Impossible Love

Impossible Love 116

Maxieplus

Well the big day has arrived, and there was an air of excitement in the house, the babies were desperate to try on their new clothes Lukas was practicing his walk, and the boys were helping him. Gianni and I were sitting at the table watching the circus while gran used the bathroom to get dressed. Iris looked beautiful in a deep purple sequinned frock with matching jewelry, when she first arrived the babies were all over her wanting to play with the sparkles. Now they are watching their big brother practice, they clapped because he was doing a good job. Grandad was dressed to the nines and as always sitting in front of the tv, and I nudged Gianni and told him it was time for us to get ready. It didn't take him long to head for our bathroom and the shower was running when I got there. He had my shorts off and whispered in my ear.

"One before the wedding so you do not find a lover, and I promise one big one tonight as a thank you for staying with me reward." Of course, I nodded yes and then got under the shower.

He is the love of my life and so much more than that, I watched every muscle, and every grin as he proceeded to wash me gently.

When it was all over I checked my watch and it was time to get ready, I assume gran and the boys will dress the babies while I looked after their papa.

My jaw almost dropped when he put his jacket on, a tear escaped and it took all my willpower to not wrinkle his shirt, so I brushed my hands all over his covered chest as I kissed him.

He did the same to me and in only a short time we were ready to go at it again, that will not happen we are now running late.

"Line up my beautiful bambinos, let papa check you." The babies lined up with the biggest smiles on their faces and Gianni checked that they were perfect, which they were.

Carlos and Leon, Maxie, and Tommaso lined up also and I checked them out before doing my babies. Gran looked beautiful and Lukas couldn't keep his hands off her bejeweled pink gown, she had spent the early morning at the hairdresser and she let each one touch her stiff hair-sprayed coiffure. I suspect she had some of her mother's jewels on, she shone like a chandelier. Leon did Lukas's hair then went about doing the young ones, they wanted some spray too. Alice will go with Gino Sam and Anna, and I am very sure she will look like a movie star.

"Well boys you all look so handsome and I could watch you all day but we must be going, we have our orders." I laughed.

With two almost full vans, we were driven to the Italian club, Gianni found a nearby parking spot and we all piled out, Lukas was over excited to get this show on the road.

There was a crowd of guests there already, mostly ladies who were fussing around placing finishing touches to the tables that looked fabulous. A standard arch of fresh flowers, the ceilings were covered in rolls of white tulle dotted with flashing fairy lights. It all looked so magical and as my babies wowed their way through all the bright glittery frocks, they were immediately swooped up and taken to separate corners of the club by over-enthusiastic aunties.

Stavros waved grandad over he had started a card game, and gran went out the back to check the bride and groom out. Ten minutes later she was spied in the kitchen tasting some concoction or other. The wine was produced and we found our tables, father Angelo in his black and purple cassock was a standout as he fixed up his table with documents and a gold cross. We said our hellos, he told me he was more nervous than the bride.

I wondered if I could go out the back and see the dress, but I guess it won't be long now. We sat down and Gianni did the honors with the wine. I sat and watched a gorgeous young man walk through the hall, he was magnificent in his black tux and smiled as he approached us.

"You look perfect Angelo, just perfect." Another tear and that won't be the last one for today. He needed a glass of wine as he sat with us, he has instructions for Lukas and a couple of wedding rings to put in his pocket. Cameras started going off and I took many of my handsome men and ladies.

Anna's ivory dress was a standout, and that gorgeous man on her arm carrying an excited little boy had been plucked and primed by my boys, Leon and Carlos. They got the thumbs up and Sam was released to go find his mates.

Alice was beautiful in all her refinery she automatically grabbed Lukas as she sat and talked to him.

"Are you nervous?" I leaned in to ask Angelo.

"You wouldn't believe how scared I am, I don't want to stuff it all up, Antonio. But yes I am extremely nervous."

"Well don't be, we are all your friends and family we will make sure it goes smoothly." I accidentally took his hand and kissed it.

"Antonio, I thought we had words about that kind of nonsense." Gianni was gruff.

"Sorry, but he does look beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as the bride Antonio, and she bites." He grinned.

I dropped Angelo's hand and grabbed my wine glass. I toasted him and then I toasted my husband and the ladies on the table.

Nina came over and told us it was time to start.

She took Lukas and Gianni, me and Angelo, and we left the table. Just as we stepped onto the dance floor the crowd died down. I was about to bow to them but it wasn't to be, Sabine and Tony had arrived and in Sabine's mummy tummy state, she looked radiant. Her frock was out of this world, with peach sequins, and Audrey Hepburn barrel curls. She was followed by Conner and Brent, their kids disappeared as Sabine deliberately glided to our table, she sure has perfected her entrances.

"Mr, Conners over here," Nina yelled.

They came up to us and I kissed them both, Conner was singing and he had to get his final instructions from the boss.

We went into the side room where champagne was waiting with a few sandwiches. Lukas's rings were found and pinned onto his silk cushion, he guarded it with his arms.

"Mama looks fabulous Gianni."

"You look better Antonio." I blushed.

The bride was nowhere to be seen, and neither were her girls but I did see her mum and dad who walked past a few times.

There was music now and Stavros joined us.

"Drink up boys then take up your positions, in one minute." Nina looked at her watch. We were let go and shown to our places, standing to the right of the great flowered archway. The music got louder and more than once I saw Angelo look to the ceiling and pray.

I was about to ask Stavros if we needed to get him a chair when it happened. Screaming, lots of screaming, when one does it they all do it.

"Daddy, poppa, daddy."

"I'll get gran onto it."

I went to find her, she was already in charge and already had the three of them gathered and Anna was setting up some high chairs.

"Daddy." They screamed, then the tears came in buckets, I could see a full-on dummy spit coming so I looked to Gianni for help. He wasn't far behind me and when he got to the table he scooped one up and handed him to me, then he took the other two. Of course, we had to include them, but there was one more that decided he had been left out. Sam was passed to me, I didn't mind in the least they are so light.

"Sorry, father Angelo, it's this or crying all through your ceremony."

"Wonderful idea Antonio, babies always make a wedding very special." he looked at our Angelo, I leaned in and said.

"If you tell me Bella is pregnant then that's it, we are history."

He chuckled and I saw a new man in Angelo, the boy had left and a man stood in his place. Under my breath I did curse both of them they should have told me.

The music started and Conner sang the wedding song in Italian, we turned around to watch Bella and saw a vision, she was beautiful and shone like a fairy princess, she had our grans tiara on, matched with a sparkly necklace and earrings, also grans I assumed. Her light veil covered her face but even from where I stood I saw tears.

Lukas led them up the hall on a red carpet his brothers wanted to get down and go with him, but we held firm. His smile almost swallowed his face and the cameras were going off wildly. Conner's song was perfect, and he did what he does best and caressed all our hearts. When Bella arrived I could now get a good look at her girls, they were perfect.

They went to the left and her parents stood behind her while Stavros stood proudly with Angelo.

They faced each other and Angelo lifted the veil to show off his love. He broke protocol by deeply kissing her.

"Now daddy?"

"Not yet baby, in a minute," I said.

His leg must be itching he was using his other one to scratch it, boredom comes swift with the young ones.

Father Angelo did a wonderful job with the wedding vows, he didn't bang on for hours but a few prayers were said which everyone in the club joined in on.

Lukas did his job and was thanked for his help, then he disappeared for some reason into the kid's room, Then I remembered they have games in there.

I laughed a little too loudly but Bella and Angelo took it all in their stride. The little ones wanted down they were bored by now, but instead of following their brother, they wanted to play in Bella's dress and veil. I watched them closely but they were being gentle and she didn't mind in the least.

"That dress is a triumph Nina, the ladies did an awesome job."

"They are all superb dressmakers Antonio,"

"When are they making yours," I whispered.

"Shut your mouth, or I will do it for you."

"Sorry."

"The next vacant shop will see a bridal store I think Antonio."

"Good thinking, but not on my workroom time."

"Never, we have plans."

"I'm glad someone knows what they are doing."

Father Angelo finished off with a prayer and that was it, we lined up to kiss the bride, then all of us guys lined up behind the ladies to kiss Angelo, it's the done thing, isn't it?

The joy everyone felt radiated through the room, the music started and Angelo took his new bride onto the floor, it only took a minute for Lukas to come running out and he stepped on his papa's shoes. Gianni waltz him around the floor while I and the boys did the babies. Gino, not to be left out did Sammy, who giggled his head off. One by one they were taken by gran, Stavros, and grandad, then I had my husband to myself. He took me on a wonderful journey around the dance floor and many tried to cut in but he wasn't allowing that today, his eyes were only for me.

"I need to fuck you, Antonio."

"Follow me to the back laneway."

"Maybe later, I am also hungry."

"She looks beautiful husband, Angelo is a very lucky man."

"He is Antonio, but not as lucky as me."

"Or me," I answered.

The kids danced past then went to get their mums up for a spin, I had no idea what they thought about Federico's gift to their sons and will take the time to ask them when I get some moments with them. Life has been a little hectic lately.

I was eventually dumped for Sabine who cut in and took Gianni in her arms, when I spun around Tony grabbed me.

"How is Iris doing Antonio?"

"Good Tony, although I think she is a little lonely sometimes."

"Is she thinking about coming home?"

"No, she doesn't want to be in the way. I think she sees all the love around her and wants some, leave it to me."

"I will then, Sabine and I would love her to return home though."

"You will have the baby soon, so there will be plenty for you two to do to occupy your lives."

He laughed and did a big spin and I was alone again. Big arms took me and one little boy wanted another dance, so we picked our Lukas up and he giggled his way around the floor with us.

We went to find our table again and gran was waiting to be danced with, so I did the pleasurable job first, then the men started cutting in.

Now I am free I can go and talk to Bella who had found her spot on the wedding table, we are expected to sit with them for dinner.

"Now, what truth is there in the rumor you are expecting a little visitor?"

"What!?"

"A little bird told me you may be pregnant."

"Angelo get here!" She screamed across the room, yes very Italian and I know their life together will be full of laughter and love.

The rumor wasn't true, so I slapped Angelo's head and said.

"You are walking on thin ice young man, don't do this to me."

"Sorry."

It was a sit-down affair, the ladies served the tables and I had a speech to relate, I made it funny but heartfelt and got loads of applause. Stavros talked about the early years and how proud of his grandson he was. Then Bella's dad did the same, the head bridesmaid dished all the dirt she could find on the bride, but there was nothing too shocking as I expected, she was almost perfect. The food was endless, I had one baby who was more interested in my wine to eat, so gran grabbed him and the others and headed for the playroom. By eight I was tired, we had been up early and it had been a big day, by the time Bella and Angelo finished unwrapping presents I almost nodded off on Gianni's shoulder.

"Come with me, Antonio."

"Where?"

"We are going home, I have spoken to gran she is preparing our babies, and Angelo and Bella understand they need to go to bed. Let us say goodnight to mama and the others then go."

"It's not too early?"

"No my love, let us be on our way."

I was grateful to get outside in the fresh air, we weren't alone, others were making their way home also. Iris and the boys came with us, and we drove the short road to our house. Three babies were asleep and the bigger one was fighting it off. I laid him on his bed and kissed him.

"You did very well today son, I am so proud of you."

He smiled and then completely relaxed, I finished undressing him and tucked him in. The babies were dead to the world and Gianni maneuvered me to our bed.

Sleep was instant there was no time to fool around for either of us, and we were alone and another missed opportunity had passed by.

We all slept in and I wanted to stay in my husband's arms all day, but there is no rest for the wicked as gran banged around in the kitchen. Angelo deliberately had the wedding on a Sunday so we all didn't have to work the next day, but I guess gran didn't get that message. I went to check the boys who were all still sleeping, then went to hug gran and grandad.

"Your early gran."

"Yes Antonio, I wanted to get breakfast over and done with before I take Lukas to my place. We have some big orders to meet and I need his help."

"Good luck with that, he's still asleep, yesterday was huge for him."

"He will survive Antonio and he will also be napping at my house." She grinned.

I made coffee and sat at the table, I could hear workmen banging away in Gino's place so I guess he and Anna were awake.

"While we have a moment Antonio, I would like you to sign this for me."

"What is it?"

"The renewal lease on the Italian Club. The ladies gave it to me last night they didn't want to disturb you, there is a small rent increase grandson."

"How much?"

"Just one hundred a week."

"Can we not do that grandad, leave it as it is."

"We can do that but this is business, and not my suggestion it was the ladies that added it."

"They cannot do that, can you take it out, maybe next year we will have another look at it."

"I told them you wouldn't like it." Gran almost grinned.

"I don't, the ladies go beyond what is expected of a tenant, I don't need the extra money and it is our community club after all." She winked at me.

Grandad moved to the table and scratched out the offending amount and I initialed it.

"Let it be on your head Antonio but it is not good business."

I sighed, and short of reminding him that I don't need the money, I gladly signed the lease.

Lukas came out, he still needs some sleep but he kissed me and gran and then went to sit on the sofa. I looked over minutes later and he was fast asleep again.

"I think he should stay at home gran."

"Maybe you are right." She went to check the others, maybe she will get some enthusiasm out of them.

My phone rang and I went out to the balcony to answer it.

"Gino, it's so nice to hear your voice, and so early." I chuckled.

He spoke to me in half Italian and half English he was so hyped up.

"Take it slowly I can't understand you."

He did and like a stunned mullet, I flopped onto a seat to listen to his news.

"My god, I will get Gianni to ring them, he's still in bed."

"Okay, leave it to me."

Gino was alerting me to a crisis he was watching on the world news, my head went into panic mode as I went back inside to turn the computer on and the tv channel over.

It was all over the news, the photos were devastating. The video of the workers trying to put the fire out was horrible and thank god no one was mentioned to be harmed. I could see Adamo and Tinker running back and forth and some others I recognized. The fire trucks were there but they seemed inadequate for the huge fire that rose to heady heights in the air.

I sat back and rubbed my eyes, how do I handle this, how do I tell Gianni let alone Sabine.

"What is happening Antonio?" Gran moved over to me.

"The Cartasso winery burnt down last night, tens of millions in damage, they couldn't save it."

"Dear God, was anyone harmed?" Gran crossed herself and I automatically did the same.

"No, thank the Lord, well I don't think so."

I drank my now cold coffee as grandad came over to look at the computer, then I went to see Gianni. He was awake and scratching the sleep out of his eyes, I sat on the side of the bed and he tried to pull me in.

"Not now baby, we have a family crisis on our hands."

"What is happening my Antonio, you look very pale."

"The Cartasso winery was destroyed by fire last night." I have no idea where it came from but tears formed as I watched his face drop in disbelief.

"Gino just rang and it's all over the news and internet, there are many emails for you. Try to take it all in, then get dressed and ready baby."

"My brothers?"

"Still asleep I think."

"Alert them Antonio we must all be up."

I kissed him then I went to find the boys.

They were all sitting in front of the computer within minutes, two were crying and one was still in shock.

I didn't have to tell Sabine she rang the doorbell and when I let her in I could tell by her eyes she was very upset.

"Mama leave this up to us please, you look after our brother," Gianni said gently.

"But son, there is too much to do."

"And we will do it, keep calm please for the baby's sake."

He found his phone and tried to ring Tinker but couldn't get through, so he rang Roberto. The call was lengthy there was no shouting just listening and shock once more when he looked at me.

"Get him shifted to Roma as soon as you can, try and get the best doctors in Europe to attend, money is no object."

He slumped into a chair and tears ran down his face, he spoke a little more then he hung up, then he rang Menowin.

"Whatever it takes, I will be on the next flight out."

He hung up and looked at us all.

"Adamo was badly injured." I nearly fainted there and then, my Adamo.

"Is it bad?" I had to ask.

"I don't know he was helping with the fire when he disappeared, they found him unconscious in the back section of vines, he was only just discovered. He has thermal burns the doctors say, Roberto has organized a helicopter to fly him to Roma, Menowin is going with them."

My main concern was for Sabine she started getting very agitated and stressed, Tony was trying to soothe her without any success. She cramped and yelled in pain, it's too soon for the baby to appear we need a doctor. Gran found a paper bag and got her to breathe into it and it did help to calm her down. My thoughts were with Adamo and Roberto I can't do anything for them but pray, so I went into our bedroom and prayed until my tears abated.

I showered and dressed then went back to absolute chaos.

Leon was yelling at Gianni and Carlos was getting in between them, Sabine had laid down on the couch and Lukas was frightened.

"Enough!" I screamed.

They all looked at me I indicated Lukas's distress and they went into full-on papa and uncle mode. He didn't want them, he wanted me, so I took him to his bedroom and tried to explain what was happening, his grip was tight and his tears real.

Gran was fussing around the babies and keeping an eye on her Lukas, the little ones were full of beans and wanted to go to the beach.

When I arrived back Gino Anna and Sam were there, Sam screamed when he saw his mates and they all made plans to go swimming.

I opened my hands and grandad and gran with Gino grabbed towels and escorted them out the back, Sabine had recovered and was talking to Anna, and Tony wanted to call the doctor just to make sure. She protested but we all insisted Dr. Mike be called in.

"What have you decided to do Gianni?"

"We will leave tonight Antonio, can you stay here with our babies?"

"Of course, but I would much rather come with you just to see Adamo."

"He will video call you first. I cannot leave our babies with anyone but you."

"Okay under protest I will stay, is Sabine going with you?"

"Don't even ask her Gianni, she is not going anywhere near a long flight." Iris had arrived.

"Then it will be you three, I have no worries about the winery Gianni, but Adamo is a different story. He needs his family with him."

"Boys you must make sure the production continues, I do not know how you will do it but we have to find more wineries. Tell the staff they will be paid as normal until we are up and running again." Sabine had calmed down sufficiently to start giving directions.

"But mama." Leon protested.

"I know son, Adamo comes first, but you two are the best at organizing the business. Call your father and let him know you are on your way, he will help you."

Yes mama, please be careful with our brother."

"Or sister." Sabine finally smiled, and Iris groaned. The vino had appeared and I took a shot and then walked out the back to see the babies. They were screaming as Sam did another belly flop. I lowered myself into the pool and sat with Gino and gran.

"They are going tonight and I will stay here."

"I will move in Antonio, you cannot do it all on your own." Gran offered.

"Thank you."

"Rebuilding will be a nightmare for the company, let alone reorganizing the orders on hand," Gino said.

"We will be able to farm out some wines here, I will get Iris onto it as soon as possible, it's Adamo I am more worried about."

Gran crossed herself again.

"He will be all right Antonio, I know he will," Gino was positive.

"How do you know?"

"Because he has the best family in the world to see him through it." He kissed my cheek.

The day was complete madness, Sabine was put into a private hospital for observation, and under protest, she was carted away but not before she gave her final orders.

"Remember Gianni, Leon, and Carlos, firstly whatever it takes to get him on his feet, and secondly the winery cleared and start to rebuild."

Iris went with them she was also worried and said she was only in the way.

"You are never in our way Iris, you are our friend and much loved. Make sure mama is settled then come back for a farewell vino with us."

Leon kissed her the Carlos hugged her, I winked.

Dr. Mike said he would meet them there and he left with many hugs and thanks.

Anna went for a swim with the family and the kids were busy making breakfast, this is why I don't want them to move, they are needed here.

Gianni showered then when he came out he rang Roberto again.

I could tell he was stressed by the way Gianni spoke to him calmly and when he hung up he once again looked at me.

"He is badly heat burned down one side, his lungs are scorched and they have ventilated him in a coma. Roberto isn't getting any positive answers from the doctors and he's ready to destroy the hospital. They have let him sit with Adamo and he is holding his hands. That is all I could find out."

The phones were ringing off the hook and I will ring the callers back when I get more comfortable with the news.

Matteo and Ramone had rang and I told Gianni, so he set about calling them back. Ramone said he was already at the farmhouse with Matteo and Nicky, he told him the winery was mostly twisted iron and ashes. I spoke to him and said we will get some of the Australian wineries to do as many orders they can, and I will start on that tomorrow with Iris. I needed passwords to access the orders and I will get Pat and Gino to coordinate them with Gianni's stock.

"Do not worry so much about my orders Antonio, the Cartasso come first," Gianni said.

"Leave it to us, baby go see your brothers and let the boys do the winery."

"I will miss you the best Antonio."

"And I will miss you, but we have to be strong for Adamo."

"I love you."

"And I love you." He kissed me then breakfast had to be taken out the back.

We brought Maxie and Tomas up to speed and apart from many phone calls, we managed to all calm down. Gran is going home to pack, she said she will bring her tomatoes over and that will occupy the boys for a few hours. They were ignorant of what was going on and Gianni held them as much as he could. By the time they had all packed, gran was settled in and he helped me put the kids to bed. They will be upset he's not at home in the morning but between grandad and me they will hopefully accept his temporary disappearance. Lukas sort of knew what was going on, he watched his papa constantly and almost cried when he said his goodbyes. I did cry on his shoulder, he had insisted we make love before he left and I offered him the whole menu.

"I will ring you, Antonio. We will be going to the hospital first and wait until Adamo is out of any danger, we will not move. Papa is already with the planners to reinvent the Cartasso winery so we do not have to worry too much for a while."

"Good, and do not forget to sleep you need rest also my husband."

"I will sleep on my own a will be wishing you were with me."

"Me also Gianni, me also."

I knew I was in for some pretty lonely nights ahead, I will cope and I have to stop being such a baby and so selfish. The boys hugged and kissed me and started with tears as they told me they would miss us all. I reassured them that they would be missed the best, then they started in on Iris. She teared up, something I have never seen her do and I know a light will go out in her life when they leave.

She is staying the night in the boy's room, and when they left she retired, I guess she cries in private, just like I do.

One more phone call and my day is done, Gianni was not looking forward to the flight but he was looking forward to seeing Adamo and Roberto. No one will meet them and they will taxi it to the hospital and then make plans, he will see Lily while he's there, and once again I should have gone with them. My night was okay, I managed to sleep and didn't hear the little ones at all. I checked my phone and a message from Gianni said `boarding now, I miss you'

No gran in the morning but plenty of laughter coming from her room, I poked my head in and received many good mornings from them all, thank God we put extra king-sized beds in the rooms they were piled on top of grandad and he was tickling them.

I went to make coffee and then turned the world news on, it only took a few minutes and the replay of the fire was featured. As the newsreader said the Cartasso winery is a national treasure and one of the oldest vineyards in Italy, so its destruction has hit everyone in some way. I turned the computer on and started reading and answering emails that had been sent, one such email stunned me beyond belief it was from Roberto.

I thought I had used up all my tears until I read his desperately sad news,

I could feel Robertos pain as he told me they have found out that Adamo had a stroke, he didn't say when he had it, only that they are treating him for it. He talked about death and loss and his inability to help his beautiful lover, he poured out his grief in the letter to whoever was reading it. He was desperate to find a solution to Adamo's pain and the only good news I read was that his lungs weren't as bad as they thought, they will be taking the ventilator off him tomorrow. I tried to answer it but the tears got in the way as I constantly wiped them away. I felt his pain and I felt so useless.

Gran was dragging one baby along the floor, he had attached himself to her leg so she made grunting sounds while he giggled, I reached for the tissue box and wiped my eyes trying to place a smile where sadness had been.

"What is up Antonio?"

"You can read Roberto's letter gran I can't say it aloud for fear I will collapse with grief."

I grabbed little Luca and started kissing him all over and giving him a few face farts in the process. Gran sat at the computer while I made a fresh coffee, I shook with fear and felt as cold as ice inside, I wanted to go into a panic fit but held it at bay because I have children to see too.

I sat down again and looked over as gran reached for the tissues and did the sign of the cross several times, I automatically mirrored her then we both said a Hail Mary for Adamo. I am not a religious fanatic but I do know when life gets too hard a small prayer always reminds me that people are listening, and the one person I could always rely on was God, my God the one inside of me.

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