Chapter 11- Sadness

Philip's POV

Going to Michonne's funeral was difficult for you. I went with you, holding your hand the whole time. Her death was so unexpected and she was so young. Only twenty-three years old. I would never let you know that Michonne stopped by to visit me that day or I knew why she was driving so fast.

This was not something I wanted, Andrea.. I offered to pay Michonne to go away, I even tried to stop her from driving the car. I actually grabbed her arm. But I can't lie and say I am unhappy about her being gone. She was trying to force me into dumping you.

What was she thinking?

I wouldn't ever let you go. You are mine now.

We are in this too deep. We've been together for almost four months and you are one month away from graduating law school.

Since Michonne's death, you haven't mentioned getting married. You've been really depressed, and that's understandable. But I know we are heading toward marriage. I allow you to grieve for your friend, I am trying to be patient. I don't even push you for sex. I am really understanding about only once a week, because you are still processing her death. When my wife Sarah died in a car accident, I went through the same thing.

Sasha decides to leave her nanny position in April instead of May.

After Sasha resigns,you quit your server job and take care of Penny after she gets out of school. I pay you exactly what I paid Sasha. I know you are putting that money away from Amy's college. You aren't even close to having enough. I don't want you to have enough. I want you to need me.

Your dad is a cop, and your mom is a teacher. They won't be able to afford Julliard, especially with the out-of-state tuition. I haven't told you that I am going to pay for your sister's college. I am waiting until we are officially engaged. Which won't be much longer.

I plan on asking you in May, when we take Amy to New York for her graduation present. Time is sort of drifting, but everyday you are healing. You've been spending more time with Penny. Taking her to the movies, Target, the park, and lunch dates to Chick fil a.

You are falling in love with my daughter. I watch the two of you continue to form a special bond.

"Can I call you mom? I mean, you live here and share a room with my dad. I know my mom is in heaven but I thought maybe I could call you mom too," Penny asks Andrea on a Saturday morning when we are all sitting there at the table eating waffles for breakfast.

Andrea looks at me, and I look at her. This wasn't something we expected to happen.

"If your dad is okay with it. I would love you to call me mom, Penny. But we can't ever forget Sarah, your birth mom who died in the car accident. I want you to know that she loved you very much and she still watches over you," Andrea says, pulling our daughter into a hug.

"Is that okay, dad? Can I call Andrea, mom?" she asks with a smile coming to her face.

"Yes, you can. I think it's a great idea," I said, looking over at my two beautiful ladies. We finish up breakfast and Penny goes up to her bedroom to watch cartoons.

"Penny and I are really getting close. I want to adopt her. To legally be her mother," Andrea Says looking into my blue eyes.

"We can discuss an adoption after we are married. Have you thought about when you want to get married?" I said, looking at her, knowing how much she has changed since we've gotten together. She has all new clothes, makeup, and gets her hair and nails done regularly. I definitely have improved her life and appearance, I think to myself.

"Well, I have been pretty depressed lately, so I thought I might have Amy come over. If that's okay with you. I am thinking about the end of September for the wedding and I want my sister to help plan everything. I want to have plenty of time to plan the wedding,"she says, sort of looking away.

I knew her father's words had affected her. Why did he want you to be with the loser who cheated on you? I am concerned you are thinking of Shane right now. The sooner we have a wedding, the better, I think.

"Of Course she can come over. I'll have the maid get the guesthouse ready for her. Do you know when?" I said, knowing Amy coming over was a great idea.

Andrea needed a distraction, and her sister definitely would provide her with one.

"This Thursday. I used the credit card to buy her a plane ticket. I hope that's okay. Sorry, I didn't at first.," she says as we walk into the living room together.

"You're fine. You know I adore Amy, I think of her as the little sister I never had. Where are you wanting to have the wedding? Have you looked into venues?" I asked her.

"I was thinking here. The mansion and winery are so beautiful. We could have a set up outside or use the ballroom. I don't want to have a huge wedding. Just something simple and elegant with a few friends and family members."

"You can have whatever type of wedding you want," I said, taking her hand as she sat on the sofa.

"I don't really have a theme. But I was thinking of using the colors pink and green. Since we saw Wicked together on our first date. Maybe use a song or two from the soundtrack? I know I want to use a lot of pink roses. I talked with your mom, Natalie, and she thinks I should hire a wedding planner. She recommended this lady named Kris Lavender, but that would cost so much. We aren't even officially engaged yet," she says,looking a little more excited about the event.

"My mother knows how to put on a delightful party. You should take her advice," I said, looking at my future bride. She looks so pretty with a fresh face, blonde hair falling on her face and in a pair of blue silk pajamas.

"I do want to hire a wedding planner. I am only concerned about the money. Amy was accepted into Juilliard and we've been all trying to come up with enough money for just one year. Even with financial aid, I know there isn't enough. What kind of sister would I be to ask my parents for thousands of dollars right now? That's why I thought we could do something simple here," she says,looking stressed.

Anyone can tell that you love your sister so much. You give up your dream wedding for her. But I wasn't going to allow you to do that.

"I can cover the wedding cost. I recently bought those old apartments you lived in. They were completely worthless, but the land is actually pretty valuable. I just sold the property for twice the amount I paid, I am guessing they are going to build a Walmart there," I said proudly.

"You've done so much for me already, but thank you. I know my parents are under alot of stress with Amy starting college. I didn't want to ask them for money. I won't overspend. I do want a simple and elegant wedding," she promises.

"You do whatever you want for your big day. The wedding planner, dress, shoes, cake, and anything you need. You can just charge everything to my credit card. You can have a flow blow out Wicked theme wedding for all I care. Andrea, you are the bride and this is your day. I will be busy planning our honeymoon. That's all I want control over," I said, pulling her into my arms. I kiss her lips softly and then carry her to the bedroom.

I want so much to make love to you without protection Before Michonne's death you were open to trying for a baby. Now you want to wait until after we are officially married. Why do we have to wait until September? I was going to try to get you to move the date up to August.

I wouldn't risk losing you.