Chapter 18

After a busy morning at the Beacon, Olivia and Natalia were taking a much needed lunch break at Company. Olivia reached across the table and gently laid her hand on top of Natalia's. "So, I was thinking we might wanna talk about when we are gonna tell Ava and Rafe about us."

"Um, well, I haven't really thought about it. I mean, I want to tell Rafe, I'm just worried that with everything he is going through this might set him back a little."

"Are you saying you aren't gonna tell him?"

"No! No. Just that now may not be the right time. He is working so hard, he heard some talk of possible early release for some inmates based on good behavior because of over crowding. I want to believe that he will be happy for me, for us, I'm just worried. What if he isn't? What if he lets that anger of his take control and gets in a fight and ruins his chance of early release? I just, I just want him home, with us, with our family."

"Me too. I understand your fears. We can wait, tell him when you feel he's ready."

"Thank you." She squeezed Olivia's hand and looked into her eyes so full of love and understanding. "I really do want to tell him."

"I believe you. We will tell him when you feel the timing is right. Okay?"

"Okay. What about Ava?"

"Well, I would really like to tell her in person. I think something like this should be said face to face."

"I agree."

"Our schedules are a little crazy right now, so, once they cool down, I will plan a trip out to San Francisco."

"Sounds good. Now, lets order, I'm starving."

As if he was being beckoned, Buzz appeared at their table. "Hello ladies, and what can I get you?" He asked, smiling from one of them to the other. After taking their order Buzz headed to the kitchen and they turned their attention back to gaze at one another.

Olivia watched Frank walk in and head towards their table. Since Natalia was facing Olivia she hadn't noticed him. Olivia saw the look on Franks face and knew he was going to try once again to tell Natalia how wrong being with her was, but she had a plan, a speech she had been working on for their engagement party.

Decision made, she took both of Natalia's hands in her own, looked deep into those memorizing, mahogany eyes and began to speak. "So anybody who knows me, knows that I'm not the type of person to keep things inside."

Looking a little apprehensive, Natalia cocked her head slightly to the side. "Yes, I know."

"When I feel something I just come right out and say it. So, I mean how often do you get a chance to stand up and tell somebody how you feel about them?"

In that moment the restaurant had fallen away and it was just the two of them. Olivia had forgotten about their lunch, about Frank, about everything but the woman she was pouring her heart out to.

"Gus brought us together, and not in a way that either one of us wanted or expected, and I…well we didn't like each other. And honestly I never thought that we would, but slowly we came to rely on each other. And we became friends, and then we became a family. You have changed my life forever. With your grace, and you optimism, and your faith, and I'm grateful for that. I never told you that. I am so grateful. And I know….."

Buzz had come out from the kitchen and heard most of Olivia's words. He had also noticed the anger in his sons' eyes. He was a little upset at Olivia for the display, but also understood that she was making a statement, not only to Natalia, but to Frank. He had promised to talk to Frank and figured now was as good a time as any.

Walking the last few steps to the table he set down the plates he was carrying in front of them. Looking first at Frank, then to Natalia, and finally at Olivia, he cleared his throat and then began a small speech of his own. Hoping it would make his son understand that Natalia was not his and move on. "Well, how could anyone watch how you are with Natalia, and not be over joyed for her. She has someone who will take care of her, and protect her, and do everything in her power to make her happy. She has someone that is everything she wants, someone who will love her the way she deserves to be loved. I'm happy for the two of you. Olivia, I have never seen you so happy and content." He switched his gaze to Natalia, "Thank you Natalia. Thank you for loving our girl." He clapped his hands together, "now enough of this mushy stuff. You two enjoy your lunch. This old man is gonna head back to the kitchen." He kissed both women on the cheek and grabbed Franks arm, pulling him away with him.

Finishing their lunch they stood to leave, just before reaching the door Olivia caught Buzz out of the corner of her eye. She kissed Natalia on the cheek she whispered in her ear, "I'll be right out honey, I just need to ask Buzz something real quick."

Knowing Olivia as well as she does, Natalia knew she was really going to thank him. She released her hand and waited for her by the door.

Olivia walked to Buzz and kissed his Cheek. "Thanks old man."

"So, looks like you're tied down again."

Olivia smiled wide. "Yup."

"You okay with that?"

"You okay with everything with Frank?"

"He'll be alright. I'm just happy anyone's in love with anybody."

"She's a good woman."

"You two are awfully good for each other."

"Who knew?"

"I mean sometimes, who ends up with who, just seems like a roll of the dice."

"Except it's not, it's about choices, isn't it?

He just laughed lightly. Olivia kissed his cheek one more time and walked to Natalia. Taking her hand they walked out the door, smiling at one another.

On the drive back to the Beacon, Natalia took Olivia's hand, "Thank you for that speech."

"It was nothing."

"It was not nothing, it meant a lot to me."

"I know it meant a lot to you. I could see that."

"I had no idea you were gonna say all that when we went to lunch today."

"I meant every word. More then any thing. I just want you to be happy."

"Thank you. I do have a question though."

"Yes?"

"Did you know Frank was there when you decided to say all that?"

Unable to look at her, Olivia swallowed hard. "Um, yes….but that's not why I said it. I have been thinking about it for awhile. I thought eventually we might have a real engagement party and I wanted to tell you how I feel about you. But sitting there staring at you, it felt right. And then I saw Frank head over….and I just….I just thought maybe if he heard it, he might back off."

"Well, regardless, it was a wonderful speech. And I hope you know, I feel the same way about you."

Olivia raised their joined hands, and kissed the back of Natalia's as she pulled into her parking spot at the Beacon. She turned and looked at her love, looking into those beautiful eyes. "I do."

The following morning Natalia came into the kitchen. Olivia was dressed leaning against the counter nursing her cup of coffee. "Hey." She handed Natalia's hers with a smile and a kiss.

Natalia took the coffee and looked at her fiancé with confusion. "Am I late? You never make the coffee." She said teasingly.

"I make the coffee some times. Besides, we're not going to work."

"But we haven't finished the presentation."

"That can wait. Our wedding can't."

"You want to plan our wedding? Ourselves?"

"Well, do you know how many weddings I've planned? And I'm not talking about the Beacon, I'm talking about my own."

They both chuckled. "We haven't even picked a date yet. Or told our two eldest children."

"I know, but we need to make sure the church is available, and the reception venue, and the band, and…"

"I haven't even thought about any of that."

"That's why you have me." She pulled Natalia into her arms she gave her a sweet kiss. Handing her some brochures. "So here, you take a look at these while I drive. Come on, I'm not taking no for an answer."

They arrived at the dress shop. Natalia was slightly overwhelmed. "There are so many."

"Well you know the idea is, that you pick out a general style, and then you, you narrow it down. So what do you think? Do you want something formal, casual, trendy, old fashioned?"

"How about price tag?"

"Why don't you not worry about that right now, okay?"

"I have to worry about that."

Before Olivia could respond the sales associate walked up. "This must be the other happy bride."

Natalia turned to her with a dimpled smile. "Yes, I am."

"Okay, well the dresses that I've pulled for you, are right there."

Natalia turned to glance at them and then at Olivia.

"If you don't like em there's so many others. I just told Monica to pull what I think you might like, You know nothing to over done, something simple. Something romantic."

Natalia smiled at her shaking her head up and down. "They're beautiful."

"Do you wanna try one on?"

"Yeah."

Monica looked at both ladies before departing. "Let me know if you need any help." And she walked off.

Olivia's phone started ringing and Natalia looked at her since this is the third time she had ignored it. "Is that the Beacon?"

"Nope, it's a message from earlier, sorry Beth, I'm gonna have to call you back."

Natalia looked at her with concern, but chose not to say anything and walked into the dressing room. After a few long moments Olivia heard Natalia, "Are you ready?"

"No, no I can't see you. I just wanted you to pick one out so we have it."

"But how am I supposed to pick one with out your opinion?"

"Well I already picked out what I'm wearing and you're not going to see it, so I can't see yours. I'll get Monica."

"Fine." Natalia huffed.

After an hour of trying on wedding dresses Natalia picked one. She walked out and went to the mirror to readjust before they left. Olivia walked up behind her, helping her into her sweater. Their eyes meet the mirror. "When I married Gus, I assumed that was that. I'd never meet anybody else that made me want to do this again. And that if I did, the dress would be simple." She turned from the mirror to gaze at Olivia. "I don't know how to thank you for all of this. For loving me, for giving me a family…."

"You don't have to thank me. You gave me all of that and more. I love you Natalia." She brought Natalia to her, pressing their bodies firm against each other. She dipped her head and claimed the luscious lips before her in a deep and loving kiss. They pulled apart as Olivia's phone rang. "It's Beth again." She answered this time. "Hello."

"Olivia it's Beth. I'll get right to it."

"Please."

"We're having a family dinner for Phillip and we would like Emma to come, and you can come too of course." Olivia went silent, a million thoughts running through her mind. "Olivia. Did you hear me?"

"We'll come for a little while. What time?"

"Five thirty, so Emma wont have to be up too late."

"That's very thoughtful of you. Goodbye." She hung up and Natalia came over running her hand reassuringly up her arm. No words were spoken. She was giving Olivia the strength she knew was needed.

Standing in the extravagant dining room next to the eight seat oval shaped table at the Spaulding mansion, Beth turned to Phillip, "So, what do ya think? If it's just the two of us should we go somewhere a little less depressing?"

"Yeah, probably." Just then Emma ran in and jumped into his arms." Hey, hi, how did you get here?"

Oliva walked in, her heals clicking on the hard wood floor. "Her mother. What can I say? I like to see my little girl happy."

"Thank you." Phillip said earnestly.

"It wouldn't be a family party without Emma." Beth added.

Lizzy and Bill arrived, walking slowly into the room." Hey, sorry we're late." Lizzie said with a smile.

"No, no you're not late, you're right on time. Um, we don't have to wait for anyone else. Lets sit." Beth said.

Phillip walked around the table with Emma. " Yeah lets do it, come on you sit next to daddy." He said as he deposited her into her chair.

Everyone sat and Beth cleared her throat. "Whew, this is, this is nice, all of us together."

Alan strolled into the room carrying a large can. "Well hello everyone, I'm so sorry that I'm late. I was um, taking a stroll today and I stumbled over some party favors, and I'd love to share them with you." He said, tipping the can so large amounts of cash spilled out onto the table. "I think there's enough there for all of us."

The table starred at each other and then at Alan. Phillip was not happy.

Emma was the first to speak. "Grandad, that's a lot of money."

"Yes it is Emma, Would you like some?"

Olivia was quick to intervene. "Oh, that's okay Alan, We'll pass."

Beth looked at him with doubting eyes. "Alan, what is this?"

"Oh Beth I would say that's about a million dollars."

The chief walked into the room. "Are you ready for…" Seeing the money she stopped, "oh my."
Alan looked at her, "I brought some party favors Hilda, Would you like one?"

"Yes, thank you sir." She said, grabbing a bundle of bills.

"Now I think we're ready for the soup."

"Soup, right." Hilda all but ran from the room.

Alan raised his glass towards Beth. "You know Beth I think this was a wonderful idea."

After diner, Olivia found Emma on the patio sitting on a white bench. "Emma, what are you doing out here, huh?"

"I didn't want daddy to see me."

"What, why?"

"I'm sad. What if he has to go away again?"

"Oh. Well um, if there's one thing I know about your daddy, it's that he's strong, and he knows how to take care of himself. And you and me. No matter what, we're gonna be okay."

"What about Natalia?"

"Well she's with us."

"I don't want to ever lose Natalia."

"We wont baby. We get to keep her forever."

Emma smiled brightly and the two headed off for home.

At the farm house a few days later Emma came down the stairs and joined her mom on the couch.

"Hey baby, what do ya think? Is Natalia more of a traditional wedding cake kind of girl, or more like a cup cake tower or something?"

"Cup cakes, but mom…"

"Baby, honey, I'm really busy…"

"Natalia's sad." Emma grabbed her mothers hand and pulled her up the stairs.

Olivia walked into Natalia's room to find her crying on her bed with the box containing her wedding dress. "Are you okay, baby? Did you change your mind about the dress?"

"The dress is beautiful." She stated, tears streaking down her cheeks.

Olivia grabbed her hand. "Listen to me sweetheart, I want you to have everything that you deserve."

"I can't. I can't have the one thing I want."

"You can."

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"Because it's selfish."

Olivia wrapped her arms around her waist, leaning into her. "What's so selfish? What is it that you want honey?"

"I want…I want to marry you now. We have the dresses and I just, I don't want to wait….but Rafe and Ava…."

"Oh honey," Olivia kissed her softly. "I know. I want to marry you as soon as possible….but if we wait, if we just hold on a little longer, then we can have our whole family there, and it will be so much better then doing it now."

Natalia leaned further into her sighing. "I know, I know. It's silly that I'm so upset. It's just….with everything we've been through, I just, I just want to be yours."

Kissing her again Olivia moved back just enough to catch her eyes. "Baby you are mine, and I am yours, forever. Don't doubt that." She pulled Natalia into a scorching kiss. As they fell to the bed. Olivia's leg was slid between Natalia's, pressing her thigh into her center. They both moaned at the contact. The kiss was hard and rough but soon turned slow and deep. They kissed to remind themselves of their family. They kissed to stamp their hearts with their love. It's a kiss to hold onto. Until the next one.