Chapter 13
Samantha and Jack had decided over Christmas that they just wanted something very small and private. Jack had already done the big white church thing and Samantha wasn't really interested in that anyway. So they had settled on finding some place pretty and quiet, a justice of the peace and a small dinner afterwards at "their" place. Villa Italia was a family restaurant owned by a man that Jack had known for twenty years.
They visited there for dinner in late January to discuss things with the owner, Paulo. As Samantha entered, followed by Jack a small Italian man ran towards her and kissed both her cheeks enthusiastically.
"Well, Jack and Samantha, welcome, welcome. Come with me, I'll get our best table." He clicked his fingers at the young guy behind the bar and he gathered menus and followed them.
They sat down. Jack motioned for Paulo to sit down too.
"Have a glass of wine with us; we'd like to talk to you about something."
"Sure, sure." He said, pouring the wine. "So, it's good news?"
"Absolutely, "said Samantha. "We'd like to book a table for March 3rd; it'll be for thirteen people."
"Hey, you're having a party. What will you be celebrating?" He asked.
"Our wedding day. We're getting married." Jack answered. Paulo stood up and cheered then almost knocked Jack off his chair as he hugged him.
"You want a table? No table, only the back room will do for my dear friends. The dance floor must be full all night, promise me?"
Later as the restaurant was closing, Paulo was a little happy from the wine and he was tearful. He had his arm around Samantha as he walked them out.
"I know this guy for twenty years. He is the best of men. You're a lucky girl. And you my friend, "he said turning his attention to Jack, "are a lucky man. To marry such a princess. You going to have beautiful babies, I know it."
They both laughed. Samantha put her hands up as she walked out the door.
"Could I try getting used to being Mrs Malone for a while before I transform into Carol Brady!"
They said their goodbyes and walked along slowly hand in hand. It was a nice night, a little cold but the sky was clear. They crossed the road and Jack stopped in front of a little garden. Samantha looked at him curiously but softened as he pulled her towards him enveloping her in his arms and kissing her softly. As they broke apart she smiled broadly at him.
"I do love you, you know." She said.
"I know." He kissed her forehead and looked at the garden beside them. He tilted his head to one side. Noticing his distraction she too looked at the garden and they moved closer to the railings.
"That's a nice little place." She said looking at Jack.
"Sure is. It's a shame the gate's closed." He looked around and then looked back at her.
"I know that look Malone, what are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking about giving you a boost over this fence, how bout it?"
"Jack, if we're potentially going to get married here, do you really think it's a good idea to get busted for trespassing."
"Oh come on if anyone asks we'll just flash them our badges and tell them we're on official FBI business." He said chuckling as he leaned over.
"Very funny." She stood with her arms crossed.
"Chicken?" She looked at him amazed. Then became determined.
"Fine, let's go." She said as she held her arms out. He smiled, giving her a boost over the fence. He knew the more he told Samantha she couldn't do something, the more she'd want to do it. He'd guessed that's why she'd stuck with him for so long. He landed on the other side with a grunt because of his leg and looked around.
At the back of the garden there was a large tree which hung over a little fountain on a raised platform. Behind the fountain was a brick wall. On every other bricks were names of couples and dates.
Samantha ran her fingers lightly over the raised lettering and smiled looking back at Jack. They both knew that it would be here they would take their vows and devote their lives to each other in front of the people that they loved.