BELLA MARTIN 18

M A R T I N

"Uncle Martin! Uncle Martin! Come on, let's go! "The fireworks are about to begin," Yzee quickly pulled my hand away from the last sip of a truly fine glass of wine. We'd just finished a delicious meal at this cafe, but it seemed like it was time to move on to the main show of the evening. It was something I was looking forward to. Bella decided to stand behind her, a huge smile on her face, her hair loose and flowing, wearing a summer dress that made my blood boil. I knew she'd make fun of me for having to drag my feet in a matter of seconds. I didn't mind. I enjoyed it when she made fun of me. I winked at her and took my last sip of wine, maintaining her gaze fixed on me. This was our trip to celebrate. I'd loaded up the entire family for a trip to Paris because my father and brothers had been sentenced to life in prison, while my mother and I were free and I was with Bella. And content. We were a family as far as I was concerned. I'd offered that bachelor's penthouse to my mother, who was now a single woman for the very first time in her adult life, and purchased a spacious apartment a few blocks up the street with equally picturesque scenery of the sunset. But mostly, I'd purchased it because it was big enough for Bella and Yzee to live with me. There was also a mother-in-law suite for Abuela, who adored living in such a luxurious setting. She'd told me that I was now her grandson, and I couldn't be more extremely happy. I'd finally found a family that wasn't riddled with secrets and suspiciousness. "Are you coming with us to see the fireworks, Abuela?" " I interrupted her French lesson with the three older Parisians who did think she was enticing. “Fireworks? If you've seen one fireworks show, you've seen them all, mijo," she said as she started waving me away. "Who cares if you're in Paris, Londo or Manila? This is something I don't see in Manila." She continued to pour some of the fine wine into her glass and smiled at her court of older gentlemen. In awe, I scratched my head. Like Grandmother, like granddaughter. They are both similar. I was overjoyed that they were mine. "Oh, Uncle Martin! Abuela has already stated that she will not be participating. Come on, let's go! " Yzee was irritated. She was absolutely adorable. I was glad she was mine as well. "I have to go," I said. "The ladies seek my presence," Yzee drew me away from the café, and she took off running ahead of us down the avenue. Bella approached me, tucking her hand into the crook of my arm. I kissed her on the cheek because I couldn't stand being near her without kissing her. She smiled and tried to duck her head. Of course, I'd travelled in Paris before, but I'd never been in love in Paris; it was a very different city that lived up to its name as the city of love. Even when there was a nine-year-old girl in front of you. The night was starting to fall, and the city lights were turning on. Everything was glistening. Particularly the lady by my side. Her smile never failed to make my heart swell with joy. Yzee yelped and jumped around with the three girls she'd just met. A chic woman in a tailor made dress sat in a folding chair next to them. My mother was having a good time playing grandma to her bunch of young semi-grandchildren. We'd made it just in time. The first fireworks blooms were lit. "This is a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower," Bella said as she rested her head on my shoulder. I wrapped my arm around her waist and drew her to me. "Yzee claims the cousins scouted this location and saved it for us." "The cousins, eh? Isn't she aware that they're not her cousins? ” "They're barely my cousins, sweetheart. I believe we're third cousin twice removed." I kissed her hair and tried to hug her body closer to mine as the dazzling fireworks went off. She snuggled up to me. "I don't think she gives a hoot. My mother determined that they were cousins. So they're now cousins." Bella grinned and started pointing her chin at the four girls and the older woman who was now attempting to persuade the girls to pose for a photo in front of the fireworks. "Your mother is hilarious." "I'm sorry about that. She's made the decision that because I'm taking so long to have grandchildren, she'll adopt Yzee as her grandchild." She laughed once more. "It's fine. I'm not bothered. Helena is Yzee's favorite." "Alternatively, we could make it official." A barrage of fireworks erupted. I observed her as she observed them. Then she developed a crinkle between her brows. “What? " she said as she turned to face me. I pulled the small blue velvet box from my pocket. "Perhaps we should make it official. Be a family," I said as I opened the box to reveal the rose cut pink diamond ring to her. "Will you marry me?" ” She only half-raised her hand to the ring before turning to face me. “Martin? " she questioned, as if she really can not believe it. How could she possibly not believe? Did she not realize she was my life? "I noticed something about you the first time I saw you. I saw some fireworks." "You did not," she said, blinking at me. I gave a nod. "I actually did. I knew you were the one for me. I didn't know what was happening at the time, but I knew. I knew despite everything we went through. You were always the one." She brought her hand up to my face and kissed my lips. "I adore you." "Does that mean yes?" "It most definitively is," said the man with the big smile. I slipped the ring onto her finger, and she managed to grab my neck with her hand and dragged me down for a full-body kiss. "I love you, Martin," she exclaimed. "That's a good thing, because you're stuck with me now. You'll never be able to get rid of me." She took a deep breath softly against my lips. "That's everything I've ever desired." THE END OF MARTIN AND BELLA’S STORY. COMING UP NEXT, ADDY AND SIMON’S STORY. STAY TUNED SWEETIES