"And I love you more, Lorenzo Rosii. You make my world complete." Hearing her say that set my heart at ease. As we walked back to the car, hand in hand, I knew that this night would be etched in our memories forever. I felt like shouting at the top of my lungs - I was that excited. I could see my future, bright and clear. This time, I would not be afraid of finding and holding love.
Chapter 28
CRYSTAL
Iwasenjoyingmytime in Paris with Lorenzo and his family. What made me more excited was that I was engaged to Lorenzo. This cleared all the doubts I had in my heart - I was fulfilled. Finally, I would be able to take his name as his wife. His family was happy for him, and it warmed my heart that they accepted me and wanted me in their family. The little girl I once was would certainly be ecstatic.
"Sorry to bother you, but can I have a minute of your time?" Marie had a respectful look on her face as she asked. I paused, wondering what this was about. Honestly, what happened between us didn't mean much to me - I had long ago forgiven her. Although I never agreed with what she did, I understood her motivation.
"Please, join me." I patted the free space on the loveseat where I was ensconced. The balcony gave us a clear view of the trees around the house.
She sat beside me and offered, "I want to ask for your forgiveness. What happened back in America was wrong. I should have been more gracious, but when I heard what happened, I let my protective side take control. I'm truly sorry for what I said and how I treated you and your friend. I hope you can forgive me." She held my gaze, sincerity filling her eyes.
"I appreciate the gesture. I have forgiven you, considering you are Lorenzo's sister and a nice person. Marie, you are my friend too." I held her hand in mine. She sighed and flashed me a bright smile.
"Thank you. I hope we can have a better relationship in the future, and I'm glad to have you in our family." We hugged, and I watched her leave. Lorenzo came by a few minutes later.
"What happened between you too? Marie looks happy." He sat by my side and hugged me. I leaned into him in response.
"We just reconciled our relationship, and things are better than ever. Things are going well, Lorenzo, I can feel it."
"That's great. I plan for us to get married when we get back home. How would you like the wedding? Big or small?"
"A small but classy wedding with friends and family. I want it to be intimate with little fanfare." I thought I wanted a big wedding but looking at things now, a small wedding with the people I love would be perfect.
"We can do that. Anything just for you." I kissed him, still not believing how well things had turned out between us.
A few days later, we were prepared to leave Paris. Igor had to leave earlier, which left just Marie and Lancelot to see us off. When we arrived at the airport and boarded the jet, Marie and Lancelot said their goodbyes. They stayed a few meters away as the jet took off. I knew we were going to see them soon at the wedding.
After the long flight, Antonio came to take us home. I still wasn't used to long flights. We went to bed early since it was late, and we could not stay up a minute longer. When I put everyone to bed, I picked up my phone to call Jen. I had a lot to tell her.
"Hello, Crystal?"
"Hey, Jen. I'm back home. How have you been?"
"I've missed you and my little friend. It's like after you got that man caught in your trap, and you forgot me." She faked it like she was crying. I played along.
"I'm so sorry. It's so sad that you don't want to come to my wedding."
"Wait, what? A wedding you say. Ahhhh! Congratulations. Why didn't you tell me sooner? When did you get engaged and where did it happen?" Her excitement made me happy. It was great to have a supportive friend.
"Paris a few days ago. The wedding will be in a few weeks, just family and friends. I want you to be my bridesmaid and help me prepare. I need you, Jen."
"Of course, I'll be here for you. Anything you need, just tell me. I'll be coming over tomorrow. I must see the bride-to-be."
"I'll be home waiting for you, and Marie sends her apologies."
"I will forgive her for your sake. Be happy, my dear." We exchanged more pleasantries before I ended the call. I got into bed and put Lorenzo's arms around me.
______
The wedding planning was going fine. Jen and I went to a top designer to make our dresses and then went for the traditional cake tasting. Preparing for the wedding was fun. Lorenzo was taking care of the logistics, plus the location and the drinks. He also was spending more time with Alfred. They went to Lorenzo's tailor who was to make both bespoke suits. Lorenzo suggested we make him the ring bearer, and I agreed wholeheartedly.
For a few days now, I'd been feeling exhausted and tired. I noticed that I had missed my period, which usually came the first week of the month. I thought it would come later, but it didn't. I had my suspicions, especially with how much sex I'd had with Lorenzo over the past months. Even more so, I'd only been pregnant once and discovered it after three months. I hadn't noticed any other symptoms when I was pregnant until I started to reveal a baby bump. Immediately, I went to the hospital to confirm it. I didn't want to tell Lorenzo my suspicions without being sure.
True to my intuition, the doctor confirmed that I was pregnant. I was six weeks gone. I was so giddy with excitement that I hugged the doctor. Thus, this pregnancy didn't come with medical assistance but out of love between the both of us. When I left the hospital, I stopped myself from calling Lorenzo immediately. I bought some sexy red lace lingerie from a boutique and flowers and drove back home.
Alfred was out with his father. Lorenzo wanted to get some toys for Alfred’s playroom. I went to our room. Since our engagement, we shared one room, primarily his. I closed the curtains, lit candles, and threw rose petals around the floor and on the bed, making heart shapes. A few minutes later, I was done arranging the room to my satisfaction.