Ch. 39
Dante was awakened by the sounds of snaps and zips and frowning, he began looking around the room to find the source of the noises. Hazily he could just make out Val's form through the fireplace light. Somewhat groggily, he came up onto his elbows in the bed as he asked her, "Angel—hey, what are you doing?" Jumping with a little start, Val hadn't realized her morning preparations had disturbed him. "Good morning, Just Mine. Did I wake you up? I'm sorry. I was just getting dressed." "I heard something strange and it woke me—what are you doing?" he asked again.
"I wanted to see the sunrise this morning. That's why I'm up so early." Glancing at his phone, Dante saw that it wasn't quite six-thirty in the morning. He reached out and turned on the bedside lamp. "Val," he reminded her, still slightly frowning, "it's cold outside. It's still dark. The sunrise? What do you need to see the sunrise for? Come back to bed." "I woke up early on purpose, Dante, so I could see the sun come up." Sitting up in the bed he tried again to reason with her by saying, "Ok, listen. It's dark outside. We don't know this area of Rochester at all. It seems safe enough but I don't want you out there alone in the dark in an unfamiliar area."
"I'll be fine."
Sighing, he threw back the bed covers and was swinging his legs over the side of the bed when Val rushed to his side and halted him with, "Hey! What are you doing? You don't have to get up. Enjoy the warm bed. I'll be back in a while." Holding her gaze with his he told her, "You're not going alone, Valerie."
"I'll be fine, Dante," she repeated, adding, "I've got my phone, you've got yours. Keep it close by. I don't plan to go far from the hotel but if I get into trouble, I'll send up a 'flare'." She walked back to the room's bureau and chose a tan cashmere scarf from one of the drawers, which she wrapped around her neck. Returning to his side, she placed her hand in the middle of his chest and gently pushed him back down. He swung his legs back into the bed and she covered him again with the blankets. She then leaned over him and kissed his forehead. "Go back to sleep," she told him. "Yeah, like that's gonna happen when I know you're wandering around out there in the dark. Just hurry back, ok?"
"I will."
Leaving their room Val made her way to the hotel lobby. She stopped short when she saw the back of a tall blonde she thought she recognized standing by the concierge desk. "Carly?" she asked, approaching her cousin, further saying, "I thought that was you. What are you doing up this early?"
"Anxious energy, I think. I was lying there unable to sleep so I thought I'd sneak out and take a short walk."
"Looks like we had similar thoughts, although for different reasons. I wanted to see the sunrise this morning." "Let's go, then," Carly replied. After they had left the hotel, Val told her, "Hang on a second." She called Dante on his phone and smiled when he answered before the phone could ring twice. In an agitated tone he said, "Val? What's wrong? Where are you? Give me a minute-" "Dante! Whatever you're doing, stop! I just called to let you know that I'm not alone now; Carly is with me, ok? Say 'Good morning' to Dante, Carly," she encouraged her cousin who responded with, "Good morning, Dante" into Val's phone. Continuing on she said, "We're gonna take a short walk around the hotel. I wanted to put your mind at ease and let you know we're together."
"Thanks for callin' me. I do feel a little bit better now. Enjoy your walk but still, hurry back."
"We will. Oh, and Dante?"
"Yes, Angel?"
"I love you." There was a momentary silence before she queried, "Did you hear what I said?"
"Yeah. I don't think I'll ever get tired of hearin' you say it. I was hearin' it over and over in my head; that's why I didn't respond right away." Huffing out a short laugh he added, "I love you too, Angel." Smiling, Val ended the call, catching Carly's eye as she did so. "Well, you've already gotten to the 'I love you' stage, huh? When did that happen?" They set off walking down the street away from the hotel.
"I'll tell you but first you tell me why you're anxious. You can't be nervous, can you? I figured after the fourth time…" her voice trailed off. "I'm not nervous about marrying Sonny. I think I'm just anxious to get on with this part of our lives. Anxious to get started with this phase and to finally make it real. Do you know what I mean?"
"I think so. Like the marriage makes your new life official."
"Exactly. Sonny and I—we've gone through a lot to get here. We've been in this place so many times and yet this time actually feels different. I think we're both finally ready, finally mature enough to make it work this time. We've never had a problem being in love or loving each other. We could never successfully get past the rough spots, though, when they came up. We both gave in too easily because that was easier than hanging on and doing the hard work. We can both be selfish people, Val, and selfish people have a hard time being in relationships sometimes. I think we've finally learned that it's ok to keep holding on and go through the drama until it gets good again. It's ok to forgive and move on and stay through the hurt. We're better people this time around so I feel more optimistic this time. It feels like we're really going to be able to make our marriage work."
"You might think you're selfish but you've come through for me more than once."
"That's because it didn't cost me anything to be there for you. The real test will come when it costs me to reach out and I reach anyway. That'll be my true test with Sonny, too. Now, back to you and this 'I love you' stuff. Spill."
Val looked up into the sky where the sun was barely making an appearance. "Check out that sky," she told Carly, further saying, "I love it when it's like this. There comes a moment in the sky when the moon has to surrender to the sun. When it's still dark but you can see the sun coming. For that brief moment, light and dark are side by side, sharing the sky but eventually, the sun's brightness overtakes and overshadows the moon. That moment, for me, is golden. It feels like-" Val paused as she groped for the right word. "Hope, maybe?" "More like 'potential'. It's just a feeling that the day is brand new and everything is possible in that one moment. When the day is totally perfect and untarnished. Did you see that eclipse a few weeks back?"
"Yeah. Sonny and I went out into the garden and watched it for a while." "I pay more attention to the sky since that night. I didn't remember there was going to be an eclipse until Dante reminded me. We went out onto the terrace together and watched it. He said he and I were like that blood red moon—a rare combination of circumstances that came together to make us possible. That we were unique like the moon. People all over the world, wherever it could be seen were looking into the sky at the moon that night but it felt like it was just for us—for him and me. He told me he loved me that night and I was finally able to tell him I loved him, too. He said I should think of that moon to remind me of how special our love is. Ever since that night, I look at the sky differently. I wanted to remember the sunrise on your special day. The day that I watched my cousin, a member of a family I didn't even know I had, marry the love of her life." Linking their arms together, Carly teased, "Aww, somebody's a sentimentalist."
"I know, right? But I don't think I was one before I found my family, or my family found me. Obviously, I've never been a part of a family wedding before. I'm really looking forward to it." "You know what I'm really looking forward to?" Carly asked suddenly, glancing at the sky now that the sun had fully risen.
"What?" Val replied, realizing that they had walked in a circle and were back in front of the hotel.
"Getting back inside! We must be nuts; it's freaking cold out here! Let's find the nearest fireplace and stand on top of it!" Laughing, they linked their arms tighter and hurriedly made their way into the front lobby.
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Val and Dante were relaxing in their suite after having eaten brunch a couple of hours before. There was a knock on the door and when Dante rose to answer, Josslyn handed him two silver envelopes with these instructions, "Mom said you've got fifteen minutes to fill these out and come downstairs with them. You were the last on my list—I've gotta go write my own!" She dashed away and after Dante watched her get to her room safely, he closed the door. He then gave Val one of the envelopes. When she opened it and read what was written there, she laughed delightedly and remarked, "What a cool idea!"
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The ballroom in the inn was beautifully decorated. The silver tablecloths on each table made a gorgeous contrast to the white and gold draped chairs. White tapered candles were lit all over the room which, aided by the firelight in the fireplace at the front of the ballroom, lent the room an air of intimacy. In the center of each table were white rose centerpieces, giving the atmosphere a sense of romantic elegance. On the left side of the room a string quintet was skillfully playing music by Luigi Boccherini that Sonny and Carly had especially chosen for the occasion. On the right side of the room, the tables had been pushed out of the way and chairs had been set up for the wedding guests, who were filing into the room to the sound of Boccherini's Opus eleven, number five, one of his most famous compositions. Pausing to have their pictures taken by photographers specifically hired for the occasion, the guests, after placing their silver envelopes into a crystal bowl, took their seats and waited for the bride and groom to appear. Making their grand entrance to the strains of Boccherini's Opus forty-five, number one, Sonny and Carly, arm in arm with matching smiles, slowly advanced to the front of the room by the fireplace where the judge who had flown in at Sonny's request was waiting to marry them.
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"We are all gathered here today to witness the joining in marriage of Michael Corinthos Jr. and Caroline Leigh-"
"Jacks. It's ok if you use 'Jacks'."
"Caroline Leigh Jacks. If anyone can show just cause why this couple cannot lawfully be joined together in matrimony, let them speak now or forever hold their peace." Sonny and Carly both tensed up as they looked behind them, relaxing when they only saw smiling and approving faces gazing back at them. When no one spoke, the judge went on, "Before we get to the official vows, Michael and Caroline have their own vows that they wish to share with one another. Michael, why don't you begin?"
Clearing his throat nervously, Sonny eventually said, "You know, we've put each other through a lot, right? And we've loved each other through a lot. We let things that didn't matter come between us and make us quit on each other. I don't wanna do that anymore, Carly. I think we know enough now to not let that happen again, ok? I love you. Through all the startin' and stoppin', all the marriages and divorces, my heart never totally let you go. I'm not runnin' from that truth anymore. That's why I can stand here today in front of our friends and family and tell you that this is it and you're it. You're the woman I want, for the rest of my life. This time, I wanna get it right. I wanna make you the happiest you've ever been, for the rest of your life."
After the judge gave Carly a nod, she responded, "It's taken a lot for us to get here, Sonny. You're right—we've seen the best and the worst of each other. We've put each other through a lot but we've also been there for each other in a way no one else has ever been for us. You have been my constant, and no matter where I go, I'm always drawn back to you. I knew from the moment I met you that you were going to alter the course of my life and you did. I love you, Sonny. That's really all that matters, when you think about it. When you look at me with that look and hit me with those dimples, everything else melts away. I want what we have right now for the rest of my life and I want to surround you with love, every day, for the rest of your life. I want us to get it right this time, too."
"Michael, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold from this day forward? In sickness and in health, forsaking all others, cleaving only to her until death parts you? If you so signify, do so by placing a ring on her finger."
"I do." Beaming in happiness, Sonny slid his ring on Carly's finger while they both fought back tears.
"Caroline, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold from this day forward? In sickness and in health, forsaking all others, cleaving only to him until you are parted by death? If you so signify, do so by placing a ring on his finger."
"I do." Exhaling softly, Carly held Sonny's finger tightly as she slid her ring on his finger. They smiled down at their hands and then looked back at the judge.
"Forasmuch as Michael and Carly have consented to the marriage bond by the exchanging of vows and the giving and accepting of rings, I do declare that they are husband and wife. You may-" Without waiting for further instructions, Sonny pulled Carly into his arms and kissed her deeply. "Well," the judge remarked, "I guess you didn't need to be told what to do!" Finally releasing her amid claps and wolf whistles from the witnesses, Sonny said, "No, Judge, this is one thing I got down pat!"
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Toward the end of the reception, Mike stood up and cleared his throat and then said loudly to get everyone's attention, "The bride and groom have something they want to say, so listen up!" Shaking his head while laughing at his father, Sonny addressed the crowd. "We wanna thank you guys for, you know, sharin' this day with us, right? Havin' you all here, being surrounded by family just made the day that much better. We've got you kids, the grandkid, my dad, and good friends here helpin' us celebrate. It's been a perfect day." Nodding in agreement, Carly added, "We asked you all to write your wishes for us on a piece of paper. Since we didn't have a best man or maid or matron of honor, we're gonna read your toasts to us aloud and then put them in our wedding book to always remember as keepsakes. Choosing from the bowl, we'll read them in no particular order…" Sonny reached into the bowl and pulled out the first envelope. Taking out the scrap of paper he said, "This one's from Lulu. It says, 'Fifth time's the charm! Always be happy, you two.' Thanks, Lulu. We plan to be." Carly removed the next one. "From Lucas. 'Writing this without seeing you, I know you'll look beautiful, big sis. I hope this is just the beginning of many beautiful days for you both.' Oh, Lucas, thank you! I love this!"
Sonny pulled out the next envelope and opening it, said, "This one's from Dante. 'Representin' all of your kids, I'm sayin' that we just want you guys to be happy and in love for a very long time.'" Sonny nodded at Dante as Dante threw his father a "thumbs up".
Sonny and Carly continued taking turns reaching into the bowl and reading out the toasts:
From Michael: "I've had a front row seat for most of it all, the ups and the downs. Make each other happy, and if you can't, fake it 'til you make it. Don't give up this time."
From Mike: "I know you two have what it takes to make your marriage work. Believe in what you're building together, cherish it, and it'll last forever. I love you both very much."
From Val: "Live long, love longer. All my best wishes for you both to have a wonderful life together."
From Bobbie: "To my beautiful daughter and the undisputed love of her life—just be happy! And Sonny, if you hurt my little girl, I know where you live!" Everyone laughed at the implied threat, though Sonny and Carly knew she was deadly serious.
From Morgan: "I'm so happy that you found your way back to each other! I've wanted this day for a long time! I love you guys!"
From Sabrina: "Always remember this day and why you got married. If you never forget the reasons why, your marriage will last forever."
From Maxie: "This had better be the last time! But seriously, be happy!"
From Josslyn: "You guys should love each other for a long, long time!" Carly ended by saying, "These really mean a lot to us! I can't wait to look at them again years from now and remember this moment." "And now it's off to the honeymoon," Sonny announced, his dimples flashing. "Where are you two headed?" Dante asked.
"Fiji. We wanted our honeymoon, like our weddin', to be somethin' we hadn't done before, somewhere we hadn't been together. My friend Señor Escobar has a villa there with a private beach, so…"
Josslyn lamented sulkily, "I still think you should be taking me with you. Fiji's only five hours away from Australia by plane!" Carly turned to her daughter and with her hands on her hips demanded, "Did you really think we were gonna take you on our honeymoon, Joss? You're staying with Grandma Bobbie while we're gone. And anyway, you just saw your father earlier this year. You might as well stop pouting; you're not coming with us!"
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After bundling themselves up in coats and jackets, everyone walked Sonny and Carly to their limo, which was waiting to take them to the airport. Because of the wind, the soap bubbles the wedding guests blew at them were promptly carried aloft, causing everyone to laugh at the pointlessness of their efforts. As the limousine finally pulled away, the newlyweds' friends and family waved and hooted their congratulations and best wishes to send them on their journey, then promptly rushed back into the warmth of the hotel where they continued to party into the early evening.
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On the ride home once the celebrations had ended, the car's occupants were discussing the day's activities. Sabrina noticed thoughtfully, "I don't know when I've ever seen your mom look more radiant, or Sonny look more handsome, for that matter." "They were happy, weren't they?" Morgan asked with a contented grin. "Yeah, I think they were. I think this time, they're actually gonna get it right," Michael said. "Let's hope so," Dante told them, adding, "I don't think they've got a sixth one in them!" They rode for a short while in silence and then Val quietly opined, "I think they're pretty brave."
"Brave? Why?" wondered Dante, casting a quick glance in her direction.
"It's such a gamble, isn't it? You go into a marriage hoping for the very best and putting your heart on the line—sometimes, it still isn't enough, though. I don't know. I just think it's a brave thing to do."
Morgan queried, "Don't you wanna get married someday, Val?"
"I don't know, Morgan," she answered, turning in her seat to look at him. She went on, "I think I'd have to know him so well, almost better than I know myself before I took that chance. Can you really know anybody that well? Difficult to say. I'd have to think long and hard and I'd probably second guess myself a million times before I took the plunge. That's not to say I definitely don't want to someday. After a long engagement. A verrrry looooong engagement." While everyone else laughed at her over exaggerated words, Dante secretly stored what she was saying in his heart and mind. No one knew better than he how much courage it took to take such a huge step and how devastating it was when it didn't work out. Inadvertently, Val was telling him that she was in no hurry to marry anyone, including him. Which was a good thing, he thought. Wasn't it?
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