December, Finals Performances and Christmas Chaos Part 2
Prince's POV
After the show, all of the performers freshened up and then had a meal that the The Stork had prepared for them that was absolutely amazing. They were joined by the parents and Christian and his wife. They were able to choose between Duck, Cornish Hens, or Prime Rib and a selection of cooked and uncooked Veggies that were so good they could only be described as out of this world. In honor of Prince, the chef had made Sweet Potato pie for dessert. Andy had thanked the band repetitively telling them how great the performance had been and how much he appreciated them and toasted them with the finest of Champagne. After the meal, they visited a little, but the performers were tired especially Bella and Elaine and so they broke up the gathering after about three hours and all headed home. Since some of them would not see each other until after Christmas, they asked Prince to sing something for them and he chose Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Carlos, then offered a prayer of thanks for all that the Creator had done for them this year and for traveling grace for those driving to Chicago or flying elsewhere and after hugs all around, they went to their different vehicles to get a good night's sleep. Prince, Bella, Elaine and Carlos headed to David and Kendra's place accompanied by Ross and Frank, while Royal and Savannah, Alejandro and Nita drove the car they came in back to Andy and Linda's place. Andy and Linda rode in another of their cars home. David and Kendra and Helen traveled back to their place under the watchful eye of Melvin, Larry, Jermaine and the other member of Jermaine's staff who had come with them earlier today. Once everyone was accounted for and secure, they took to the air and headed to their places of rest.
When they arrived at David and Kendra's, Bella and Elaine hugged each other good night and headed to their rooms. Prince and Carlos talked for a few minutes and then did the same. Bella was brushing her teeth when Prince came into their room. He quickly shed his clothes, put on some purple pajamas and joined Bella in the bathroom to brush his teeth. When they were finished they went back into the bedroom and Prince kissed Bella gently on the cheek and said that "you were amazing tonight. By the way happy birthday". Bella kissed him lightly on the lips and said "you are amazing every night and thank you". Her birthday was actually on December 3, but when he had asked her what she wanted to do to celebrate back in November, she had thanked him for remembering but said she honestly had too much to do to complete the semester to even think about celebrating anything until after finals. Prince being Prince, he had begun the celebrating of her 19th birthday at tonight's show, because he wanted all to know how much he loved her...she was thrilled and had no way of knowing there was more to come. They climbed into bed kissed again and fell into a much needed sleep.
Prince woke up first the next morning, he had some things he wanted to do before Bella awoke. He quietly went into the bathroom did his morning business, grabbed his robe, put his cell phone in his pocket and went into the kitchen. He was the first up this morning in the whole house so he made some coffee and once it was on, pulled out his phone and called his dad. "Morning" his dad's sleep filled voice said. Prince looked at the time on his phone and saw that it was barely 7:00 AM. Pouring himself a cup of coffee he said "good morning dad. I should have checked the time before I called. I didn't realize how early it was until you answered". "No problem son. What's up"? " I didn't get a chance to ask last night. Did the package show up"? "It sure did son and wow that is one beautiful ring". " Do you think Bella will like it"? "I know she will. Hell I am a man and I love it"...his dad said laughing! "Thank you dad. I will get it from you by tomorrow. I am going to ask her on Christmas eve". "That's my boy" Royal said chuckling again. "Okay...call me later when you decide when you want to hook up". "I was thinking that we might head to David's gym and play some basketball if you and Carlos want to, said Prince. "Sounds good to me...just let me know", Royal said. "Cool...talk at you later", Prince said disconnecting the call. " What's cool" Bella asked smiling as she walked into the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee? I was just asking my dad if he wanted to play some ball. He said cool if David, Andy and Carlos and security wanted to he was down. "Oh...when are you going to play". " I won't know until I talk to the guys, but either today or tomorrow". "Nice" Bella said. "Do you want a cheering section"? Prince smiled and thought back to the many games she had come to and cheered for him while they were in Paradise. You better know it he said as he embraced her around her tiny waist and pulled her to him for a kiss. "You taste so good", he said. "So do you my Prince". They sat down at the table and talked through the things they had to do before the Christmas Day. Bella had completed her shopping but had some things to wrap. She had found a little oil painting in a frame in the style of Monet, for her mother, who was really into art and a replica of a 500 year old putter for her dad. The original had been made by a man who had helped to create the Old St. Andrews golf course in Scotland back in the 1700s. Her dad was quite the golfer and she knew he would be thrilled. She and Prince had gotten Carlos a Drumlite which was a kit of lights for his drums. It could be set to fade or flash 8 different colors, came with a control box and wireless remote and "required no soldering, drilling or cutting into the drums" according to the manufacturer. She had heard him talking about them with Prince and when she suggested them, Prince thought they would be a great gift. For Elaine, Bella had gotten a massage gift pack from Perfect Body. It was for a massage a week for a full year. She could choose from 10 different massage types for each one...from deep kneading Swedish to hot stone aromatic ones. For Prince's parents she and Prince had decided to get them airline ticket passes that could be used on any airline for up to 6 international trips or 12 domestic trips, depending on how they chose to use them. Their gift to Andy and Linda were the free concerts from Prince and the Picture Album of the Concerts from Bella. And for Alejandro and Nita they had purchased a night on Broadway to see the revival of Dream Girls with dinner and a room at the renowned Plaza on Central Park. There was also the delivery of the mystery gift for Prince. She would call today and see how it was coming and if she could pick it up earlier than December 24. While they were talking about it, she said she wanted to get a massage and her hair and nails done. He was fine with that and told her just to put it on his card. She thanked him with a smile and a big kiss. He also said he would speak to Carlos and suggest he did the same for Elaine...she kissed him again. Just then Elaine and Carlos came into the kitchen. Prince asked to speak to Carlos for a moment...and when he and Carlos returned to the kitchen he nodded at Bella and she told Elaine about the beauty day she was planning. They could decide if it would be today or tomorrow once Prince figured out what day the guys would play basket ball. Prince and Carlos would invite the band members that were staying in town and their dad's and Bella and Elaine's dads too and of course the security team. After calling everyone, they guys decided to play today. Bella got on the phone and booked their beauty appointments for tomorrow...they would be gone the majority of the day. She then called Schwartz's jewelry. Mr. Schwartz said that she could pick up the gift tomorrow and that they would be open until 9:00 PM. With that, she and Elaine decided on breakfast and began cooking it for all in the house including Bella's dad's security team. They made an old fashioned Southern breakfast of Bacon and Eggs, Hash browns and toast and jelly. It was served with Orange Juice and they made another pot of Fresh coffee. The Expander was still in the table and would remain so until after the holidays. Prince and Carlos let everyone know that breakfast would be ready in 20 minutes as soon as the girls began cooking. Melvin and Helen were the last to arrive in the kitchen and both Prince and Carlos and his brothers began teasing him. He just grinned his Cheshire cat grin and sat down with his lady at the table. David said grace and they enjoyed great food among great company. Kendra and Helen took cleanup duty while everyone else prepared to go watch the guys play basketball. The guys easily won against two local groups of men that David knew in two different pick up games. Prince got Bella's gift from his dad and gave it to Frank to secure until they got back to David and Kendra's place where he would ask him to place it in the safe until Christmas Eve day. They would go to Midnight Mass as as a family on Christmas Eve...Prince and Bella, Carlos and Elaine and all four sets of their parents at Bella and Elaine's Church. Mass would be held in the main Sanctuary. Prince , had however called ahead to ask if he could use the Chapel for a little while right after the Mass ended. The church was serving breakfast after the Mass so he would have time for his next surprise for Bella before they left the church. Telepathically he asked Michael, Sandalphon and Uriel and Raphael if they could visit them on Christmas Eve in the small chapel at St. Benedict. right after Mid-Night Mass. "We would love to", Michael answered in response.
The next day Ross and Melvin escorted Bella, Elaine and Helen, who decided to join them on their day of beauty. The two men were sworn to secrecy about the stop they made on the way home at Schwartz's Jewelry simply being told it was for a surprise for Prince. Elaine had confided that she had gotten Carlos a pendant from there that had her picture in it for Christmas. The girls giggled in excitement. The day passed quickly and so did the next. Before they went to sleep that night, Prince pulled Bella close and whispered to her, "Bella, I never knew that a man could be so happy. Thank you for loving me". Bella lay in his arms smiling and said "thank you for loving me back".
When they woke up the next day there was already a lot of bustling in the house. Bella had wrapped the last and most precious of her gifts and placed it in her underwear drawer. She would put it under the tree with the many others after breakfast this morning. Prince had put one of Bella's under the tree already, a beautiful pair of chocolate brown leather slacks with a cashmere pullover sweater in gold with purple accents and a brown long leather jacket to match, but the ring remained safely locked in David's safe in his study. Elaine and Carlos had gotten Bella a gift card to Vivian's Treasures...a lingerie store that was located in most major cities. For Prince they had selected a tailor who had come recommended highly. While Carlos had not told her about the upcoming nuptials of Prince and Bella...he did say that Prince could have a suit made on them at the Royal House for Men. The couples dressed, made up their rooms and went into the kitchen where Kendra had made a perfect Christmas Eve breakfast featuring waffles, breakfast meats and eggs along with choices of three different juices. Ross was making the Christmas dinner, which they would not officially eat until the Christmas night as they could not eat before communion Christmas Eve and then the church was providing a meal. He was making a Turkey with all of the fixings along with Peach Pie and Bella's Sweet Potato Pie for Prince and would start right after breakfast. All of their parents would be joining them for dinner then.
There was the normal last minute running around to do...Carlos and Prince went to the liquor store for Champagne and the Brandy to spike the Egg Nog with. Ross was making the Egg Nog fresh from scratch. David was headed to the hardware store as a couple of lights needed replacing on the tree. Ross headed to the grocery store to pick up a few needed items. Melvin had taken Helen to pick out some ice skates for her nephew to take back home. Bella and Elaine went to Saks to get Bella's mom some of her favorite hosiery. Security was out with Prince and Carlos and with David and Melvin was with Helen. There was no security left at the house when Kendra asked the girls to pick up the hosiery for her. They looked at each other and shrugged and grabbed the keys to her mother's car and took off. This was their home city, they knew it well and were not afraid. They just needed to get back before Prince and Carlos did. They were not going far and should be able to get there, get the hose and get back within 20-25 minutes. The guys had gone to The Liquor Barn a place well known to them which was 40 minutes away if driving, 20 by air and would have lines for days. They should make it, Bella thought.
David had warned Prince and Carlos about the lines on Christmas Eve day at the liquor barn, so they took advantage of a new service known as Call Ahead Service. One simply called in their order which was pulled from the shelves bagged and picked up at the drive through after showing their license and paying. They had driven as they knew their way better to this store on the ground and then drove through the drive through and paid for their order and then started on their way back to David and Kendra's. Bella and Elaine had gotten to Saks in record time by air, but once there had to wait for the hose in the color Kendra wanted to be pulled from the stock room which had taken another 15 minutes. Once they paid for the order and got in the car, Bella knew they probably would not make it back before Prince and Carlos did. "Oh boy" she and Elaine said at the same time.
Prince and Carlos pulled into the driveway and then into the garage. Looking down the line they noticed that Kendra's mom's Corvette was missing. Hmm they thought either Kendra or one of the security guys must have taken it to make a run. Once inside, Prince took the Champagne to the wine cooler in the dining room to lay it down to chill. Carlos took the Brandy to the Bar and put it on one of the glass shelves. They then went in search of their women. They were not in the study or in the family room, living or in the bedrooms. Prince went into the kitchen and no-one was there. He and Carlos then went upstairs to the master bedroom and found Kendra there watching a news show. " Where are the girls" he asked? "I don't know, but I am sure they are around somewhere. The only thing I know they were going to do was run to Saks to get some hosiery for me, but all of security was out with you and David and Helen, so they had to wait for some one to come back". "Kendra did one of the security people drive your Corvette", Prince asked. "Well no, they took the SUVs just as you did. They never drive my car". Carlos and Prince looked at each other and pulled out their cell phones at the same time and dialed both girls numbers. Bella's phone had a unique ring to it. It was his voice singing 4 Ever. On the 3rd ring he heard it downstairs. They ran down the stairs to find Bella and Elaine just entering through the garage door returning from their errand. Needless to say there were no security men with them. " What were you thinking Bella, Elaine", Carlos asked? "You know that you can't be going out alone". Prince's face looked like a storm cloud. He just crossed his arms and said..."answer the question Bella". Bella slowly took off her coat and said "Prince, I have lived in this city all of my life. I know it well and I was not and am not afraid to go to the Saks store". "This is Christmas Bella and every thief who wants to be is out on the street looking to steal something from unsuspecting people like you. You could have been hurt or kidnapped or worse. I cannot believe that the two of you put yourselves at that kind of risk". As he talked his voice became louder and louder until Bella said quietly and calmly, "Enough Prince". Prince looked at her and said even more loudly..."I don't think"...and before he could finish the sentence Carlos said" man...take 10". Prince looked at his oldest friend and knew that he was dangerously close to losing it. He shook his head yes and left the room. Carlos said "Bella, he will cool off and then he will apologize. It just scared him and me when we did not know where you two were". Elaine walked over to Carlos and hugged him and said," I'm sorry baby". "I know" he said..."but you can't do that again". "I won't", Elaine said and kissed him on his cheek. Elaine then explained that the store was closing early and they needed to get there before it did and there was no one to take them. "Next time call me or Prince before you do anything so rash okay", Carlos asked? "Okay", Elaine responded! Bella hung up her and Elaine's coats and waited for Prince to return. About 30 minutes later he did. "I'm sorry Bella. I should not have raised my voice at you. But I was so scared when I did not know where you were". "No Prince, I am sorry. I know how you worry and I should have been more considerate of your feelings". She then explained why they had done as they did. Prince reiterated what Carlos said about calling them...and she promised she would if the same thing ever happened again. He pulled her to him and said "I love you little girl and you scared two years off my life". "Never again" she said and kissed him warmly.
The rest of the day went by fast and soon they were dressing for church. Andy and Linda along with Royal and Savannah, Alejandro and Nita would meet them at the church. Prince had retrieved Bella's gift from the safe and they got into the SUV and headed to St. Benedict's. He had the little box safely tucked into his overcoat pocket. Father O'Rourke saw them and came over and greeted them. He asked if Prince knew the words to Ave Maria. Prince told him he did and he asked if he would sing it just before Mass started. Prince said "of course". He asked that the four of them to sit in the choir and sing harmony with them. Bella and Elaine were happy to do so as this Mass and the one on Easter were her favorites. Prince sang Ave Maria and the church applauded thankfully. The Mass began and was both beautiful and moving. When it ended Father O'Rourke invited them all to meet in the fellowship hall and then as the crowded church began to move toward the fellowship corridor, Prince took Bella's hand and said come with me.
The little Chapel was dimly lit, but even so, it was hard not to appreciate it's beauty. It was known as the Chapel of the Holy Family and had gold gilted frames around the pictures of Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus that hung on the wall. He led Bella to a pew right in front of the alter and as he did, they heard a familiar voice. Good evening Prince. Bella stood up and ran into his arms, "Michael she said. What are you doing here"? Before he could answer, Sandalphon, Uriel and Raphael all also said hello. She hugged each of them and when she turned around, Prince was on one knee in front of the alter. She walked over to him and he said, "I asked them to come Bella". They have been so loving and helpful to us all of our lives both here on earth and also in Paradise. I wanted them to bear witness to what I promise tonight. I love you and want to spend the rest of my earthly life and then my eternal life with you. I want you to be the mother of my children, as you are the light of my heart. I have wanted that for all of my lifetimes and I promise to be worthy of you everyday of my existence...Bella will you marry me"? "Yes", she said and then for good measure "Yes Prince" she said again, as she began to cry. He stood and pulling the ring out of his pocket, he slid it onto the ring finger of her left hand.
Michael and Sandalphon looked at each other, their own eyes wet with tears as were Uriel's and Raphael's. "Our babies have grown up" Michael said as he cleared the happy tears from his eyes. "That they have", said Sandalphon while Uriel and Raphael nodded their heads in agreement. Soon they would have new little ones to guard and watch over and guard them they would. But for now, they just stood around the couple, opening their wings widely and glowed with the golden glow of heaven and as they did Prince and Bella did also. What a wonderful gift the two of them shared...the gift of love given by the Triune God Himself. With his promise witnessed by his first friend in heaven...Prince stood up thanked them each for coming and embraced each of them warmly. He said goodnight to them and as they left, he guided his bride-to-be to breakfast in the fellowship hall. The Heavenly glow remained on them through the night. As they entered the fellowship hall Father O'Rourke saw it and knew instantly that they had become engaged and that their marriage was blessed by the God that he served and the World would be blessed by the two of them. "Praise be to God" he said to himself. Hearing him telepathically, "praise be to God indeed", Prince said.
They enjoyed fellowship with the Church over the breakfast meal and when Elaine and Kendra asked where they had been...Bella raised her left hand Elaine squealed like the teen she still was. Kendra looked at the ring and the only thing she could say was "Holy Mother"...her dad said "wow". The room was now all turned in their direction. Prince therefore stood up and said, "all, on this night of the Savior's birth, I have asked this precious girl, Arabella Briana Borden, to marry me and for reasons unbeknownst to me and that I can't believe myself, she thinks that I am good enough to be her husband, and she said yes". The room began to clap and shouts of congratulations and best wishes were heard throughout the crowd. Father O'Rourke stood and held up a glass of orange juice and offered a toast to the couple. He closed his toast by saying that Prince had asked this woman to be his wife inside of this holy place which spoke to his character and while we knew he was blessed to have Bella...it was clear that she too was blessed to be getting him as her mate for life. "God bless Bella and Prince" he said and the crowd repeated "God bless Bella and Prince" and Bella was hugged by just about everyone present in the fellowship hall, as was Prince. When they finally left and got to David and Kendra's the hugs started all over again, but this time from family. They decided to adopt Bella's family's tradition and open their gifts now. As they did, there were lots of oohs and ahhs. Carlos loved his pendant from Elaine and immediately put the chain around his neck and said it would never come off except when he showered or bathed. Elaine loved the ruby and diamond promise ring he gave to her. Bella loved her new leather and cashmere outfit and all of the parents loved all of their gifts. Then Bella said Prince, I have a little something for you. It is not nearly enough considering how much I love you and all that you do for me, but I hope you like it. She pulled the box out of her pocket and he first noticed it was from the same place that he had gotten her ring made. He opened it and saw the most beautiful version of the Love Symbol he had ever seen.
"Bella it is exquisite", Prince said. Not nearly as exquisite as you, Bella said. "Thank you Bella. I love you, Prince said. "I love you more" said Bella. He stood up pulled her up and to him and kissed her passionately. Thank you for agreeing to be my wife. She smiled and kissed his nose, his eyes and his lips. "You are welcome" said Bella, the light of his heart.