She was dreaming that she was in an Italian restaurant. The intoxicating aroma of linguine alla vongole drifted to her nostrils while the crackling fire warmed her like a soft wool blanket. Nat King Cole was singing Unforgettable in the background accompanied by another voice that she knew and loved.

Tony.

"Unforgettable, that's what you are." Tony sang. Angela slowly opened her eyes and looked towards the end of the bed. Tony was in front of the fireplace setting the table that he had placed in front of it. She could smell the delicious aroma of the linguine alla vongole and the steamed asparagus along with the warm buttery rolls she loved so much. Beside the table was an ice bucket that held a bottle of wine. She watched as he arranged, then rearranged and fussed over the table. She knew he wouldn't stop until it was absolutely perfect. Suddenly it dawned on her. The table. It was the table. Their table. It was the same table they had eaten at at various times in their relationship that had changed it in so many meaningful ways.

The first time had been when Mitch had been stuck in Boston because of fog. She recalled how awkward they had been sitting there across from each other like they were on a date. But slowly the awkwardness melted like ice cream on a hot day. Of course telling each other their most embarrassing moments had certainly helped. This had been only a short time after he had accidentally walked in on her getting out of the tub and then had broken his date with the professor who had insulted her in the most lewd and obscene manner. She knew at that moment she could depend on him. That he would always have her back.

The second time had been when they had celebrated their second anniversary when Tony and Sam joined their household. She remembered how excited she had been when she had told the family that she wanted to cook them all dinner. Of course as soon as she had said it they all had made faces and rolled their eyes. But still she wanted to do it. She wanted to repay Tony for everything he had done for her-for their family. But then one by one they fell by the wayside. First Sam said she couldn't make it because she had her drill team championship. Then Jonathan wanted to go to a co-head camp out with Jenny Wittner. Finally her Mother had opted out because she had been invited to a clambake. So at the end it had just been the two of them. Two people who had been thrown together because of fate and love for their children. This time though there hadn't been any awkwardness. They were more comfortable with each other than the first time they had eaten alone at this table. To both of their surprise the meal hadn't been that bad. It was actually edible-well except the remnants of her tie that had gotten into the pate. They then had started discussing their relationship and what exactly they thought they were to each other. They were on their way to the fireplace with the champagne bottle to discuss it when Tony was hit with crippling stomach pain. And then hours later he whispered he loved her as he was being wheeled into surgery.

And the third had been the most memorable of all. It was the evening after they had finally told each other how they really felt. They wanted to be alone so they well actually she had made up stories to get everyone out of the house. She still couldn't believe how she was able to come up with such bogus stories so quickly. But she had and they had sat down at the table all ready to have their first romantic dinner as an official couple. Of course as was always the case with them things quickly derailed and they had no choice but to leave and go to a hotel. As soon as they had been left alone they had been nervous but at the same time a little excited with what was about to happen. But fate had other ideas and they were forced to leave the hotel and they ended up at the lake. While there he told her that this probably wasn't going to happen tonight but when the time was right they would know it. And soon it was the right time and it was the most amazing night of their lives. After so many years loving and yearning for each other they were finally connected.

Now here the table was again. The table that in its own way had led them to this moment.

"Hi." she said softly.

He turned towards her his face lightening up in a big smile.

"Well hey there sleepy beauty."

She got up and walked over to him.

"So what's all this?"

"I told you I was going to make you a nice romantic dinner didn't I?"

'Yes, you did. But I guess I assumed we would have it downstairs."

"I thought it would be more romantic this way." he grinned and kissed her.

'I guess so." she smiled back. She looked down at her yellow nightie. "I guess I better change."

"Oh don't go changing on my account. " he grinned as he eyed her up and down taking in every soft curve.

"Yeah, I'd just bet you would like that wouldn't you?" she shook her head at him. "But since you are so nicely dressed." She indicated his soft gray pants and sky blue polo shirt. "I think I am going to change as well."

"Well if you insist.' he winked at her and kissed her on the cheek. "While you're doing that I'm going to go down and get the rest."

She looked at the table. 'What else do we need?"

"Oh don't you worry your beautiful head about that. Now you go and change and I will be back in a few minutes." He gave her another quick kiss and walked out of their bedroom.

She went into her closet and surveyed her dresses. She looked at short dresses and long dresses in various colors and material. Finally she decided on a knee length cream colored silk dress. After she had changed she went into the bathroom to fix her hair and put on her makeup. She looked at herself in the mirror and grimaced. Her hair was in disarray and her face pale. She quickly ran a brush through her hair and put one side back with a clip she found in her bathroom drawer. She then put on her makeup and completed the look with a pair of tear drop sapphire earrings and a sapphire and diamond necklace. She looked at herself in the mirror and was pleased with the result. She went back into the bedroom and once again saw Tony by the table. Only this time he wasn't fussing over it. He was standing beside it smiling softly. She smiled back and walked over to him.

"You look beautiful." he picked up her hand and gently kissed her palm.

"Thank you." It was then she noticed what he had gone downstairs for. In the center of the table was a bouquet of pink roses nestled in the crystal vase he had given to her for Christmas so many years ago.

"They're beautiful."

"No, you're beautiful."

She smiled and he pulled out her chair. He removed the warming tray that had been covering her plate and then went over to his side and sat down and removed his warming tray as well.

"Oh Tony, this looks and smells delicious. "

"Okay, I know you're probably eager to start eating but first I would like to propose a toast. He picked up the bottle of wine and poured them both a glass.

"To the most amazing and wonderful woman I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. You have enriched my life in so many ways. I have loved you for so long and I will continue to love you forever. You are my world. My heart. My everything." his voice choked up as he finished. Her eyes filled with tears and they intertwined their arms and took a sip of the wine.

"Micelli wine. My favorite."

"I know," he smiled. "So let's dig in." He picked up his fork and she did the same.

'Oh Tony this is so delicious." she told him after a few minutes.

"It is good if I do say so myself."

She chuckled at his modesty. They continued eating and when they were finished he stood up and held out his hand.

"Dance with me?" he gazed at her with such love and devotion it took her breath away. She placed her hand in his and stood up. He put his arm around her waist and she put her head on his shoulder and they melted into each other while Dean Martin serenaded them with That's Amore.

On and on they danced as their favorite songs played on the portable C.D. player. They were so engrossed in each other and the music they didn't hear the phone ringing at first.

"Tony? I think the phone is ringing." she said softly.

"Eh let it ring." he whispered in her ear.

"It could be important."

He sighed and reluctantly released her and went over to the phone and picked it up.

'Hello? Mona? This better be important!"

He listened for a few minutes and glanced at Angela.

"Okay. We'll be here, Bye." he hung up.

'Tony what is it? What's wrong?"

"Mona and Claire are coming over here in a few minutes. They need to talk to us."

"Talk to us? About what?"

He shook his head. " She didn't go into any details. She said she needed to talk to us in person."

Angela sighed. 'Okay let's go downstairs then."

He smiled and held out his hand and they walked out of their bedroom and down the stairs. They sat down on the couch and she laid her head on his shoulder.

"I hope everything is okay."

"Me too. But with your Mother anything is possible."

Five minutes went by and then the front door opened. Claire walked in first followed by Mona.

"Hi." Claire said.

"Hello." Angela said and got up. Tony did as well.

"So what's going on?" Angela looked from her Mother to Claire and back again.

"Before we get into all that. There is someone else here with us."

She turned towards the open door.

"It's okay. You can come on in."

Tony and Angela were surprised to see Renata walk through their front door.