Please forgive me for the long wait for this chapter. I really appreciate all your wonderful and encouraging comments about this story. Unfortunately, college work seems to have a little bit of weight over fanfiction, though I would love it to be the other way around J But, anyway, here is the next chapter and I will post again as soon as I possibly can! Thanks again!
Mia walked into the garden that same afternoon, hoping for some peace and quiet. She had been on the phone all morning, trying to work out some details for the clothing drive she was setting up. It was a big project and with so many other things on her mind, it was difficult for her to focus solely on this one thing. Nicholas had gone out that morning, hoping to buy something nice for Mia. He knew how hard she had been working and wanted to give something to the woman who had given so much of herself to those around her. With no husband around, Mia finally felt free for the first time in awhile. She loved Nicholas of course, but she wanted some time to herself once in awhile. She walked around the garden and saw how much work had already been put into it for Saturday night's ball. She turned the corner and smiled. There, on her hands and knees, was Clarisse, picking up dead flowers and weeds.
"You really should let someone else do that, Grandma." Clarisse turned quickly, surprised at someone seeing her.
"Mia! I didn't know you were out here."
"And I didn't expect to find you either. Come on, get up off the ground. You're working too hard." She helped Clarisse up.
"Well, look who's talking. You have too. Isn't that why we're supposed to be on vacation?"
Mia sighed. "Yes, you're right." They both sat on the bench and looked around. The garden did look a lot better than when they had arrived. "You've done a lot of work in here, haven't you?"
"Not really. I just pick up some little things that the others don't notice. But Charlotte has done most of the work. She ordered everything to be replaced so I cannot take the credit."
"Well, I disagree. You made this a beautiful garden once before and it will be again."
Clarisse smiled. "Thank you."
"Where's Grandpa?"
"I'm not sure. Somewhere around here. Last I saw him, he was going upstairs for something."
"Actually, he came up to talk to me."
Clarisse, with a surprised look, turned to face her granddaughter. "About what?"
"Your appointment this morning."
Clarisse stood up quickly and moved away. "I told him not to say anything to you."
Mia now stood as well. "Grandma, why didn't you tell me the headaches were bad?"
"They're not! They're normal! I always get headaches, you know that!"
"Well, what did the Doctor say?"
"Nothing. He's calling with the results of the tests tomorrow."
"Will you tell me what they say or will I have to ask Grandpa?"
"Oh Mia..."
"Grandma, I mean it. I want to know!"
Clarisse turned and saw the serious expression that crossed Mia's face. Then, a little something popped into her mind and she smiled sweetly at her strong-willed granddaughter.
"I'll tell you...on one condition."
"What?"
"You tell your own husband what your appointment was all about!" Mia's jaw dropped open as Clarisse walked towards the consulate. "Take it or leave it, Amelia!" And with that, she walked through the doors, leaving a gaping Mia in the garden.
A half hour later Joe walked down the steps. He had not seen Clarisse since that morning after the Doctor's appointment. He made his way into the garden, finding Mia instead.
"Ah, Mia. Have you seen your Grandmother?" Mia's sour expression told him that she probably had. "Oh, I see. Come, sit down and tell me what happened." He led her over to the bench and they sat down.
"I asked her if she would tell me what the Doctor says when he calls tomorrow. Grandpa, I worry about her! I need to know what is wrong and why she keeps getting these headaches."
"As do I. But...why are you so upset? Did she say that she would not tell you what he says?"
"Well...not exactly." She looked down at her hands, not wanting to tell her news to Joe until she had told Nicholas. Joe brought her chin up so she was looking directly into his eyes.
"Then what did she say that has gotten you so angry?"
"Oh, Grandpa! I don't want to tell you just yet. You'll find out, I promise I'll tell you! I just have to tell Nicholas first and I don't know how! And she said that she would only tell me what her Doctor says if I tell Nicholas my news."
"Well, then I see no problem. Just tell Nicholas whatever you have to tell him and then your Grandmother will tell you what the Doctor says."
"Grandpa! It's not that easy!"
"I don't see why it's not."
"It's just....oh....MEN!" She got up quickly and rushed into the consulate. Joe watched her go and sighed. Fat Louie jumped up on the bench beside Joe and rubbed against his hand. Joe smiled and patted the cat's head.
"Women...we can't survive with them and we can't survive without them." Fat Louie turned to look at Joe and it looked to Joe as if the cat almost nodded.
Nicholas walked into the consulate an hour later. He hurried up the steps to his and Mia's suite. He knew she would love the gift he had found for her. He walked in and found Mia sitting behind her desk, writing furiously.
"Mia!"
Not even stopping to look up, she responded. "What?"
Nicholas was surprised at her angry tone. "I have something for you. Don't you want to see it?"
"Not now Nicholas." But Nicholas would not take that for an answer. He walked around behind her and carefully pulled the pen out of her hand. She slammed her hands on the desk and turned around in her seat to face him.
"Why must you always do that? I have work to finish!"
"No you don't. We are on vacation, aren't we?"
"Yes but..."
"Ah, no buts my dear." He took her by the hand and led her over to the couch. He sat her down and presented her with a small, wrapped package.
"Nicholas, what is this?"
"A present for you. You have been working very hard and I am very proud of you. I figured you deserved something nice." She smiled and leaned over to kiss him.
"Thank you. I really don't though. I always feel that I haven't done enough."
"Well, you have. So open the present." He smiled as she carefully took off the white paper from the box. She opened the lid and gasped.
"Nicholas....this is....this is too much." Two tears came out of the corners of her eyes and fell down her cheeks. Nicholas reached over and wiped them away.
"Mia, what's wrong?"
"What? Oh nothing, this is just so beautiful Nicholas. Thank you." He smiled and kissed her cheek. Carefully, he pulled out the necklace, made of diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. He clasped it around her neck and then held her hands.
"You're sure you like it?"
"Of course I do! Thank you so much." She kissed him and he pulled her into a hug.
"Mia...why were you so angry when I came in?" He felt her entire body tense as she pulled out of his embrace.
"I don't want to talk about it." She turned to get up but he caught her hands and sat her back down.
"Mia, I'll ask you again...why were you so angry? And don't lie...I know something's bothering you."
Mia took a deep breath before she answered. "Fine. But, you can't tell her I told you about this."
"Uhoh...I'm guessing this has to deal with Grandma Clarisse?" Mia nodded and Nicholas leaned back against the cushions. "Well, I can tell this is going to be a long story. Go on..."
"Nicholas! This is not funny!" Nicholas smiled and kissed her hand.
"I know. I apologize. Go on, what happened?" Mia relayed what had happened in the garden, leaving out the part about her having to tell him something.
"Well, did she say she wouldn't tell you?" Mia shifted uneasily in her seat. "Mia...what aren't you telling me?"
"Oh...Nicholas, she said she would tell me if I told you something."
"Me? What do you have to tell me?"
"I didn't want to tell you now. Not like this. I wanted it...I wanted it to be special."Nicholas sat up straight. "Is everything alright, Mia?"
"Yes, oh, of course! Everything's perfect....it's just..."
"Mia...please, tell me. Would it help if I promised not to be upset or yell or get up and walk out?"
Mia smiled. "Yes, I guess that helps a little. Oh...why am I so bad at making decisions?!?" She put her head in her hands and breathed in deeply. Nicholas put his hands on the side of her head and kissed the top of it.
"Mia, look at me." She did as he requested and stared straight into the gorgeous brown eyes which still made her melt. "Whatever it is...I will be with you always...remember? I promised you that on our wedding day and I will never take it back."
With that, Mia almost dissolved into tears. She hugged Nicholas tightly. "Thank you," was all she could say. After a few moments, she regained her composure and took his hands. "Alright...I'm ready to tell you now."
Nicholas smiled. "Good. Let me have it!" She laughed and smacked him, playfully of course.
"You are so bad!"
"I know, it's in my nature. Just look at my Uncle."
Mia frowned. "Let's not bring him up. Ok, now, you're sure you won't get angry?"
"I'm sure."
"And you won't yell at me?"
"Never."
"And you won't go telling the entire world about this and you won't..."
"Mia! Just...just tell me already!"
Mia took a deep breath and looked up into his eyes. "Nicholas...we're going to have a baby."
