IX – 'Celebrations

The drive home from the restaurant was magical. A horse drawn carriage wasn't necessary; Betty's fantasy was coming true right before her very eyes with the man she couldn't imagine living without. Gio was thrilled that Betty said yes; he was sure she would have, but knowing Betty, he didn't know if she'd avoid the situation or make it awkward. Thankfully, she accepted in a heartbeat and with the biggest smile he's ever seen on her face.

Arriving back at the apartment, Gio opened the door to let Betty in. Stepping inside, she was immediately confronted with the smell of a fresh garden. Looking around the living area, she found she was gazing at bunches upon bunches of different flowers. Vases of roses, gardenias, lilies and lots of decorative flowers, were overflowing. Following behind Betty, Gio was watching her reaction very closely, knowing she had no idea, made the surprise even more thrilling. Betty turned around and leaped into Gio's arms. Catching and swinging her around, she kissed him sweetly and hugged his neck tightly. "When did you organize this? How did you do this?" Questions kept coming from Betty, who was soon silenced by Gio placing his finger in front of her mouth. "Shh, I made a couple of phone calls this morning and arranged it all." Betty's facial expression changed instantly, she had fallen in love all over again. Giving a surprise of her own, with Gio's finger still in front of her lips, she looked down at them then back up to Gio before enveloping them with her lips. Mimicking actions that would get his heart pacing, she then licked her lips seductively and dragged him to the bedroom.

Kissing with such fervor when they reached the bedroom, Gio was not able to keep his hands off her. Pulling her close to him, he put his arms around her. Tugging at her cardigan, she shrugged it off, allowing it to fall to the floor. He also let his leather jacket fall off his shoulders. Returning his hands to rest on her back, her hands assumed the positions around his neck and amongst his hair. He then started to undo the zip on the back of her dress. Hugging her curves perfectly, Gio had other plans for this dress. "B, I must confess, you're amazing in this dress and my thoughts haven't been pure at all today," giving Betty a mischievous smirk, he finally undid her dress and pushed it off her frame, letting it drop to the ground. Left standing in her underwear and a pair of heels, Betty raised her eyebrow and starting undoing his shirt. Lowering herself as she went further down his torso, she finished opening his shirt and reached his belt buckle. Gio removed his shirt and continued to watch Betty. She was now in the process of undoing his fly but before she could remove his pants, he grabbed her arms and pulled her back up to his eye level. Looking deeply into her eyes, he kissed with all the passion that he could muster. Walking her backwards, he managed to kick off his shoes and drop his pants, revealing a pair of satin boxers. Reaching the edge of the bed, Gio gently laid Betty back; she then wriggled her shoes off her feet and let them drop with a thud. Sliding up the bed, Gio met a Betty he never knew existed, but was glad he met. There was a passion in her eyes that he had never seen or experienced before. In between kisses, Betty breathlessly whispered, "I love you so much Gio" he then replied with "I love you more than you can imagine." Their lovemaking continued throughout the night.

Waking up the next morning startled, Betty woke up Gio; "We have to tell everyone! We've got a party to organize, O-EM-GEE! We've got a wedding to plan!" Chuckling, he pulled her into a warm hug and kissed her forehead, "There's plenty of time to arrange everything sweetie, we'll take it one day at a time. But call your family and tell them the wonderful news." "Ahh Gio, Papi will be fine with it won't he? You remember what he was like when we decided to go to Italy – the first thing he thought of was the sleeping arrangements!" Laughing harder, he replied, "Betty, we live together, everyone knows that things are going on between us! Besides, I already spoke to your father and asked for your hand; so he'll be thrilled to know that I finally asked you!" "Ohh Gio! You've already asked?! Have I told you how much I love you? Thank you for asking my Papi, that means a lot to everyone." "I know B, I wanted everything to be perfect and done the right way and the traditional way."

They snuggled once more then got out of bed. Walking out into the living room, Betty was faced with the room of flowers again. Inhaling all the smells, Betty closed her eyes and danced on her tip toes to the phone. Grabbing the phone, she dialed her old number, Justin answered.

"Hi Justin, it's Aunt Betty. Is everyone awake?" "Yeah, they are…hold on this sounds like a speakerphone moment" "Yeah put me on speaker!" "Good morning Betty!" "Morning everyone! So how is everyone?..."

As the conversation continued, Gio started making breakfast, first making the coffee. Grabbing two mugs he walked over to where Betty was, putting her mug down on the table. Holding his in one hand, and Betty's waist in the other, he joined their hips together and kissed her temple.

"Everyone, we have an announcement to make!!" "Omigod! You're pregnant!" "Shut up Justin! Betty are you pregnant?!" Hilda chided. Gio cut in saying, "No, not yet!" Giving him a deathly glare, Betty continued and said, "No everyone, Gio proposed last night and I said YES! We're getting married!!" "Oooooh Betty! This is so exciting!" "Congratulations mija and well done Gio. I was beginning to wonder if you got cold feet after we spoke." "Of course not, I was just waiting for the perfect moment." "Ahh Papi it couldn't have been more perfect, you should see the living room right now, there's flowers everywhere and the ring is stunning! We must all celebrate tonight!"

After making plans for a family celebration that night, they finally ended the phone call. Putting the phone down, Betty hugged Gio and nuzzled in his chest. Looking up at him, she couldn't help herself but start suggesting wedding ideas.

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Later that evening Betty and Gio arrived at her old home. Greeted at the front door with hugs and kisses all round, they finally entered the house. Ignacio shook Gio's hand then pulled him into a hug, patting him on the back saying, "You've always been like a son and part of this family, and soon you really will become part of this family – then start a family of your own. I am so happy for both of you."

Celebrations continued throughout the evening. Betty and Hilda spoke all night about ideas for the wedding; from what type of dresses and hairstyles to venues. This was exciting for everyone involved. None of them actually thought Betty would get married, that was until they met Gio and welcomed him into their family.