Chapter 10:
"What did you say?" she asked, knowing damn well what he had just said.
"Marry me Angela. Marry me and make me the happiest, luckiest man alive. Marry me so we can tackle whatever life throws at us… together. Marry me because I can't picture my life without you in it… not as my boss or as just my best friend but as my soulmate. Marry me because I love you more than anything in this world…" he said as the tears he was trying to hold back could no longer be stopped.
"I…I… no…" she said as her own tears fell down her face.
"No?" yelled Samantha and Jonathan simultaneously.
"No Angela?" he managed to speak, his heart shattered in a million pieces.
"No Tony… I'm not doing this to you. I'm not leaving you a… alone. Once we know more then maybe we can talk about getting married again…" she said as she wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Angela, may I speak to you for a moment…" said Mona.
"Not now Mother…" she said as she looked quickly over at Mona and then back to Tony.
"No Angela, now!" she practically shouted at her, grabbing a hold of Angela's arm as she dragged her into her office.
"What is it Mother? You almost broke my arm…" she said as she rubbed her elbow.
"Oh relax Angela! If I was trying to break your arm, you'd know it… which if you don't start to smarten up a bit, it just might happen!" said Mona.
"Oh come off it Mother! You've ignored me for the past almost two weeks and now you want to talk and give advice? That's really rich Mother! Why don't you leave your two cents out of this!" she shouted, the anger over Mona's abandonment rising to the surface.
"If I kept my nose out of this, you two would have never made it past the first day! I'm trying to get you to see what's right in front of you, what you are trying your damnedest to push away. He loves you Angela, almost from day one, just like you do him. This medical scare didn't create these feelings in you both- they have been there for ages. It stopped both of you from making stupid excuse after stupid excuse as to why you should keeping holding in your true feelings. He's not proposing to you because you may or may not be dying Angela. He's proposing because he is madly in love with you! Open your eyes and your heart to see what is right in front of you" she said.
"But what if…" she started when Mona cut her off.
"No buts Angela! Life is short and unfair and not at all what we want or expect! Any one of us could be gone tomorrow! Nothing is guaranteed in this world Angela. Sometimes we fall in love with our soulmates and then our time with them gets cut short… way too short. And sometimes we get our happily ever afters long into our golden years. You and Tony have just as much chance getting your happily ever after, sitting on the front porch watching your grandkids play in the yard as this ending in heartache way too soon. If you think keeping Tony at arms length is going to somehow soften the blow if something happens to you Angela, think again. It will devastate him whether there are rings on your fingers or not. It.. it will devastate all of us…" she managed to say before breaking down.
Angela just stood there, stunned by her mother's words and rare show of such strong emotions. Her mind was racing with a thousand different thoughts until she finally pulled herself together long enough to take the few steps over to Mona, pulling her into an embrace.
"Oh Mother… I know this has been difficult on you. You're right though… as usual. I think we have both been pulled into our pasts with what is going on. I needed this talk Mother… thank you" she said as she pulled back from their hug.
"Well… it was long overdue I suppose. I will try and be there more for you dear. Public displays of emotion aren't my strong suit but I will do better. So… what are you going to do about the brokenhearted Italian in the other room?" she asked.
"She's gotta come around to her senses Tony! She loves you! We all know it!" shouted Jonathan.
"Yeah Dad! She's just scared but you know and she knows… you two belong together! She will see it! Mona will make her see it!" said Samantha, hopeful Mona was making headway with Angela.
"I… I think I need some fresh air…" Tony managed to say as he stood up, grabbed his coat and headed out the front door.
"This isn't good Sam! What… what if they break up?" he asked as he started to panic.
"Easy Jonathan! Take a deep breath! Things are going to work out! They have to…" she said as she put her arm around Jonathan. Mona and Angela came in from her office, their arms wrapped around their shoulders, smiles on their faces.
"Where's Tony?" asked Angela as she looked around the room.
"He went to get some air. Why did you say no Mom? Don't you love Tony?" he asked as he wiped away his tears.
"Yeah Angela! I thought you wanted to be with Dad!" she practically shouted through tears.
"I do love him! It's just… I wanted him to propose not out of pity, or fear or anything else besides love, but I think I am letting my own fears get in the way of what I've known for a long time" she said as tears filled her eyes once again.
"Then do something about it Angela!" said Mona as she gave her a nudge.
"Alright already! He just left? Okay… let me see if I can figure out where he went…" she said as she grabbed her purse and coat and headed out the door. She nearly jumped out of her skin when Tony was sitting on the bench.
"Oh Tony! You… you scared me half to death!" she said as she tried to slow down her racing heartbeat.
"Sorry Angela… apparently I can't do anything right. You sure you want me for all those things you did today?" he asked as he kicked a rock across the pathway.
"Of course I do. I wouldn't have designated you if I didn't think you were the right person. I trust you more than anyone else I know. And… and you didn't do anything wrong today. I'm… I'm just scared Tony. I see us getting married and being together forever or… or for as long as we have together. A part of me wants to protect you from having your heart broken again…" she said as she sat down next to him.
"You think if something happens to you, I won't be devastated Angela? That if we stay unmarried, my heart somehow won't be shattered? I hate to break it to you, but it will shatter whether we are married or not…" he said as tears began to pool in his eyes.
"I know… Mother and I finally had a talk and that's pretty much what she said. We've been in love with each other for a long time now. First the thought of a baby and then this whole mess has made both of us voice what has already been in our hearts. We love each other and that should be enough…" she said.
"Isn't that what I said? In a round about way of course…" he said with a chuckle.
"Yes Tony! I let my fears get in the way of what is really important- I love you with all my heart and I know you love me too…" she said as she took his hand in her own.
"So what are you saying Angela? You'll marry me?" he asked as he wiped the tears from his eyes.
"Yes, I guess so!" she said as the smile on her face grew larger. Tony's hand found the side of her face as he leaned over and met her lips with his own. They continued their kiss until the front door sprung open, three eavesdropping family members practically falling out of the door.
"Congratulations you two! It's about time!" shouted Mona as she wrapped her arms around them both.
"Congrats Mom! Finally you two came to your senses!" laughed Jonathan.
"Yeah and he didn't even have to set you two up again for a fancy night out on the town!" chuckled Samantha as she hugged Tony, followed by Angela.
"Speaking of… this calls for a celebration! Let's all get dressed up and head out for a fancy dinner! My treat!" said Angela as they all cheered. Samantha, Mona and Jonathan headed into the house as they stayed outside a moment longer.
"Are you sure Angela? I don't want you saying yes if you really are not one hundred percent sure" he said, his voice no longer hiding his apprehension.
"Tony… there's no pros and cons list needed for this one. I'm finally listening to my heart and it's telling me I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Anthony Morton Micelli…" she said as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Easy on the Morton, will ya… Angela Katherine Bower, soon to be Micelli…" he said as he pulled her closer to him, once again capturing her lips in a passionate kiss.
An hour later, the family was dressed and ready to head out to one of the fanciest restaurants in Fairfield. Angela had called ahead for last minute reservations, but being that it was a Thursday night, there were plenty of tables available. They headed into the restaurant and were seated at a table near the windows. The waiter came over and took their orders.
"So when are you two lovebirds tying the knot? Please don't wait another five, almost six years…" said Mona.
"Mother! We just got engaged! We have a lot to decide before we even pick a date" she said as she looked down at the beautiful engagement ring on her hand.
"Can I be your maid of honor?" asked Samantha.
"I think you are going to have to fight Wendy off for that title but once you do, I'd be honored if you were my maid of honor!" said Angela as she gave Samantha's hand a slight squeeze.
"Can I be your best man Tony?" asked Jonathan as he stuffed a bread roll in his mouth.
"I wouldn't want anyone else up there with me pal-o-mine! Just make sure you wait until after the ceremony to eat anything!" laughed Tony.
"So kids… do we leave this wedding planning up to these two slow pokes or should we just plan it ourselves and blindly lead them to the ceremony?" asked Mona.
"Yeah! We should plan it! Leave them out of if completely!" said Jonathan.
"I agree! We would plan something way more cool and fun! Maybe a destination wedding! Somewhere on the beach with cabana boys!" laughed Samantha.
"Now you're talking sister! She could have a rip away dress that turns into a bathing suit! Tony could just wear his bathing suit bottoms with a tuxedo coat and tie! Really make this into a party!" laughed Mona.
"Do we have a say in this at all? Considering it is our wedding…" said Tony as he wrapped his arm around Angela.
"You're lucky we are even talking about this in front of you! How can we leave something as important as your wedding and the rest of your lives up to the two of you? You'd mess this up in a heartbeat. Leave it to us…" said Mona as she started planning all the details of their destination wedding with Samantha and Jonathan.
"Can you believe them? It would be nice if they'd even ask our opinions!" said Angela, although her voice was softening as Tony rubbed circles on her back.
"We will let them have their fun. Then we will plan it ourselves. Anything you want Angela- big or small, here at home or a destination wedding. I'm here for it all…" he said as he pulled her closer.
"I think right now I am just happy being right here, in your arms…" she said as she put her head on his shoulder. A few minutes later, the house band started to play some slow dance music.
"If you all will excuse me, I would like to take my fiancé for a spin or two on the dance floor…" he said as he stood up and took her hand in his own as he led her onto the dance floor. He spun her around before settling into their perfected rhythm. He pulled her close, their hands joining together against their chests as her arm wrapped around his neck and his around the small of her back. They stayed like that for what felt like an eternity, not even bothering to stop when the waiter brought out their food.
The next morning, Tony and Angela almost slept through their alarm clock. Once they had arrived home, they thanked the family for coming out and celebrating with them, then making a beeline straight to Angela's bedroom. They continued celebrating well into the late hours of the night, finally collapsing into a sated pile well after midnight.
Tony had to forgo his early morning run but was not too disappointed when they decided to save time and shower together, something they agreed needed to be a new ritual for their morning routines. Tony headed downstairs to get the family's breakfast made and was pleasantly surprised when Mona, Samantha and Jonathan had already started breakfast, putting out two place settings for Tony and Angela.
"What's all this?" asked Tony as he looked around the kitchen.
"Just another token of our appreciation and to celebrate you two finally coming to your senses and getting engaged!" said Samantha as she put a plate of food down in front of him. Before he had the chance to answer, Angela walked through the kitchen door.
"What's going on in here? Mother… did… did you cook?" she asked as she looked dumbfounded at Mona standing by the stove.
"Stranger things have happened dear but yes I made breakfast. Don't get used to it…" she said as she put down a plate of food in front of Angela.
"Okay you two! Enjoy!" said Jonathan as he quickly gave them both a hug before heading out the door to school.
"Hopefully there's not too many eggshells in there…" laughed Samantha as she too hugged them goodbye.
"Well I'm going to go and finish getting ready. Enjoy you two lovebirds…" said Mona as she headed back up to her apartment.
"Can you believe them? Planning our wedding and now a homemade breakfast? I think we need to get them checked out by a doctor to see what's going on with them!" laughed Angela as she took a bite of her eggs, spitting out a few eggshells in the process.
"Maybe aliens invaded their bodies like that movie! Either way, I'm enjoying it!" he said as he took a few bites of his toast.
"So the fertility clinic should be calling me today to see if they think I can proceed. You are still on board with this if they give me the green light right?" she said as she took a sip of her coffee to wash down the less than appealing breakfast.
"Of course I am Angela! Once this starts, just let me know what I need to do and I'll be there. I'm going to be there for you, for us, every step of the way" he said.
"Okay good! I'm trying my best to not get my hopes up with any of this, but after getting engaged last night, it's damn near impossible not to be happy right now…" she said as she pushed her plate away.
"Hope is a good thing Angela! It's what is going to get us all through this!" he said as he reached over and took hold of her hand.
"Okay Mr. Hopeful, let's get to the train. Hopefully Mother is ready…" she said as she took her plate to the sink, dumping most of it into the garbage disposal. Tony followed suit and they were soon out the door.
By the time Angela got into work and fielded what felt like a hundred questions from her staff about her surprise engagement to Tony, it was almost time for lunch. She decided she needed to work through lunch despite having only a few bites for breakfast. She was just finishing up with her early afternoon client meeting when Mona buzzed through the intercom.
"Angela, line one for you" she said as Mona transferred the call. She was surprised Mona didn't announce whoever was on the phone. She picked up the phone once everyone was out of her office.
"Hello this is Angela Bower" she said as she picked up the phone. She listened intently to the called on the line, tears forming in her eyes as she needed to sit down.
"Thank you! Okay, my fiancé will be there first thing on Monday morning" she said as she hung up the phone. The tears started to fall as she started dialing the house number.
"Hi sweetheart" she said as Tony picked up the phone.
"Hi Angela! How are you? Is everything okay?" asked Tony as he heard the emotion in her voice.
"Yes, yes… everything is fine! I just got off the phone with the Hope for All clinic. The fertility doctor spoke to my doctors and they gave us the green light to go ahead with the egg retrieval. We have an appointment first thing Monday morning!" she said as the tears came back again.
"Oh sweetheart that's wonderful! I have my class early afternoon so I can drive you to the appointment" he said.
"Okay that sounds good. Alright, I need to get back to work. I'm hoping to get out of here at 5:00pm or close to it. If I'm running late, I'll have Mother call you" she said.
"Don't be too late… I want us to have a nice relaxing weekend, starting tonight! I love you Angela…" he said.
"I love you too…" she said as she hung up the phone. It wasn't more than a few minutes when Mona paged her again.
"Deadbeat loser, sperm donor ex-husband on line two dear…" said Mona. Angela could visualize her eye roll when learning Michael was on the phone. It probably matched her own as she picked up the phone.
"Hello Michael… you're what?" Angela shouted as her grip on the phone nearly broke the handle.