The laughter continued.
CHAPTER
EIGHTEEN
The Tesanos enjoyed an intimate gathering at the Marisellis Golf Club later that afternoon where they watched Pitch and Candace become Mr. and Mrs. Vicarus Tesano. Several members of the Tesano and Strong families were on hand for the event. The same was true for members of Pitch’s immediate family on his mother’s side.
No one was greeted with more delight however, than the twins. Leeya and Layah charmed wedding attendees on all sides with their diverse interests that sparked endless conversation and laughter. Conversation also circulated among the well-attended affair as to the timeframe for the next Tesano wedding.
Several on hand for Pitch’s and Candace’s ceremony would soon be traveling to Nevada to witness Caiphus’ and Bill’s exchange of vows. The speculation then was on Hill and Persephone. The hoped-for bride and groom were mum on the topic which only added more heat to the speculation.
Persephone couldn't help but wonder if Hill was as eager as she was to be out from under the pressure of the spotlight. That didn’t seem to be the case if she took his mood at face value.
Hill either grinned smugly or outright laughed as though delighted whenever someone made a casual mention of Persephone being too dazzling a catch to be left walking around an unclaimed woman. Meanwhile, the ‘unclaimed woman’ herself refused to let any of it go to her head. This was especially true when Hill agreed with so many of the comments. She finally contented herself on the idea that he was just keeping things on an even keel-neither confirming nor denying family suspicions.
Regardless, she was still eager to be rid of
the spotlight. Secretly, she looked forward to it being placed back
on Caiphus and SyBilla where it belonged.
***
Bill had agreed to a long weekend of festivities before her big day. That was partly because she and Caiphus deserved it and partly because Bill had no desire to debate the issue with Sabra. It was a debate Bill was honest enough to admit she had no stamina for.
Because Sabra had gotten what she’d wanted from the deal, Belle figured one good turn deserved another. She talked Bill into wearing the gown she’d designed. She’d been holding it in wait, until her stubborn cousin finally decided to accept one of the tireless proposals of marriage from the man who loved her.
Bill graciously accepted and told the rest
of her family to make any and all their outrageous requests that
weekend. Afterwards, all answers would include a resounding
‘No!’
***
“They sound so wonderful! I can tell they’re having the best time. I apologize for pulling them away from it.”
“Oh I can promise you, they had an even better time talking to their grandmother.”
“And now they have two of us,” Emotion had thickened Tamara James’ words then, “Oh Imani- thank you.”
Imani squeezed Roman’s thigh and pointed to the phone. She edged off the bed. They were watching a Three Stooges marathon with the girls when Tammy called.
Imani took the cordless out into the hall where she continued her chat from one of the embroidered ivory chairs that lined the corridor. “It’s alright, Tammy. Roman and I should be the ones thanking you.”
“Please understand how terrified Persephone was. So much, she didn’t know whether she was coming or going. Going through all that made her strong- it also made her independent. Independent to the point that relying on anyone was like the plague to her. There was even a time when she didn’t want to rely on me.”
“A woman’s independence can be her best friend or worst nightmare sometimes,” Imani mused, and then gave a light chuckle. “I think your daughter may’ve been a little overwhelmed by me and my family, but if she learned one thing it’s we’re not an easy group to shake. Fending for herself in the protection realm is something she won’t have the chance to do anymore, I’m afraid.”
Tammy laughed. “My Persephone is a stubborn thing, demure when she wants to be, but she’ll defend her tactics once her mind’s made and it’s damned tough getting her to change her mind.”
“Hmm...that sounds like at least two people we know.”
“Ha! Our granddaughters.”
“That Layah…” Imani laughed. “She’s got the demure thing down, but knows when to argue her point. And Leeya-”
“There is no arguing with her!” Tammy said. “She makes up her mind and sees no need to argue over it since it’s not changing.”
Imani put her hand to her stomach as laughing cramps took shape.
“Oh I could tell you some stories!” Tammy raved.
“Please do!”
The grandmothers settled in for a long and
lively chat.
***
The bachelor/bachelorette party weekend events were planned for a select few of the wedding attendees. Those expected guests set out at various times and from various locales to descend on the home Sabra kept on Lake Tahoe. The spot would also be the site for the small wedding.
Hill and Persephone set out with his family following Pitch’s wedding. Pike had arranged for one of the private Tesano jets to transport them. Roman and Imani had decided to take a later flight with the girls. Leeya and Layah were too excited by the idea as was Persephone. She couldn’t have been happier that the girls had so beautifully bonded with Hill’s family.
Those in route to Nevada felt no shame about attending another getaway so soon after Sabra’s yacht event several weeks prior.The celebration of love, the joy of weddings were reminders of what was truly important. They were reminders of what was worth fighting for- what they all had every intention of keeping safe.
Persephone was accepting a fresh cup of the amazing tea the flight attendants had fixed her up with. They were halfway through the trip. The boisterous conversation and laughter that had colored the cabin from the onset, had calmed. The area was quieter as some read, while others dozed on the deep coal-colored armchairs or sofas that filled the space.
Persephone had taken her first sip from the steaming cup, marveling over the tea’s melon taste, when Hill took the armchair next to her.
“Some weekend, huh?” He asked.
Persephone’s laughter was soft as she stirred the hot liquid filling her cup. “The one we just finished or the one we’re on our way to?”
Hill raised his hands. “I guess either will do.”
Persephone felt him watching her then and she couldn’t help but squirm a bit under its unwavering darkness. “Everybody asleep?” She asked finally.
“The bride and groom are in the back snoring like hogs.”
