Chapter 40: Another blessing

A month has passed.

When Cassandra felt Edward's lips on her neck, she smiled and moaned softly. She purred as she opened her eyes. "What a nice way to wake up," she said, running her hand up his toned and muscular chest, enjoying the sensation.

Edward yanked his mouth away from the sweet taste of Cassandra's flesh as he climbed to the top and looked down. "Are you prepared to marry Edward Consuelo today?"

She reached up and ran her fingers through his hair. "You bet I am, but you shouldn't be here; we're breaking tradition by having the groom with the bride the night before."

Cassandra's heart was overflowing with love and happiness. They decided to have a quiet ceremony at the ranch on their wedding day. Mrs. Consuelo will take care of the small reception that will follow.

"I don't care about any damn tradition," he laughed. "We've wasted enough time apart. I won't go another minute without you."

Cassandra indicated to him with her finger. "Mr. Consuelo, you've been getting your way for the last two weeks, demanding to move into your bedroom right away and get married right away, and now it's my turn."

You should take your suit into the spare bedroom, and I should get ready. " She tried shoving him, but he wouldn't budge.

Edward didn't say anything, but he showed her by slipping his hand under her nightgown and pressing his lips passionately against hers.

They lay there, neither of them wanting to move, but there was still much to be done.

"You have to leave now, Edward; I have to get Akia ready first, then myself."

He sat up, groaning. "Are you going to be this bossy all the time, lady?"

"Hey, it was your suggestion to have a daytime wedding, now go," she laughed.

He kissed her while bending down. "I'm going. I'll see you at the alter." Jumping up, he threw on some jeans, grabbed the suit, and walked out.

She showered, did her hair, and got a very excited Akia dressed, standing in front of the full-length mirror in her simple but elegant long white gown. Mrs. Consuelo knocked and walked in.

"My dear, you look so beautiful," she said as she walked over to hug her. "I have something for you, and I'm hoping you'll wear it today."

Cassandra opened the small box and looked inside.

It was a lovely antique gold necklace. "Oh, Mrs. Consuelo, it's so lovely. I'd be honored to put it on. "

"Call me mother from now on, and this necklace was worn by my grandmother on her wedding day, as it was by my mother and myself, and now I'm passing it on to you, and Akia will wear it on her special day someday."

"You're going to make me cry, mom," she said with a smile. "Did you see Edward?"

"Oh my goodness, that man is hyperactive.

And Akia is attempting to put a black jacket on Yucky because she believes he should dress up as well "Mrs. Consuelo burst out laughing.

Cassandra drew a deep breath and took Mrs. Consuelo's arm as they walked downstairs and out back.

She waited until the grandmother was seated before the music started. The backyard was completely set up, complete with tables, chairs, and flowers. An arch covered in flowers where Edward and the priest stood anxiously waiting.

He approached her as she walked up the path to where the man she loved was waiting. "What are you doing, Edward?" she inquired.

His eyes were filled with love as he looked deep into hers. "You are about to become my wife; you will never have to come to me; from now on, we will meet halfway."

Her eyes welled up with tears as she took his arm and led him to the alter.

Then he picked her up off her feet and swung her around, kissing her until the crowd yelled for them to get a room.

The first dance was between Edward and Cassandra, and he held her close. "Are you happy, sweetie?" he inquired.

She raised her head and smiled at him. "I'm overjoyed; I love you and Akia and our lives together. I am a little worried about leaving Akia for a few days, maybe we should stay here."

"I understand your point of view, but sweetie, we need this time alone; after all, she has her grandmother, Maria, and the rest of the household staff who genuinely love her." He lifts her chin. "We're not going far, and it'll only be for a few days."

"OK, I'm with you all the way," she said, reaching up and kissing him.

Akia was running around playing stewardess, handing out finger foods and tiny desserts, while Edward drank champagne and offered it to Cassandra, who declined.

Someone ran into Edward, causing his drink to spill all over his shirt. "I'm going up to change my shirt," he told Cassandra, winking. "Would you like to come to help me?" he asked, winking.

"No, Edward, if I go up there, I know exactly what you're up to, now go," she said as she whisked him away.

When Edward hadn't returned after 20 minutes, she asked Akia if she had seen her father.

"He's upstairs, talking to some woman," she skipped away.

Cassandra began to have a strange feeling that something was wrong. She excused herself and entered their bedroom upstairs.

When she opened the door, she saw Edward with a woman, Sofie. "What the f*ck! Why is she here!?" she wondered as she noticed Edward's shirt was undone and Sofie standing close to him. "Edward, what the hell is going on?" she yelled angrily.

His face blanched as he turned to face Cassandra. "This isn't what it appears to be, sweetie."

Cassandra approached them after noticing Sofie's smirk. "So, Edward, what's the story? Why is that woman in our bedroom? Mind explaining?"

He snatched her hand in his. "I came to change my shirt, she started walking in behind me, and I was trying to tell her to get out when you walked in. Baby, you've got to believe me." Edward knew this looked bad, and all he wanted was for her to believe him.

"Oh tell her the fact, we were about to make love," Sofie smirked.

Edward turned, his face flushed with rage. "You lying bitch," he said, turning to face Cassandra. "Please, Sweetie, believe me."

Cassandra stroked his cheek, and she did believe him. She raised her fist and punched Sofie square in the mouth. "Get out of my house before I seize you, and if you ever go near my husband or my children again, I'll make you wish you'd never met me."

Sofie dashed out, holding her face, leaving Edward with his mouth open.

"Hell, woman, I had no idea you had that in you," he drew her into him. "Please remind me not to annoy you."

She smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Never, ever forget it."

"Wait," he said, intrigued as to what she meant. "What did you mean when you said, children?" Do you want us to have another child? If so, that's great, and I'm ready whenever you are."

"I feel terrible that I never told you about Akia," she cried.

"Shh, it's ok, next time I'll be here to see it growing inside you, I'll see its baby born and all the other stuff that comes with having a baby," he held her.

"Edward, you've been the only one, I never sleep with some other man." Edward stared at her perplexed.

"Wow, you're kidding," he said, smiling.

"At least that way you won't know what a terrible lover I am."

"Oh Edward, trust me, you are a wonderful lover, but I've never needed birth control." she sighed heavily, wondering if he would notice what she was trying to tell him.

"What are you telling me?" he asked solemnly.

"I'm five weeks pregnant, Edward. Akia's wishes to have a baby sibling come true."

The smile on his face told Cassandra everything she needed to know: he was content.

He picked her up and kissed her long and tenderly. "I love you, My wife, let's go tell everyone the news," he said, taking her hand in his and walking towards the door.

"Edward, stop, you need to wear your shirt first," she laughed as he grabbed a shirt and put it on with trembling fingers.

Outside, he gathered everyone, raised his glass, and held Akia. "I'd like to thank everyone for coming, and Cassandra and I have some good news with everyone," he said, looking at Akia, then back at the audience. "We're having another baby."