Chapter 15
The next morning, they got themselves ready for the appointment with the fertility clinic. They had to get into the city early so Tony left everyone their lunches and bowls for oatmeal laid out on the kitchen table. They decided to take the train in to avoid the traffic at the early hour.
"You know… I don't even remember the last time we took the train together, just us! Normally you drive us" said Angela as they found two seats together.
"I know! I don't think we have ever taken the train together just us! We should do it more often…" he said as he snuggled closer to her side, his lips finding a sensitive spot on her neck. They were beginning to risk indecent exposure when a familiar, yet annoying voice interrupted them.
"Why… aren't the two of you cozy this morning!" said Diane Wilmington.
"Good morning Diane" said Angela as they both sat back up, adjusting their clothing.
"Good morning to you Angela… and you Tony! So the rumors all these years are true! Too bad… I always thought you could do better Tony…" she said as she thrust her chest forward.
"Eh oh, oh eh! I…" started Tony as he began to try and stand up, Angela effectively keeping him siting down as she held onto his arm.
"Diane, we have only been seeing each other for a few months. Those rumors were never true. You know… the ones about the spouse and the hired help…" she said as she watched the smirk on Diane's face rapidly fade.
"So what are you two love birds doing out this early?" she asked, eager to change the subject.
"We… uh we…" started Tony when again Angela jumped in.
"It's alright Tony. We have some last minute things to get done for our wedding… tomorrow" she said, enjoying the shocked expression on Diane's face.
"You… you are getting married? Tomorrow? How am I just finding out about this now?" she practically screamed as other commuters on the train told her to be quiet.
"It has happened pretty fast. When you realize the love of your life has been right there in front of you all these years, you don't want to wait any longer…" said Tony as he gave her a quick kiss.
"Well isn't that… nice. So should we expect the pitter patter of little feet in about seven or eight months?" she asked as she looked over at Angela.
"Diane… why don't you go find the conductor to flirt with? Or some other sap on the train. Angela and I have a lot of things to do…" said Tony. He could feel his blood pressure rising and his ability to stay calm diminishing with every breath.
"Oh I bet you do… well congratulations you two…" she said as she walked up towards the front of the train.
"I guess we should expect that response from people. A baby would make sense as to why we are rushing a wedding. If only…" she said as she looked out the window to avoid looking him in the eye.
"Angela…" he said as he turned her face towards his own. "Let them think what they want to. You and I know the truth and that's all that matters. And besides… they aren't totally off base. We are going where we are going this morning to have a baby so…" he said.
"I know… when my mind doesn't lead me down the darkest paths, I've been having moments when I picture the cutest little baby. One with my eyes and your smile. A cute little button nose, dark brown hair and olive skin. It helps get me through all of this…" she said as she leaned into his side again.
"It's going to happen Angela, I just know it…" he said as he wrapped his arms around her, their hands finding each others.
They arrived at the clinic and each had a mountain of paperwork to complete before being taken in for more blood work. They were each taken into separate areas for further testing. Angela was given the go ahead to start the medications to stimulate the eggs, prescriptions sent over to her local pharmacy. Tony and Angela were shown how to administer the injections and given paperwork to review before they were finished. Angela was told she needed to come back every three days for bloodwork and a sonogram for monitoring. She was able to make the appointments before heading out.
"Well that wasn't so bad! I'll make sure when I'm done with classes that I go and pick up your medications" he said as they headed out of the building.
"Thanks Tony. I just thought of something- we never got wedding rings!" she said as she began to panic.
"I took care of that Angela! You'll see tomorrow!" he said as he wrapped her arms around her body.
"You did? You really have thought of everything! Alright I need to get to work. I might be a little late tonight to try and get everything I need to done. I love you Tony!" she said as she gave him a kiss.
"Don't be too late! I want to spend as much time with you tonight before I don't get to see you until the wedding! I love you too Angela!" he said as he returned the kiss. Reluctantly, they pulled apart as Angela headed off to the office and Tony headed back to the train station.
Angela woke up Friday morning with a mixture of emotions. She missed the feeling of Tony's arms wrapped around her as she woke up in the morning. She allowed herself some moments of sadness and pity but was soon only focused on the day she had dreamed about for so many years. She quickly got up and jumped in the shower. She was coming out in her pink robe and slippers when Samantha and Mona came into her room.
"Good morning bride to be! Hope you slept well! There's a lot for us to do today!" said Samantha as she came to give Angela a hug.
"I know! I still can't believe this is happening! Our appointments are at ten this morning for hair, makeup and nails. The photographer should be here by three which should be plenty of time for the ceremony to start at four. Mrs. Rossini is getting here by noon. When we are gone, Tony is going to set up the living room for the ceremony" she said as she rattled off more of the day's schedule.
"So before we get this shindig on the road, we figured a toast is in order! Plus we wanted to get the whole borrowed, blue, old, new thing out of the way" said Mona as she handed out champagne glasses, filling them with sparkling cider.
"Here's to you two finally seeing what the rest of us have seen forever… that you two belong together- today, tomorrow and for many, many years to come…" said Mona as she was uncharacteristically serious.
"Here's to making my family finally official. I wouldn't want anyone else to marry my dad and to become my step… no my mother. I love you Angela!" said Samantha as they clinked their glasses.
"That was beautiful you two! Thank you for doing this before the makeup goes on!" laughed Angela as she wiped her eyes.
"Well hold that thought until after your gifts!" chuckled Samantha as she handed Angela two small boxes. Angela opened the first one, revealing a beautiful sapphire ring.
"This is your borrowed, blue and old. It was my grandmother's ring" said Mona as Angela took out the ring and placed it on her right ring finger.
"It's beautiful Mother! I love it!" she said as she embraced Mona. Next, she opened up the second box, revealing a beautiful hair clip, similar to the ring.
"It's not an exact match, but it's as close as we could get it! And it's new so that completes it!" said Samantha.
"I love it! Thank you so much!" she gushed as she came and hugged Samantha. They were able to get themselves ready and out the door just as Tony and Jonathan came into the kitchen.
"Alright Jonathan! We need to do some rearranging of the furniture in here now that they are gone! I've got all the decorations. The florist will be arriving in about an hour, just before Mrs. Rossini gets here! C'mon let's get started!" said Tony as he started to move the furniture. By the time the florist arrived, the living room was set up and decorated with light pink bunting and other decor. He had borrowed some folding chairs for the guests and set up the altar. Mrs. Rossini arrived with Al in tow, dragging in enough food for a small army. Once everything was settled, Tony and Jonathan headed back up to Mona's apartment to shower and get ready.
Angela, Samantha and Mona arrived back just as the photographer was setting up in the living room. Angela looked around the living room, tears coming to her eyes when she saw everything that Tony had done to make the day even that more special. Before she had time to take in everything, Mona and Samantha grabbed her arms and pulled her upstairs to get ready.
Mrs. Rossini had prepared trays of food for Tony and Jonathan as well as the women as they all got dressed and ready. She brought up the food, becoming a blubbering mess when she saw Samantha in her gown, followed by Angela. She gave them all a hug, even Mona much to her dismay, and headed back downstairs. She and Al carried up the food to Mona's apartment.
"Oh Tony! You look so handsome! You're practically glowing! C'mon get over here already and give me a hug!" she gushed as she pulled him into a practical bear hug before releasing him and grabbing a hold of his cheeks.
"Alright already! I don't need bruises in the photos!" shouted Tony. "But thank you for doing everything for us today, especially on such short notice. It means the world to Angela and I" he said.
"I wouldn't have it any other way! Look Tony… I know I'm not your mother, but I knew her and your father long enough to know just how proud of you they both would be today. You've come along way since being that unruly altar boy! You've turned into such a kind, loving, handsome, smart man who I am proud to know and love. I only wish you and Angela a long, lifetime of love and happiness together…" she said before she started bawling again. Tony had to wipe away his tears before hugging her back. He had been trying so hard to push away any negative thoughts about Angela's health but they came flooding back to him, as did flashback of Marie's illness. He felt like he was starting to have a panic attack and needed some air as he quickly rushed outside.
"You okay Tone?" asked Al as he came down the stairs with the empty trays.
"Yeah, yeah… I just needed some fresh air is all! Got a little too emotional for a second…" he managed to say once he could catch his breath.
"Yeah tell me about it! My friend Steve almost passed out at his wedding a few weeks ago! What a pair him and his old lady made- him white as a ghost and her as green as Kermit the frog! But I guess it worked out for them and it'll work out for you too! At least Angela's not knocked up or anything…" said Al, oblivious to how sensitive a topic it was for him.
"Why don't you go back inside and see if Mrs. R needs anymore help…" he said as the panic started to come back again. He watched as Al headed back upstairs, not noticing Mona as she came out the back door.
"She's a pain in the butt and has a face that could stop a clock but Carmela does make some good food! You tell her that though and I'll bury your body where no one will find you!" said Mona as she came to stand next to Tony.
"I won't I promise…" said Tony. She noticed his face was slightly pale and he looked like he was going to jump out of his skin.
"You okay Tony? You're not having second thoughts are you? I will bury your body where no one would find you if you jump ship now!" She laughed.
"I'm not going anywhere Mona. It's just… I needed some fresh air is all…" he said unconvincingly.
"Hmm… you want to try that one again? Maybe start with the truth this time…" she said as she put her arm around his shoulder.
"I've been trying so hard to stay positive throughout everything but today it just hit me that maybe it won't… I can't even say it!" he said as the tears started to fall.
"That your happily ever after may not be so happy or so long…" she said.
"Exactly… I can't lose her Mona! She's the love of my life! I haven't loved anyone the way I do Angela, since… since Marie! I loved Marie… she was my childhood sweetheart, my first real love but when she died, I lost a part of myself. I was lost, walking around with a broken heart. It wasn't until I came here and met Angela that I suddenly felt like I could breathe again. I don't… I don't think I can survive losing another wife…" he said as the tears flowed freely now.
"Look Tony… the thought of losing Angela scares me more than anything else in his world. I thought losing Robert was the worst thing that could happen to me but if I lose my baby… okay we need to stop this pity party! This is your wedding day! No one knows what tomorrow will be bring. You and Angela will have your happily ever after for years and years! That is going to be your focus for today! Reality will be waiting for all of us next week. Today is for hope, joy and love" she said as she gave him a hug.
"You're right Mona. No more blubbering like Mrs. Rossini! Today's my wedding day! I get to marry the love of my life!" he said as he hugged her back. He headed back up the stairs to have some food before the ceremony started. Mona hung back a few moments.
"Listen Robert… I know we haven't spoken recently with everything going on but I need you today. I need today to go off without a hitch. Our little girl needs this in case… in case this is the last happy time for a while. Which speaking of… please keep watching over her. You can't have her yet alright?" she said out loud as she quickly dabbed at the tears threatening to fall as she headed back inside.
The guests began to arrive as they took their seats in the living room. Father Marconi came in from the kitchen followed by Tony and Jonathan. Tony started to welcome the guests as Jonathan started playing the music on the record player. Soon, it was time for the service to begin. The song 'The Way You Look Tonight' began to play as Samantha started to make her way down the stairs and up the makeshift aisle.
"You look beautiful sweetheart!" gushed Tony as he reached out for Samantha's hand, giving it a slight squeeze. She took her place across from Tony and Jonathan. Tony's attention was shifted from his daughter to his blushing bride coming down the stairs. His breath was momentarily taken away as he watched Angela and Mona walk up the aisle. He was one hundred percent sure there never was or never would be a more gorgeous bride than Angela. Her dress was slightly off white, almost pink satin. It was almost floor length but with a long slit up the sides, giving him a wonderful view of her long, beautiful legs. It was off the shoulder and low cut for Angela's standards, hugging her curves in all the right places. He needed to will the blood to flow back to his brain and remind him he couldn't just skip to the wedding night.
"You look like a million dollars Angela…" he managed to say as he reached for her hand.
"You clean up pretty well yourself…" she said as she grabbed his outstretched hand.
"She's all yours Tony…" said Mona, opting to keep it sentimental rather than her sarcastic brand of banter. She gave them each a quick hug before taking a seat next to a crying Mrs. Rossini.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God and in the sight of one another to celebrate the marriage of Anthony and Angela…." said Father Marconi. Tony and Angela were so caught up in each other that his words were only background noise.
"Anthony and Angela have decided to exchange personal vows. Anthony?" asked Father Marconi as he gave Tony a nod.
"Angela… I don't even know how to put into words just what you mean to me. You have been much more than my boss from the moment we met. You have been my best friend, my co-parent, my confidant, my cheerleader… you've been there for my highest highs and my lowest lows. You are beautiful, smart, talented and beautiful. I don't want to go through this life with anyone else but you…" he said as he looked deep into her eyes.
"Angela?" asked Father Marconi as he looked over at Angela.
"Tony… you are everything I ever wanted in a partner. You are kind, loving, understanding, a wonderful father to our children. You would and have moved heaven and earth just to make me feel loved. You are my best friend and the only one I want to spend the rest of my life with…" she said as she gave his hands a squeeze.
"Now Anthony and Angela will exchange rings as a symbol of their undying love. Jonathan, the rings please" he said as Jonathan handed him the rings. He placed Angela's in Tony's hand. Angela looked over at the rings and instant recognized them as Tony's parents' wedding rings. She smiled knowingly at Tony as they exchanged rings.
"Now, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Tony, you may kiss your bride!" said Father Marconi as Tony pulled her close to him. He paused for a moment to look into her eyes, silently communication all his love for his wife before capturing her lips with his own. They were interrupted by a loud applause and cheering from their guests.
"Welcome the new Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Micelli!" he said as they walked back down the aisle, followed closely behind by Samantha and Jonathan. They were able to greet their guests as the men were able to set up the tables for the small reception. The photographer was able to take photos with the guests before taking the family outside for posed photos. They were able to capture some poses in front of the house as well as around the back by the large oak tree. Finally, Tony and Angela were left alone as everyone went back inside.
"So Mrs. Micelli… how does it feel to have married your first kiss?" he asked her as he wrapped his arms around her body.
"Like things have come full circle… like they were meant to be…" she said as she leaned in for a kiss.
"C'mon… let's head inside and get this shindig started!" he chuckled as he led her back into the house.