#artholomew

Sugar ’s heels click-clacked against the master bedroom’s hardwood with her cell phone against her ear. Her features had fallen slightly compared to just moments ago when she had nearly finished readying herself for hers and Artie’s anniversary dinner out. “No, it’s okay….I know--it’s not your fault. Get well soon, okay?...Okay. Thanks for calling me. Mhm, bye.” She lowered the phone from her ear while letting out a sigh. It wasn’t until she made the seemingly lengthy walk from near the bathroom to the foot of hers and Artie’s bed. Her bottom lip jutted out as she sank onto the soft bed, not realizing until that moment, just how much she had been looking forward to going out. She knew that, between motherhood and her job that her freedom to go out as she pleased would be restricted, but it was all the more that she’d gotten her hopes up and had been dressed to the nines tonight. After fully playing back the conversation between herself and their intended babysitter, Sugar sighed and purposely fell back against the mattress where she whined, “Arrrrtiieeeeeeeeeeeee!”

Artie stared hard at the two shirts Sugar had helped him choose for their night out. Rubbing his chin in deep thought, Artie muttered to himself. “Did she say the pink or the light blue?” He kept his voice low while his wife continued her phone conversation. Keeping himself and Amelia entertained while he got ready, Artie moved from holding up both shirts to his daughter and placing them in front of his chest. “Amy, Fashion emergency!” He whispered and brought a single digit to his lips, trying not to laugh. Artie let out a defeated sigh and picked out the pink button down shirt with the white collar. “This will have to do. Won’t it Amelia? Mommy’s gonna love it and if she doesn’t, then you and I can stay up late later and watch movies. It’ll make daddy feel better.” His 14 month old daughter began to kick around in her bassinet crib and Artie tickled her tiny toes before looking over to Sugar who was wrapping up her conversation. He wasn’t paying too much mind to what it entailed but at her reaction, Artie knew something was up. Trying to ease her visible sadness, Artie pretended to panic and groaned. “It was the blue, wasn’t it? You wanted the blue shirt. No worries! I’ll change now!” When she fell back, Artie arched an eyebrow and walked over to the foot of their bed, falling back next to his wife and turned to face her. “Whhhhaattttt?!”

Sugar blew out a sigh, keeping her made-up eyes on the ceiling. “It was the blue one but it doesn’t matter--we’re not going.” Her pout returned before she turned her head to look at her husband and break the news, “The babysitter’s sick with the flu. Why she chose to wait and call now, I’ll never know but…” She huffed and looked back to the ceiling. “There’s no way we’re gonna find another sitter. All our friends have plans and I don’t want someone we haven’t met before watching our daughter.” Shutting her eyes, Sugar brought a hand up to her forehead, “I really, really wanted to go out--it’s been so long, babe.”

Artie felt his heart break as Sugar delivered the news. He had also been looking forward for a night out with the love of his life and this was certainly unexpected. It wasn’t that he didn’t enjoy spending time with his family as a whole, it was just that it had been a long time since he and Sugar had any quality time together as a couple. Sure, they always came home to each other after a long day of work and dinners at the table with Amelia in her high chair by their side was easy one of his favorite things but a few hours away alone with his wife was something he had been looking forward to since they called the babysitter months ago. “I don’t get it. I smell a rat.” He rolled his eyes and thought about how convenient it was that Amelia’s babysitter had caught the flu on the busiest date month of the year. “The flu.” He threw up airquotes and groaned, looking over to his beloved. “I’m sorry, firefly. I know how much you were looking forward to tonight and I was too….” He reached for her hand, pulling it away from her face and flashed her a smile. “We’ll make the best of it, huh? Order in some pizza, watch some movies, build a fort…” He nudged her gently, tickling her side with his free hand. “And Amelia will be a great date too.” He looked down at his shirt and made a face. “Was it really the blue? Because I could have sworn you said pink because it matched your dress…” He smirked and poked her nose before propping himself up to kiss her lips softly. “Cheer up. We’ve got this.”

Though she’d let her hand come away to thread her fingers with his, Sugar hadn’t opened her eyes until he’d tickled her. Despite herself, she’d smiled and squirmed, only to immediately swat him for making her lose her pout. “Stooop, I’m trying to be disappointed over here.” She turned on her side while keeping her fingers laced with his but her expression flatted, “Yes I’m sure it was the blue because it matches with your eyes, and I love when you wear blue.” Her nose crinkled and she returned the kiss but she couldn’t quite bring herself to match his resilience. She let out another sigh while moving to sit up again. “I’ll go change and check on Mia if you wanna order the pizza.” After bending forward to loosen and push off the straps from her heels, she stepped out of them and padded over to their closet where she began removing the new dress in exchange for her pajamas and slippers.

Artie nodded once, still crestfallen but not wanting to show that to Sugar. He looked around for his cell phone, patting his chest and sides. “Where the heck did I put it?” Even after all these years since his days in college, Artie was still very absent minded and he wasn’t going to change. Suddenly remembering he had had left it in his suit jacket pocket, he reached for the black blazer that was lying next to the blue shirt and searched the inside pocket for his phone. Upon finding it, he also found the gift he had gotten for Sugar for their anniversary and with a tiny smirk, he pushed it back into the pocket, remembering to go back to it later. “Honey? What do you want on your pie? And yes, I did say “your” because you know I’m getting my meat lovers.” He let out a laugh as he scrolled through his contacts and pulled up the number for Gino’s Pizzeria. He kicked off his dress shoes and began unbuttoning his shirt as he rested the phone on his shoulder, waiting for someone to pick up. As soon as someone answered, he was placed on hold. Of course, everyone was out eating. While he waited, Artie’s eyes darted in Sugar’s direction and he watched her undress in pure admiration. She looked stunning as ever and he suddenly found himself lost in thought. “Buon Giorno! Gino’s! How can I help? Allo? Allo? ALLOOOOOO?” Artie snapped out of it and reacted as soon as he heard the angered owner on the other side. “Gino, it’s Arturo. Can we get two pies? The usual. Give me all the toppings. Don’t go easy on me, man. I’m having one of those nights. Sugar and I need the calories….” His mouth was moving but his eyes remained on his wife as he completed his order.

“Chicken, olives, bacon and artichoke on mine,” she replied. Once she finished expertly drawing the back zipper down, Sugar pushed off the thin straps and shimmied the dress down past her hips and thighs until it dropped to the floor. Stepping out and sliding her index fingers along her panty line to adjust them, she bent down to pick up the dress and return it to the satin-lined hanger where it previously hung. After a few seconds of silently mourning for its lack of wear, she pushed her other hanging garments in front of it. Out of sight, out of mind she lamented, turning to their shared dresser in only her lace cheekies. She pulled the pajama drawer open and absentmindedly rubbed across one of her slightly larger breasts, unaware of Artie’s eyes on her mostly naked form. It wasn’t until she’d turned with one of his long-sleeved v-necks in her hands that she caught him staring. A more genuine smile than before broke out across her lips before she lifted her arms and threaded her slender arms through the sleeves, enjoying not only the smell but the loose fit. She’d given him the familiar view of her well-rounded backside while exchanging her panties for pajama shorts, and slid her feet into her slippers; her fingers affectionately brushed his shoulder and across his bare chest in passing him out of the room to the nursery. Amelia was plenty lively inside her crib, standing unsteadily with her iron grip against the bars. Sugar gasped and grinned, holding her fists to her chin until she was close enough to reach out and take her. “Hiii Butterball,” Amelia’s thin lips spread, bearing her small number of teeth at her mama. She’d immediately gripped at the shoulders of the shirt Sugar was wearing, making the woman grateful that her hair was still in its up ‘do. She pressed a kiss to Amelia’s cheek and shuffled out of the room and down the hall to the living room while the little girl babbled and tugged at anything her little fingers could get a hold of.

Artie was practically gawking. “...Sugar…she’s fine....”he stressed the word as his wife approached him and continued checking her out with a playful smirk. He remembered how he had fallen in love with her and pursued her in college. Without realizing it, his smirk did not fade as he balanced his phone on his shoulder, wanting to get Gino off the phone. “...yeah, yeah. okay. Bye.” With a lick of his lips he lingered onto her every move like a smitten young boy and eyed her as she walked away to take care of Amelia. Quickly changing into his Batman sweats and white T-shirt, Artie jogged into the living room to join his two favorite girls, placing both his hands on Sugar’s shoulders and making silly faces at Amelia. “Hey precious.” He took one of Amelia’s closed fists and pretended to bite it, making exaggerated munching noises and laughed when she began to crack up with him. “She’s a trip.” he kissed the very top of Sugar’s head and buried his nose into her hair to whisper into her ear. “I liked you in that dress by the way but I love you out of it.” he kissed her temple and then looked around. “Okay, sweethearts, what’s the plan, tonight?”

Sugar smiled when Artie’s hands came down on her shoulders. Her teeth shone when Amelia burst into a fit of giggles and she murmured back through her grin, “Well duh, you’re eating her fists.” While keeping a lively Amelia close, she closed her eyes, listening to Artie’s words and puckered her smiling lips, drawing them off-center to her face. “Too bad you couldn’t have enjoyed that a little longer, hm?” She walked over to their hefty DVD/blu-ray collection and crouched slightly to have a better look, all the while holding their daughter securely. “Well you’d suggested movies and a fort. Whether you were kidding or not, I’m totally for us doing it, soooo...let’s see…” While she glanced from case spine to case spine, Amelia babbled away with her fingers closing over the beads on the necklace she’d forgotten to take off. Her death grip and sudden tugging had Sugar gasping and speaking with a strained calm, “Oh no--sweetie, let go of Mommy’s necklace…please this is one of Mommy’s favorites.” Inside she’d cursed herself for forgetting, and her forehead creased as Amelia’s tiny fingers resisted against hers. Another firm yank with her tiny but formidable strength, and the black beads went spilling to the floor. Sugar’s jaw slackened while the rest of her froze as she stared at the rolling onyx.

Artie started gathering all the blankets and pillows in the living room and piled them up on top of one of the couches. “Great. We’ll do that then. Pizza should be here in thirty minutes. You can go on ahead and pick the movie this time, firefly. Anything you want should be fine with me.” He had his back turned to Sugar and Amelia as he started cleaning up their daughter’s toys including her plethora of colored blocks. Amelia’s physical therapist had suggested getting them to improve her motor skills and of course, Sugar and Artie had gone out to get as many blocks as possible. Amelia had been born premature and after a couple of months and a follow up with her pediatrician, she was referred to early intervention therapy where it was discovered she was going to need some extra care along the way in the form of physical therapy, occupational therapy and possibly speech therapy somewhere along the line. Fortunately, with the exception of a few moody outbursts from Amelia and her needing extra help with standing on her feet flat, their daughter has been responding well to her therapies twice a week. Once Artie moved all the blocks out of the way, he began spreading out his and Sugar’s favorite quilt onto the couch and smiled softly when he heard Sugar talking to Amelia. At the mention of her necklace, however, he turned around quickly to try to help his wife when in a matter of seconds, the damage had already been done. Frozen for only a few seconds, Artie knew he had to react for several reasons; 1) Sugar was about to scream. 2) the beads would somehow make it into Amelia’s mouth if he didn’t pick them up and 3) Artie was going to try everything in his ability to piece it back together. “Oh Amy…” he was on his knees, patting the hardwood floor with his hands to gather the pieces of the broken necklace. Before he could even say anything to Sugar, Amelia began to burst into tears, screaming from the top of her tiny lungs. He grimaced as he continued on his search and spoke softly. “Firefly, see if there are beads in her fist…” and is if the Gods were mocking them, Artie’s phone began going off. That coupled with the Amelia’s scream was enough to drive them slightly crazy. “Okay...okay...it’s okay butterball. Honey, let me hold her.” He stood up and placed the beads on the coffee table before reaching for his daughter and rubbing Sugar’s back. “I’ll get it fixed, sweetheart…”

Sugar finally thawed out when Amelia began doing exactly what she herself felt like doing. Her knee-jerk was upset that Amelia had succeeded in breaking the chain but as quickly as she’d felt that way, she knew that it had been her own fault for not taking it off earlier. She’d heard what Artie said and watched herself reach up and pry Amelia’s fingers apart where the lone bead remaining on the chain sat in her palm. Sugar got the chain from Amelia and sighed, moving to stand up again. “No, it’s fine. Get your phone,” she told him while walking back over to the couch with a wailing Amelia. She sat down lightly bouncing while rubbing Amelia’s back, “Shhhhh, it’s okay, Mia.” She kissed their little girl’s tearful cheek and held her to her chest, hoping that the calming gestures might settle her down. For a moment, it seemed to be working until Amelia raised her head and reached up to grab a fistful of loose, brown tendrils hanging from above Sugar’s ear. The little girl violently yanked at the hair like horse reins. Each syncopated pull drew a loud, “OW!” from Sugar, even after she’d quickly bowed her head and reached across her own face to grab Amelia’s forearm to stop her, but her interference coupled with Sugar’s pained protest set Amelia into another round of loud cries.

Artie winced when Amelia started crying even louder and made his way back into his and Sugar’s bedroom so that he could silence his phone. The vintage Batman song kept playing over and over again and after the 15th “na na na”, Artie was ready to toss his phone out the window. “Jesus…” He saw the restricted number and shook his head with annoyance. Placing the phone to his ear and walking to the living room, Artie kept a close watch on Sugar and Amelia. “Hello? Sal...Sal….listen to me. I’m busy…” He pulled the phone away from his ear when he heard the loud music on the other side. “What the hell? No. No you can’t drink a whole bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue. No, the world isn't’ going to end because you don't’ have a date tonight. Yes, I love you…” Artie looked up and rubbed his eyes under his glasses. “But I have to go. Do you hear that?” He held the phone out for a few seconds before speaking into it once more. “That’s your niece and she’s having a fit. Yes, she’s okay. Mmm hmm. I’ll tell Sugar. Please get a cab home. Love you too.” The whole time, Artie watched as Sugar try to soothe their daughter and when he was finished with his phone call, he walked over to them, reaching for Amelia again. “Let me take her.” He spoke softly and took her into his arms, humming the Star Wars tune. “Okay, Mia. Want to see the funny faces? Huh? I’ll show you your favorite…” he held her up and blew a raspberry into her belly causing the baby to burst into a fit of laughter, her tears still fresh from her minor outburst. “You like that, huh?” Artie chuckled along with her and blew another into her belly, careful to keep her steady. “Why are you so moody today, baby?” Artie looked over to Sugar. “Do you think it’s one of the mood swings the therapist warned us--” before he could finish his statement, Amelia grabbed his glasses with an amused look and a tough grip. “Mia....Daddy needs those. Firefly? I need your help…” He watched as Amelia shook his glasses like a rattle and before Sugar could come to the rescue the doorbell rang. “Jesus...that’s probably the pizza.”

After a short, small bout of tug-o-war, Sugar pulled her hair free from Amelia’s grip and immediately tucked the strands behind her ear. She sighed again and began to move Amelia to cradle her in her lap but by then, Artie had been off the phone and asked for her. Sugar held their daughter out and then held a hand against her scalp, rubbing her fingertips against the aching area. “Maybe,” she replied--her brows drawing together in a frown while she stood up and started toward the door. “Did you pay over the phone, babe?” Her purse hung in the hallway among a few of their coats; to be on the save side, she dipped her hand inside the main opening and grabbed her clutch wallet and then opened the front door. Sure enough, one of the guys in a red Gino’s polo and khaki pants was standing there, beaming a friendly smile at her. She forced her lips up at the corners while he slid the two medium boxes out and handed it over in exchange for two twenty dollar bills. “Keep the change,” she told him and turned, kicking the door shut with her ankle while he thanked her for the tip. Normally, she’d be more cordial to the delivery guys but her patience was being tested that night and she didn’t have it in her to be less curt. After setting the two hot boxes on the kitchen table, she went to the cabinets and pulled down a few paper plates from a stack sitting atop the ceramic ones. “What do you want to drink, honey?”

Finally able to retrieve his glasses from Amelia’s superhuman grip,

Artie placed the black frames back on his face, pushing them in with a relieved sigh. “That was close. Daddy’s insurance does not cover a new pair until next year.” He chuckled and kissed his daughter’s temple, rocking the baby in his arms and walking over to the kitchen. “I’ll have water, gorgeous.” He dragged Amelia’s high chair to her usual spot and buckled his daughter in. Knowing this was usually a process with Amelia, Artie reached for the box of cheerios on top of the fridge and poured a few onto her table for her to play with and eventually eat. “There we go.” He kissed her forehead and smiled as he watched her used her thumb and index finger to grab onto the small cereal. Her motor skills were definitely improving. Leaving her for a bit, Artie walked over to Sugar, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind and planting a tender kiss on her neck. “I’m very lucky to have you, you know that?”

Sugar heard his answer and padded back into the kitchen, pulling two glasses down for them and a sippy cup for Amelia. She about faced to the fridge to pull out their water pitcher and a bottle of Pedialyte; after filling their glasses and watering down some of Amelia’s drink, she managed the three drinks in her hands to bring to the table, first setting the sippy cup onto Amelia’s high chair table, and then sliding one of the water glasses toward Artie. “Ugh, this smells so good,” Sugar groaned, plopping into the nearest chair, or starting to. She felt Artie’s arms come around her and automatically placed her hands over his. Some of her lingering irritation lessened a fraction as she tilted her head, offering more of her neck to him. “Mhm, I do because you make sure of it.” Slowly, she turned in his arms and brought her hands up to drape around his neck. After taking a deep breath and sighing it back out, Sugar told him, “I know this wasn’t how we planned on spending our anniversary but...at least we’re all together, right?” Shortly after cracking a half smile, she came up on her toes and pecked his lips.

Artie nodded with a smiled and returned her kiss. “As long as I get to spend time with you guys, I’m a happy man. She’s got her cheerios. She’s happy now.” He laughed as he took a seat beside Sugar and opened both boxes, taking in the aroma. “God, I love Gino’s.” He grinned as he grabbed a slice and placed it on his paper plate. As always, he pulled some cheese off the slice and devoured it with a smirk. “Who needs fancy Portuguese food when we have Gino’s special sauce?” Folding the slice in half, Artie bit into it and sat back to enjoy his meal. Finally, some peace and quiet, he thought to himself as he looked over to Amelia who was sucking on her cheerios. “She loves those.” He walked his fingers on her small table top and chuckled. “Look at her. She just wants mommy and daddy home. Clever baby.” Artie continued his meal and then looked over to Sugar. “So, after we’re done here...I have something I want to give you. I was going to wait after dinner at the restaurant anyway so I think it would be the perfect. I think you’ll like it. I hope…” He reached for another slice feeling perfectly content with the night despite how it had begun.

Sugar softly giggled, looking over her shoulder at their daughter who seemed especially fixated on the cheerio between her thumb and index. She took a seat and pulled away a slice of pizza from the box onto her plate and began pulling it apart at the crust. Another smile appeared as she stuck a piece in her mouth; as much as she did enjoy dining out at high quality restaurants, she couldn’t deny the happiness she also had for staying in with a good pizza. She pulled apart another piece while watching her husband and daughter, and as she listened to Artie, Sugar pulled a reasonably sized piece of her pizza off and pulled the toppings off, save the cheese. Her eyebrows rose with interest as she held the pizza to Amelia and watched her to see how she might like it. “I think you know me well enough by now to know I’ll probably like whatever it is, babe.” She’d thrown him a quick smile before looking back to their daughter as she reached for the crusty and cheese piece, closing her small fingers around the bread, only to drop it onto her table. Amelia looked at the crust piece, repeatedly squishing it in her hands and dropping it again before picking it up to try. The first time they were introducing her to solid foods, Sugar didn’t understand why she would squish the food or occasionally spit it out and then begin eating it. But her friend, Rhiannon, explained children’s kinesthetic curiosities and exploring new things through their sense.“It’s just like how they put any other object in their mouths--they’re testing it to see what it tastes like, feels like in their hands and in their mouths, if they can eat it...that sorta thing, you know?” That conversation always played in her mind whenever she’d watch Amelia put parts of her toys in her mouth or familiarize herself with pieces of food.

Artie watched with a smitten grin as Amelia picked up the crust. “We’ve lost another one to the pizza addiction. Sorry, Mia...looks like you’re now going to be just as addicted as mommy and daddy” he wiped his hands and stood up slightly to wipe his daughter’s lips. For whatever reason, the gesture made her burst into a fit of tiny giggles and Artie couldn’t help but laugh along with her. “What’s so funny, silly girl?” he kept wiping and she continued her laughter, letting out a sigh in between that warmed his heart. Amelia seemed so content by the smallest things and it reminded him to appreciate that. He was so lost in thought that he didn’t notice Amelia dropping the crust to the floor and that causing her to scream and she began crying again. Like a ripple effect, when he stood up to assist her, he knocked down his water accidentally and the stream trickled down the sides of the table onto their marble floor. With a groan, he tore off a few pieces of paper towels and started to wipe down the floor. He asked Sugar to pass him a few more pieces and when she did, he went back to work. At some point, there was complete silence in the room and he thought that maybe Sugar had picked Amelia up. His arms extended to get the corners under the fridge and he crawled under the table to check for any spills he might have missed. Letting out a sigh, he figured maybe it was time to skip to the movie so that they could try to get Amelia to sleep in between them on the couch. He was about to stand back up when he heard some babbling coming from Amelia that made him smile. He gathered all the wet paper towels into a pile when his heart stopped at what he heard next. “Ma….” Along with the babbling, clear as day he heard Amelia say it and his heart felt like it had stopped. Quickly jolting up, he hit his head on the table and laughed, rubbing it and finally facing Sugar and Amelia. “Did you hear that?!”

Sugar smiled with her lips tucked in, watching Artie and Amelia but her lips parted and she softly gasped, “Oh no!” as soon as the glass tipped and the water spilled. She dropped what remained of her pizza slice and handed over a few more paper towels but got up to move further into the kitchen for a towel instead. As she walked back over with a dish towel in hand, Sugar stopped and gasped at Artie hitting his head, “Oh my God, are you okay??” His question brought confusion to her face, even after she looked to Amelia and speedily thought about what their daughter had been babbling. ‘Ma’ had been in there but before she could let herself get excited, Sugar wondered, “but we don’t...what if she was just saying it like everything else? Like...she didn’t just say it. We don’t know if she knew what she was saying.”

Artie continued rubbing his head and was glad that Sugar had heard Amelia as well and it wasn’t the fact that his imagination was making things up for him. “I’m okay, babe. But I heard it...she said it.” Artie walked over to Amelia and sat in front of her. “Hey, beautiful. Did you just say what I thought you said?” Artie wiped off some of the crumbs from Amelia’s face and eagerly waited for his daughter to say the word again. “Come on, Mia. Who is that?” He looked over his shoulder so that he was eye to eye with Sugar and then looked over to the baby. “Who’s that beautiful woman standing behind me? Is that mommy? Ma? M-A…” He was careful to phonetically and slowly repeat the word and almost laughed at Amelia’s expression. “I know you said it, baby…” He whispered and fixed her headband. Ready to admit defeat, he looked up at Sugar with an apologetic face and then gripped the table so that he could prepare himself to stand up. There was a gift waiting to be opened sitting in their bedroom and it was a good time as any to go get it. Kissing his wife’s cheek, Artie had his back turned to Amelia when he heard a small fists on her table top and her cooing. He smiled onto Sugar’s skin and muttered. “She’ll say it again.” And almost as if she heard him, his daughter spoke the utterance once more, this time even more clear than before. “Ma.” Eyes widened, he turned around slowly. “She said it...she totally said it!”

Sugar watched Artie try to get her to say the word--what would be her first word--again but she frowned slightly when Amelia hadn’t identified her like they hoped. She looked from her daughter to her husband as he came to her and planted his lips on her cheek. And as she took a breath, preparing to respond to his confident remark, the words stayed in her throat as she’d also heard Amelia repeat the word. Eyes slightly widened, Sugar stepped around Artie with her hand in his, making her way over to the high chair. Amelia had picked up another cheerio and was attempting to crush it between her fingers but she looked up at her stunned mother and repeated the word once more. Sugar giggled, unable to help her giddiness over their daughter’s first word; whether Amelia knew it or not yet, it was about her and Artie had encouraged their little girl to say it. Unable to help herself, Sugar reached out, sliding her hands under Amelia’s arms, and lifted the little girl from her chair to begin peppering her round face with kisses. She didn’t have the words for her own excitement and pride for Amelia’s accomplishment--all she could do was show it as she held her.

Artie watched as Sugar showered their daughter with kisses and chuckled as he did. Amelia’s face was absolutely precious. It was a mix between confused, excited, and welcoming. He thought about how they would have missed this moment had they followed through with their original plans and all the disappointment he once felt faded away. This is where they needed to be. “This is probably the best night I’ve had in a long time. Oh my God. We need to tell everyone. Wait, no. That can wait. Let me get the camera! I’ll just set it up and if she says it again, then at least it’ll be recorded! Hold on.” He kissed both his girls before running to his batcave as he called it and opened up his work bag to pull out his DSLR. Bringing his Tripod and camera with him, he set both up in the kitchen as quick as he could occasionally looking over to Sugar and Amelia. “Alright ladies. You’re on camera. Oh! Wait.” He let out a laugh and shook his head at his absent mindedness. “I’ll be right back. Take two.” The proud father jogged into the bedroom and held up his jacket, pulling out the envelope from the inside pocket. “Did she say it again?” He called out from the bedroom and then walked back towards the kitchen. “Alright. Camera on….” Artie checked the camera one last time before settling down next to his daughter and wife. “Girls, I present to you my Valentine’s Day gift for the three of us.” A playful grin graced his face as he handed the envelope to her and took Amelia into his arms so that she could open it. He couldn’t wait until she pulled out the three tickets for the trip to Disney World he had so meticulously planned.

Sugar shifted her weight back and forth while holding Amelia close. She watched Artie go and giggled while shaking her head, but soon nestled her nose against Amelia’s cheek as she babbled on with unintelligible words. Her attention was averted again as her husband returned and set up his camera, but she stilled and watched him take off again, only to lightly chuckle. “What’s Daddy up to?” she whispered to Amelia who looked to her and then grabbed Sugar’s bottom lip. She hummed and, “Mm-mm” while raising her chin to free her lip from her daughter’s grip. As soon as she got her lip back, she blew a raspberry against Amelia’s cheek, causing the little girl to burst into fresh giggles. Sugar looked up again as Artie returned again. “Nope,” she replied with a shake of her head, answering his question. She took a seat in her own chair again and looked to her husband as he handed over a white envelope. Mastering multi-tasking while holding a baby by now, Sugar secured her hold on Amelia with one hand and opened the envelope with some aid from the kitchen table top. Her fingers worked one of the tickets out with the famous Disney logo emblazoned along the top. Sugar gasped while her eyes bugged, “Wh--..baaabe, oh my God. Disneyworld?” Her parted lips slowly formed a smile as she looked to him, forgetting completely about the camera and teased, “The second happiest place on earth!” By now she was grinning and she leaned over to peck his lips, but speedily told him, “I love it,” before her lips met his. Whens he settled back, she asked, “When are we going?”

.

Artie bit his lip in anticipation as he waited for Sugar’s reaction. When she finally opened the envelope, Artie smiled widely and nodded. “Disney World! We’ll be staying at Cinderella’s castle for seven magical nights!” Returning the small peck and grinning at her excitement, he kissed her one more time and massaged her shoulders. Kissing Amelia’s fist and making the same noises he always did as if he was going to eat it, he laughed and and walked over to take a seat beside them. “Well, we’re going in April. I’ve been planning it for a while now. I know it’s Mia’s first real trip so it should be a little crazy but who doesn’t like a little adventure? I think she’ll love it though.” Closing up the pizza boxes and cleaning the table up, Artie looked over to two girls again with a pleased smile. “I’m glad we did this, firefly. Best Valentine’s Day Ever. I love you.” He leaned in to steal another kiss and then looked over to his daughter. “And I love you.”

And speaking of your mouth, I see a couple more teeth coming in whenever you break out in your squeals and giggles. It’s exciting to see those tiny teeth appearing, but I always wish I could kiss away the pain whenever you get a little fussy about it.  

By now, you’ve mastered scooting and rolling onto your back and tummy. You’re just barely crawling but I see you trying to jump the gun and work on standing too. Your eagerness to be even more mobile than you already are just further confirms that you are an absolute Daddy’s girl.

There are so many pictures of you floating around. One of these days I’ll sit down and actually put all of the ones here in an album. Hopefully.

I guess I’d better wrap this up. You’re wide awake now and it’s past time we got ready for one of Mommy’s favorite past times: shopping! Uncle Iz’s birthday is coming up, so we’ll go and pick out something special before going to the office.

I love you Amelia.  Always,

Sugar felt surprisingly calm, and excited more than anything that morning. She hadn't slept much, but with a baby in the house, that wasn't exactly new to her anymore. But having some music playing throughout the ground floor of the Villa while she and her half of the bridal party got ready made the pre-ceremony prep a joy. At last, with help from her maid of honor and the stylists, Sugar got into her dress and the girls were escorted into the waiting limo. When Chrissy wasn't being tended to, Sugar's hand held securely to Xaria's on the ride to the cathedral while various thoughts went through her mind--the multitude of memories she'd shared with Artie, and how the people who mattered most at this time in their lives were all going to be a part of this forming strand of memories. Upon arriving at the church, Sugar smiled brightly at the sight of her soon-to-be brothers in law. She hugged them both and whispered that she loved them before they preceded her inside. After getting one more firm hug from each of her bridesmaids and mother-in-law to-be, as well as a kiss to her daughter, she watched most of them follow after Sal and Landon for the lineup. With some help keeping her train off the ground, Sugar walked slowly toward the entrance until her father emerged from the double doors. Al wasn't one to cry much if at all but Sugar could see some of how he felt, just from looking upon his face. And he gave himself time to look at his daughter's as well; her face was permanently etched into his mind from the past 23 years, but it was the biggest moments when he really looked and saw her. "You look so divine, Sugar," he murmured in his low, accented voice. At that, while gazing back into her dad's light irises, she thought she might cry. But she swallowed back the urge behind a small, closed-lipped smile. While stretching up for the last hug she'd be giving, prior to the ceremony, the double doors opened again. She was handed her bouquet of white roses, and a series of distinct camera clicks go off as her dad offered the bend of his arm to her. Sugar cuffed her hand securely to Al's dark grey suit jacket and walked inside, only a few steps behind the bridal party, now lined up and waiting for their musical cue.

Artie's eyes were initially on the organist playing from the top of the balcony in the church. Everything seemed almost surreal and when the music started, he felt welcoming sense of peace and that's when he knew, it was time. He could hear his friends and family shifting in their seats turning with their cameras to get a better view of his parents, the bridal party, and Amelia and Chrissy being carried in. The "awws" from the audience filled his heart with joy as he waved to the two babies and he looked towards his mother when she offered him a small wink. His heart swelled the moment Bug walked down, carrying the rings like a little man and his proud smile causing several people to clutch their chest and whisper to each other. He was proudly wearing the "Ring bearer" badge Artie had given to him during the rehearsal dinner and when he arrived to the front, Artie shot him a large smile and thumbs up. They say one of the biggest moments in your life is when you see your bride walking down the aisle and for Artie, that couldn't be more true. The music changed for the bride, the bells of the church ringing in the distance and the whole church was now to it's feet. Artie felt like it was only him and Sugar at this point and his eyes remained solely on hers as she slowly approached the altar. She was the a vision; and for a good minute, Artie's breath was taken away completely. His lips curled into the softest of smiles as he waited for his bride to join him.

Sugar was all smiles and deep breaths as the ceremony began. She watched as best as possible from the back of the processional as the pairs of hers and Artie's friends and family walked down the aisle in pairs, up until Sam, Xaria and Iz went as a trio. Her view of the cathedral's decorated interior became clearer when it was just Joaquin in front of her. Sugar's lips stretched into a grin, watching him trot up the white runner and post dutifully in front of his dad. And now, as a few of the wooden benches creaked from the rising guests, and the music transitioned to an equally light instrumental piece, Sugar fastened her lace-covered hand even firmer to the inside of her dad's elbow, and began the walk down the aisle. She could feel the multiple sets of eyes on her and for a second she dipped her head and eyes to the white runner. But the sudden swell in her chest coupled with her staccato heartbeats lifted her chin again. Her eyes passed quickly over her bridesmaids--her friends and sisters, and then she gave the same fleeting glance to some of the most important men in her life before fixing her earthy-colored eyes on her soon-to-be husband. When the music faded to silence, the priest looked from her to Al, asking who was giving her to this man to which Al calmly and clearly replied, "I do. Her father." With that, Al closed his free hand over Sugar's left, leaned in and gave her cheek a tender kiss. Together, he and Sugar stepped the remaining two steps so that he could place her hand in Artie's; he gave the young groom a meaningful gaze, and then let go to back step to the reserved pew space for him between Elena, and his girlfriend, Tara. As the priest proceeded to invite the guests to sit down, Sugar turned to fully face Artie--her free hand in his and her eyes locked on his crystal blue pair. She did her best to temper her smile as she could already feel her cheeks beginning to ache, but after giving Artie a quick wink, she found herself grinning all over again. Overhead, just two steps above them, the statuesque priest spoke in such a way that his voice reached halfway to the back of the large cathedral. He held a leather-bound NIV bible in his hands as he addressed everyone, "Good morning and we at the alter thank you all for being here to witness the union of Sugar Louise Motta and Arturo Gianni Fiori Abrams, on a day that reminds us to share and show our love for one another. Sugar and Artie wish to exchange sentiments, after I share some scriptures with you all." Sugar's grip on Artie's hand tightened a bit as the priest read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 and Ecclesiasties 4:9-12. She listened to the verses, and felt the thumping in her chest, and the warmth in her fiancé's hand. When it came time for them to exchange their own words, Sugar turned slightly to hand her bouquet to Xaria, and held both of her hands in Artie's. The priest invited her to go first; the powdery blush became more pronounced on her cheeks and the breath she took in was uneven, but she found her voice--very soft, slightly raspy, and always a bit nasally. "Artie, before I fell in love with you, I didn't know I wanted someone in my life so much like this. You're my best friend, and the amazing father of our little girl...I couldn't ask for anyone better. You're brilliant and caring about everyone and everything around you. You've stood by me at my best and worst moments. You make me laugh--even when I want to lose my temper sometimes." She let out a small, breathy laugh and shot a glance up at the ceiling before carrying on. "If there's anything I've learned from you so far, it's how to be a more loving person, and to hold a gentler spirit in my heart. I love you, and I'm so glad to become your wife today." She felt as though she could say more, but she tucked her dark red lips in to keep from telling an epic. When enough silence seemed to pass over them, the priest gave a small nod and looked to Artie, prompting him to take his turn.

Artie felt as if this moment was almost surreal. He was sure to pay attention to every detail. He wanted this moment forever etched in his mind. He listened to the priest carefully and when it was time to face Sugar for her to recite her vows, he gave her his full attention, processing everything she was saying to him, lightly laughing at her joke and admiring the way she looked. Her hands were soft and small and he knew she was a tiny bit nervous by looking into her caramel hues. He smiled the entire time, rubbing his thumbs over her knuckles, passing one over her engagement ring and exhaling not only at her words but at the thought that soon they'd be man and wife. Mouthing the words "I love you" to her, Artie prepared to say his vows and took his hand for a moment to go into his suit pocket. He pulled out a small, rolled up piece of paper and let it roll out into a long one, laughing softly and catching the laughter in the church. "Just kidding" he chuckled and then pointed to his head. "It's all in here." He took a deep breath and licked his lips before finally speaking. "Sugar, no movie, no screenplay, no Nicholas Sparks book could have prepared me for the beauty that this moment would encompass." He held both her hands and kept his eyes on her. "My favorite story will be the story of how I first met you because it will forever remind me of our life has been since we stepped into eachother's lives. Sometimes, it's easy to take that for granted. I never in a million years would have thought that I'd be one of those guys lucky enough to find someone as beautiful, as intelligent and as bright as you. It's true, you light up every room you walk into and you're one of the most breath taking people I have ever met. We have been through so much already that I can't imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else. You're the greatest friend anyone could ever ask for and our Amelia is even luckier to have you as her mama. You give everything, every single project, every single person...you give them your all and I always find myself admiring your devotion. Thank you for teaching me the art of patience and for allowing me to make you laugh. I love you every day, every hour, every minute, every second we're together and everytime I look at you, I find something else that reminds you why that is. Thank you for turning this very sad person into the man I am today. " he offered her a tiny smile, trying his best not to shed a tear just yet.

Artie "You're my everything, firefly. You're my person. Now, let's do this baby!" He laughed softly and turned to the priest, exhaling slowly and turning to smile at his boys

Sugar loosened her grip when Artie did and watched him reach inside his jacket pocket. Her brows perked up until he made it known that the scroll was merely a joke. Her expression relaxed with a smile that softened once he truly began. She kept a tranquil gaze on him and remembered to shift her weight so not to pass out there, but the steadiness of her feet wasn't what had her feeling slightly. The sincerity and conviction of Artie's words had her momentarily feeling feather-light. Once he finished, she was weighted back to Earth and cast a gentle grin. The priest asked for the rings, and after receiving them, his body cheated in Artie's favor while handing him Sugar's band. "Artie, if you so promise to love, honor, and cherish Sugar, in sickness and in health for all your days, place this ring on her finger and say, 'I do'."

Artie took the ring from the priest, nodding his head and turning to look at Sugar, a large grin on his face. Slowly and gently he placed the ring on her finger, sliding it down and with his heart beating quickly, he said the words he had been dying to say all morning. "I do." he stared at their hands and then at Sugar for a bit and smiled gently.

Sugar While keeping her left fingers spread apart, Sugar watched them mildly tremble until Artie's fingertips, coupled with the cool metal brushed her skin. She met Artie's gentle smile with one of her own until the priest turned to her, handing her Artie's platinum band. "Sugar, if you so promise to love, honor, and cherish Arturo, in sickness and in health for all your days, place this ring on her finger and say, 'I do'." She nodded once, and then again, and as she steadily slid the ring onto the correct digit, Sugar rasped, "I do." Her eyes were back to Artie's and the priest spoke, "By the power vested in me and the state of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife." He smiled to Artie and told only him, " You may, for the first time, kiss your wife."

Artie If someone asked him to put into words everything he was feeling at this very moment, he would surely fail. He kept his eyes on Sugar's soft hands as she slid the ring onto his finger and almost immediately, he felt everything shift. His expression softened as he admired the ring for a minute and looked up at Sugar to shoot her a smile. This moment right here would be one of his happiest, he thought, as he continued to take in every detail, every word the priest said, trying to catch as many reactions as he could and of course, keeping Sugar's face and the way she looked locked up in his memories. Hearing the priest making it official caused a rush in him, and he was unable to contain the wide smile that was just getting larger by the moment. "Finally" he whispered as their friends and family chuckled and "aww'd". His thumb grazed her cheek softly as his eager eyes looked into her wide ones and he leaned in to capture her lips, not wanting to pull away just yet. When he did, he softly pressed his forehead against hers and chuckled quietly. "I love you."