Page 69 of Finding Love in the Clouds

Chapter Sixty-Nine

Before they could get started with the pact proposals for the new year, Hannah announced a change of plans.

“As you all know, it has been a busy year for us, including Anthony and me. Thank you for your well wishes and for visiting your new niece when your schedule allowed. Since we still have a few minutes before the countdown, I would like to show you all my new library. I have worked really hard to make it special, and I want to show it off. Come this way,” Hannah said, leading the way to the back of the house.

The group followed Hannah through a series of elegantly furnished rooms until they reached a set of double doors. She swung them open to reveal a stunning library, its tall ceilings and expansive windows giving the room an airy, majestic feel. Dark wood paneling gleamed under the soft light of chandeliers, and the scent of polished wood mingled with the faint aroma of roses.

The library was decorated simply yet elegantly for the occasion. Red rose bouquets in an assortment of sizes and candles flickered fromevery surface, their golden light dancing off the polished wood and reflecting in the glass. The fireplace in the wall to the left crackled softly, adding to the warm glow.

Sophie’s family, Hannah’s parents, and her two little girls, dressed in their finest attire, were already present, obviously waiting for the BBC brothers to join them. Javier looked dapper in a tiny tuxedo, glancing around with wide eyes as the group entered the room, chatting amongst themselves. A hush fell as they took in their surroundings. For a moment, they looked confused until Anthony and Fernando stepped to the front of the room, positioning themselves before an enormous bay window adorned with a rose garland wrapped in twinkling fairy lights.

Hannah quickly shuffled everyone about, creating an aisle in the middle of the room. She hit play on a nearby sound system, and the first notes of the wedding march filled the air. Smiles spread on the faces of the brothers and their partners as realization dawned on them as to what was happening.

Sophie entered the room, her heels clicking on the hardwood floor, and every head turned to look at her. She was breathtaking in the custom-made Versace gown that accentuated her figure. The dress was a stunning trumpet design with a V neckline and delicate capped sleeves overlaid in intricate Burano lace with a rose motif. A matching Burano lace veil covered her face, adding an air of mystery and tradition. Santiago, looking proud and emotional, walked her down the makeshift aisle.

Anthony, standing at the front, ready to officiate the ceremony, beamed as Sophie approached. Javier stood beside Fernando, clutching the ring bearer pillow tightly, his expression a mixture of excitement and seriousness.

As Sophie reached Fernando, Santiago placed her hand in his, a silent gesture of trust and blessing. Fernando looked at her with eyes full of love and admiration, his heart pounding with the enormity of the moment.

Anthony began the ceremony with a warm, heartfelt speech about love, family, and the journey that had brought Sophie and Fernando to this moment. The couple exchanged vows, their voices steady and filled with emotion, promising to support and cherish each other for the rest of their lives.

When the time came to exchange rings, Javier stepped forward, holding out the pillow with great care. Fernando and Sophie slipped the rings onto each other’s fingers, their eyes never leaving each other’s.

As Anthony pronounced them husband and wife, fireworks erupted outside the bay window, lighting up the night sky in a dazzling display. The timing was perfect, the New Year’s celebration adding an extra layer of magic to the moment. Fernando lifted Sophie’s veil and kissed her deeply, sealing their vows as their family and friends erupted in applause and cheers.

As the couple ended their kiss, the family descended on them, congratulating them on their marriage and wishing them well while expressing their surprise at the best-kept secret and gratitude for including them in the celebration.

Moments later, Sophie’s mother wheeled in the small three-tier cake decorated simply with a cascade of red roses. Fernando and Sophie cut the cake and politely fed each other the first piece before serving the family as Anthoney passed out the traditional flutes of champagne.

The newest additions to the family were introduced, and Gabriel hoisted Javier up on his broad shoulder, declaring him the “Best RingBearer in BBC History.” The room erupted in laughter as Gabriel added, “And a special commendation for not losing the rings, despite Fernando forgetting to tie them down first! Who knew handing a six-year-old loose rings on a silk pillow could turn out so well?” Javier beamed with pride, clutching the ring pillow to his chest as if it were the best award.

Once his son was back on the ground, Fernando tapped his wedding ring on his crystal flute and got everyone’s attention. “It is my honor to welcome all these beautiful women into our family. Thank you for taking these reformed bad boys into your hearts and loving them as I do,” he said, looking pointedly at Leighann and Maria.

“It’s my turn to propose the pact this year. I propose we create the BBC foundation to support at-risk youth and renovate old children’s homes. We know what it’s like to live in a rundown place, and I would like to make a concerted effort to make that change, starting with Divine Providence. It recently came under new management, and they would appreciate our help. Personally, I would like to tear it down and start over, but Gabriel will have to advise us on that. Through our charitable efforts and the time and effort these projects will take if we get personally involved, we will grow together as a family and be stronger this time next year.”

All of the men readily agreed and toasted to the New Year as fireworks continued to burst in the sky, their colors reflecting off the windows and casting a kaleidoscope of light into the room.

“What will BBC stand for in the foundation’s name? Bad Boys Club?” Leighann asked innocently.

“Absolutely not!” Fernando declared adamantly. “That name has got to go. I’m sure between all of us, we can come up with something much more appropriate now thatnoneof us are bad boys and never really were.”

He glared daggers at Enrique, who mumbled under his breath, “I don’t know. I always thought Bad Boys Club was kind of catchy.”

Epilogue

Six months later:

“I’ve got news,” Enrique said, walking into his brother’s office unannounced.

“Well, hello to you too,” Fernando quipped, looking up from the papers he was reading on his desk. “Should I call for Sophie, or is this for my ears only?”

“No, Soph should know,” Enrique answered, getting comfortable in the armchair across from his brother’s desk.

No sooner had he said this than Sophie entered the room. “I heard my name. Oh, hello, Enrique. What brings you to us from the other side of the country? Decide to give some of our beaches a try?” she teased, walking around the desk to perch on Fernando’s lap.

Laying a sealed manilla envelope on Fernando’s desk, he said, “Nope. I had some frequent flyer miles to burn and thought I should deliver this news in person. Sophie asked me to investigate your biological mother last summer. I put a team on it, not that it wasn’t important, but… last year was kind of crazy, if you’ll recall. We finallyfound a lead, and after months of tugging on loose threads, we found one that turned out to be something useful. Do you want to read the report or for me to summarize the findings?”

“The summary is good,” Fernando said, his voice reflecting his emotion. The death grip on Sophie’s hand told her how much this information meant to him.

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