First Impressions
Part 39 (Epilogue)
By Kellie
Danny stood in front of the fireplace as Michelle started down the aisle on the arm of her brother, Rick. They were in the living room of Cassie’s house at the farm, the place where they began to fall in love. His heart was so full of joy. They had only met a few months ago, but despite all the stress of getting his mother into the witness protection program, it had been the happiest time of his life. She was absolutely breathtaking in the tea length champagne colored gown that had belonged to her mother, Maureen. As Rick put her hand in Danny’s he looked at her and mouthed, "I love you," as his cousin Ray began the ceremony.
The only people in attendance were Michelle’s brother, her Aunt Meta, Frank Cooper, Carmen, Pilar, Abuela and a room full of FBI agents who were going to escort Carmen and Pilar to their new home after the ceremony. The wedding went by in a blur for both of them; they were lost looking in each other’s eyes. When Ray pronounced them man and wife, Danny didn’t even wait for the customary instruction to kiss his bride. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into a tender kiss. When Ray cleared his throat, they pulled apart.
Now it was time to say good bye to his family as they embarked upon their new life. Michelle wrapped her arms around his neck and quietly said, "Go say your good-byes. I’ll be right here when you’re finished."
"You’d better be, I’ve got important plans for us in a little while," he replied.
"I can’t wait," she answered with a low voice before placing a light kiss on his lips.
Michelle stood by Rick and Meta as Danny and Ray said good-bye to their loved ones. Frank was looking out the window watching for the escort to the airport. "It’s time," he finally said.
Tears rolled down everyone’s faces as they hugged and said their farewells. Carmen called Michelle over to her, "Take care of Daniel. He is a good man, it just took me too long to see it."
"I will, I promise," Michelle answered. She walked out onto the porch with Danny as they watched the cars leave. After seeing their other guests off, they went back inside hand in hand.
Danny closed the door behind them and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. "I wish you could have had the big church wedding I’m sure you always dreamed of."
"Danny, this was perfect because I married the man of my dreams. The type of wedding we had didn’t matter as long as you were there," she answered as she turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Now, about those important plans."
A sexy smirk crossed his face as he picked Michelle up and carried her upstairs. "First, I have a surprise for you."
"A surprise – what is it?" Michelle asked as she began to nibble on her ear.
Danny sat her down on the bed and handed her an envelope with a bow on it. "Go ahead, open it."
Michelle tore the envelope open, "I can’t believe you did this. It’s perfect, you’re perfect."
"I know."
Michelle swatted at him with her hand as she stood and looked around the room, "I can’t believe the farm is ours."
"I wanted us to begin our lives as husband and wife in the place where we fell in love. Now, as for the rest of my plans," Danny began as he pulled her to him and began to unzip her dress. "I love you, Mrs. Santos."
"And I love you," she answered.