After the ceremony, Rafe led me back down the aisle, his large hand covering mine tightly as if he didn’t want to let go.

But now, we were at the reception, about to start the first dance. I’d completely forgotten about the dance. With everything on my mind, I must have just over looked it. Maybe a part of me, the part that knew I couldn’t dance to save my life, had forced my conscience to forget about it entirely.

Suddenly, soft music came through the speakers that hid themselves over head in the corners of the decorated banquet hall. I was unfamiliar with the song, but it was slow and beautiful. Teresa must have chosen it. She and Val had planned the whole reception.

Rafe’s hand came into view and he whispered in my ear, “May I have this dance?” I smiled nervously and nodded. Sliding my hand into his, he gently pulled me out onto the open floor.

“I can’t dance,” I whispered, nibbling on my bottom lip. Rafe held my left hand away from us while he guided my right onto his chest. Right over his beating heart.

“Then let me help you.” He whispered back as he placed his free hand on the small of my back, pulling me close.

We swayed gently to the soothing music, Rafe guiding me around the open circle of floor, letting the quiet crowd surrounding us get a look at me from each possible angle except my front. No, only he was able face me. “Hey Rafe?” My voice came out small and soft as I laid my head on his shoulder.

“Yes, il mio amore?”

“Thank you.” I told him.

“For what, amore?” He questioned, still swaying our bodies to the music.

“For telling me you love me.” I felt Rafe smile against my hair before he kissed it.

“Now that I know your feelings I wish I’d told you sooner.” He chuckled.

____________________________

“So,” Val said, smirking knowingly, “What’s next for the Geovanni couple?” Before I could answer, Rafe pulled me close by my hip,

“Our honeymoon, of course.” He stated simply. We stood in our kitchen back home, changed into more comfortable clothes, with our two best friends with us.

“Honeymoon?” I queiried, “You mean we’re—”

“I thought I’d surprise you.” He grinned and chuckled. Owen stole a beer from our refridgerator and winced when Val squealed with excitement.

“Where are you going?” She questioned, grabbing my arm amd grinning like a mad man.

“I’m not su—”

“Italy.” Rafe piped.

“Italy?!” I turned in his arms and stared at him in surprise.

“Yeah. Why not?” He shrugged and smiled, pecked my forehead and then moved to retrieve a beer for himself.

“I’ve. . .never traveled much before, let alone leave the country?”

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll love it Ar, Italy is gorgeous.” Val cooed wistfully.

“I didn’t know you’ve been to Italy before, Valentine.” Owen said before taking another swig from the long necked bottle. Val sighed and waved her hand dismissively.

“I haven’t, but I’ve seen pictures. It truely is beautiful. You’ll like it Ar,”

“If you say so. . .” I eyed my best friend, knowing I didn’t have a choice anyway. Rafe would pull me off to Italy and Val would force me to enjoy it. Just as long as we aren’t on a plane.

_________________________

We were on the way to the hospital when he told me he had a plane ready for when we took off next week. I groaned.

“You okay, Areila? Is it the babies?” He asked instantly. I shook my head.

“No. I just hate planes.”

“Have you ever flown before?” He questioned as he pulled into a parking spot. I shook my head again.

“Then how do you know you hate them?” He winked and got out of the car with the cheeky grin. Before I could reach for the handle, Rafe was already at my door, pulling it open for me.

I lay in the ultrasound room as the doctor set up the equiptment and Rafe took a call on his phone in the hallway. The door was propped open and I watched him pace the floor as he spoke. I strained my ears to hear his side of the conversation. “Yes, I’m taking her to Ita. . .” His voice was quiet as he turned again, pacing the other direction now, “She’ll be safe there.” She?  Was somebody in danger? Where was Rafe taking her?

“Ready?” The female doctor smiled at me as she turned off the lights. I nodded and smiled back as Rafe walked back into the room to grasp my hand. He’d finished his conversation on the phone and slipped it back in his pocket upon entering. “Okay, here we go,” The cheery woman piped as she began. My belly tensed instinctively as the familar cool gel was squirted on. The doctor spread it around with the remote before the screen came to life again. She examined both babies before turning back with a wide grin. “Baby A is definitely a boy and baby B is a girl. Both of them seem to be in good shape. Congratulations, you two.”

“A. . .girl?” Rafe’s hushed voice came from above me and I looked up at him with teary eyes. I couldn’t believe it. I was getting both a son and a daughter.

“How does that sound, Rafe? A little me and a mini you running around.”

“That sounds absolutely perfect.” Rafe said and leaned down to kiss my forehead. “And no one, no one, could ever take that away from me. I won’t allow it.”

Rafe seemed tense as he spoke, but I guessed he could still be on guard from when Keith tried to abduct me from the coffee shop. I would have to show him that I was safe now. Keith was gone, the police got him, right? He was in prision. Right where he should be. What I didn’t understand was that it happened long ago, Rafe had nothing to worry about.