Today was the day, was the first thought that jumped into Michelle's mind when she woke up. Just a few more hours and then she would return to Danny to live with him as his wife. She knew what to expect from this marraige. She wasn't kidding herself that it was some great love affair or anything but it would be enough.
She had all her stuff ready. She had talked to Rick last night after coming home from that fiasco at Towers. Danny had looked so angry. Was this what she could expect from now on? Did he think she would just give up everything else in her life but him. Rick had finally relented although he didnt really have much of a choice. She was a legal adult and could do what she wanted to do. They had had a heart to heart talk and he had admitted his fears to her. He had told her that she had been gone for the last three years so she didn't know what the accident had done to Danny inside.
No one in Springfield crossed Danny. He had gotten out of the illegal part of the business but there was still that darkness in him that had scared Rick to begin with. He had alienated just about everyone he had ever done business with and if it werent for the fact that he was a brilliant businessman and could pull off the most astounding deals, noone would have anything to do with Danny Santos, whatsoever.
Michelle was just cooking her breakfast when the phone rang. It was Danny. "Be ready by 5:00. I am sending Jimmy to come get you. You can bring just what you need for the next couple of days then we'll come back for the rest. Oh, and I have arranged with your new supervisor for you to report next week instead of tomorrow. I must go now, I will see you tonite oh and Michelle" she heard a pause "you dont have to worry about me jumping you the minute you walk in the door" and then Michelle heard a click and then a dialtone.
Who the hell did he think he was?? She wasn't going to be ordered about like that. She was perfectly capable of getting there on her own and as for him changing her work schedule,,,ooohhh, she could just kill him. Okay, bad choice of words, she thougth to herself, but they were going to have to talk for sure about how things were going to be. He was not going to run her life and she would let him know that right off the bat.
She had a good mind just to go over there early just to piss him off. She thought better of it though. She had pledged to stay with him and it wouldnt do any good it they were fighting al of the time.
She finished her breakfast and went to get her shower. She had the lingerie that she and Abby had picked out laid on the bed. She admired it for moment. It was so pretty and she had felt so beautiful when she had tried it on last night. Would Danny think she was beautiful? Would he really try to make love to her tonight? She was still looking forward to it but she wasn't sure what he would want to do after seeing how angry he was at Towers last night.
She kept herself busy the rest of the day by playing with Robin and reading one of her medical journals. She found time to take a short nap and then double checked to make sure she had everything to take to her new home.
Jimmy pulled up with the car at exactly 5:00 just as Danny had said. He helped her with her luggage as she said her goodbyes to Abby and Robin. Rick had gone to work and Michelle was glad he wasn't here. She didn't think she would be able to handle his accusing eyes. She got in the back of the car and rested her head against the headrest.
She had decided to wear a sleeveless teal colored dress that came just above the knee and a pearl necklace that had been her mother's. She knew she looked good in this dress and she would need all the confidence she would need when she arrived home.
Before too long they were there. Jimmy pulled up to the front door and told her to go in. Danny was expecting her. He would bring everything in the back way. She did as she was told and opened the door.
The foyer was full of flowers. Michelle couldn't even begin to count how many there were. They were everywhere. There were vases on the floor, planters on the wall and even some hanging from the ceiling. Michelle stopped to admire them. Had Danny done this??
She stepped into the living room. Danny had not come out to greet her yet. She found the same setting in the living room as she did the foyer. More flowers. This time they were all roses. All colors of roses. She walked around the room to look at the roses all the while wondering what was going on.
She continued her journey on into the dining room. She smelled the most wonderful aroma coming out of the kitchen. She remembered what a great cook Sarah was. She looked at the table that had been set. It was beautiful. There were crystal candlesticks with tiny flames flickering. There was a centerpiece on the table that was arranged with carnations, her favorites.
She noticed the tall goblets and fine china. Danny was clearly trying to make their first night memorable. He still hadn't made an appearance. Where was Pilar? The table was only set for two. It was pretty clear that Pilar wouldn't be joining them tonight.
She heard a noise behind her and she turned around and her breath caught in her throat. Danny was standing there dressed in a tuxedo. He had slicked his hair back in an attempt to tame his wayward curls, It hadn't worked thankfully, She loved those curls. He looked sophisticated and dangerous at the same time. The bandage over his eye only added to his mystique. He was the most handsome man she had ever seen. He smelled wonderful. He was wearing the aftershave that she loved so much.
She stifled the urge to just run into his arms now. He had obviously gone to a lot of trouble to set this whole thing up for them tonight and she wanted to enjoy every minute of it.
He spoke then. " I wasn't aware that you had come in. Would you like a glass of champagne" he asked.
"Yes, please" she said. Danny went to the crystal bucket that housed a bottle of champagne. Michelle was not a connoisseur of liquor but it looked very expensive. She sipped it and let the bubbles tickle her nose. She giggled.
That sound brought a smile to Danny's face. He brought his own glass to his mouth and drank the champagne he had poured for himself.
Danny was mesmerized watching Michelle. He had been blown away at how beautiful she looked. She had stared appreciatively at the table. He had spent all morning arguing with Mel his florist. She had come over and brought the flowers and started to arrange them and he would try to get her to move them around. She finally got fed up with him and told him if he wanted to do this, then she would just leave. He was very glad he has asked her to stay. The look on Michelle's face was worth it.
He had asked Pilar to find somewhere to go tonight and she had complied without argument. She had apologized to him about her behavior and they had reached an understanding where Michelle was concerned. Pilar had promised to try to believe that Michelle didn't know he had been hurt. That was all he could ask right now and he felt like Michelle and Pilar would get along fine.
He had spent all day in the kitchen. He had chosen to make chicken breast stuffed with spinach, new potatoes with rosemary and asparagus with a rich white sauce. It had looked a lot easier in the recipe book then it had turned out being. He had made a complete mess of the kitchen and he hoped Sarah wouldn't quit when she saw the mess he had made.
He hadn't known that you had to pound on the chicken breast to flatten it before you stuffed it. He had had quite an adventure trying to roll that chicken over the spinach. He hoped Michelle appreciated the effort he had put forth because he was never going to cook another meal as long as he lived. He had let Sarah make the lemon sorbet for dessert. He was willing to concede that he needed a little help.
The look on Michelle's face proved all his labor had been worth it. She was clearly impressed.
"Shall we sit?" he asked.
She nodded and he came over to her and crooked his arm and placed her arm in his. He walked her over to her chair and then pulled it out for her and seated her. He excused himself for a moment to get the first course.
Michelle was loving this. Danny had gone through a lot of trouble to make this night special and she was going to enjoy it. This is the way it should have been. Soft music began to play through the speakers installed in the walls. Danny came out with the first course, some kind of soup she guessed.
"Is that Kenny G" Michelle asked.
"It most certainly is. Do you like?" Danny asked with a sparkle in his eye.
"You know how much I love Kenny G. Danny" she teased.
"Good, I hope your wore your dancing shoes, Mrs. Santos, because I have a lot of music selected for tonight" he said.
Michelle shivered in anticipation. First this glorious dinner, then a night of dancing, then.....He had really planned this evening well.
She tasted the cold soup not knowing what to expect and she was pleased to discover it was very tasty. "This is good, Danny." she said. "I see that Sarah hasn't lost her touch"
Danny put his hand over his heart in a mocking gesture. "I beg your pardon Mrs. Santos, but I prepared everything with my two little ole hands" he said and lifted his hands and wiggled his fingers
"No way" Michelle said laughing.
"I take offense to that" Danny said laughing along with her. The mood was set. Michelle was happy, he was happy and their first night together was going to be memorable in every sense of the word.
They ate together, with Michelle complimenting him on each new item he brought out. They sat and talked both feeling very comfortable in the new sense of camaraderie they had found.
Michelle offered to clear the dishes but Danny said to leave them for Sarah. She would receive another bonus for her efforts.
Danny escorted her into the living room. "Would you care to dance Mrs. Santos?" he asked.
"Why yes I would Mr. Santos" she said and he went over to the stereo system and placed in a compact disk.
Michelle burst out laughing when she heard his choice of music. She had been expecting anything but that. But soon both of them were bopping along to the swing music of the Cherry Poppin Daddies. They were both breathless and laughing when they were done.
Danny refilled her drink several times during the evening as the style of music changed with each song. There was a little Elvis, a little Beethoven, a little Billie Holiday, a little Otis Redding and even a little Shaina Twain.
Michelle had never had more fun. She had never felt like this with anyone in her life. All of her inhibitions flew out the window and she began to look forward to what was coming soon.
They finished slow dancing to a very sultry song, when Danny cupped her face and gently kissed her. This was the first time he had kissed her in three years. It took her breath away. The kiss started off so tender and sweet then changed to demanding and urgent. Michelle could feel what effect the kiss was having on his body and she suggested they move to the bedroom.
Danny lifted her in his arms and walked her to their room. Michelle was taken by surprise again when she saw the bedroom. More flowers and candles were everywhere. When had he had time to come and light them? The room smelled like a flower garden. Giant pillows adorned the bed and there was a handmade banner that someone had made that said WELCOME HOME MICHELLE
Tears of joy began to form in her eyes. Danny noticed them and gently kissed them away. Michelle excused herself and Danny said he needed a few minutes also.
Michelle went into the bathroom where she found no less flowers and candles. Everything was so beautiful. She couldn't suppress her urge to cry. She stepped out of the dress and put on the cream set she had purchased. She took the sterling silver hairbrush that Josh had given her for a graduation present and brushed her hair so it would be full and silky. She dabbed a little perfume between her breasts. She was ready. She had never been more ready for anything in her life.
She came out to find that Danny had already come back in. He was wearing silk pajama bottoms under a silk robe. He looked so dashing, her wounded warrior. Her heart was so full of the love she felt for him.
He patted the bed in an invitation for her to join him. She didn't hesitate. She came to bed where he was and sat down beside him. He moved her hair back behind her neck and began to nuzzle her neck. She smelled so good.
"You are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life. Do you have any idea how much I want you " he said breathlessly.
Michelle looked at him with a coy expression "Show me" she said.
"I intend to" he answered back.
He touched a switch that completely turned off all the lights until only the flickering flames of the candles lit the room. Danny gently removed her sheer cover of her peignoir set. Michelle shivered as he brought it down her arms.
She untied his belt to his robe and loosened it. She reached in and touched his firm, flat belly. He jumped at her touch. He positioned her until she was laying down and he was above her and kissing her. He began to lower the straps of her gown and suddenly she felt shy. This was the first time she would make love with Danny and she wasn't very experienced and she didn't want to appear inept.
She reached up and blew out the candle. Danny froze above her.
Michelle felt him pulling away from her immediately.
"Why did you do that?" he asked angrily.
"It was so light, I felt a little shy" she explained.
"SHY" he hollered at her "You felt shy? Did you feel shy with Jesse?" he demanded.
"No, Danny, I" she tried to explain.
"Did you think everything was going to be like when you were with Jesse?" he sneered.
"NO Danny" she cried, "No, I was shy, that's all , I swear it"
"Michelle, erasing the light in here won't make my scars any less a fact." he said with a hurt tone.
"No Danny, that's not it. Please believe me" she tried desperately to explain.
"Believe you Michelle? Why in the hell should I believe you. We aren't making love in that bed right now because of these" he said and pointed to the scars on his neck and chest.
He retied his robe and started to leave "Where are you going?" Michelle asked.
"I am going to my room." he said and started towards the door.
"Danny" she called but the only answer she received was the slamming of the door.
Michelle did the only thing she could think to do, she collapsed on the bed in a fit of tears.