Awe-Struck, Book 2 (16 page)

“I’m glad you like them. I couldn’t decide between the three, so I got all of them. It’s the least I could do since you’ve had to put up with all the bullshit my life has thrown at you.” Gabe said sincerely.

“I’d do it all over again without the gifts, just to be with you Gabriel.” Sunny said fervently. “Here. I have something for you too. Just one though.” Sunny said, placing her gift in his hand.

“I’m sure I’ll cherish it.” Gabe said reassuringly.

Sunny heard the paper being torn off of his gift, but then there was silence. What felt like an eternity went by and then Sunny heard Gabe clear his throat, and several more seconds ticked by and still he said nothing. And suddenly she felt his hand clasp hers tightly.

“Su…Sunny, I…” Again she heard him clear his throat that sounded thick with emotion. “It’s beautiful.” He finally whispered. “Thank you.” He squeezed her hand even tighter.

Sunny hadn’t known what to get for a man that has everything and could buy anything he didn’t. So Sunny had went for more sentimental and had chosen a silver pocket watch with gold inner gears that could be viewed through the clear glass in the middle, the numbers where in Roman numerals and it had double doors that opened on either side. On the inside of one door she had taken the picture of his mother and father and gotten it copied and shrunk down to size and on the other door was a picture of them they had taken for their engagement.

She had gotten an inscription on the front side of each door. On the door with his parents’ picture it simply read
E&F
with
12-9-74
the day his parents were married underneath their initials. On the door with their picture the inscription read,
I’ve had the time of my life
, with
G&S
and the current date
7-27-13
.

“Are you sure you like it? You seem kinda quiet.” Sunny asked unsure if it was the right gift to get him.

“Aw baby, I’m quiet because I’m trying to keep it together so I don’t bawl like a fucking little girl.” Gabe laughed around what sounded like tears in his throat. “It’s perfect.”

~~~

After Sunny left the room to finish doing whatever brides do before a wedding, Gabe grabbed the typewriter and leather portfolio and placed them on the dining room table, before walking back to the cordoned off groom’s area.

He kept reaching his hand back into his pocket to feel the pocket watch, wanting to feel the weight of it in his hand. It was now the most important possession he owned. Sunny couldn’t have gotten his gift more right if she tried.
Hell, I still have a knot in my throat!

Gabe walked into the living room of the four bedroom villa where Sunny’s parents, his mother and Sunny’s brother Jace were staying, and where he’d stayed last night. It was currently being used as the men’s dressing area.

Sunny’s dad Sam, Jace and Alyssa’s boyfriend Brandon were sitting in the living room chitchatting about the latest ball game. The men were in charcoal grey relaxed fit linen slacks that almost looked like jeans from afar and matching vests with white button down shirts and yellow ties and pristine white
K-Swiss
tennis shoes. Gabe wore a matching three-piece linen suit with white shirt and yellow tie and tennis shoes, but his suit was a paler shade of gray and had a jacket.

When Gabe walked in Jace stood up and patted him on the shoulder and then walked into the kitchen to grab their yellow boutonnières from the fridge.

“So are you ready to marry my daughter?” Sam stood up and clapped Gabe on the back.

“Yes, sir.” Gabe answered happily.

“Good. And now that you’re about to become a part of the family, you can call me dad if you’d like. I know you never knew your own father, and I know that I can’t take his place. But if you need me or even Donna for that matter, when Francesca goes back to Spain, just know that we’re here and glad to call you our son-in-law.” Sam said sincerely.

“Thank you, Sam…dad. I appreciate that.” Gabe barely got the words past the quickly growing knot lodged in his throat.
Fuck my life! Can I get through this day without breaking down like a baby?!

“Alright then. Let’s get these flowers on and head down.” Sam said clearing his own throat.

Once their flowers were on, they headed down to the area where the ceremony was taking place. It was on the terrace of the resort built into a cliff and overlooking the ocean. A canopy of yellow and white flowers adorned the wooden pergola at the front of the rows of white cushioned seating with yellow bows where their guests were seated. The resort was thankfully clear of paparazzi, since they had kept the time and place of their nuptials top secret.

Gabe, Jace and Brandon took their places at the front. Gabe’s tendency to be a loner left few options for guys to stand up on his side and most of the guests filling his side were colleagues from his film work. But he was happy to be surrounded by the people that loved Sunny. She picked great people to be in her life and he had quickly liked all of them almost instantly.

Everyone took their places and with the minister by his side under the pergola, the moment had come. The girls pretty in yellow came down the aisle, but then as the first strains of Etta James’
At Last
reached Gabe’s ears, his heart started to pound. It was Sunny’s favorite song of all time, but he definitely felt a connection to it himself. It felt like he’d waited his whole life for this moment. For her. And it had finally come.

H
is breath caught as Sunny and Sam came around the corner. Everything faded around the edges, putting Sunny in sharp relief. She had the most radiant smile to ever grace the lips of any human being that he had ever seen. Her bronzed skin gave off a warm glow. And her tender honey brown eyes gleamed with tears, which Gabe was sure mirrored his. His throat worked vigorously to keep the tears at bay, but it didn’t work. Silent tears slipped down his face as the love of his life walked towards him.

Sam offered Sunny’s hand to him and Gabe took it gladly. He pulled her in close and planted a soft kiss on her lips.

“Ahem…son…we’re not there yet.” The minister joked, bringing Gabe to the present.

Their guests laughed loudly at Gabe’s gaffe, but he didn’t care.

“For a second there I thought you were crying because this was the end of your single days.” Sunny whispered to him with a sassy grin.

“Never.” He whispered back seriously.

The minister opened up the ceremony with the usual. Gabe scowled at the guests at the part about ‘objections’, daring anyone to speak. Again everyone laughed and Sunny giggled under her breath. But now it was time for their written vows and Gabe took a deep breath, hoping he could get through it without bawling.

“Madison Stone, my Sweet Girl, long ago I found my passion for acting and I thought that was who I was. Then you came into my life and showed me that it is what I
do
, not who I
am
. This will be my greatest ‘role’…as your husband. You have brightened my world like the rays of the sun. You have brought love and family into my life that I could’ve never imagined before you. I could spend a lifetime finding ways to make you as happy as I have been, as I am and I would never accomplish it. You are my sunlight in the dark and I promise to love you long past this life and into the next.” Gabe’s voice trembled with emotion as he slipped the diamond eternity band onto her left finger.

Sunny gently dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, but the tears continued to fall. She tried to start and had to stop, because her voice was too clogged with tears. She laughed at herself and shrugged at him before clearing her throat one more time.
He clutched her hand for support, giving her strength to start.

“Gabriel Wolf, I stand before you as a woman changed. You have given me the strength and confidence to stand tall. I have never felt more beautiful than when I look at myself through your eyes. When I thought all hope was lost, you found me and made me realize that anything is possible. We’ve already been through so much together. And with you by my side, I know I can face and get through anything. You inspire me on a daily basis. And I promise to spend the rest of my life showing you all the love you deserve.” Sunny finally said her voice watery with tears as she slid a masculine beveled edge platinum band on his ring finger.

“Gabriel Wolf, do you take Madison Stone as your lawfully wedded wife?” The minister turned to Gabe.

“I do.” Gabe said his deep baritone ringing out.

“And do you, Madison Stone, take Gabriel Wolf as your lawfully wedded husband?” The minister turned to Sunny.

“I do.” Sunny said a huge
watery smile spreading across her face.

“Then I know pronounce you husband and wife. You may
now
kiss the bride.” He said jovially.

Gabe grabbed Sunny’s face and pulled her to him, crushing her lips in a semi-appropriate kiss. The wedding guests stood up and cheered loudly at the passionate kiss.

Gabe reluctantly broke the kiss and stared deeply into Sunny’s eyes, brilliant blue to warm honey.

“I love you so much, Madison Wolf.” He said brushing a tear from her cheek.

“And I love you, Gabriel.” She smiled up at him. “I’m freakin’ married!” Sunny yelled out at the guests raising her yellow and white bouquet in the air.

The guests cheered even louder as Gabe dipped Sunny down and gave her a classic Hollywood kiss.

~~~

Gabe scooped Sunny up into his strong arms to carry her across the threshold of the villa after the reception.

“Finally, I get you all to myself.” Gabe said as he nuzzled her neck.

“Yes, it’s been a long day. But the best of my life.” Sunny squirmed as his warm breath tickled her neck.

Gabe carried her straight into the bedroom and placed her on her feet in front of the bed.

“You took my breath way, Sunny. I may be a little biased, but you had to have been the most beautiful radiant bride I’ve ever seen.” Gabe gazed down at her in awe.

“Thanks, Gabe.” Sunny smiled prettily. “You cleaned up pretty good yourself, handsome. I thought I was going to pass out when I saw you in that suit. So hot!”

Gabe chuckled as he turned her around to face the bed. “Even though I love you in this dress, I think it’s time that it came off.” Gabe said deeply.

Gabe began to slip each satin covered button out from their holes, kissing every inch of skin that was bared to him. When the dress was loose enough he slid the fabric down Sunny’s arms and shapely hips, leaving her in just her white bustier and matching lace boyshorts.

“Fuck my life! I have to store this memory away to keep for the rest of my life.” Gabe turned Sunny around and eyed her from head to toe.

Sunny blushed and then began to undress him as well, sliding off his jacket and unbuttoning his vest and shirt. As all of his clothes joined her dress on the floor, Sunny gazed at his muscular body like it was a work of art.
God, you did good when making this one.
She reached out to brush her hands over his bulging pectorals; his breath drew in sharply as her fingertips caressed his nipples.

Gabe pulled her close and reached around to unhook her bustier, baring her full b
reasts. He bent down and drew a hard peak into his mouth. Sunny gasped and slid her fingers through his hair, holding him to her. Reluctantly he released her plump breast as he wrapped his arms around her and lifted her to lay on the bed as he crawled on with her.

He sat up on his hunches and reached for her lacey panties. She raised her hips to help him slid
e them off. The fabric gliding slowly over her legs as he pulled them off over her yellow heels. All she was left in was the necklace he had given her and her shoes.

Coming back down to lay gently on top of her, Gabe’s hard steel rested at her wet and aching opening. He looked deeply into her eyes as he slowly entered her, keeping eye contact as they came together for the first time as husband and wife.

Gabe thrust into her smoothly, “Welcome home, husband.” Sunny sighed as he filled her full.

“The only place I want to be, wife.” Gabe gazed down at her with love as he brought her to an intense orgasm.

Epilogue

Sunny smiled to herself as she looked in the mirror getting ready for the second best night of her life. She thought back on the last year and a half a counted herself one of the luckiest people in the world.

After the wedding, they spent two month
s in Europe, backpacking the majority of the trip per Sunny’s request. She’d heard that it was the best way to see Europe and to meet the coolest people. And she was right; they’d had a blast discovering little hole-in-the-wall places that they’d never find going the five-star route.

They had started in London, made their way to Paris and the south of France, in which they did it up a little
more fancy considering the location. After France, they finally made their way to Spain to spend a week with his mother and family. It seemed the whole coastal town of Mataro that was located northwest of Barcelona, turned out for the event. It was like a week-long festival, the town was so proud to have a celebrity whose family was native to the area, come to visit.

Gabe had been smothered with love, hugs and kisses that were constantly thrown his way by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends of the family. But most importantly there was his grandmother Maria. A little feisty old woman that was short and round and looked like the classic grandmother figure, with gray hair pulled back in a bun with a perpetual apron on. It seemed as if she was always cooking, and her food was to die for. Sunny swore she’d gained about ten pounds from that week alone.

Gabe had taken to Maria instantly. Having never had a grandmother, he was ecstatic to finally have one, and she was equally glad to have him around. She coddled him, constantly stuffing food in his mouth for him to try and patting or rubbing his cheek lovingly. She didn’t speak much English, but Gabe didn’t care. He’d sit there and listen to her talk a mile a minute for what seemed like hours, with a happy grin on his face.

After their week was up in Spain, they left for Italy with a promise to come back soon to visit. Gabe was considering looking into buying a second home for them to live in near his family. When Sunny had told him that she was surprised that he’d only had the one house
in Malibu and asked why he didn’t have a ton of houses all over the world, Gabe simply replied: “I was waiting for you. There was no reason to buy all that when I didn’t have you to share it with.” He said it with such naked love and sincerity, Sunny fell in love with him all over again in that moment.

After traveling around Italy where they basked in the glory of pastas, cheeses and wine; they went to Greece, where Sunny drowned herself in Mediterranean food. From Greece they stopped in Germany, where they continued to swim in a sea of delicious beer. Sunny had no idea how they were able to still fit in their clothes at that point.

The last stop on their journey had been Norway. Before the trip Gabe had looked up his father’s parents from what little information that Francesca had given him. They knew their names were Kristoffer and Inger Wolf and that they lived in Oslo, Norway. And with the help of the private investigator that Sunny had hired to find his mother, they found his grandparents and contacted them before they had left for Europe, not wanting to just show up on their doorstep to give them a heart attack. They never knew that they even had a grandson.

Erik had been their only child and when he’d broken their hearts when he’d ran off to America with Francesca, they’d cut him off. They knew he had died and mourned the loss, but never knew of Gabe because of their refusal to speak with Francesca, blaming her for his death. When Gabe had contacted them, they had seemed mildly interested in meeting him.

So as Sunny and Gabe had stood outside of the quaint but impressive three-story townhome, Gabe had been a bundle of nerves. But the moment his grandparents had come to the door, all the nerves melted away, when they saw him. It was one thing to see him on a movie or television screen, but it had been a whole other thing to have him standing in front of them in the flesh.

They hugged him tightly. His grandmother had instantly starting crying over seeing her deceased son in the man before her and regret over all they had lost by being so stubborn. They weren’t as overly affectionate like his Spanish family, but it was more due to the culture than lack of interest and love.

They sat in their living room and they showed Gabe and Sunny pictures of Erik growing up, and told Gabe stories about Erik as a child and the potential he’d had as a young man. As Sunny had looked at the pictures, she saw Gabe in every one of them.

They had spent a week with them, getting to know each other and Gabe learning all he could about his father’s family, a family of scholars, which Gabe’s grandparents were slightly perplexed at his choice of career. Gabe had chalked it up to him taking after his dramatic and somewhat theatrical Spanish family.

Before they left, they promised to visit his Norwegian family again as well. And they had plans to
Skype
soon.

Once they got back to the States, their lives became a whirlwind of activities. Gabe decided to just produce some movies instead of acting in them, wanting to take a break and spend more time with Sunny. One of the movies he’d decided to produce was Sunny’s animated film, Take Flight; a story about a chubby caterpillar named Pudgie Lumpkins and her epic journey to become a beautiful butterfly.

It was a sweet movie that centered around the issues on the bullying of young kids. It had received rave reviews and was now nominated for an
Oscar
for Best Animated Movie and she was nominated for Best Original Screenplay. And Sunny felt like she could barf because of her twisting and turning stomach, at least that’s why she assumed her stomach was in painful knots.

Gabe walked into the bedroom as Sunny came out of the bathroom. He took her breath away as usual, but seeing him in his black tux made her want to swoon.

“Sweet Girl, you look absolutely radiant.” He sauntered over to her and knelt down to kiss her protruding stomach over her dress. “How are my girls doing tonight?”

“We’re all doing fine, though I’m sure they’re wondering what in the hell is going on with all the bats flying around in my stomach.” Sunny rubbed her overgrown belly.

“You have nothing to be nervous about. You’ve got that golden statue in the bag.” Gabe said emphatically.

“No screenplay writer for an animated movie in the history of the
Academy Awards
has won for Best Original Screenplay!” Sunny exclaimed.

“Then you’ll be the first.” Gabe said, helping Sunny slip on her ballet flats
, since she could no longer see her feet.

“Pfft. I’m more excited about
the Best Animated Film category. If John wins that, then it’ll feel like I won.” Sunny smiled thinking about the spastic director for the movie. “He’s more nervous than me.”

Sunny’s stomach moved under her long empire waist, black chiffon dress and Gabe instantly held his hand out to feel the twins moving, his eyes glowing with love. As soon as they had said their “I dos”, Gabe had asked Sunny to stop taking her birth control, wanting to try to get her pregnant.

It had taken several months for it to finally happen, but Sunny refused to take any hormones or to get fertility injections or go to the doctor at all to see if they were infertile. She just wanted to enjoy her life with her husband and if it was meant to be it would happen. And eight months ago, it had in fact happened, and in a big way. She had gone in for an ultrasound and the doctor had heard two heartbeats.

In which Sunny had
instantly freaked out, panicking over the ability to care for two when she didn’t even know what to do with one. Gabe had been overjoyed and prematurely baby-proofed the whole house when he had gotten her home after the appointment. He had done such a good job that opening the toilet for a frequently full-bladdered pregnant lady resulted in many close calls. Not to mention the difficulty getting into the fridge when she had a late-night craving.

When it was time to head out
for the awards ceremony, Gabe slowly walked Sunny out to the awaiting limo. She felt like a big waddling heifer, though Gabe kept telling her on a daily basis that she was beautiful. But no matter what she felt she looked like, she refused to miss one of the biggest days of her life, even when Gabe suggested they watch the ceremony from home.

Once at the auditorium, Gabe hurried Sunny down the red carpet, well as much as one can hurry a woman carrying twins. They only stopped for one interview. He didn’t want her on her feet for any longer than she needed to be.

Luckily they were seated in the second row on the end, because she had to get up every so often to pee and would have hated to leave an empty seat up front, in the middle of the three hour ceremony.

About halfway through the ceremony they announced the nominees for Best Animated Film. Sunny held her breath as they listed them off.

“And the winner for Best Animated Film is…Take Flight!” The presenters yelled into the mike.

Sunny clapped like a madwoman, excitement coursing through her blood as John ran up the steps to accept his
Oscar
. Gabe kissed her temple and she smiled happily up at him.

“This is
so
cool!” John exclaimed. Halfway into his short acceptance speech, he looked over to where Sunny and Gabe were sitting. “And I’d like to thank Sunny Wolf for creating such a wonderful story that touched on such a serious subject, for which I wouldn’t be up here if it wasn’t for you. You’re an amazing writer! I’ll share this with you anytime you want it.” John lifted the statue in the air.

Sunny beamed at him, truly happy for the man.

What felt like several hours later, the two actors up for Best Supporting came onto the stage and introduced the category for Best Original Screenplay. When they said her name in the list of names, her stomach tightened painfully, but she figured it was nerves.

“And the
Oscar
goes to…Sunny Wolf for Take Flight!” They shouted out to the audience.

Sunny’s eyes nearly bugged out of her head at the sound of her
name in connection with the word ‘
Oscar
’.
No fucking way!
Gabe grabbed her face and kissed her soundly in front of the camera hovering near them. The audience was going crazy. The smooth voice of the announcer for the show sounded over the speakers as Gabe helped Sunny up.

“This is the first
Oscar
nomination and win, for Sunny Wolf and the first Best Original Screenplay ever given for an animated film.” The announcer murmured.

Gabe held Sunny’s arm with one hand to steady her and the other at her back for support as he led her up the stairs. And it was a good thing, because tears she was trying to hold back blinded her, she was so overwhelmed with emotions and she was sure her overactive hormones weren’t helping.

“I knew you’d do it, baby.” Gabe whispered in her ear before kissing her lips and stepping back so she could have her moment.

“Oh. My. God! This is so not happening right now! And I know what you’re all thinking right now, I shouldn’t be here because I’m obviously about to drop a load any minute. But nothing was gonna stop me from being here for t
his moment!” The audience burst with laughter at her joke. “So I want to thank the
Academy
for even thinking of me, especially when I was in such talented company. I want to thank my parents for always being there for me. I’d like to thank John Grimm for putting it all together and making it into such a wonderful movie. And last but certainly not least, I’d like to thank my wonderful husband for believing in me.” Sunny looked back at Gabe with watery eyes. “I would have never had the courage to follow my dreams if it weren’t for your faith in me as a writer. Love you, baby. Thank you!” Sunny finally lost her composure, as tears ran down her face.

Gabe came up to help her walk off stage. He then led her to the press room, where she took pictures with her
Oscar
and answered a few questions. That was when the twisting and turning of her stomach intensified and doubled her over in pain.
Holy shitballs Batman, that hurt!

“Sunny!” Gabe shouted as he bent down to steady her.

“The babies…I think…they’re…coming! It’s…time!” Sunny groaned in pain.

“Fuck!” Gabe cried out, and then stooped down to scoop her up in his arms. “Get the hell out of the way!” Gabe yelled as he quickly strode out of the room
, camera flashes exploding in their wake.

“Gabe…put me down…I’m too…heavy.” Sunny gasped, gripping her stomach.

“You’re fine Sunny. I’m not going to let you try to walk.” Gabe reasoned.

“Ugh! Fuck…that shit hurts!” Sunny cried feeling another contraction radiate from her back to
her stomach.

“I’ve got you
, Sweet Girl. Just hold on.” Gabe soothed.

“Don’t give me that ‘Sweet Girl’ shit, when that’s what got me here in the first place!” Sunny growled.

Gabe just smiled and carried her out to the limo.