4 years later...

Melanie POV

"I can't believe how handsome you look."

"Do I really look that good?" my dad asked looking back at himself in the mirror.

"Yes! We need to go before you're late for your own wedding."

"I'm scared honey."

"Why?"

He sat down in the chair. "You know I will always love your mother."

"Yes but I know mama would want you to be happy. You deserve it daddy."

I looked at him as he stared at the cufflinks that were on the dresser. My father hadn't quite been the same since my mom died and then having a stroke shortly after had been hard. He was much better, had picked up a little weight and his grey was starting to cover his hair. I was just thankful that he was still here with me.

I walked up to him. "Daddy?"

He quickly wiped a tear from his face.

"Daddy look at me." I softly turn his chin to me.

"Mama wants you to be happy and so do I. Ms. Ames, I mean Beverly loves you. Do you know how hard it is to find that second love? Beverly makes you smile and laugh. I see how you two act like teenagers when I'm not around. I have my funny daddy back. You're in good health, you are getting out more and I'm liking this cool daddy/granddaddy vibe."

"Never thought of myself as being cool too. Well I guess if you think so, I must be. I do love Beverly, she's brought the sunshine back. She adores you and MJ which is very important to me."

"So no more worrying. At least I know she will take care of you when I'm not around."

"Where are you going?" he asked with his arms folded and eyes narrowed.

"Huh?" Did he not realize I was grown with my own family?

"Just kidding baby, that face never gets old."

"You got me. Lawd what am I going to do with you?" There was a knock on the door. "Come in?"

"Poppi!" MJ said running in the room jumping on his lap.

"Hello my sweetie pie."

"Hey mommy."

"Hello my angel."

"I wanna get married Poppi?"

My dad looked at me and I at him.

"You're too young MJ."

"No! You too young." She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face under his chin.

Even at four years old, MJ had captured the hearts of many. Looking more and more like her father everyday accept for having my chin and cheekbones, she was the apple of my eye. She was smart, energetic, sassy and a barrel of laughs. The one thing I loved to see was my father and MJ bonding. She loved him and at times she reminded me of myself when I was her age.

"You know Poppi will always be here for you." He kissed her on top of her forehead.

"I want you to stay."

"I'm not going anywhere. You can come and visit anytime you want."

"Will Ms. Bev. bake cookies?"

"I'm sure she will for you."

"Extra chocolate chips?"

"I will make sure she does."

"Ok." She leaned back, smiled up at him and did a little wiggle dance.

"Are you ready to be the most beautiful flower girl I know?"

"Of course Poppi." She smiled getting off his lap. She was wearing a light pink silk dress and a matching pink flower headband. Her naturally rosy cheeks and to die for lashes that people would pay big money for blinked while she held her hand out.

"Come on Poppi."

"Are you guys ready, the cars are waiting," Marc said peeking his head in the door.

"Yes, yes. MJ can you hand me that handkerchief?"

"Okay Poppi."

Once I grabbed the bouquets and last minute items we all jumped in the car. MJ sat next to my dad while Marc sat next to me holding my hand. We were in Wonderland for the glorious occasion. Ever since Marc built our dream house here all those years ago, my dad and Ms. Ames had gotten close.

I liked Beverly. She was a genuine good person with a heart of gold. There was no doubt that she would take care of my dad so I wouldn't have to worry so much.

We arrived down the little paved road that lead to a small chapel. The place looked like it came from out of a book of fairytales. Dommi and her band of merry men had really outdone themselves. You see Ms. Beverly Ames use to work for Ian Harrington and Dominique LaSalle's family for years. They treated her more like a mother figure as she made sure they were taken care.

The car stopped in front of the chapel. I watched as my dad took a deep breath. He got out and we followed close behind. Walking into the chapel it had been transformed into the perfect setting. Beautiful exotic flowers of poises and dahlias set the backdrop along with the old world charm of the chapel with its rich historic foundation that could grace any cover as one of the world's most magical places to visit. It was small but charming.

"Welcome," Dommi said as she walked in wearing a beautifully self-designed couture deep purple, A-line princess cut, floor length gown with a split in the front. Damn she looked good in anything she wore.

"MJ, mon petit bébé papillon, viens ici, my little baby butterfly, come here," she spoke to MJ and she went running to her. MJ jumped in her arms and Dommi kissed her on the temple.

"So do you like?" she asked us.

"Dommi you have a real talent," my dad said giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"Ms. Ames has been like a mother to me growing up, so this had to be perfect."

"Well you have outdone yourself, thank you."

"You're welcome. The guests should be arriving soon. Melanie your dress is in powder room so you can get ready. Marc and Xavier can sit in the groom's area over there in the back, until we call for you. Ian, Eric and Corbin are back there along with Nico and Vlad. There is also some champagne and hors d'oeuvres in there too."

Marc leaned over and kissed me on the cheek and walked away. Dommi carried MJ and I followed her to the back of the chapel. Mona, Giselle and Nedra were finishing off their hair and makeup. They all got up and we hugged. Giselle, Mona's daughter, took MJ and they went and sat on the sofa. Somehow MJ thought of Giselle as a big sister although she was twenty-one and my official babysitter when not in school.

"So is Xavier nervous?" Mona asked me.

"Of course he is. He will be fine."

"He's a good man and they make the cutest couple."

"Speaking of, where is Beverly?"

"In the vestibule chamber hall with some of her church ladies. She should be coming any second."

"Did someone call for me?" Beverly asked walking in with her summer dress that hung off the shoulders. Even at her age, she was still beautiful and no wrinkles to tell of her age.

"Melanie how are you?" She came over and hugged me.

"I'm fine. Are you nervous?"

"Very," she said with a smile. She held my hand. "I'm looking forward to being a part of this family."

"You have been a part of it since he chose you."

She smiled and nodded. She was starting to look teary eyed.

"Oh no tears, it will ruin your makeup," Dommi said speed walking towards her. "Melanie do not make her cry."

"It's not her fault Dommi, you worry too much."

"Worry or not, no tears." She went and grabbed a makeup brush probably cursing in French.

Beverly hugged me again and whispered, "don't mind her."

She took a seat as Mona and Dommi got to work with hair and getting her dress ready.

"Oh before I forget," Beverly said. "MJ I have something for you and also for you Melanie."

MJ came hopping over and walked from behind her.

"This is MJ and this is for you." She passed each of us a black box. I opened MJ's and it was a little pearl bracelet. I opened mine and it was a pair of matching earrings.

"They were my grandmother's pearls. I thought one day, I would be passing them on to my daughter or daughter's and since I officially will have you two, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share a part of me with you."

"They are pretty," MJ said.

Beverly smiled.

"They are beautiful. We will treasure these, thank you."

MJ and I both hugged her and her perfume smell of a tropical bouquet.

We quickly finished up as Beverly wore a beautiful cream colored gown made by Dommi. She looked like a beautiful queen as Dommi placed the silk and lace veil on top of her head.

"Dommi it's beautiful, thank you honey," she told her and they hugged.

"Picture time," Giselle called out with her phone in hand. We took tons of pics and soon after the ceremony began.

We all took our places in matching gowns. Mona, Dommi, Giselle, Nedra and myself walked down the aisle followed by MJ. My dad looked handsome standing there and Marc looked like a total heartthrob as I walked towards him. He winked and smiled as I had to cover my blushing face. Even after all this time, he still made me blush and I've never regretted the day I married him.

The theme song came on and Beverly took her place. Ian stood on the side of her as he walked her down the aisle. She smiled, but her eyes were focused on my dad. I knew he would be in real good hands. There is something special when two people love one another. It's an unbreakable bond that God bestows upon you and it just makes life happier.

I watched as the ceremony began to unfold. Even at their ages, love is unbound. A simple tear fell from my eye as I was happy and overjoyed. Thinking back on my wedding day, I remember the butterflies. Marc was the man I was suppose to marry and I was grateful that God had sent me the cream of the crop. I looked over at Marc and noticed he was staring me.

"I love you," he mouthed silently, and I smiled. He stood along side my dad doing his best man duties. It wasn't long before the minister had pronounced them man and wife. The church erupted in applause and my dad kissed her. They both smiled at one another and at the crowd. They took their leave while Marc and I followed behind.

We made it back to the house. The reception lasted for hours as the new couple danced and entertained their guests. By the time I made it upstairs I was beat.

"MJ was sleep before her head hit the pillow," Marc said taking off his tie.

"She had a ball tonight. She may sleep half of the day tomorrow."

He laughed. "I wouldn't be surprised."

I was about to unzip my dress until, I felt another set of hands replace mine.

"Did I tell you how beautiful you looked today?" He kissed me on the side of my neck.

"Maybe once or twice, but a lady never gets tired of hearing it."

"Well how about I tell you the rest of the night." I turned in his direction and kissed him. Even now, it was like the first time. His hands came around me and the next thing I knew my dress was loose and falling to the ground.

"You don't waste any time."

He chuckled. "When it comes to you I want to enjoy every moment I get with you. You are my greatest temptation Mrs. Hernandez."

"Even after all these years, it still holds a nice ring to it." Now it was my turn to giggle. He leaned in, lifted my chin and stared down at me. No words were exchanged but this feeling I couldn't explain came over me that made my heart skip a beat. I felt breathless and in that moment where he leaned forward and capture my lips, I felt the world slowly disappearing.

He was my oxygen, my everything. It's amazing what love can do. They say it can even break down walls, make enemies compassionate and defy all the odds, well I must say I'm a believer. I felt myself being lifted and carried. Those strong arms of my husband made me feel safe and secure.

He gently laid me on the bed while he stood at the side of it looking down at me.

"Just beautiful," he said as I laid there with my black bra and thong on with matching garter and stockings.

"Am I centerfold ready?" I winked.

He leaned back with his finger under chin studying me.

"Tilt your head to the left and lay down just a little. Yes just like that." I was getting into my Jasmine Tookes, Victoria Secret groove. I giggled and then I heard a click.

"What are you..."

"Relax, just pose for me."

"Marc I swear if those pictures wind up in the cloud...I'm going to get you."

"These are for my personal gratification only, so just do your thing and let me watch how sexy you really are."

"Just for you right?"

"Mel, you should know by now, I don't like to share. What's mine is mine and that body of pure perfection is only for my viewing eyes only, only mine." I swear the way he said that last sentence had me spilling wetness.

"On your stomach. That's it." I complied as he took me on an erotic photo shot that had me bringing out my inner ferocious tigress. I crawled, shook a little ass at him, made these sensual poses all the while watching Mount Dickmore rise to the occasion. He was definitely looking for a way out of the darkness. I focused on him, teasing with my semi opened mouth and fingers thrusting in and out of them. I moaned here and there until my eyes traveled up to my handsome husband's face. His eyes flashed danger and I swear my soul was ready to break free.

I was on my knees, teasing him by taking the straps down off my shoulders. It's amazing when your man can just stand there watching you do the most basic thing and the sensual heat from his natural non-penetrating glare sends you into overdrive, making you crave his intentions. Man that was a turn on in itself. So I continued until I was topless. I moved on down, undoing the straps of my garter but he stopped me.

"This is my favorite part," that deep exotic voice of his said as he bent down. "Si, o meu favorito absoluto meu amor."

Damn him! That sexy Galician accent gets me every single time especially when we are like this. Ah hell my thighs were tingling, my lips felt parched, hell my whole body was filled with hyper-sexual vibes. And the bad part about it,  he knew what he was doing when I saw that devilish smirk and twinkle in his eye.

"You do not have the power, Marc Hernandez."

"Well I would say differently. Your body calls to me, seu corpo me chama, it's knows that I'm the only one that can bring you the pleasure you crave and deserve, e sabe que eu son o único que pode causar-lle o pracer que anseia e merecen, I can feel your heat, podo sentir o seu calor," he said as I leaned back on the bed and he eased in straddling me.

I had to breathe slowly. He was larger than life and his size complimented it well. He looked down at me and my legs betrayed me by opening up like Black Sea of Temptation. I was doomed the moment his own eyes replaced the camera. My Galician Thor was powerful, sexy..., shit he was my super, soaky wet dream except he was all real. He licked me up from my throat to my lips.

"You like?"

I swallowed hard and replied, "yes, very much." I ran my hands up his chest pulling his dress shirt apart. Buttons went flying all over the place and he chuckled. Bringing his head down where our lips infused in pleasures of seduction, debauchery, and erotic temptations this connection would definitely get us a one way ticket to hell of brimstone, but hey, it would be worth it. So I let him take control and best believe he didn't disappoint.

Hours later as I laid there like a lazy frog on a log on a hot summer's day, my body ached not with pain but from the lust of the Marc Hernandez brand that always seem to infuse me with a source of new found energy that left me either craving for more or for me to take on the world as a lioness ready to take her place.

I eased up on my elbows and looked through the picturesque window. I swear being here in Wonderland was like a dream. The beautiful green top covered the cliffs and the perfectly blue water down below made this paradise. I could feel the cool breeze from the balcony as part of the sliding glass door was opened.

I blinked and saw Marc fully dressed in a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, khaki pants and his hair bushy from the shower, which I loved to play in. Sitting here, the sun was up, had I slept all night? It had been weeks with the wedding preparations and the downtown project  almost finished, I had turned into a workaholic which I didn't really like. I needed time with my husband and child as time was something we could never get back.

I slipped out of bed, taking my robe he had left me on the end of bedpost. I walked out and stopped at the door.

"I think it's an excellent idea Christina. Davin doesn't want to handle the business of the team and I think Moretti Sports can catapult in the American Football League. Sean Gipson is star and the fans love him. You have me, Elvin, Alexander, Tyler, Ian, Evan, along with Edward and a host of people with you. I think buying majority shares of the team would be beneficial, as there aren't very many women who own American football teams." He paused. "Sounds good, I will see you, Marco and Carmine next month where we can get a plan of action rolling. Addio Christina." He hung up and turned around.

"Christina is buying a team?" I asked.

"Thinking about it."

"Well I know you can talk her into it."

"It would be a good move for her to branch out."

"Agreed, if the market is stable."

"It is." He walked up to me kissing me on the neck. "Good morning love."

"Good morning to you. Where is MJ?"

"Sleeping." He held up the monitor where I could see her safely tucked in. I smiled.

"Your dad called and said they made it safely to New Zealand and not to worry. They will be back in three weeks from their romantic honeymoon getaway and he will see you then."

"I still can't get over he's married. Years ago I would have never dreamt of this. Miracles really happen."

"I would agree." He said smiling. He put his arm around me and lean in where our foreheads touched.

"Quérote miña linda esposa, I love you my dear wife."

"Quérote meu querido marido, I love you dear husband," I replied with a smile on my face.

He sat down and I took a seat on his lap with my arms around his neck, and his arms around my body. This was my paradise, being in the arms of the man that loved me through all my faults, my insecurities and ready to protect me when I least expected it. He was the man that just loved me for just being me. I loved this man with my mind, body and soul and beyond the death do us part, he was mine and I was never letting him go.

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I hope you enjoyed this bonus chapter. I missed writing about this couple as they are so much fun. Who knows I might write another bonus chapter or create another storyline, we will see. Thanks again for supporting this story, love you guys.