HAPPY FOREVER AFTER

“So I know this probably isn’t what I should be talking about right now… But how about we push the wedding forward and get married in three weeks? If you agree of course” Daniel asked.

Emma stared up at him.

“Yeah,” Daniel continued. “All three of us are family already. Why wait any longer? There’s no reason to. Your mom is going to be here to see the baby, why not invite our families to come see the baby and attend our wedding at once”Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Emma smiled at him. “Yes. Let’s do it” she said. “I gotta say, I like this loving, caring, soft side of you”

Daniel simply grinned and leaned down to kiss her again. As he did, the door opened and Karen, Frank, Tom and Monica came into the room.

“Hey, Daniel” Karen said playfully as they moved closer. “Let my girl rest a bit before you get her pregnant again”

Everyone laughed at Karen’s joke… including Daniel. “Oh, he’s so cute” Karen murmured as they all got a look at the baby. “We got here as soon as we could. But you were already in the labor room so we had to wait. I’m so glad everything went well”

“Congrats man” Frank said, as he gave Daniel a pat on his back. “You got a good woman, and now a family”

Daniel grinned. “Thanks man” he said as he shook hands with Frank and Tom. He was indeed lucky.

“Okay, I have to hold him now,” Karen said as she gently took the baby from Emma. “Oh hello, little one” she said and Monica moved closer to play with the baby’s hands.

“What did you guys name him?” Monica asked.

“Jack,” Daniel replied.

“Jack Rohan” Emma said, her eyes becoming misty again as she watched the people she loved.

“Oh, hello, Jack. I’m your Godmother” Karen said lovingly as she welled up. “And I’m gonna love the shit out of you”

“Please don’t say words like shit when you are holding my baby” Emma said smiling. “I wonder what kind of God mother you’ll be.”

“A very amazing one,” Karen said beaming. “The one he runs to when he wants to get away from you. I’m going to be fun Aunt Karen”

Emma simply smiled. She believed her.

“Okay, it’s my turn to hold him now,” Monica said excitedly as she took the baby from Karen. “I wonder who he looks like,” she said as Jack grabbed her index finger and she beamed.

“Are you kidding, he’s so beautiful… It’s all Emma” Daniel said while Emma smiled up at him, thinking that the baby took after him instead.

Emma returned home with Daniel the next day. With their baby and looking forward to their lives as a family and new parents… and being very optimistic about it.

——————————

Daniel stood in the front of the mirror and looked at his reflection. He was getting married to the love of his life.. Finally,

Since they had gotten back from the hospital he had been trying to be the best he could be for Emma and Jack.. A good husband and father. Taking every care not to give Emma any cause to change her mind about their marriage, always keeping their son’s welfare and hers as his priority. He didn’t want to lose her ever again. Didn’t want her walking away from him for any other reason. Once the marriage vows were taken, there would be no walking away.

Ever again. Which was precisely how he wanted it… And he wouldn’t give her a reason to.

“You’re looking grim, Daniel. Is everything okay between you and Emma?” Frank asked.

He finished fastening the second cufflink and lifted his gaze to Frank who was standing by, holding the buttonhole carnation ready to be attached to his lapel.

“Have you detected anything wrong?” he asked.

“No. Just aware that you’re rather tense,” was the dry response.

It drew a wry smile from Daniel. “It’s fine.. I’m just thinking about getting married. I’m hoping it works out as well as yours has.”

“I hope so, too. She’s a very special woman.” Frank said. “Don’t fret it, Daniel. It’s going to be fine. Just go on and win. I have every confidence that you have Emma’s heart.. Completely. You guys were made for each other” Frank said.

“What makes you say that?” Daniel asked.

“You listen to her. You appreciate her. Same with her. And she’s changed you so much.. Made you become an even better man. The right woman does that to you”

“Read me like a book,” Daniel said, reaching for the buttonhole to pin it on.

“You’re a master tactician. I’ve always admired that in you.”

He had a lot of guests. This wedding was his show. But it was for her, to give her the spotlight as his bride, to give her all she deserved to have. They were a family now

And their love for their son was a beautiful thing to see. This marriage would work. He’d make it work. They would.

“You’re getting that grim, serious face again, Daniel,” Frank warned. “Relax man, it’s all going to be fine. I know it”

Daniel smiled and forced himself to relax, and Frank clamped a hand on Daniel’s shoulder. “Time for us to get going. Let’s make it a happy day.”

“Right! Thanks for your support, Frank” Daniel said.

“My pleasure.”

They grinned at each other-both of them born warriors who would not accept defeat. They would stand shoulder to shoulder at this wedding and if happiness could be won, they would win it.

—————————-

“Here!” Karen handed Emma the bridal bouquet and stood back to eye the full effect of how Emma would appear, walking down the aisle. “Perfect!” she declared.

“Your fans are going to love the photos. You look just like a fairy-tale princess bride.”

Emma stared at her reflection in the cheval mirror, her heart lifting at seeing herself precisely how she had dreamt of looking as a bride. She loved the sweetheart neckline of her dress. The tightly molded bodice was beautifully beaded with tiny crystals, as was the hem and lower half of the gloriously wide skirt. A diamond tiara-lent to her by Daniel’s mother-held the veil which frothed out to form a magical frame for her long black hair, softly curling down over her shoulders. A make-up artist had done wonders with her face.