomorrow?"
Sara grins "Yeah." She lifts her head looking down at her middle, "I just hope this one behaves for the day. I really don't want to be running to the bathroom all day."
Ian moves down so his face is level with her middle and pushes her shirt up. "Tomorrow is a big day Little One. I'm going to marry your Mom like I should have 14 years ago."
Sara smiles at his tone then strokes his hair, "Hey Nottingham"
Ian looks at her and smiles "Yes my love?"
"Come 'ere" she crooks her finger.
Ian moves up so they are face to face "Yes my love?"
"I love you." Sara smiles
"I love you." He echoes
"I can't wait to be married to you." Sara says happily.
Ian smiles "Waited 14 years for this... finally doing what I said I would."
"We're getting married." Sara says awed
"In" Ian tilts his head "13 hours."
Sara grins "Can't wait."
"Unfortunately, we have to catch a 7 PM flight back to New York. But one day when we have time we will go anywhere you want for a honeymoon."
"Works for me."
Ian sighs, "Aras and Mobi's flight comes in at 8."
"Too bad Martha can't be here. I know how important she is to you and Emma."
Ian shrugs, "She's in Oregon and that is a long flight."
"And where is Mobi?"
"Philadelphia."
Sara yawns
"Tired?"
Sara nods rubbing her eyes.
"Shower or just go to bed?"
"Bed. Too tired to move."
Ian chuckles "I will get your pajamas."
"Love you" Sara yawns
"I love you too."
CHAPTER 44
MIDMORNING: HOTEL
"Emma, it is time to get up." Ian calls as he enters the room to find Emma burrowed under the covers. When she doesn't move or reply Ian sighs, "Emma we don't have time to fight about this." Ian goes over to the bed and pulls the covers off Emma.
Emma groans pulling the pillow over her head.
"Emma Joy Nottingham if you don't get out of bed right now I will turn the shower on cold and drop you in there." Ian threatens as he pulls the pillow away from her.
Emma whimpers and slowly opens her eyes. "Daddy"
"Breakfast is in the kitchen. Come on." He urges
Emma rubs her eyes "What time is it?"
"9. Now get up."
Emma slowly gets out of bed and rubs her eyes following her Dad out of the room. She grunts in greeting at Mobi and Aras as she sits at the table.
"Hey kid." Aras greets
Emma rests her head on the table ignoring the food before her.
Ian sighs "Emma eat your breakfast."
Emma looks at the plate and yawns
"Still not sleeping through the night?" Mobius asks Ian.
Ian shakes his head and watches as Emma picks at her breakfast. "No. She won't talk to anyone about what happened."
"Dad I want ice cream." Emma yawns
"No. Eat your breakfast."
"Can I have ice cream for lunch?"
"We'll see."
2PM: HOTEL
Emma enters her Mom and Dad's room where her Dad is slipping on his dress shirt. "Do I have to wear a dress?" She whines flopping on the recliner.
Ian glances at Emma "I rarely ask you to wear a dress."
"I know but I hate wearing dresses."
"And I hate wearing suits but we're doing this for your Mom."
"I know." Emma sighs, "You better not get divorced because I won't be forced into a dress again." She warns.
"We won't divorce."
"Half the marriages end in divorce." She points out.
"Emma" Ian turns looking at Emma. "We're not going to divorce."
"I know."
Ian tilts his head, "Emma are you really OK with this?"
"I am I just... it means everything changes."
"Things won't change that much... at least not until the baby is born."
"I know."
"You'll still be spoiled."
"I know its just..."
"Its been you and I for so long. I guess with your Mom and I getting married and the baby really changes things doesn't it?"
"A little." Emma admits
"Is the fact things are changing so fast bothering you?"
"No. I like the fact you and Mom are getting married. She makes you happy... I like when you're happy. And I've always wanted a little brother... or sister."
"This will change things Emma but I promise things won't be that bad."
"I know."
SAME TIME: DRESS SHOP
"I see Number 2 is making his appearance." Aras remarks as she sees her sister's slightly rounded middle as Sara looks at her reflection.
Sara drops a hand to her middle, "Yeah he is." She smiles faintly. "Think he'll like this one?"
Aras looks her sister over as Sara stands before her wearing a white silk calf length dress. "He'll like whatever you wear."
Sara smiles "Yeah."
"So you know what you're having?" Aras asks curiously.
"Not yet. We're supposed to find out next appointment."
"Everyone knows Emma's preference... what about you and Ian?"
"Wouldn't mind either way." Sara shrugs "How much time do we have?"
"Mobius will be here in 20 minutes."
"What did you choose?" Sara asks
"The blue one."
"Nice." Sara nods "Shoes?"
"Oh yeah."
Sara looks at her sister and grins "God I'm going to marry him."
"Finally." Aras huffs
"Hey I would have married him 14 years ago... if I had the chance."
"I know." Aras inwardly winces. "So are you going to take his name?"
"We've talked about it a little."
"And?"
"Pezzini for now. Maybe later I'll go by Nottingham."
"His Pops ain't gonna like this sis."
"I know." Sara sighs stepping into the dressing room. "I worry about that factor."
"You nervous, Sis?"
"No not really... mostly excited."
"Think Ian is nervous?"
"Doubt it."
WHILE LATER: HOTEL
"You know we love you."
"I know."
"I wish I had done this 14 years ago."
"Why didn't you?" Emma asks curiously
"Other than the fact I was sent away..." Ian frowns "I doubt your Grandfathers would have allowed it. Even if we had eloped I know Father would have done anything to annul it with or without our agreement."
"And now?"
"I'm not going to allow him to interfere. Now go amuse yourself for a while. We need to leave in 15 minutes."
"Where is this place?" Emma asks
"About 20 minutes from here. It's a few miles outside of town. I checked it out last night when you and your Mom were shopping."
"Is it nice?"
"Very nice. Your Mom will like it." Ian drops a kiss to Emma's head, "Now go. I have to finish getting dressed."
"OK." Emma hops up and walks out of the room.
Ian stands and returns to dressing his mind stuck on one thought, 'I'm finally marrying Sara.'
"Nervous brother?"
Ian looks towards the door to see Mobius standing there dressed in his own suit. "No. What I am nervous about is telling him."
"He's not going to take it well is he?"
"No, he's not." Ian says grimly. "He'll just have to get used to it... this isn't going to go away just because he wants it to."
"You are finally getting a backbone when it comes to him." Mobius says impressed.
"Sara wants me to leave him for good." Ian says softly.
"Why don't you? I know you still have most of the money we received from the Dragons. With what he gives you in pay and presents I know you have a lot of money."
Ian shrugs "Work keeps me busy. Besides he's not going to live forever."
"Too bad we can't speed that up." Mobius says bitterly.
"He's my Father Mobi. I'm not going to commit parricide."
"Your loyalty to him is... displaced Brother."
"I know" Ian says sadly "but there is nothing I can do about it. He is my Father... the only one I remember."
Mobius regards his brother then speaks, "I will go pick up your wife to be and her sister."
"Thank you Mobius... for everything."
Mobius nods "Wouldn't miss this for anything."
"14 years after telling Sara I was going to marry her I finally am."
"All you need is to get there." Mobius remarks as he walks out of the room.
"I will call Sara and tell her you're on your way."
SAME TIME: SHOP
Sara presses talk on her phone, "Yeah?"
"Hello my love."
Sara smiles when she hears the familiar voice, "Hey you. What are you up to Bright Eyes?"
"Getting ready... You?"
"Trying to decide what shoes I want to wear."
"Well Mobius is on his way."
"OK. Maybe I should go barefoot." Sara muses
"Your decision."
"You are no help."
"Sorry my love. I can't even go near a clothing store with Emma without getting a headache... why do you think I pay Martha so well."
Sara laughs "And what about your own clothes?"
"Father's personal shopper buys whatever she thinks works."
"Figures."
"You know how he is with appearance."
"Mmm" Sara sighs in agreement. "Honey I better go... still have to decide on shoes."
"I love you Sara"
"I love you too." Sara says happily as she hangs up. "Mobi's on his way." She informs Aras
"Then hurry up and pick out your shoes." Aras says
3:30pm: CHAPEL
(I don't have a romantic bone in my body so writing wedding stuff or romantic stuff doesn't work for me. So use your imagination.)
Sara smiles at Ian as her arms go around his neck. "I love you."
"Took 14 years but I finally got you to marry me." Ian smiles as he picks up up. "I love you... always have and always will."
"You better Bright Eyes." Sara teases as she kisses him lightly. "Now put me down."
Ian puts her down and looks at the others. "How about we go change and then eat dinner."
"I'm starved" Emma pipes up.
"You are always starved." Ian laughs
"I'm a growing kid. That and I really want out of this dress." She scrunches up her nose.
Everyone laughs
"Let's go. Let's go." Emma jumps up and down.
"Well her excitement is over." Sara says drily.
"Stomach overrides excitement." Emma shrugs "Now move it people." She orders
45 MINS LATER: HOTEL
Ian looks at Sara as she kicks off her heels. 'God she looks beautiful.'
Sara notices his thoughtful and appraising expression. "What is it?"
Ian steps up to her his hand going her cheek. "Just thinking."
"About what?" She turns her cheek into his hand.
"You."
Sara smiles "What about me?"
"That you are beautiful and now all mine."
Sara turns his hand around and smiles when she sees his ring now on his wedding finger. Her eyes go to his as she laces their fingers "Now X and any other chick who decides they want to hit on you will have second thoughts."
Ian looks at their fingers "Are you sure you're OK with me just switching the ring?"
Sara nods "Yeah. This ring suits you."
Ian leans in and kisses her lightly. "I love you."
Sara smiles against his lips "We're married." She says awed.
"That we are my love."
"Everything's going to work out isn't it?" She looks at him "We're going to be happy aren't we?"
Ian nods "I will do anything to make you happy."
"You already have." She brushes his hair back. "The only time I have ever been this happy is with you."
"That is my goal."
"Well then you have done a great job. I mean despite your own upbringing and the bastard you raised a relatively happy and normal teenager." Sara guides his hand to her middle "Baby Number 2 is healthy and is going to be one adored baby."
"Very adored." Ian says solemnly.
"We're married. You like my sister and she hasn't tried to get you into bed... big plus for being with you. My family likes you... Joe included... my friends like you... OK Jake is on the fence but hey Vicki, Gabe and Danny like you. You love me despite my insane hours, the fact I don't have a typical job, and that I speak my mind." She brushes his curly locks back. "How can I not love you?"
"Sometimes I wonder how." He admits then continues "After all I've done, you still love me and I find that to be... amazing."
"Yeah well I do love you." She kisses him lightly then smiles. "Now we better get changed before Emma starts pounding on the door demanding food."
"She does get cranky when it comes to food."
"Before long I'll be like that." Sara laughs stepping out of his arms she turns around. "Unzip me please."
"Sure."
8PM: PLANE
Emma sits beside Aras and begins to write in her journal.
'Dad and Mom are finally married. Going home will be interesting. So will the Evil Ones reaction to the news. I hope he doesn't hurt Daddy again. I hate when he hurts Dad.
I wish Dad would just leave him... but he won't.
My life sure has changed in under a year. I went from living a pretty private life to the public knowing I exist. I've gained a lot these months but I lost my best friend.
Lauren would have been ecstatic that Dad got married. I wish she was here.'
"So kid what are you doing this week?" Aras asks as she flips through a magazine.
"Who knows." Emma shrugs "I guess hang out with my friends."
"Cool."
"You?"
"Ehh" Aras shrugs "I'll find some trouble to cause." She smirks. "So how how are things with that boy Connor?"
"Jeez why does everyone assume there is something going on between us?" Emma grumbles, "We're friends."
"He's cute"
"He is." Emma agrees reluctantly.
"Like him?"
"Not sure." Emma shrugs "We have a lot in common and we have fun. Besides Connor is well... the school playboy. He's gone through over half the girls in school."
"Has he asked you out?"
"We're friends that's all."
"For now." Aras smirks
"Whatever."
COUPLE OF HOURS LATER: NOTTINGHAM HOUSE
Sara sighs snuggling against Ian
"Good day my love?"
"Perfect." Sara smiles looking at her ring.
"That's what I wanted my sweet Sara... my wife." He says shyly.
"I like the sound of that."
"What?"
Sara lifts her head and looks at Ian "Being called your wife." She brushes her fingertips down his cheek.
Ian captures her fingers and brushes his lips over her fingertips, "What are you going to tell everyone?"
"I'm going to have to tell the guys and Dante I'm pregnant... soon. I'd like to tell Joe and Marie first... they are my godparents."
"When would you like to do that?"
"I'll call Marie tomorrow and see when their available. Maybe go over there for dinner one night."
Ian nods "I'm going to have to tell him... the sooner I tell him the better he'll take it."
"How bad could he take it?" She asks softly.
Ian looks away "He hasn't hit me in a while."
"A few weeks?"
Ian lifts his shoulder "Over a month, I guess."
Sara winces "No more talk about him." She returns her head to his chest.
"It's getting late. You should get to sleep."
"Turn off the light."
"Sure." Ian reaches over turning off the lamp. "Sleep well my love."
"Don't go anywhere." She mumbles
"I won't go far." He promises stroking her back.