Mari’s mind was going through how she could rearrange the rooms of the lighthouse annex to give Luke his own room, assuming all of the paperwork would go through. Michelle would need her own room as well whether she stayed or just visited before the wedding. She wanted them to have a room to play in as well as the winters in Canada left a lot to be desired. Guest rooms for when the guys came to visit, assuming they would was also on her mind. The annex that had been her home for several years now seemed small. The wedding plans would have to wait. As much as she and Seb wanted to get married, there was the album to finish, the paperwork with the courts, and the twins coming in the fall. It would be a very busy year. Mari also thought about Michelle and how she would respond to the death of her mother. She and Seb had decided they would stay in Canada for the time being, as it was closer to New York City than England or France. It would be easier for Michelle and Luke. Mari knew there would be court appearances and hearings in their future. At least now, it was a happier future, after tomorrow.
The next morning was a flurry of activity as everything was prepared for David and Sarah’s arrival later that morning. Urs had called David once again to remind him about the guitar and joked with him a bit. David sensed Urs was a bit nervous, but figured it was for Michelle. He thought about what he and Sarah would say to her and would she understand. David at least knew that Luke would be taken care of… surprised still that Mari was his grandmother. He and Sarah would still be a part of their lives… Michelle would always be his Teeny Mimi. He slept well last night for the first time in over a week. He wanted to do something special for the both of them, but didn’t know what to do. He hoped it would come to him… especially Michelle. Luke was still too young to understand yet. The trip back to Mari’s was uneventful for David and Sarah… The activity at the lighthouse was still at full speed.
Mari pulled the cake out of the oven as Shannon tried her best to reconstruct Michelle’s princess hairdo for her. Michelle wanted to put her new outfit on too, but Mari insisted she wait until closer to lunch. Then, both of them could get dressed together. Seb and Urs had gone into town for awhile to give Mari some peace and stay out of the way. They stopped while in town to pick up some champagne and wine for what they hoped would be an evening celebration. On the way back, Urs pointed out a house for sale that was very nice. Seb shook his head saying Mari would never be that far away from the ocean and he wouldn’t either. He liked the area where the lighthouse was. He liked Michelle having her castle by the ocean too. It would be too much of a change for all of them. He did like the house though. He thought about it on the rest of the drive back to the lighthouse. He knew that The Center was on the far side of Mari’s property, but didn’t know how much of the other side Mari owned and how much she didn’t. They returned in time to see how much food Mari had prepared. Urs hugged Mari and smiled. “You’re doing better Mari, but it’s still a lot of food. Do we need to have a talk again?” He teased.
“I have to spoil my knights and their babies when I can Urs… you should know that by now. “She replied smiling as she wrapped her arm around Seb as he kissed her cheek. “Urs, could you keep an eye on Luke and the food, so ‘Someone’ doesn’t eat it all before David and Sarah get here? I need to take Teeny Mimi here back to change into our party duds.” Seb blushed and Urs nodded. Mari and Michelle went back the hall and changed.
While they were finishing, David and Sarah arrived. Seb met them at the door and he hugged Sarah close as she whispered, “Congratulations Seb, you’ll be a family man in no time. Now where’s my little sister?” Mari and Michelle came into the room. Michelle looked to the door and started running to Sarah, opening her arms as she got closer. David smiled, seeing that Michelle had seemed to grow taller in the few days he had been gone. He shook his head, thinking “This is going to take some getting used to.” Mari joined them in her teal blazer and slacks and cream blouse. David and Sarah both hugged her, talking at the same time. Michelle giggled. Soon, they were in the kitchen talking as though David and Sarah had never left for almost a week. Urs took the guitar case upstairs and put it away with a sigh. It was his favorite yellow one that was in the book they had written about themselves. Michelle had seen the pictures in Mari’s copy and had asked several times if she could see it. Urs had decided if a distraction was needed, this would be the perfect way to do so. Michelle had been intrigued with music while he had been around her… both in New York and here. Shaking his head now he thought “Like father, like daughter…”
The group had a nice quiet lunch. Michelle sat between Seb and Sarah. Luke was between Seb and Mari. They finished up and went into the living room. David was carrying Luke, and Michelle holding Sarah’s hand. As they settled, Sarah sat Michelle on her lap, with David beside her on one side and Seb on the other. Mari perched on the arm of the sofa, and Urs held Luke on his lap in the lounge chair beside. The adults were quiet a moment as Sarah took a deep breath to begin. Michelle took Sarah’s hand in her two and looked into her face. “Sarah does mommy talk to you like she does me? “
Sarah was taken aback at the moment, looking to Seb and Mari. Both had a confused look on their face. Mari looked to Urs, then David, but didn’t seem to see anything out of the ordinary. Sarah asked Michelle to explain.
For Michelle, it seemed as though no one else was in the room at the moment. Still looking at Sarah, she said, “Well, I know mommy is an angel now and has been. I know because when she was sick the first time and just before my vacation here, she promised me that if she died, she would be an angel and ask God where daddy was so she could send him to me. When I saw daddy that night, I knew she died and sent him, just as she promised. I’m sad that mommy isn’t with me and Luke any more, but I’m also glad I have daddy and Mari. She also said that some day I would have a very nice, kind and smart friend… one with what mommy called pearls of wisdom… I knew it was Mari because she has the pretty pearls. I just don’t know which ones of the four are the smart ones. Do you know or are all of them smart? Do you think mommy’s not sick anymore in heaven Sarah? I think she’s smiling and happy. Sometimes she laughs in my dreams and tells me funny stories… I can hear her. Is that okay?”
Mari gasped, reaching for the necklace she always wore. She thought back to the first time Michelle had seen them. Sarah smiled and glanced around. “I’m sorry Michelle, but your mommy doesn’t talk to me now. I must be too big, too grown up to hear her, or she just loves you so much that you can hear her. I do miss her and wish I could still talk to her. I do know that she was and is very proud of you and your brother. She loved both of you very much. She said you two made her life complete.” Seb sighed with relief as did David. Mari stood and walked to the kitchen. She couldn’t believe what she had just heard. Tears welled in her eyes, yet she couldn’t help but smile thinking”…which are the smart ones?” as she felt the pearls on her necklace. Michelle continued to talk to Sarah about other things she had done while at she was at the lighthouse, but Mari was deep in thought about other things as she looked around the kitchen.
Later in the afternoon, as Mari and Urs finished cleaning up the kitchen and putting the leftovers away, Seb and Sarah got Michelle and Luke ready for their afternoon nap. David was bringing in the bags from the van that had some of their summer weight clothes, toys, and a few personal things of their mother for Mari and Seb to give them later. Having a moment alone with Urs, she told him that since the talk with Michelle went so well, she would tell Seb about the miscarriage she had that Urs knew about. She said that she wished she knew what to say for certain, but hoped it would come to her. She regretted not having a memorial service for the tiny fetus, small as it was. Urs wiped his hands on the back of his pants and took a deep breath. He told her what he had done that night and that he had taken care of it as best he could. He also told her he couldn’t tell her at the time or later on in the week. He didn’t want to make things worse… there never seemed to be a good time. Then, it seemed to be too late, forgotten for some time or didn’t seem to be as important… he wasn’t sure. He just knew it felt right at the time. He had no regrets. He told her where he had put it and they could go together if she wanted. Mari was so touched by what he told her, she didn’t know what to say, other than a whispered “Thank-you. Let me tell him first and all three of us can go together if that’s okay with you.”
Urs wanted no part of that, saying he couldn’t face Seb with him knowing he had kept the secret from him, from everyone. Mari nodded and agreed. She would take him there later. She would wait another day or so to tell him…after everyone else was gone, except the children. It was her secret alone. She had to keep Urs out of it… for the guys… especially Urs… no secrets between them at least to her way of thinking. No one else knew he had been there for her that week, even Shannon. She had been out of the office most of that time, taking care of other things for The Center. Finally he said, “…this must be the week for telling secrets…” as Seb walked into the kitchen. Urs went back to cleaning up in the kitchen as Seb walked over to Mari and kissed her lightly, hugging her close.
“How would you like to go for a walk on the beach later?” He said grinning and blushing. I know this cozy little place… remote, great atmosphere…”
Now it was Mari’s turn to blush. “Seb, shhhhhhhhh!…not now. We have company…” and she covered her face so no one would see her blushing. Urs finished up and said he was going for a bike ride and would be back in a few hours.
David and Sarah were sitting on the sofa talking quietly. Both were relieved that Michelle finally knew and they felt she understood. David looked up at Seb and Mari and smiled. “Why don’t you two take the afternoon off? Mimi and I will hold the fort … go for a walk or something. We’ll be fine. You deserve a break… take advantage of it while ya can.”
Mari and Seb both smiled and looked at each other. Seb was grinning ear to ear, Mari blushed again. Mari finally agreed and they headed toward the lighthouse side instead of the beach. She wanted to show Seb a nice area of land beside hers that she was considering buying and building a bigger house on. It would be close to The Center and the lighthouse so it wouldn’t be too big a change for Michelle or Luke, but would give them more room. The lighthouse and annex could be a guest house for the guys when they came to visit. It would stay in the family so to speak. They walked to the area and Seb looked around, still thinking about the house he had seen earlier in the day. They talked and measured. The lot was perfect with an even better view of the ocean beyond. They talked about a two story house with a small circular room off the one bedroom as a tower for Michelle. Luke’s room would have something special too, but he was too young now to decide what it would be. A big master bedroom for them with a hot tub for two and large shower was what Seb had insisted on teasingly. Mari wanted a bigger kitchen and laundry room as her tiny one now would soon be too small to handle the clothes for four people. They also talked about a garden and play area for the children. Soon the sun was starting to set and they returned to the annex.
David greeted them at the door, smiling. “Now, I guess I didn’t make myself clear earlier… I said you have the night off. Never trust a Frenchman Mari… So, Mimi and I took the liberty of getting you a room at your favorite hotel. Here’s an overnight bag for each of you… Mari, Sarah packed yours, not me… so if anything’s missing, not my fault. Seb there’s not much of a guess there after two years of touring. Now, I think these are your keys Mari ummm purse… bye… see ya… don’t come back until after breakfast… Do I make myself clear?”

Mari laughed as she took her purse, keys and bag from David. Seb shook his head and took the small bag as well. Hand in hand, they walked to Mari’s car and put the bags in the back seat. Both of them were looking forward to a nice, quiet romantic evening together. It seemed to take longer than usual to get to the hotel they had visited days before and the same place they had spent that wonderful night together so long ago… that Urs had so thoughtfully taken care of for them. Finally, they arrived and checked in. David and Sarah had chosen a large suite for them instead of a traditional room. There was a magnificent view of the ocean from the balcony, small, intimate dining area and a huge bathroom. Seb rubbed his hands together as he fantasized about their evening together. Mari opened her overnight bag and looked through it quickly… then she blushed, closed the bag and laughed. “Well, it seems I’m missing a few things Seb, we’ll need to go shopping… I think. “Seb came over to her and kissed her, wrapping his arms around her.
“I don’t’ care what’s in the bags… I have every thing I need right now, right here in my arms.” He kissed her again, rubbing her arms and hugging her tightly. “I love you Mari… more than words can ever say… more than any song I could ever sing, more than any poem ever written. “
“Well Seb, I don’t think the lacy skimpy number in this bag is coming out. I love you too, but not gonna happen. I’m not, as you know, a prude, but NO! If you want to stay here and relax, I’ll go by myself… no problem. “Mari replied, kissing him back.
“You don’t need to put on anything for me, darling. It’s just going to come right off anyway… and be all alone, on the floor, feeling rejected and neglected… I can’t let that happen.” He said, grinning at her broadly. Mari blushed and rested her head on his shoulder, nodding. He took her blazer off and draped it over a nearby chair. As Mari reached for him, he paused, kissing her cheek. ”I’ll be right back… wait right here.”
He walked over to the phone and called room service, ordering a bottle of champagne and strawberries. He hung up the phone and smiled, opening his arms as he walked back to Mari. In the mean time, Mari picked up the remote and turned on some soft music. He whispered to her and she smiled and blushed. She walked into the bathroom and looked around. There was a large heart-shaped bathtub and huge shower with glass doors. She walked out of the bathroom and nodded, smiling. Seb blew her a kiss and she turned around and walked back into the bathroom. Soon, Seb could hear the water running as he answered the door. He signed for the champagne and strawberries, carrying them to the table. He walked back to the door and put out the “Do Not Disturb” sign and closed the door as Mari appeared in nothing but a towel, carrying her clothes. She laid them by her blazer and looked over her shoulder at Seb as she picked up the bottle and bowl of strawberries. He ran his fingers through his hair as she walked toward him. “Don’t be too long honey, don’t want the water to get cold, now do we?” and she kissed him sweetly. As soon as she was across the threshold, she set the things down and turned around to face him. Then she un-wrapped the towel that had been around her and it fell to the floor. Seb’s eyes widened as she turned around and walked to the tub. He almost forgot to take his own clothes off, as he followed her into the bathroom. They stayed there, enjoying each other until the champagne and strawberries were gone. They dried each other off and he carried her to the bed. There, they continued to make love until they were both spent, drifting off to sleep in each others arms. In the morning, Mari awoke to a warm arm wrapped around her waist and Seb snuggled behind her. She smiled as she watched the sun come up thru the window beyond over her dear friend the sea. She looked at the ring that Seb had put back on her left hand and touched the pearls on her necklace, one by one, remembering the good things that had happened over the last few days. Seb kissed her cheek and rolled her on her back, whispering a loving “Good morning my love…” to her. She hugged him close as he moved on top of her, kissing her face and neck. As she closed her eyes to enjoy this quiet moment together, he entered her. The harmony they created that morning was the beginning of their new start as a new family, one they both would cherish for a long time.
Late that morning, they returned to the lighthouse annex. Urs had met them in the parking lot, his bag already secured to the back of the motorcycle. He waited for Mari to park before he walked over. Seeing the look on his face, Mari asked Seb to take the bags inside while she talked to Urs. Seb nodded and opened the back door to the car. Mari stepped out of the car and hugged Urs. She knew this day would be coming, she had hoped it wouldn’t be this soon.
As soon as Seb neared the annex door, Urs lightly kissed Mari’s forehead and reached for her chin, holding it gently, and looked into her eyes. “Seb is a good man, Mari. I know you know that now… I can see it in your eyes and your face. He’s like a brother to me, as are David and Carlos… and you… you will always have a special place in my heart… not as a lover, but as a special friend. It can never be any more or less than that Mari… much as I wanted it at one time, it can’t be. You were meant for him. We have shared so much... so much sorrow Mari… It broke my heart to see you that way. I didn’t know what to do… I feel like I’ve failed you… and Seb. I’ve accepted that and moved on. I know that you will do the right thing and tell him in your own way. Please know, I’ll be here if you need me… any time, any place, anywhere. But I can’t let him carry this guilt and pain with him any more. He needs to fill his heart with love, only love… for you and Michelle and Luke. With that, I know his heart will be full Mari… and all of you will be the better for it. Please… “
Mari nodded, tears welling in her eyes. Urs lead her to the place beside the lighthouse that he had marked with the small shells. She knelt down and touched it lightly, wiping a tear away as she did so. Urs stayed close by, but looked to the ocean, giving her a moment to herself. Sighing, she stood and touched his shoulder. He smiled, looking over at her as a tear rolled down his cheek. He put his arm around her as they both looked to the ocean quietly. Finally, Mari took a deep breath and blew a kiss toward the ocean and turned away. Together, they walked back to the annex quietly. Urs stepped in to say good-bye to Seb and closed the door behind him. Seb held Mari close as they watched him disappear beyond the parking lot. Mari was torn between happiness and sadness. She held Seb close as she tried to sort things out in her mind. Seb held her tightly, not knowing what had changed her mood so suddenly. He would try to ask her later when everything had settled down. David and Sarah had left a note on the counter that they had taken the children to the beach to play and have a picnic. They planned on being back in the afternoon so the kids could have their nap.
Mari and Seb sat on the sofa and Mari told Seb about the miscarriage. She also told him that she wasn’t that far along in the pregnancy for them to determine if it had been a boy or a girl. The remains were close by and she had been wrong not to ever tell him. She just hadn’t wanted to hurt him any more than she already had. Seb held her close as she cried, stroking her hair and kissing her forehead until she seemed to quiet down. He was saddened by the news, but it had explained so much to him at the same time. They walked outside and she showed him the place Urs had just shown her. She didn’t tell him that Urs knew… that promise she would never reveal. Seb thought a moment as he hugged Mari again.
Softly he said, “We’ve have lost some loved ones in our lives… you, me, Michelle, and Luke. I think we need to keep all of our family together… if it’s okay with you. I would like to arrange for your son, though you didn’t get a chance to know him, to be buried here for you and Luke. Michelle and Luke should have Jenni here as well, to remind them of their past and who they are. Our child is here now, but alone. Can we bring them together… be together as we are now? Be a comfort to us together as we are now?” Mari’s eyes widened as the idea had never occurred to her before. She looked over to the new lot they had looked at the day before. The three trees together on the far corner of the lot, over-looking the ocean, would be nice for their final resting place. Hugging Seb she suggested it and Seb agreed. That afternoon, Mari and Seb purchased the neighboring lot. The next day, David and Sarah returned to New York to continue with the court’s paperwork and hearings and get Jenni’s ashes for burial. Originally, Jenni had requested her ashes be sprinkled over the ocean to join her old world with her new. Sarah and David felt that her being laid to rest near the ocean was still within the intent of her wishes as they had sprinkled some of the sea water over the container before it was covered over by the soil.
The next step would be to locate Luke’s father’s remains. It took several days, but his body was located and Mari proved next of kin for the US Military to take custody of his remains originally scheduled for burial at Ft Indiantown Gap, PA. A complete US military honor guard arrived the following weekend and Sgt. James Lucas Tanner was laid to rest with full military honors at the base of the first oak tree. David and Sarah had been there for Jenni’s memorial service a few days before. Her remains were now under the third oak tree, closest to the ocean. Seb and Mari had moved the tiny jar to the middle tree the next afternoon while the children napped. There was no need for anyone else to be around. They didn’t want anyone else to know. Mari had kept the small shells and placed them on top as best she could remember of Urs pattern beside the lighthouse. Later, a formal marker was added.
The next months were filled with house plans, building permits and trips to NYC for court appearances for Seb and Mari… the recording sessions were sandwiched in between. After three months, it seemed as though nothing was running on schedule… Mari was becoming frantic. If Michelle was going to live in Canada, she needed to be enrolled in school for the fall. The NYC courts were hesitant to complete all of the paperwork, despite having every piece of documentation they had requested including character references, depositions and affidavits. Finally, two months after the last hearing, the court had approved everything and Michelle and Luke were officially in the custody of Seb and Mari as parent and grandparent. The new house was nearing completion and had turned out better than Mari had even dreamed of. The only thing that remained was the wedding, which was fast approaching.

THE WEDDING
Mari and Seb had re-arranged the large room upstairs for the children to use as a bedroom while the new house was being built. The office had become a play room for the children, so Mari could still keep an eye on them while she chatted in the forum and worked on a few projects she wanted to finish with The Center. All of them were comfortable with the routine now. The album was finished and the rest of the guys were relaxing as best they could. Carlos would not be there for the wedding and both Mari and Seb had agreed that it was too close to delivery time for them to travel. David, Sarah and Urs were staying at a Bed & Breakfast close by, but visiting regularly. Sarah and Shannon had helped with the arrangements for the wedding. Mari wanted a private ceremony with a large reception following. Many of the students from the center were staying for the celebration. The band and orchestra that toured with Il Divo would be at the reception as well. Seb had agreed. It would be a small gathering on the beach with Mari’s friend the ocean close by, David, Sarah, the children, and Urs.
The evening before, they all joined the family in a quiet dinner in town. Mari seemed too nervous to cook, much to everyone’s surprise. That evening, after the children were asleep, Mari stared out the window looking at the sea. For some reason, it was still special, but not as special as being with Seb and the children. She would miss it, even though it was just as close as always.
Seb stopped reading and put his laptop away. Quietly, he walked up to her and put his arms around her as they watched the sun set over the water. He kissed her cheek lightly, whispering, “Well Mari, tomorrow is the big day. Are you ready to be Mrs. Sebastien Izambard? Or are you going to go back to your stage name? Or maybe hyphenate it? Either way, you’ll still be Mari to me. I love you so much, I can’t wait. Can we start the honeymoon tonight? “
Mari smiled and turned around to face him. “Yes, tomorrow is the big day. I’m ready Seb, more ready that I ever thought possible. I love the way you say ‘Mrs Sebastien Izambard’… it has a nice ring to it. Mari Izambard is just as nice. I’ll never use my stage name again Seb… that’s in the past…forgotten, other then the memories I have of you. I love you too… and our children. I thought we already started the honeymoon... you mean there’s something special you’ve been holding back on???”
Seb kissed her deeply and whispered, “I’ll never tell… you’ll just have to wait and see My Love.” They spent the evening together. Neither Mari nor Seb were superstitious about not seeing each other before the wedding. They both knew in their hearts it was meant to be. As they snuggled together in their room, he hummed their song one more time. Mari didn’t sing the harmony this time; instead she listened quietly, lightly running her hand across his bare chest as he held her close. The next morning, they woke up early and watched the sun rise while they had their coffee. The sunrise had a beautiful orange glow to it. The new house had a large porch facing the ocean, so they would be able to enjoy many morning sun rises during breakfast and sun sets in the evening after dinner.
They let the children sleep in… which was a treat for them both. There would be no time for Luke to get a nap in before the wedding, though he would get one during the reception. The Center’s new wing was now complete. They would use the Concert Hall for the reception. Shannon had already told them that she would take Luke to the lighthouse for his afternoon nap on schedule and Michelle could come as well if she wanted to. Mari was trying to get Michelle out of the afternoon nap habit, with mixed results. Michelle would be going to kindergarten soon, so Mari requested she be put in the morning classes instead of the afternoon. That evening would be the first night Seb and Mari would spend in the new house. David and Sarah would stay in the lighthouse annex with the children. The next day, Mari and Seb would be flying to Spain to visit Carlos for an afternoon and then sail over to the Canary Islands for the rest of their honeymoon. Mari couldn’t wait to bask in the warm sun on the beach with Seb.
The morning flew by. Before Mari knew it, it was afternoon and she had to get ready. Shannon and Sarah had already taken the children and Seb was with David and Urs making sure everything was ready for the reception. Mari’s wedding dress was a vintage style with a modest train… like the movies and music she loved. Ivory satin with an empire waist and off the shoulder cap sleeves. She had gotten long gloves, but decided that day it was too warm. She laid them on the bed and slipped into her matching satin shoes as Urs knocked on the door. “Mari, are you ready? “He asked, nervously.
Mari checked her hair one last time before answering “Yes Urs, I am. Don’t tell me you lost him again.” And she laughed as she opened the bedroom door. Urs, dressed in a light gray suit with a gray striped tie blushed and smiled, remembering that night as well. He looked at her and smiled again.
“You look magnificent Mari. I’ve never seen you more lovely, as you are right now. Seb and the rest are ready also, but none of them are as beautiful as you are. Seb will know now he is the luckiest man on the face of this earth, if he didn’t know that already. May I have the honor of escorting you to the beach Mari?”He said gallantly.
Mari took his arm and reached for the bouquet of roses tied with antique lace as they walked out of the annex and headed toward the small group already on the beach. David, wearing the same suit and tie as Urs, had spotted them earlier and distracted Seb to make sure he didn’t see Mari before she was ready. They checked the video cam settings on the laptop David has set up, so Carlos and his wife could see what was going on as it happened. Then, David gently placed his hand on Seb’s shoulder and said, “Seb, I believe there is someone very special and beautiful waiting for you now… See?” Seb turned around to see Mari, his eyes widened and his jaw dropped. He was speechless. David continued, ”Seb, I know you love her… congratulations just doesn’t seem like enough to say, but take care of her the best way you can. I know you will… I know you will be happy together as I can already see it now. She loves you buddy.” He hugged Seb close and stepped back to stand with Sarah, the children and Shannon.
By then, Mari and Urs had made their way up the beach. Mari stopped to hug and kiss the children, Sarah, David and Shannon. A few steps later, Urs stopped, kissed Mari’s cheek softly and handed her arm to Seb. Seb’s tux matched the color of Mari’s dress. Seb smiled and took her arm, as Urs stepped back to stand with the others.
The ceremony began quietly. Mari and Seb had written their wedding vows together. As it came time to say them, Mari glanced toward the small group on the beach, the trees and new house down the beach, and out to the sea before she started.
“Sebastien, I love you with all my heart and being. You are my best friend, my husband, my true love and my life’s companion. I promise I will continue to love you, be faithful to you, and cherish you always through good times and bad. This ring I give you is a circle that does not end; may it represent my love for you that also shall never end.” She placed the platinum wedding band on his finger and kissed it softly. Seb said the vows to her softly, placing the matching platinum ring on her finger, and kissed her hand. Mari never heard the rest that was said. She was too happy looking into his eyes and seeing him smile. He kissed her deeply, wrapping his arms around her as he did so. David opened the champagne and toasted the happy couple.
Carlos called on David’s cell and wished Mari and Seb the best, apologizing again for not being there in person. Mari thanked him and told him once again that both she and Seb understood that he stay with his wife. Seb and Carlos chatted briefly as they stood in front of the cam and waved. Seb didn’t want to let go of Mari’s hand. Mari wrapped her arm around his waist and whispered in his ear. Seb blushed and said good-bye to Carlos. They walked over to Urs and Mari hugged him again. Urs smiled and handed Mari the small package he had put in his suit jacket earlier. Seb and Mari hugged David, Sarah, Shannon and Luke before stopping in front of Michelle. Seb picked her up as Mari opened the small box and turned it toward Michelle to see.
“Michelle, I know I’ll never replace your mother, but I do love you, Luke and your father very much. I also wanted you to have this to remember this day and how much you are loved.” Mari said.
Michelle looked into the box and smiled broadly, putting her hands together. “Are they smart ones Mari?”
Mari and Seb laughed. “Yes Michelle, the jewelry store owner promised these were the smartest pearls he has ever seen.” Mari said. She helped Michelle put the small white pearl necklace on and then kissed her cheek. Seb hugged them both. Michelle touched the tiny pearls on the necklace and looked at Mari before thanking her. Then Michelle opened her arms and hugged Mari close, kissing her on the cheek. By now, Luke was getting tired, so Shannon took him for a nap. The others talked a bit first before heading to The Center for the reception. David also wanted to take a few pictures while it was still daylight on the beach. As Urs packed up the laptop cam, David took a few pictures of the happy couple.
Soon, they were at the reception and all of their friends, the students and staff, as well as the Il Divo band were there. Mari and Seb greeted most of them before David interrupted to say the meal was ready. Mari was so excited, she could barely eat. She continued to chat with the guests and called over to check on Luke. As the dishes were being cleared away, the ID band started to play. Seb came up behind Mari and hugged her close, whispering, “They’re playing our song.”
Seb took her hand and walked her to the center of the floor. They danced to “Unchained Melody” sung by David and Urs in harmony. Mari couldn’t take her eyes of Seb’s smiling face as they danced. When the song ended, Seb kissed her deeply and whispered, “Did I tell you today that I love you?” Mari smiled and kissed him back. Seb and Mari walked to the table to check on Michelle. As Mari sat with Michelle, Seb walked over to speak briefly with David and Urs, as the band continued to play. Mari saw the subtle nod from across the room and smiled. David and Urs took their places once again as Seb made his way across the room to Mari and Michelle. Urs pulled out his yellow guitar and sat on a nearby stool. David picked up the microphone and said, “I know you are all here with a very special couple to celebrate a wedding today… but the groom and I have a special request… with your kind indulgence.” Urs started to play as Seb reached for his daughter’s hands. As David sang “Michelle”, Seb picked up his daughter and held her close, dancing her across the room to the song that had become so special to both of them. Mari wiped a tear away as she watched them. As Seb finished, Michelle had cuddled into his shoulder and was very sleepy. He smiled as Mari told him she was almost asleep. David, Urs, Sarah and Mari gave Michelle a quick kiss before Seb took Michelle over to the annex and returned.
As he came back into the room, David’s cell phone started ringing. David looked at the number before answering. It was Carlos… they were on their way to the hospital to have the twins… early. He would call back later with any news. With all of the excitement, they had forgotten to check the cam. David picked it up and checked to make sure it was still running. Sarah had been keeping an eye on it, but wasn’t sure it was still working properly. David relayed the news from Carlos and the small group had a quick toast to the news. Mari hadn’t asked whether they knew whether the twins were both boys, both girls or a boy and a girl. Now she wondered.
David and Urs each danced with Mari once during the evening, but Mari mainly wanted to stay with Seb. As the reception dwindled, the happy couple said their good nights. David and Urs would stay behind to make sure everything was in order before they left.
David pulled out the overnight bags and smiled. “I have this feeling I’ve done this before.” David said smiling. Seb blushed, hugging David. Mari hugged Sarah, David and Urs, thanking them for all they had done. Seb hugged Urs and kissed Sarah lightly on the cheek as he hugged her.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay tonight?” Seb asked. Sarah nodded and said she was going to check on the children and see if Shannon wanted to come back over or go home. Sarah was starting to feel tired herself. Seb and Mari headed for the new house. As they reached the front porch, Seb smiled at Mari and put the bag down. He gently kissed her before he picked her up in his arms. He carried her to the front door and set her down. He unlocked the door and slid the key into his pocket. Mari opened the door and smiled, kissing Seb deeply. He picked her up in his arms again and walked across the threshold. As he put her down again, Mari reached for the lights. Seb whispered, “I’ll be right back.” He walked out and picked up the bags and came back into the house, closing and locking the door behind him. Mari looked around the entryway and living room. Seb had been busy that day while she was getting ready. Vases of white roses adorned the fireplace mantel, end tables, and hall table. As he took her hand, kissing it softly, he said. “I have a surprise for you. Come with me…” He led her down the hallway through the kitchen and onto the back porch. “See …just for us.” There was a latticed area covered with hanging baskets of flowers. As Mari walked around to the doorway, she opened the narrow door and saw the huge hot tub.
She kissed him, whispering, “Thank you Darling. I love it, almost as much as I love you… and our family.”
They walked back into the house and up the stairs to the master bedroom. Seb stopped her at the doorway. Smiling, he picked her up in his arms and crossed the threshold. As he kissed her again, his cell phone rang. Looking, Seb saw it was Carlos again. He answered the phone and smiled, nodding. A few minutes later, “Well, seems there are two new divos in the Marin household. Both boys are healthy and everyone is well. Seems to have their father’s voice… at least the volume part of it… ” Seb said after hanging up. He took Mari into his arms and kissed her.