The sky lit up in glowing orange colours as the fiery ball made its descent. Its ambers meticulously cascading over the canopy of leaves. A gentle breeze swept through making nature dance as melodious wedding tones flowed. Stepping onto the porch I inhaled the fresh evening air and turned to follow the harmonious tunes. A few paces ahead, Halima was approaching a brightly beaming Ryan. Her now straight hair flowing in sync with the soft breeze.

My gaze shifted to the tux clad man next to them. He was shaven clean, and now looked every part the Joe I knew. His eyes longingly roamed over me, settling once they locked on mine. A smile curved on his chiselled countenance, sending my heart on a pitter patter. I ambled closer to him, every fibre in my body on alert as his eyes darkened with every step I took. Their intensity speaking of a deeper longing. He outstretched his hand and I took it letting him lead me to where Gio stood.

"Wow," he whispered.

"What?"

"There are not enough words to describe how you look." The husky nature of his tone, clear even in the whisper.

"You look amazing as well." I said clearing my throat. His hand squeezed mine as I looked at my cousin.

Gio stood watching the pair of us, a smirk slowly forming on his lips. "Can we get started?" He asked barely suppressing the humor in his tone.

"Yes," I said still feeling Joe's glare.

"Yeah, and make it fast!" He said earning himself a round of laughter from the audience. My face flamed, as I imagined his meaning was clear to all.

**********

A brief photo shoot followed. By the time Halima and I were content, the biggest star had set giving way to millions of others. We led everyone to the dinning room where Fatima had spread out the different dishes. Two hours of catching up and laughter followed. I had never seen the Hussein twins so happy. When I'd first met them, all those months ago in their home country, they were dealing with major family drama. A situation that drove one of them astray. Khalid, the boy who until recently, had resembled his wayward father, now sat between his twin and Fatima, listening to Khalif's latest church adventures. Ryan sat between Halima and Salim. The tycoon admiring their daughter, who now nestled in his arms. Anna and Gio, conversed in soft tones. A few Italian words slipped out reminding me of their earlier feud. Alex and Mariana had disappeared a while back to continue their watch, as Nora kept busy refilling the empty dishes. A warm hand slid up my knee startling me. I turned to face the man beside me.

"Are you ok? You've been quiet for a while.

"I am more than okay, I am happy. Happy that despite everything, we have a family. People who would love me even if I didn't have a throne awaiting me. I never had that growing up. I mean, save for Anna and Gio. They however, lived in Kayodale and only came over during holidays. My parents were awfully busy and so the staff filled in the void. Until I met Ryan, and then on a fateful wedding day, I met you... You are my family now. God brought you back to me." I blinked furiously to clear the forming mist.

Joe's hand found mine, "come with me." He pulled me up. Having no one notice our departure, we quietly made our exit.

He led me to the second floor where my bedroom was located. He pushed open the door and after groping the wall, the lights came on. The ambience therein had my breath hitch. Flower scented air wafted up my nose, Soft music filled the room. Yellow flames came to life in the fire place, lighting a makeshift bed, one that reminded me of the previous night. Pillows lined the rose petal covered display. A bowl of molten chocolate sat beside a piled plate of strawberries.

"What?... When did you do all this?" I walked further into the room.

"After the photoshoot, you went to help in the kitchen and I came here." He closed the door and slowly walked towards me. "You loved sleeping on the floor last night so I figured, why not?" He gestured towards the bed spread." He led me to it and gently aided me to sit. He grabbed the chocolate and strawberries and sat next to me.

"You went all out." I said unable to contain a forming smile..

"Actually, the rose petals are Nora's idea but the strawberries are mine. I know how hungry you get after certain activities." He winked.

"I love you."

"I love you more, wife." He sat cross legged a few inches from me. Took my hands in his then locked eyes with me. "The Bible says, anyone who gets a wife gets a good thing. Well I not only got a wife, but a friend, and a soulmate. I didn't do anything to deserve you, in fact my mind still reels at the idea that God chose us for each other. It's been a tough couple of months and I'm so proud of you for not loosing your spirit, in fact, all these challenges seem to have made you stronger." He leaned in gently and captured my lips in his.

********

Water trickled from his abs as he walked out of the shower. "Hey gorgeous." He leaned over me placing a kiss on my lips.

"Hey," I said dabbing a finger to his lips, wiping away the traces of chocolate left by mine.

"I can get more food!" He smiled, eying the plate of half eaten strawberries.

"Oh, a chilly drink would be awesome right now." I said, letting out a soft growl.

He chuckled. "OK, I'll just..." He was cut off by furious bagging of our door.

"Joe!" Came Ryan's voice.

"Yes," he said sending a questioning look my way.

"We have company! I need you both right now!"

"What? Who?"

"Alex spotted a car two miles down the road. Looks like Mario's finally making an appearance! We need to get ready!" He said moving away from the door.