Savor the Rewrite: chapter 8 Death and Love Part 2
Tony could barely sleep that night, he was so excited. Not only was he going to marry the love of his life, he was going to talk to Angela about having a baby. He thought she would be on the same page since there had been a handful of times over the years when the subject of having more kids came up. Her answer was always yes and even with him, should the opportunity arise.
By six in the morning, he could no longer pretend to rest and got up to shower. He missed their shower, but Mona's would have to do. He finished showering, shaved and got dressed for the morning. The service wasn't until three so he had plenty of time. He made sure his tuxedo was ready before he made himself breakfast. He was sitting at Mona's table when a sleepy Jonathan came over from the sofa.
"Hey buddy! You look tired!" laughed Tony.
"Well I wouldn't be if we hadn't been out until after midnight! You try sleeping on that sofa!" said Jonathan.
"Okay, okay! Go back upstairs and sleep a bit longer. Set the alarm for nine though because I want to make sure you have enough time to shower and get ready. I also need you to bring over your Mom's wedding gift from me later on" said Tony.
"Alright whatever you say Tony…" said Jonathan as he walked upstairs to sleep as Tony finished his breakfast.
Over at the house, the only person up in the house was Angela. She had been to the bathroom twice already this morning and was cursing that today of all days her morning sickness would be the worst yet. She quickly cleaned herself up again and headed back to bed. If this were any other day, she would have just stayed in bed the whole day. Suddenly, the phone rang. Angela quickly picked it up to avoid waking up her mother or Samantha.
"Hello?" she said with a weak sounding voice.
"Hi sweetheart! I missed you so much! Are you okay? You don't sound good! Are you sick?" asked Tony with a worried voice.
"I'm fine Tony… I'm just… just waking up that's all. How was sky diving?" asked Angela, trying to force more strength into her voice.
"Well… actually I didn't end up doing it. I'm sorry I know you paid for the jump and everything, but I just couldn't do it. The family helped me realize that I was trying to cram all this stuff into every moment to try and find happiness… contentment. I was searching and searching when I should have just looked right here… with you. I was going to wait until after the ceremony and even the reception but I just can't wait anymore. Have… have you thought about us having a baby?" asked Tony.
"A baby?" she managed to get out as a new round of nausea took hold. She had to take a few deep breaths before she could even think about responding further.
"Yes a baby… even since we watched baby Clint, I've thought about the two of us having a baby together. I had pushed the idea out of my head… but I thought maybe we could think about trying for a baby…" he said.
"Oh Tony…" she said as she had to hold back tears. She couldn't believe what she was hearing… it was everything she wanted to hear from Tony. She was just about to blurt out they didn't have to think about it, the baby was already here, Tony started to speak again.
"I know it seems sudden Angela. Mona well… really helped me through this…" said Tony.
"Really?" asked Angela, her voice a combination of confusion and irritation.
"Oh yeah gee if it wasn't for Mona, Sam and Jonathan, I just think I would have never thought of it!" he said.
"Oh… so they talked you into it…" said Angela, confusion being replaced with sadness, although anger was still present.
"Oh no! No, no, no, no! What they did was they made me realize that I was trying to live my life to the fullest by taking all these crazy risks, when I was really just afraid of taking the biggest risk of all… having a baby with you!" he said, regretting immediately his choice of words even as he was uttering them.
"No, no, no… not that having a baby with you is a risk you know… but bringing a child into the world is a risk… but not with you…well, because… because… it's like umm… look it's our wedding day!" said Tony, the realization he blew this whole conversation quickly setting in.
"It's… it's okay Tony. I understand…" she said.
"Oh good, good!" he said with relief in his voice.
"You're obviously not ready for this…". she said as she held back tears.
"Oh yes… what do you mean? Yes I am! Yes I am!" said Tony. He wondered how did this conversation go so poorly.
"No you're doing it for the wrong reasons. You're talking about this with me because someone told you to, because it's some answer to your midlife crisis…" she said.
"No, no that's not true! That's not true! I love you and I want to have a baby with you! Who cares about what the reasons are!" he pleaded.
"I care! Because I don't want you to to wake up a week, a month or nine months from now and go gee I didn't have to have a baby with Angela, I could have really gone sky diving!" she shouted.
"I would never say that! I don't even like sky diving! I don't even know why I put it on my list in the first place! I like you… eh oh, oh eh… I love you and I want to have a baby with you!" said Tony.
"Tony I…" she starts to say when her bedroom door opened and Samantha and Mona came in yelling congratulations.
"Tony I have to go… I'll see you in a couple of hours… I love you…" she said as she hung up the phone.
"Was that Dad? Did he tell you he chickened out on the sky diving?" laughed Samantha.
"Oh he told me all about last night…" said Angela as she glared at Mona. She stood up and put on her silk bathrobe, coming to stand next to Samantha and Mona.
"So what's on the menu for breakfast? Dad gave me strict instructions to make you whatever you wanted!" said Samantha.
"I think I'll skip breakfast for now… I need some fresh air…" she said as she headed towards the bathroom, leaving Mona and Samantha to wonder what was going on. Mona pulled Angela aside to find out what was wrong. She told her about their phone conversation before heading into the bathroom.
Soon, Angela came out of the bathroom dressed and walked past them, mumbling something about needing to run an errand before the hairdresser and makeup technician came to the house. She headed downstairs, grabbing her purse and keys as she headed out the door. She got into the Jaguar and backed out of the driveway. If she was looking forward, she would have seen Tony sticking his head out the front door of the apartment watching her drive away. He quickly grabbed his shoes and headed over to the house,
"Mona! Mona!" he shouted as he made his way into the living room. She was coming down the stairs, covering her ears as Tony's shouting got louder. Samantha followed down the stairs after Mona.
"This is all your fault!" shouted Tony.
"Me? When I told you to ask her to have a baby, I did not tell you to tell her that I told you to have a baby together!
"Angela's mad at me, we're getting married in a few hours… it's a world gone mad!" said Tony.
"Tony, just let me give you some advice. See… where you went wrong…" started Mona as Tony interrupted her.
"I don't want to hear another word about this… from anyone… get it?" asked Tony. Mona just shrugged her shoulders.
"I saw her drive off a few minutes ago. Do you know where she went?" asked Tony.
"No Dad. She was pretty upset… what happened?" asked Samantha.
"Let's just say our phone conversation didn't end well. Of all days and all conversations to not go well! Mona do you know where she went?" asked Tony.
"Oh I can talk now? How nice of you Tony…" she said sarcastically.
"C'mon Mona! Please tell me…" he pleaded.
"I don't know Tony okay? She just said she needed some air before the wedding" said Mona.
"But she's coming back right? She has to come back. We're getting married today! We are starting the next chapter of our lives together!" shouted Tony as he began to have an anxiety attack. Both Sam and Mona were able to calm him down enough that he could go back over to Mona's apartment to try and relax before the wedding. They promised to call him as soon as Angela got home.
An hour later, Angela walked in the front door with a small bag in her hands. Samantha and Mona were sitting on the sofa waiting for her to return.
"Hi guys…" said Angela as she took off her coat and put down her purse.
"Where have you been and what have you done to my father?" asked Samantha.
"What?" asked Angela.
"Oh you know… Captain Anxiety!" said Samantha.
"Well honey I'm sure it's not that bad… our phone conversation wasn't that bad. I told him I'd see him in a couple of hours" said Angela.
"We had to calm him down. The poor guy had an anxiety attack over here thinking you left… the guy's produce…" said Mona.
"And I'm holding you personally responsible…" said Samantha.
"Look…look, I never meant to hurt Tony. It's just that when we had our first conversation about having a baby I wanted it to come from his heart, have it come from him… not for him to be told it's a solution to his midlife crisis!" said Angela.
"Oh please if it's one excuse, it's another one. Angela what is your problem?" asked Angela.
"Nothing!" said Angela as Mona and Samantha came to either side of her.
"It's just… that having a baby is a big step… and I want to start out in the right foot… for the right reasons…" she said as they got closer to her, waiting for her to say what was really bothering Angela.
"Because I'm already pregnant okay? And what happens if he's not as excited as I am? It will absolutely devastate me!" shouted Angela as both Samantha and Mona sat down next to her on the sofa. Mona knowing she was already pregnant, just sat down, but Samantha wrapped her arms around Angela and pulled her into an embrace, causing Angela to start to cry.
"So… you want a guarantee…" said Mona.
"And it all starts with Dad realizing he wanted another baby before anyone had to tell him, even you…" said Samantha.
"Face it… the problem here may not be Tony… I think you're too scared to tell him because you think he's not going to react well. Listen Angela… when we were talking last night, you know when he finally came to his senses, we could all see how truly excited he was when he realized that's what he wanted, that a baby with you would make him happy. That was his real, honest reaction I promise" said Mona.
"Yes Angela it was… we had to convince him not to wake you up when we got home last night because it's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding!" laughed Samantha. Just then, they heard the back door open and Tony shout out Angela's name. Jonathan came through the swinging door and tried to barricade the door.
"Can someone please tell Tony Mom is home and safe and still wants to marry him?" shouted Jonathan. Angela stood up and went to the door.
"Tony it's me. I'm fine okay? Go back over to Mother's apartment. I need to put the final touches on your gift and then I'll have Jonathan bring it over. Tony… I love you and can't wait to marry you and start this brand new life together…" she said.
"I love you too Angela… more than you know…" he said through the other side of the door. He headed back to Mona's apartment. Angela turned around and headed back to the sofa.
"Can I ask what the heck that was all about? Tony nearly had a heart attack over there when he saw Mom's car and then no one called him! What gives?" asked Jonathan.
"Tony and I had a conversation this morning that didn't go so well… but all is right again… and since these two know I guess you should too. I'm… pregnant" she said.
"What? We just had that conversation with Tony last night? I don't get it?" asked Jonathan.
"She was already pregnant dweeb!" said Samantha.
"Yes and please don't tell Tony… I need to be the one to tell him… which if I don't get his present ready soon, he will never find out! I've tried for the past week to tell him but something has always come up. So everyone keep your mouth shut!" said Angela. She stood up to head back upstairs when Mona stopped her, placing her hand on Angela's arm.
"Angela… we are all so happy for you! This marriage, this baby… it's only the start of everything you and Tony deserve… congratulations!" said Mona.
"Yeah Mom congratulations!" said Jonathan as he hugged her, followed by a hug from Samantha.
"I'm so happy for you both! I love you Angela!" said Samantha.
Angela had to wipe away tears as she thanked everyone and headed upstairs. Once she was in her bedroom, she opened up her bag and pulled out a small onesie baby outfit with the words 'I love Daddy' written on the front. She folded the outfit and grabbed the small plastic bag with the positive pregnancy tests. She opened up the small gift box she bought and put everything inside. She grabbed a blank card and wrote him a letter. Once she was done, she put everything together and sat back in her chair, placing her hands over her stomach.
"Okay little one! Pretty soon your Daddy is going to finally know about you! Your Grandma and big sister and brother are very excited about you so I know your Daddy will be too! I'm not sure why I thought he wouldn't be… I guess pregnancy hormones have you thinking crazy sometimes! Alright… I'm hoping you go easy on me today and don't make me feel nauseous during the ceremony!" she laughed.
Just then, Mona and Samantha came in with the hairdresser and makeup artist. They each took turns getting their hair and makeup done. Tony had arranged snacks for them to eat, which was good since they hadn't had a chance to eat breakfast. About an hour before they were supposed to leave for the ceremony, a photographer came to take photographs of them getting ready.
Mona and Samantha were able to get their dresses on and then came to help Angela into her gown. Angela was happy that the gown still fit her but it was a bit more snug than it was the previous week when she tried it on, especially in her bust area.
"Oh Angela! You look gorgeous!" said Samantha.
"Another week and I don't think that dress would fit you on top… but yes dear you do look beautiful…" said Mona. Just then, Jonathan knocked on the door, dressed in his tuxedo, holding a small wrapped box and envelope.
"Hi Mom! You look so pretty! Here is your gift from Tony" he said as he hugged her and handed her the gift.
"Thank you sweetheart! Here is Tony's gift. Make sure he opens the card first and then the gift. And whatever he tries to do, do not let him come over here!" she laughed as Jonathan took the gift and headed out of the room. She slowly opened the card and read it out loud.
"Dear Angela,
Today is our wedding day! Words cannot express how much happiness I have in my heart right now when I think about marrying you in just a few short hours. I have dreamed about this day… the thought of seeing you walk down the aisle towards me, hearing you say 'I do', having our first kiss as husband and wife… it all brings such joy and excitement to my heart.
I wanted you to know that wherever our new path leads us… whether we spend the rest of our lives just us or we are blessed with a baby of our own, I will be forever grateful for our undying love. I love you today, tomorrow and forever….
Love, Tony"
"That was beautiful Angela! Now open that gift!" said Samantha as she watched Angela open up the box.
"Oh my goodness! This is absolutely beautiful! It must have cost him a fortune! Mother, can you help me put it on?" asked Angela as she handed Mona the sapphire necklace. Angela put on the earrings and admired herself in the mirror. She had to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall.
"Alright! Let's get this show on the road! The limos should be here soon! Samantha, run over and make sure the guys are ready!" said Mona.
Jonathan had stopped in the kitchen to eat some food and hadn't gotten back over to Tony's yet. Samantha saw him and grabbed him, food still in his mouth as she dragged him up to Mona's apartment.
"Samantha! You look beautiful!" said Tony as he saw her walk through the door.
"You clean up pretty good yourself too Dad!" she laughed.
"Here's Mom's present to you. She gave me strict instructions to make sure no matter what you don't go and try to see her until the ceremony…" he said as he handed him Angela's gift.
"Just tell me… she is still wanting to marry me right?" he asked with a heightened level of anxiety.
"Yes Dad! Just read the note and open the gift!" said Samantha.
"Dear Tony,
I can't believe today is finally here… I've waited for what has felt like a lifetime for this day. I have loved you longer than I can remember. You have been much more than my housekeeper- you have been my friend, my best friend, my co-parent, my confidant and now my soulmate and soon-to-be husband.
If I don't say this now, I don't know if I'll get the chance. You're perfect Tony! You're wonderful! Who cares what the reasons were for wanting to have a baby with me… I know you love me and that should be and is more than enough…which is what you said and you were right. I blew it… the problem was me. See, when our conversation didn't go well this morning on the phone, I panicked and I let my fears of how you would react to my news get the better of me. I began to think too much and well… this time I'm listening to my heart and it's telling me I want to spend the rest of my life with you… we both do…
Love, Angela"
Tony read and reread the letter at least three times before Angela's meaning finally made sense. His eyes got wide, his breath was getting quicker and his heart felt like it was going to burst. He grabbed the box and quickly opened it up, pulling out the positive pregnancy tests and the onesie. Tears started falling down his face as the realization hit him that Angela was already pregnant. He suddenly had an overwhelming need to see her and fast.
"I… I need to see her! We're… we're having a baby!" he shouted as he could barely contain his excitement.
"No Dad! Not yet! The limo is going to be here soon to take you two to the ceremony. No seeing Angela yet!" said Samantha.
"But Samantha…" he started to say as Jonathan interrupted him.
"No Tony! Not yet!" he said as the limo pulled up and honked the horn. Tony quickly put the tests in his breast pocket and the onesie in his pants pocket as they headed out the door. Samantha hugged them both as they got into the limo and drove to the country club. The second limo pulled up a short while later. Mona and Samantha helped Angela into the limo and got in after. Soon, they were all at the country club, being directed on where to be for the ceremony. Guests were starting to arrive and take their seats.
"Alright Tony! You ready for this?" asked Jonathan as they were about to head to their spots. Jonathan took a moment to straighten Tony's bow tie.
"I've never been more ready for anything in my life!" he practically shouted as he reciprocated and started straightening Jonathan's bow tie.
"Well then let's get this show on the road!" said Jonathan as they walked together up the aisle and took their spots up front.
Mona, Samantha and Angela were waiting behind a partition for the ceremony to start. Samantha came over to Angela and fixed a stray piece of hair that had come loose.
"You need anything Angela before we start?" asked Samantha.
"No… just hoping this little one lets me get through the ceremony without throwing up!" she chuckled as she put her hand on her stomach.
"Are you nauseous now? I can see if they have some ginger ale" said Samantha as the music began to play.
"Too late! I'll be fine! You go ahead" she said as she took a few deep breaths as Samantha started to walk down the aisle.
"Angela… you know I'm not one to be all mushy and sentimental… so why start now. Don't you dare throw up on me!" laughed Mona. She did, however, turn to Angela and wrapped her arms around her, giving her a hug. They pulled back as the wedding march began to play.
"Here goes nothing!" said Angela as they began to walk down the aisle. All eyes were on Angela but the only pair she cared about were the one's filling with tears of joy down front. She met Tony's loving glance and locked eyes with him until she was standing across from him.
"Alright Tony… she's your problem now!" chuckled Mona as she gave Tony a quick hug. He barely registered Mona's words as he couldn't keep his eyes off of Angela. She looked absolutely breathtaking and was practically glowing. He couldn't believe he hadn't seen it before but she absolutely had that pregnancy glow. He stepped down and took her hand in his as they stepped up to the makeshift altar together. They were extremely lucky there weather held out for the outdoor ceremony.
"Dearly beloved! We are gathered here to celebrate the union of Tony and Angela…" said Father Marconi. Both Tony and Angela were so wrapped up in one another that they barely registered his words. It wasn't until Father Marconi had to repeat himself that it got their attention.
"Tony, I'll ask you again… would you like to recite your own vows?" said Father Marconi.
"Yes, yes I would!" said Tony as he cleared his throat and went back to looking lovingly at Angela.
"Angela, these past seven, almost eight years have been the happiest of my life. I can't imagine my life without you in it. I know now that you are the missing piece in my life, in my heart. You were my first kiss… Ingrid… and I want you to be my last one… I love you more than words could possibly say and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you…" he said.
"Angela… your own vows please" said Father Marconi.
"Tony, you have become the best thing to ever happen to me. From practically the moment we met, well for the second time, you began to heal my heart, allow me to love again. I'm not sure what I did to deserve a man as loving, caring and understanding as you are but I am grateful everyday of my life that I opened the door to you. Anthony… I love you with all my heart and I want to spend the rest of my life with you…" she said.
There wasn't a dry eye among the guests as Father Marconi asked for the rings. He said a quick blessing as first Tony, then Angela placed the rings on each other's hands. Again, Tony and Angela were completely lost in one another as he concluded the ceremony.
"And now by the power vested in me by the state of Connecticut, I now pronounce you husband and wife! Tony… you may finally kiss your bride!" laughed Father Marconi.
Tony took a step forward and placed his hands on her waist. His thumbs made a few gentle circles around the side of her stomach before he pulled her close to him. He looked deep into her brown eyes and smiled as he captured her lips with his own. Cheering erupted from the guests as the kiss intensified. Finally, they pulled apart, the smiles radiating off their faces.
"Let's give a big round of applause to Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Micelli!" said Father Marconi as Tony and Angela walked back down the aisle. Tony couldn't wait to get Angela alone so he could let her know how excited he was about the baby. The staff from the club escorted them to the bridal suite and gave them some privacy. The door on the suite had barely closed when Tony had Angela back in his arms, passionately kissing her, leaving her breathless.
"Angela… is it true? Is it really true? You're… pregnant?" he said as he held her in his arms.
"It's true! I went to my doctor last week and he confirmed it. We're having a baby!" she said as she placed her hands on her stomach.
"Oh my god Angela! This is amazing! This is the best news ever!" he said as he knelt down in front of her and placed his hands on her stomach.
"I know…" she said as she looked down lovingly at Tony.
"Hi little one! I'm your Daddy! I didn't realize just how much I wanted you until yesterday but now I can't imagine a time when I didn't. Your beautiful Mommy and I just got married, making this the absolute best day of my life. I promise to take extra special care of your Mommy to make sure you grow big and strong. I love you little one!" he said as his kissed her stomach.
"Alright Tony, we need to get back out there…" said Angela as she wiped away her tears and headed for the door to the reception.
"In a minute Angela… they can wait for us. All three of us…" he said as he wrapped his arms around her, forgetting everything and everyone as they only had eyes on each other.