This was what pure happiness felt like. Laughing and holding each other, whispering words of love.
They arrived back at his car a short time later, climbing inside and making phone calls to their family and friends to tell them their crazy plan. There were screams of joy, more tears from Maria along with chiding for not giving her much time, but lots of laughter. The to-do list was divvied up and plans were made.
First thing Monday morning, Alex would get the marriage certificate and find an officiant. Then they could make a plan for the date and pass that on to everyone else.
Alex walked her to her car and held her again saying, “Aria, you’ve made me the happiest man in the world today.”
“I love you. I can’t wait to start our lives together,” Aria whispered.
“Oh wait, I need to make arrangements for our honeymoon. Where would you like to go?” Alex asked, holding her close.
With her eyes sparkling with mischief, she answered, “Take me to see an albatross first. Then show me the world. When we get home, we can fill our house with babies.”
She batted her eyes as if she were trying to convince him.
Choking for a moment, Alex gained his composure.
“You mean that? Do you want to leave on our adventure?”
Aria nodded. “Yes, I’m ready. Make my dreams come true.”
Chapter Fifty-Nine
Monday morning,after securing the marriage license and the officiant five days from then, both families and friends worked hard to bring everything together to create a magical ceremony.
Alex worked non-stop to arrange for their first stop in Cape Town and prayed they would be able to see an albatross. He then made the arrangements for the next four destinations, keeping them a surprise for Aria.
He wanted to take her to the islands of Greece that she hadn’t been to yet, as well as Croatia, Australia and New Zealand to see nature as she’d never experienced it before. He couldn’t wait to share those experiences with her. They would figure out the rest as they went along.
They decided to have the ceremony at Leonardo's house in his big backyard. The garden would be the perfect place to hold the event, and everyone had a part in making it look magical. Twinkling lights and colorful lanterns recreated the special moments they shared at Alex’s cottage and boat.
It would be a small wedding just as Aria and Alex had wanted. Their closest friends and their two families were all they needed to witness this special day. Alex tasked Enzo with airport pickups for Santo and Adrian.
The night before the wedding, Alex and Aria sat down for a quick dinner together at his house, taking some quiet time together after the hectic week of planning and prepping. He was so happy to hear about Aria’s conversations with her staff about the long absence.
“They’re so excited for me and said they would do everything possible to make this work. I’m nervous, but I know this is what I want,” Aria said as they finished their coffee.
“Natalia knows how important this is for you. She is a strong leader and will do a great job. I’m sure of it.”
Stifling a yawn, Aria sat in peaceful silence. Alex couldn’t take his eyes off his bride-to-be.
“Tomorrow you become Mrs. Aria Rossi, cara mia. I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight,” Alex said, chuckling.
“Neither will I,” Aria whispered, her eyes roaming his face.
Alex brought her in for a long embrace saying, “Let’s get you home. I know your mom and sister will have you up at the crack of dawn to get ready.”
Walking her to her door once back at her house, he spoke low so they didn’t wake up her parents who had driven in the day before.
“Good night, my beautiful Aria. I will be the one waiting for you at the end of the aisle tomorrow. Waiting to make you mine,” he said huskily.
Blushing, Aria answered, “And I’ll be the one walking down that aisle toward you, forever.”
Chapter Sixty
When Aria awokethe next morning, she yawned and turned over, blinking the sleep away. Her eyes landed on her simple but elegant wedding dress hanging over the closet door. She felt like her heart would burst from happiness. She squealed and kicked her heels under her covers like a little girl.
A memory of her and young Alex at his house that day when something significant passed between them. Their eyes had locked, and her breath caught just thinking about it.
