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The quaint white chapel stood in a field of wildflowers. The short brick path leading to the opened wooden doors was adorned with tulips. The sky was the most brilliant shade of blue with puffy white clouds. Gabi climbed out of the car in awe of the scene before her. Maria adjusted the halo of colorful flowers that sat gracefully over Gabi’s soft black hair. The girls started up the path to the chapel as they heard the strains of violin music waft through the doors.
Maria entered the vestibule and saw Antonio and Ben waiting in front of the altar. There were only a handful of pews on either side of the red carpet leading the way up the aisle. Maria smiled at them both as she slowly walked to the front of the church. Antonio stared intently at the back of the church as the organ began playing Canon in D. Gabi stepped into the vestibule. The sunlight filtered through the stained glass windows casting beautiful colors into the sanctuary. White tulips and roses were draped over the altar. Two large candelabras flickered as the light breeze blew from the back of the church. Gabi walked slowly into the chapel as her eyes immediately found Antonio’s. He was dressed in a dark blue suit with a white dress shirt. Gabi had never seen him looking so handsome. Antonio’s breath caught as Gabi entered the chapel. Her white dress rested slightly off her shoulders and was covered with an intricate pattern of pearls and lace. It was simple yet elegant and she had never looked more intoxicating to him. Gabi smiled shyly as she made her way up the aisle. Arriving at the front, Antonio stepped next to her, his eyes deep with love, taking her hand in his. "You look beautiful," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. Gabi and Antonio turned to face the minister as Ben and Maria moved next to them. The minister began, "We are gathered here today to join Gabriella and Antonio in the union of holy matrimony. They have come with love and joy to begin their lives together today as husband and wife." Gabi squeezed Antonio’s hand as he touched her arm lightly. "Gabriella, do you take Antonio to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, from this day forward, for as long as you both shall live?" "I do," Gabi spoke quietly as a tear slid from her eye. Antonio smiled at his beautiful bride. "And do you, Antonio, take Gabriella to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, from this day forward, for as long as you both shall live?" "I do," Antonio replied deeply, his own eyes wet with tears. "Antonio, you have written something for Gabriella?" Gabi’s eyes widened as Antonio glanced down to their hands and then back into her eyes. "Gabi, I love you without knowing how or from where. My love for you is so strong that when you breathe, I breathe. When you laugh, I laugh. When you hurt, I hurt. When you cry, I cry. You complete me, Gabi. You are my friend, my lover and my soul mate. You are my now, my always and my forever. I promise to be with you always, to protect you, to make you laugh, to keep you happy. I promise to love you with all that I am for the rest of my life." The tears were flowing freely from Gabi’s eyes as she listened to Antonio profess his love to her. The minister continued, "Do you have the rings?" Maria and Ben placed the rings on the bible. "This ring is a perfect and unbroken circle representing your neverending love. Antonio please take the ring and Gabriella’s left hand." Antonio picked up the shiny gold band and held Gabi’s delicate hand. "Repeat after me, Gabriella, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity, and as my vow to you that our union shall have no end." Antonio gingerly slid the ring onto Gabi’s finger, "Gabriella, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity, and as my vow to you that our union shall have no end." "Gabriella, please take the ring and Antonio’s left hand." Gabi gently lifted the ring off the bible and took Antonio’s strong hand in hers. "Repeat after me, Antonio, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity, and as my vow to you that our union shall have no end." Gabi slowly slid the ring onto Antonio’s finger, "Antonio, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity, and as my vow to you that our union shall have no end." Antonio and Gabi stood holding each other’s hands, gazing into each other’s eyes. "By the power vested in me, before God and these witnesses, I know pronounce you husband and wife. What God hath brought together, let no man put asunder. Antonio, you may kiss your bride." Antonio leaned over whispering, "I love you, Gabriella Torres." Gabi replied, "I love you, Antonio Torres." They kissed tenderly, losing themselves in the moment, without noticing the figure standing at the back of the church watching them. The minister concluded, "Maria and Ben, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Torres." Maria and Ben applauded loudly as they shared hugs and kisses with the newlyweds. Quietly, Ricardo slipped out the door before anyone noticed him. BIG BEAR "Gabi, wake up," Antonio nudged her gently. "Sweetie, were here." Gabi had fallen asleep on the ride up to Big Bear. She stretched gently as Antonio came around and opened her door. He reached his hand in and helped her out of the car. The small log cabin sat nestled amongst the large trees. The wrap around porch looked out over a small, private lake. Antonio took Gabi’s hand leading her up the steps to the cabin door. Gabi leaned over him, nibbling gently on his ear as he fumbled with the key. "Hey, now. I’m a married man, you know," he said teasingly. "Yes, I know," Gabi replied seductively. Antonio took her in his arms, dropping her backwards as he kissed her neck passionately. Gabi giggled as she swatted at him playfully. Antonio laughed and pulled her upright again, opening the door to let her in. The one room cabin was charming inside. The four post bed was tucked into the far corner covered by a handmade patchwork quilt. A large stone fireplace covered the wall across from the small kitchen. Sliding glass doors opened to the porch overlooking the lake. Gabi stepped into the cabin taking in every detail. The creak of the floor, the smell of the wood, the ambiance of the entire room. "Oh, Antonio, it’s perfect," she marveled spinning around. Antonio smiled at his wife as he stepped towards her. "You’re perfect," he said quietly taking her into his arms. They gazed at each other passionately. "I better go bring in the suitcases," Antonio said reluctantly. "It looks like a storm might be coming." Gabi nodded as she headed to the patio doors. She could hear the thunder booming in the distance. She walked into the kitchen to survey the stock. The refrigerator was full with a vast array of fruits and vegetables. The cupboards were full with necessities as well. Antonio rushed back inside closing the door behind him. "The winds picking up out there. We made it just in time." He set the suitcases down on the dresser. "I’m going to start a fire, okay?" Gabi watched him take off his jacket and drape it over the chair. He pulled off his tie and unbuttoned his cuffs. Gabi wanted him more at this moment than she ever had before. "I’ll be right back," she said softly as she grabbed her suitcase and headed into the bathroom. The bathroom was surprisingly large with a double whirlpool tub. A large glassed in shower stood in the opposite corner. A wicked smile crossed her lips as she imagined what they would do in them later. Gabi opened the suitcase and pulled out the surprise she had packed. She slipped out of her dress and pulled on the white satin negligee that hung just below her knees. She looked into the mirror noticing how snugly it fit over her bulging belly. She remembered Maria’s words with a smile. Gabi dabbed some perfume behind her ears as she gently shook her head to soften her hair. She pulled on the lacy robe leaving it hanging suggestively open. She took one last look and quietly opened the door. Antonio had lighted white candles all around the room. Gabi could hear the rain tapping lightly against the windows. An ice bucket was filled with ice and a carafe of milk with two champagne glasses next to the bed. Gabi stifled a laugh so Antonio wouldn’t know she was there. She watched him as he crouched next to the fireplace arranging the wood. Gabi could see through his shirt the way his muscles flexed as he moved. She was getting hotter by the minute. "Gabi," he called out without turning around. "I’ve got the fire going. I think the storm is..." he stopped in his tracks as he stood and turned from the fireplace. He had unbuttoned his shirt while making the fire, revealing his tanned, toned chest. Gabi was standing near the foot of the bed. The warm glow of the candles illuminating her beautiful face. Antonio was speechless at this gorgeous woman before him. His eyes took in all of her, her soft hair, the white lace robe hanging just so on her shoulders, the silky white negligee that hugged her body. His body ached with how much he wanted and needed her. They hadn’t made love to each other in so long...ever since the cave-in. It had been their first and only time together. Antonio moved slowly toward her, his eyes dark with passion and need. Gabi felt weak in the knees as her husband inched closer. Silently, he reached out and touched her shoulders, her body trembled from the power in his hands. He pulled her gently towards him without taking his eyes from hers. In an instant, their lips met with a hunger neither of them had fully anticipated. They both moaned softly from the intensity of their desire. Antonio pulled back, his breathing ragged and quick. He ran his hands under the robe, releasing her from it. It fell to a heap at her feet. His eyes fell to her round, firm stomach. He hadn’t noticed it in her wedding dress, she held her bouquet in front of her. But here, covered in the snug, white silk he could see how she had blossomed with their child. He dropped to his knees with his arms around her waist, and held his cheek against her stomach for a moment as Gabi caressed his hair. Antonio kissed her stomach gently before standing up again to meet her lips. Gabi’s hands slid up his chest and over his broad shoulders pushing the shirt off his arms. He stood before her as she leaned forward tickling his nipples with her tongue, sending chills up and down his spine. Antonio ran his hands over the silky fabric that covered her. Carefully, he slipped the straps off her shoulders as the negligee fell softly to the floor. He covered her chest and shoulders with soft, delicate kisses as she unbuckled his belt and unzipped his pants. She reached her hand inside finding him throbbing for her. He let out a deep moan and Gabi smiled at the effect she had on him. Unable to resist any longer, Antonio swept her up into his arms and carried her around to the side of the bed, nuzzling her neck. He laid her down softly and climbed in beside her, their eyes begging each other to unleash the passion they had held in for so long. Antonio lowered himself onto her, kissing his way up her chest to her neck as his lips lingered just under her chin. "Antonio," Gabi whimpered softly caressing his shoulders. The way she whispered his name sent him reeling. "Gabi," he answered between kisses, calling out with his own desire. Gabi dug her fingers into his muscular back as they finally became one. Antonio buried his face into her neck as she pulled him deeper into her soul. Their need for each other so overpowering, their bodies moving against each other out of their control. Their cries grew louder and louder until they simultaneously allowed themselves the most intense release either had ever felt. They each struggled to catch their breath. Gabi could feel Antonio trembling as he raised himself up and found her lips. He kissed her deeply and tenderly, entwining his hand with hers above her head. He pulled back and gazed into her eyes. He could see how much he had satisfied her and it made him smile. He kissed her again passionately before rolling over onto his back. Gabi snuggled next to him, wrapping her leg over his. Their bodies were sticky and hot, the sheets tangled between them. Antonio held her in his arms tightly. They both lay quietly listening to the rain pounding on the roof. Neither of them spoke, as no words were necessary. Antonio rested his left hand on his stomach as Gabi reached her hand up and placed it over his. She could feel his wedding band under her palm as she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. Antonio felt Gabi’s stomach resting against his side. He smiled and pulled her a little closer. He had never been as happy as he was this very minute, lying in bed holding his wife, feeling her belly swollen with their child. He closed his eyes and fell asleep.
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