Saturday morning, the birds are singing, the sun’s shining, all is well, and Sonia is about to be Mrs. Andrew Terrence Hastings. She never thought that this would ever happen to her or that she could be this happy, as she is. Something wonderful was about to happen in her life, and she did not have to work hard to get it. Maybe this was fate’s way of telling her that this, with Andrew, was right.
Pulling back the comforter, she got out of bed and went to her closet, pulling out the dress she bought for today. Sonia wonders how Andrew was feeling right now at this very moment. Is he as happy as she is, or has he changed his mind about marrying her? Sonia couldn’t worry about that right now because nothing was going to mess up her day.
With her dress on the bed and her matching underwear next to it, Sonia went to take a shower. A thought accrued to her, do all the rules of marriage apply to their situation? Will he kiss her like he’s been doing lately? Oh, she could only hope. Sonia touched her lips; she could still feel the tingling feeling it caused. Just the thought of it made her shudder. Sonia sighs; she has to get ready for her day with Andrew.
Sonia wondered if Andrew would think she looked fat in her dress and if he mind that she brought him a ring. This means it’s lasting. Nothing and no one can take this away from her. She will not stand before a minister and say vows and not mean them. Sonia put on the finishing touches and checked herself in the mirror. She was satisfied with the way she looked and hoped Andrew would be too.
Andrew’s feeling great like he’s on cloud nine. He’s hoping that Sonia feels the same way he does. Pulling his suit out, he started to get ready for the best day of his life. He’s come a long way in the last six months, but what can he say? He has new friends, a new home, a very good business, and now a wife. What more could he ask for? Oh yes, a healthy, happy baby boy. Whether she knows it or not, this, with her, is as real as it gets for him. Andrew is going to make sure that it’s long-lasting. This means a great deal to him, Sonia, and the baby is his life. Marriage is something Andrew’s always wanted, and now that it’s been presented to him he’s not going to let it go.
Before putting on the finishing touches, Andrew called Sammi to see if she was on the way. He got no answer, so that meant that everything was on schedule. So he finished getting dressed.
When he emerges, he checks to make sure that he has the ring. He wonders if she will think it was too much. Andrew’s not worried right now about what she might think, only that his bride-to-be is happy and that everything will be to her liking.
He went downstairs and let himself into her place. Sonia was still in her bedroom.
Though he put it out there that this marriage is in name only, they both had to be willing to work for the betterment of their family.
Andrew began pacing Sonia’s living room, waiting to see what she looked like. When the bedroom door opened, he looked down the hallway and could not move or speak, just yet. Sonia was dressed in a cream-colored dress that suited her and her pregnancy. She was stunning, not to mention sexy. All that he hoped for was coming true.
Andrew looked at her, and she looked at him. Both wanted to run to each other and kiss, but just then, the doorbell rang. It took Andrew a while to look away, but he knew soon they would be alone together. When he opened the door, Sammi was standing there with a smile on her face. Andrew just handed over his keys to the pathfinder. She will be driving them to the church and then afterward driving back to the house.
Once Sonia was in the SUV, Andrew and Sammi got the suite cases together and put them in the back without Sonia knowing. Andrew had Sammi go through Sonia’s things and pick out some stuff for the trip.
When they were on their way, there was a hint of nervousness in the air. They arrived at the church an hour before they were to be married, and Jon was waiting.
Jon’s first thought was how beautiful Sonia looked and then how she and Andrew made a lovely couple.
Sonia began to wonder if she was doing the right thing for her and her baby. She did not want to become so attached and dependent on Andrew, then to have to walk away or have him walk away. It scared her that she wanted this to work and then again...
All Andrew could think of was ways to keep Sonia happy and in this marriage. He already loves the baby as his own, and he loves her too, but how can he get her to see that without scaring her? He knows he’ll show her just how much she needs him and also show her how it would be without him but he would have to be very careful how he does it because he can’t and won’t hurt her intentionally.
Everyone began to busy themselves while trying to keep it light, talking about different things in life, and they started talking about some of everything. It caused the time to pass quickly, and then it was time to go before the minister.
The ceremony was small, intimate yet very special to all present. Sonia thought about the kiss to come. Would he kiss her the way he did before or just give her a simple kiss?
Would he want to be intimate with her, or would he be a gentleman and not push her? Sonia’s mind wondered about these things and more. The minister then asked her if she takes Andrew to be her lawfully wedded husband; to have and to hold from this day forward, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, till as long as they both shall live. Sonia said yes without hesitation.
Andrew looked at her and could not wait to start wooing her. He felt this was right she and her baby are his life now. He was relieved when she said yes, and now it was his turn. The same questions were posed to him, and Andrew said yes with a smile on his face. Yes, she’s mine now, and there’s no turning back.
Sammi and Jon breathed easy and then smiled at each other. They’ve been talking for several hours last night into this morning. Both agreed that Andrew and Sonia are meant for each other. Both are hoping that all works out for the best. Jon filled Sammi in on Sonia’s past and background. Sammi did the same on Andrew’s. Now, they have become cheerleaders of the Andrew and Sonia fan club.
While the Reverend prayed for Sonia and Andrew’s union to be sanctioned by God, Sonia kept trying to make sure that this was the right decision. How could she let Andrew tie himself down to her and a child? She felt scared and didn’t know if it was going to work or if she could let him go when the time came. That’s what scares her the most. One day he’ll walk away, and she’d be left alone with her son. Before she could finish her thoughts, the Ravened said. “Andrew you may kiss your bride.”
Turning to Sonia, looking into her eyes, and pulling her towards him; Andrew kissed her with everything he was feeling at that moment. All the need and desire he feels for her and his love for the baby went into the kiss he gave her. Sonia felt it, and her fears began to melt away.
The ceremony was not a long one. They started at 11 am and ended at about 11:35 am. Once it was over, they took about 20 minutes to take some pictures outside and for Andrew to give Sonia his wedding present.
Sonia can no longer hide the happiness that she feels and begins to smile from ear to ear. Happy yes, elated definitely, but she does not want to ruin what they already began as husband and wife.
Jon grabbed her up and decided to tell her how he felt about the whole situation. “Hey you, I’m so happy for you and Andrew.”
“Are you Jon?"
“Yes, Sonia. Look at you. You’re glowing and happy, and that’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.”
“Thanks, Jon, I’m so glad you were here to help celebrate this moment with me.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”
“I love you.” She said as she leaned over and kissed him.
Then Andrew called out to her. “Sonia, come here. I have something for you?”
“He has something for me. What could that be.” She saw the smile on Jon’s face and knew he knew what it was. “What does he have for me, Jon?”
“I can’t say you’ll just have to go see!”
With that, he led her to the front of the building, and there she saw a white stretch limo waiting. Sonia gasped. “What is this?”
“We’re taking a trip.”
“A trip, where?”
“It’s a surprise?” Andrew enjoyed the look on her face. “My lady, your chariot awaits.”
“You did all this for me. Andrew, you didn’t have to.”
“Yes, I did. Now get in, and let’s go.” He helped her into the limo it was now midnight. They said goodbye to their friends. Sonia wondered what would happen next. Then she asked again, “Where are we going?”
“Somewhere special . . .” He said with a pleasing smile.
“When did you do all of this?”
“I had time and some help.” He paused, just looking at her. “You know since I’ve met you, I haven’t seen you this happy. It looks good on you.”
Sonia blushed while smiling as he helped her into the limo. She said bye to her newfound friend and bye to her old one. Sitting back as the limo pulls out and the head god knows where. Sonia wondered what was next, what more could he possibly do to make her even happier than she was now. Knowing Andrew he’d find a way, and Sonia felt even more special.
Two hours and a half later, they pulled up in front of the Ridgemont Hotel not too far from her favorite place in the world. It's called The Sea Aquarium, where they have all quixotic mammals... Sonia became ecstatic and could not believe Andrew would do all of this just for her. She turned to him and kissed him.
Andrew didn’t make too much fuss about the kiss, but he was glad about it. There was still time, and he would bide his time.
Once they were out of the limo, Andrew stood there watching her. He could not ask for a better reception to his gift than to see her smile and be happy. It became clear that she was on the verge of tears. “Oh, Sonia baby don’t cry.” He said with a smile. “I just want to make this day special for you.”
“I’m sorry, Andrew, I’m ruining things.”
“No, you’re not. Now stop it and just enjoy what I’ve done for you, okay?”
“Okay.” Never has anyone done something so wonderful for her; now she began to think of a way to repay him. This feeling of happiness was the first in a long while. Sonia glowed even more as he led her into the hotel.
While at the front desk checking in, the desk clerk told him he had a message from Mr. Malcolm Chase, who could not wait to see him.
Sonia asked. “Who’s Malcolm?”
“An old school buddy of mine who asked me to look at some property he’s getting ready to build on.”
“Oh Andrew that’s great, but I don’t want to be a burden to you if you have a business to attend to.”
“No way, I did this for you and thought I would use the opportunity to see an old friend.”
“Are you sure?”
“Sonia! Please don’t worry about anything. Let’s just enjoy this week.”
“A week . .. I just thought it was for the night, Andrew. I didn’t pack anything.”
“I did with Sammi’s help, I hope you don’t mind.”
“Mind . . . ? No, not after all you’ve done for me.”
Good, he thought she was going to enjoy some of the other things he had planned.
When they were finished with registration, the clerk also told Andrew that he had a call from Ms. Jan Brown, who wanted to know if everything was ok or if he needed her help. Andrew wondered how in heavens’ name Jan got his information. He would have to check into this leak once he returns. Sammi’s the only person he trusts with the information, so some way somehow Jan got a hold of it. He hoped this wouldn’t be a problem for him.
While he pondered the situation, Sonia went upstairs. She knew that he had business to handle, and she would stay out of his way. All the while, thinking of a way to give him something special. She was led to the penthouse, and Sonia could not believe that he had spent that kind of money on her. But she has to admit the place is beautiful and with a wonderful view of the city. Sonia feels that sooner or later, she and Andrew would have to decide how they were going to handle this marriage. Sonia took a deep breath, letting it out slowly; she began to unpack in the master suite.
When she finished, Sonia realized that the day’s events made her a little tired. It was now 2:25 p.m., so she lay down, and as soon as her head hit the pillow, she was asleep.
Still downstairs with the clerk and the manager, Andrew informed them that no one is to have his room or phone number. He also asked them to inform the staff under no circumstances should they mention Mrs. Hastings to anyone.
Management accommodated Andrew’s request without fail. When he was finished, Andrew went upstairs to check on Sonia. He found her sleeping peacefully and left her alone. Andrew decided this was a good time to hook up with Malcolm.
Dialing Mal's number, the phone rang three times, and finally, someone answered.
“Hello Malcolm here, how can I help?”
“Man you will never change.”
“Andy is that you, hey man, how the heck are ya? I’ve been waiting for your call.”
“Good, good, I just got in and received your message. I have some time now, how about meeting me in the hotel lounge.”
“No prob man, about twenty minutes.”
“Yeah, twenty sounds good, later.” Andrew sat there for a while, reminiscing about the good times he and Malcolm had growing up in college. Andrew didn’t notice that Sonia came into the room. He turned to see her standing there. “Hey, I didn’t hear you. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, how long was I out, do you know?”
“Not long.” He said, walking over to her.
“I heard the last part of your conversation. Are you going to meet your friend?”
“Yes, in the lounge, I won’t be long.”
“No, take all the time you need, I’ll look around until you come back. Have a good time.” She said, yawning. Sonia hoped he didn’t feel she was getting too personal. “Andrew?”
“Yeah . . .” He said, waiting to hear what was bothering her.
“I hope I wasn’t too personal just now, I mean questioning you about....”
“Sonia, don’t worry, it's fine.” He wishes she would relax.
Sonia decided not to say anything else; she did not want it to be an issue with them.
Andrew saw the look on her face and wondered what was going through her mind. There is so much for them to deal with, and he wanted this week to be perfect for her. As he was leaving, he told her. “Don’t do too much and get some more rest. I should be back in an hour.”
Sonia smiled and then headed back to bed. They still haven’t got it together, he thought as he walked out the door. Andrew decided to sleep in the spare room until she was ready to go further.
Malcolm was a whole 35 minutes late, but Andrew didn’t mind. It gave him time to come up with a plan for his life. Before he could finish his thought of planning, Malcolm showed up. They greeted each other with a hug and a smile. They got a table, sat down, and caught up on their lives past and present. It turned out that they still have the same ideas about building things. Malcolm would be on the financial end, and Andrew on the building end. They decided to go see the property that Malcolm wants to build on. Even though it was close to him, he did tell Sonia it would only take an hour. It seems that Malcolm hired a construction company to do the work, but they did not finish the job.
When they arrived at the address, Andrew checked things out. He felt that the place needed a whole lot of work and if he decided to accept what Malcolm was offering. He can do the job in half the time and be happy. Hey, if things didn’t work out with Harding Corp, maybe he can hook up with Malcolm. Andrew decided to take the job, and then they hashed out the legal terms of a contract. Looking at his watch, Andrew decides to head back to the hotel.
When he got back to the hotel, Andrew and Sonia had a lovely dinner just like he wanted, intimate. Just being across from her, having eye contact with her, now and again caused the desire to stir up in him.
Andrew wondered if he should mention his marriage to Malcolm or if he should just keep Sonia all to himself for the week. Andrew decided to wait and see how things played out.
After dinner, they went upstairs, and Andrew went into the spare room to sleep. Sonia felt bad, but she didn’t know how to handle what was going on.
In the master bedroom, there was a balcony and a wonderful view of the city. In the spear room were windows and a view of the water, nice but not as great as her view. Sonia wondered if she should invite Andrew into the room. She thought about it but decided to go to bed not knowing how to ask him.
Andrew couldn’t sleep. He wanted to be near her to hold her, but he knew that she was not comfortable with the situation. Well, he would soon change that.
Sunday morning, he woke up early, went to breakfast, and met Malcolm. He left Sonia a note and had breakfast brought
to her.
Sonia felt bad about Andrew sleeping in the next room. Then he got up early and left without saying a word. She found his note taped to the door. She thought of all the wonderful things he's done for her and now he had them bring her breakfast. Sonia has to think of a way to show him her thanks. After she ate, she went to find something to do until Andrew returned.
Later on, when he came back, they stayed in and had dinner in their room.
Sonia felt the absence of his body next to hers, and that is when she decided that Andrew should be in the room with her. “Andrew, I want you to come to sleep in here.”
“Sonia I don’t want to push you.” Don’t toy with me if you don’t mean it. He said to himself.
“No, I want you to.” It was a test to see if she was ready-made for this marriage.
“Okay if you’re sure.”
“I’m sure.” Sonia didn’t know what to expect, but she was sure that she wanted Andrew next to her.