Light filtered in through the closed blinds in the window as my eyes fluttered open the next morning. It took me a moment to take in the scene around me. Ellie was still sound asleep, entwined in my arms. I gently kissed her cheek and tried to slip away, but she woke up.
"Morning, sweetie," I said softly.
Ellie's lips broke into a smile. "It can't possibly be morning already!"
"Look at the clock," I laughed. Ellie jumped up when she saw the time. "It's not morning...it's the afternoon!"
"We were up late last night, but we've got our plane to catch," I commented. Ellie nodded and slid out from underneath the covers.
After both of us had showered and dressed, we headed downstairs, hand in hand, for a bite to eat. Everyone was curled up in the living room, reading and playing games.
"Hey, lazy bums!" Gabby exclaimed. "About time you showed your faces. Did you sleep well?"
I glanced at Ellie and saw her blush. "Sort of," she said softly. Everyone laughed and we joined in.
"There's a bowl of fruit in the kitchen with your names on it!" Celine called. "Why don't you grab something to eat?" We nodded. I snatched an orange and peeled it.
"Here," I said, pulling the orange apart and popping a piece into Ellie's mouth. She smiled and kissed my fingers. Her lips felt like the touch of a butterfly as they cascaded over my fingertips.
"I love you," I whispered, embracing Ellie in a hug that lifted her off her feet.
"Uh...sorry," I heard Isaac say as he walked in on us and started to turn to leave.
"No, it's okay, Ike," Ellie said. "What did you want?"
"I was just grabbing some water for Gabby. So, how does it feel to be married?"
"Splendid...just splendid..." I said in an English accent.
Ellie elbowed me good naturedly. "Come on...let's go pack!"
A couple hours later, Ellie and I emerged from her room with suitcases in hand. We had spent a good hour just having some "girl talk" while we packed. Ellie had told me all about the previous night and as we passed Isaac in the living room, I couldn't help but feel a little pang. Ellie was married. Now what?
We loaded everything into the back of the limo and piled in. Celine, Isaac, Taylor and I were going to see them off. I sat next to Isaac and rested my hand on his knee. Isaac rested his hand on my own. I could see right into his deep brown eyes.
I couldn't be more excited! Zac and I were finally married and off to Italy for our honeymoon. I chattered on away with everyone and seemed not to be able to keep a smile off my face.
"So, what's the first thing you're going to do in Italy?" Taylor asked.
"I don't know," I sighed. "I definitely want to see all the sculptures. Also, I can't miss the Potaveccio," I laughed, speaking of a well-known bridge that is covered with stores.
"Certainly wouldn't want to miss that," Celine said mischievously. "You have got to do some shopping!"
"Oh, definitely," I smiled. "We need to get some things to add to our new house, even though it won't be done until next summer."
"Speaking of which," Celine said, a little more seriously. "I have a question. You don't need to answer now, but it was just an idea."
"Sure," I said. "Shoot away."
"Well, you know I'm starting to tour again this fall and I thought since your house wouldn't be done for a while and Hanson is taking some time off this year...well, maybe you would like to come with me. Actually, I was thinking you could get a paying job as my personal assistant, Ellie. I'd love to have you with me and you could help watch over Karine."
I met Zac's eyes and saw right away that he loved the idea. It would be wonderful to travel with a tour. Plus, I'd actually have a job!
"Oh, Celine!" I said. "That sounds great." She smiled.
"We can talk it over more when you get back." We nodded and then noticed the limo pulling up at the airport.
Before we could even get inside, Zac and I were surrounded by reporters. Since we were a little early, we stayed for a few minutes and answered some questions, then started off for the gate.
"I can't believe you're headed off to Italy as a married couple," Celine sighed as she hugged me and Zac goodbye.
"Have a great time...and call me sometime!" Gabby exclaimed.
"Don't worry...we will!" I called as we headed down the ramp to board our plane.
