Chapter Eighty Five

There was no way to back down on this one, so I bit my own butt and stood and just sang out a couple of verses from Living on a Prayer... the sound of clapping and cheering filled my ears as I sat down again, marking Jesse and Stephanie within ear shot I warned them we would be talking later, each caught my stink eye and hung their heads in shame. Mara on the other hand was delighted and was happily chatting to everyone that came over to say hi, she was polite, and respectful, and the smile that was a mile wide spoke of how proud she was of me, and despite my misgivings with the kids, I had to admit that it sat good in my heart too.

Leaving the Hardrock however, was a chore in itself, given, I had now been recognised, and everyone either stood as we tried to exit, and stuck out a hand towards me, or a tirade of bodies rushed over as we reached the stairway asking for autographs, it took some time but we did make it to the sidewalk. Immediately I held up my arm in the air signalling for a black cab to stop; Mara tugged gently at my sleeve as we stood waiting,  my arm already beginning to ache from being held in the air so long, funny, it always worked in the movies, but they were all evading my arm that's for sure. "Don't be too hard on them?" half concentrating on keeping my arm raised I looked down at my wife, I tried playing the dumb, "hard on who?"  but it was no dice,
"You know very well who, Don't try to be such a smart ass, you know exactly what and who I'm talking about...
a little too sarcastically I replied " Oh you mean, the part when my kids could have got me arrested again and locked up in jail?"
"Yeah, ok putting it like that it sounds bad, but they were just having fun, and nothing bad happened did it?, other than you made some very mediocre lunch exciting for a lot of people...including me.."
"that's alls good Mara, but it could have been a different story, I'm not gonna holler at um, but they need to know that doing dumb ass stuff like that can be serious..."
"Yeah, but please, go easy they didn't mean no harm really," she looked up at me with her liquid chocolate eye's and I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my lips, and defeated I agreed.

After an age, and with my muscles all but seized in my arm a cab stopped, it was a tight squeeze but we all got in, "where to guvnor?" I stared at the driver, not sure what he was saying, he looed at me as I answered,  "what?"  Hearing my accent he asked again, "Where to?" I shook my head, and turning to Mara I asked,
"Where do you wanna go next?"
"Harrods," Mara's eyes lit up as she almost squealed her reply,  looking at the driver he shook his head and started the meter and we set off ,to one of the worlds most famous stores.
"who owns that store dad?" Steph asked a question, before I could answer Mara took charge, "a man called, Mohammad Al Faed.." she spoke it in a very factual voice and seemed proud of herself knowing the information. I was puzzled too seeing as Mara's idea of shopping back home was either Walmart, or regular run of the mill clothes stores, she had never been one for designer clothes.
I had to know, " so how you know?"
she sat looking smug, "Cause I know loads about London, its one of the top places I have always wanted to visit, so you do learn don't ya?"
"I guess," then I caught the London book peeping out of her purse, pulling it out I waved it in front of her eye's, "and having a read helps too right?" she flushed bright red, "Ok you got me..."

The distance to the store from The Hardrock, was not far, but the uptown traffic was horrendous and paying the cab fare at the end £30.00, told me walking is gonna be another option, or I was gonna be bankrupt if we kept up using cabs.

The kids stood on the sidewalk, and we all looked at the man stood by the door, he was dressed in green and gold livery, he looked like something out of a story book, as we all neared the door he opened it for us to enter.  "Steph whispered up close, "OMG he's a doorman..." I shook my head in acknowledgement, as she sided next to Jessie and they walked inside. We all stood in a fantastic marbled lobby area with escalators to both left and right, and directions to different floors.

Jake noticed that the toy department was to the left and tugged so hard at my arm I thought he'd pulled my arm outta my socket. "Pop, toys, PLEASE!!!" I looked at the rest of the guys, "You all ok with that?" all shook there heads, so we got on the moving escalators and headed up to the third floor.

Jake couldn't believe his eye's as there were life size stuffed toys everywhere, with price tags costing thousands, he was really impressed and drawn to the life size horse, his eye's were gleaming... he looked over at me, I knew what was coming.
Walking over I picked at the price tag, staring back at me was a price of £1,000 pounds, quickly converting the exchange rate to dollars, it was $1,500, kneeling beside little man, I spoke, "Jakey, do you realise how much money this is?"
puzzled he looked at the tag too, then looking back at me he replied. "a whole heap?"
"what's a whole heap to you?"
biting his lip, he answered, "more than I can afford."
"ok, so what can you afford,?"
he dug his little hands into his pocket and brought out his spending money, slowly he counted it out into my hand, as we both stood looking he had £100.00 pounds, or $125.00.
"so how much more do you think you need to buy that horse?"
he looked at the money then at me before he answered. "a years allowance?"
laughing, I answered him, "your not far off son, and looking at it, do you really think its worth all that money?"
he looked at the horse, and then back at me, shaking his head he replied, "nah" and then took off to find something else to wish for, and that took like seconds, his little legs and body darted in and out of the other shoppers, and he came to stop at a robot game. there was an assistant demonstrating how it worked. the robot was only miniature and stood on a mirrored platform, with the magnet located underneath as you moved it around you moved the robot on the mirror too, what he found cool was the toy was filled with coloured sand and you could make shapes and patterns as it moved and write things too, an cause it was sand it could be re used in the toy over and over. he pulled my arm, I bent down next to him, "pop how much is £25.00 in our money?" quick to work out the cost I told him about $30.00, his next question came fast, "cool can I get it?"
"sure if you really want to, but don't you wanna look around a bit more first?" he thought for a millisecond and took off again, Jessie followed him and said he keep his eye on him, Steph was looking at the teddy bears, as Mara and me sided up beside her. Mara spoke, "He's cute"
Steph looked round at her and smiled. "he is, I'm thinking of buying one for my room, but I'm not sure how much it is?" I looked at the tag, £40.00, then I noticed the tag had other currency's shown there too, one of which was our money. $65.00. Steph quickly put it back. "This shop is expensive... not sure I can really afford anything here pop.."
Mara slipped her arm in Stephs and she moved over to the book section, I looked at the bears and as a surprise I picked up two medium sized bears for both Mara and Steph, then slipped over to the demonstrator with the Robot game and bought that for Jakey too. Jessie was into his sports so I was planning on treating him to something special too, but that would have to be later as we moved from section to section.
I moved across to the checkout operator and paid for the items I had, then with them in a Harrods bag I made my way back over to the girls. They were deep in conversation about a cook book and making novelty cakes. As I reached the girls my cell rang, reaching in my pocket and juggling the bags I had I answered, "Yo?"
"Jon, its Calum, you made it to London then?"
"Yeah, got here couple of days ago, sightseeing and stuff..."
"so where are you now?"
"Harrods"
"Liking it?"
"yeah, but man its not a poor mans shop and that's for sure?"
Calum laughed, "got that right my man so we cool for the meeting in couple of days?, its a great opportunity for you?,
"Yeah alls good, time same as you wrote me?"
"Yeah, no changes, anyway, just wanted to touch base, see ya Friday."
Ending the call Mara stood in front of me, arms folded across her chest she looked at me, after saying nothing she asked " who was that, and who are you meeting in a couple of days?, what's going on Jon?"
Time now to share the surprise, and I was praying she'd be happy....

Chapter Eighty Four

Fully rested the next morning after breakfast we set off to do the sight seeing thing around London. the kids voted on visiting Madame Taussards first, they wanted to see if they had my wax work still there. Now I wished I hadn't told them I'd sat for one in the eighties, Mara was intrigued to, so I was out voted, so packed up with necessities and with  Joe our driver we climbed into the car and set off. I had my baseball cap and sunglasses at the ready so hopefully I could blend in with the rest of the tourists, and thank fully with the sun shining wearing the shades I would not look to outta place.

Joe negotiated the centre of London with ease, which was not indifferent to the hustle of New York at peak flow, and he somehow managed to stop not to far short of the attraction to allow us to get out safely and go join the already mile long queue. I had his card and when we had finished for the day all I had to do was call him to come collect us.

Out of the vehicle the kids shot off to join the waiting line with Mara and me following a little slower behind.
My idea I'd had playing in my mind, was still high priority and I wanted to discuss it with Mara, and right now seeing her smiling and her enthusiasm it inspired confidence what I was going to speak with her about she would be happy to agree.

All standing together, and listening not just to my kids excited chatter about the attraction but listening to others waiting in line was a treat. The family in front of us, I'm guessing was Mom and Pop with their two kids, "Ooooh I so hope Justin Bieber is in there, I want my photo with him so bad mum..."
"Who knows Sammie, we will see won't we, Robert stop pinching your sister please..."
"Who do you wanna see Robert?"
the young guy shrugged his shoulders then answered, "Someone I know I guess..." His sister then started in on him, "Oh you are so lame, Someone you know... this aint about meeting our friends doubles in here you muppet..."
"Enough, both of you, or well go back home..."
I was fascinated by the family, and couldn't help listening in to the family chit chat. the normality of everyday life, and how no family with kids was to indifferent to my own. I studied the family, the mom was a striking women early forties, average build, dressed smart but casual in jeans with a t, her blond hair cut short which fitted her elfin features, the pop was around 6ft and he seemed by nature a quiet kinda guy who let his wife control the kids, he came across as the man to be back up to his wife when needed. He was stocky in build and dressed in shorts, with t and sneakers. the kids were dressed as most teens dress, and looking along the line the kids could all have been moulded in the same clothes factory, mine included as the repetition of clothing was 100 percent. I smiled to myself analysing and listening to the family, Mara had to poke me in the ribs twice to get my attention.
"Hey welcome back, I've been talking to you for the last ten minutes, but you seem oblivious to what I was saying, or that I was even here?"
quickly I apologised, "I'm sorry babe, I was miles away..."
"Yeah so I saw..."
concentrating on Mara, and quick to make it right I asked, "Sorry babe what was it you wanted?"
relaxing her arms back by her side, she slipped one arm through mine as she asked, "can we go see the London Eye next, then Harrods, Buckingham palace,..."
I laughed, "Whoa there, take it easy, we don't wanna see everything in one day do we?, we have a month to see everything, lets not burn ourselves out on day one."
Mara paused and grinning from ear to ear, she nodded her head. "I'm sorry I'm just so excited to be here, I cant wait to do and see everything, I feel like a kid in a candy store at Christmas.."
Pulling her close into me, I kissed the top of her head and smiled, as the line started to move. Reaching the cashier I paid for the tickets and we headed inside to the attraction, with us, about ten thousand other tourists descended at the same time as Inside the place was manic,  the kids looked at me, everywhere we looked there were people hustling for photo's with the different celebrities. Jake looked at me a frown and disappointment on his face, "dad, I don't know any of these people, do I have to have my photos taken with them?"
I laughed, "No its ok buddy, you can just look at them, and just have your picture taken with someone you know and like... ok?"
his young mind settled he took off to check out all the first line of celebrities, I called out after him, "Jakey, stay close, I don't want to lose you..."
Looking forlorn he returned to my side, and shuffled along next to us in protest, his arms crossed over his chest and a scowl set on his little face.
I stopped and knelt beside him, "listen buddy, I only want to keep you safe ok, we are in a foreign country and I don't want to lose you ok? once we get outta here you can have a little more freedom, ok, I'm sure the rooms will thin out as we move round..." my reasoning wasn't cutting it, in the end I relented to bribing him "look Ill let you have a fudge Sunday and soda pop at the hard Rock café, all your call ok?"  That worked and his little face broke out into a broad smile, as his little hand slipped into mine and Mara's. Jessie and Steph were hustling with the crowd to get close to the stars. Steph came back and announced there was a copy of Arnie dressed as the terminator and she wanted her photo with it so she could e-mail her friends to say "she'd be back..." Mara went forward and took the picture with the camera. Any idea's that the rooms would thin out of people were not happening any time soon and to reach the end it took us more than four hours, as we walked back out onto the side walk at the end, hot flustered tired and all wanting a drink, I hailed a cab to take us to the hard rock café for a rest.

After paying the cab fare, we headed into the Hard rock café, "Jessie asked, " Hey Pop, aint this where, you and uncle Richie and the guys played and were arrested cause you did not have a working visa?"
I shook my head, "Yeah,"
As we waited the questions started, "What was it like being arrested?, where did they take you?"
I laughed at the interest, "Whoa, it was not cool Jessie so less of the enthusiasm please,"
"Wait a minute, you were arrested?, how come I didn't know that?" Mara looking at me a quizzical look on her face...
"It was way back when we first started out, our manager Doc Magee, got us the wrong visa's and we were booked to play here, Doc didn't want to lose the fee, so he told us to do it, the law wouldn't do shit, so we played on the balcony to thousands of fans below and after we were arrested..."
"Wow, my husband has a criminal record, I never would have thought.... I'm surprised they let you back..."  she laughed, and I caught Jessie and Steph whispering to each other too...
"Ok you too, what's the secrecy about?"
"Jessie looked guilty as he answered, "Oh nothing pop honest" he smiled the biggest smile and I knew both he and Steph were up to no good.
"Stephanie Rose, out with it?"
she looked at me trying to look all innocent, "What, it's nothing pop, I swear..."  neither of them were giving anything away, so I made sure to keep a close eye on them as I knew they were making mischief.
The bleeper we had been given for a table started to buzz, so I headed with the guys following to the station and handed it to the staff member who then took us to our table. We had no sooner sat down when Steph asked to go to the rest room, as she left the rest of us choose our meals from the menu.
When Steph returned she had a member of staff with her, "Pop, Pele here has recognised you and has asked if you would sing a song for her and the diners?"
the tables surrounding us all broke out in cheers and applause, as I sat there uncomfortable, with a dilemma of whether to accept or decline, as I was conscious that my visa was not a working visa and I did not fancy spending the rest of my vacation in jail for breaking English law again...

Chapter Eighty Three

We touched down at Heathrow airport, after a relaxed uneventful but pleasant flight. I thanked Carl and Charlotte as we left and exited the plane.

"Any time Mr Bongiovi, Have a pleasant stay in London sir we will see you for your return flight" We shook hands as I walked down the jetty corridor with Mara next to me and the kids tailing behind. We walked and walked for what felt like miles though different tunnels to at last get to to border control. "Passports Please?" I handed them  over and waited for the questions.  "What's the purpose of your trip today?" I answered,  "Vacation and work" "Do you have your work visa?" I handed it over, "how long are you planning on staying in the united kingdom?" "A month"

She checked over my documents, and holding a blank expression she stamped mine and Maras and the kids passports.  

Her last comment " Have a nice stay with us Mr Bongiovi." No personality at all, I guess that was a criteria of the job... I smiled to myself as we left border control.

 All together we headed to collect our luggage at the baggage carousel. When I was on tour I had a team to do that for me, but now I was on vacation with my family I was loving doing the normal tourist part. Carl had ensured our baggage was off loaded quickly and as we reached the carousel the kids saw our baggage waiting for us. Direct from baggage collection we headed through nothing to declare and out to the exit foyer.

"right guys look out for our driver, he will have a card saying Mr Grumpy"
"Why grumpy dad?"
"no idea, ask your uncle Obie, he arranged it." I heard Steph and Jessie sniggering behind... turning round trying to look angry I asked, "yes... something you wanna share?"

they looked from one to other before again dissolving into fits of giggles.  I turned to look at Mara who had her head facing away from me and she too was laughing. the only person not laughing like me was Jakey. he stood looking at the others as if they had gone mad, he had tears in his eyes too as he asked " but dads not grumpy, so why are you laughing?". Looking at my youngest, I told him to ignore the others, that it was Uncle Obie's joke. his young face looked up at me all innocence as he said, "well I don't think its funny, why couldn't uncle Obie give your real name?" It was difficult to explain fame to a child so I told him not to stress it was all good and when we saw his Uncle next he could tell him off. that settled his mind and we wandered into the foyer and started looking for the "Mr Grumpy" sign. Stood just before the exit door to the sidewalk, we spotted our driver, Smiling; I walked up to him and introduced myself and our family, he did the same,

" Good evening sir, my name is Joe." he gave me his card with his contact details.

"anything you need, please don't hesitate to call."

Taking our luggage, he gestured the way out to the sidewalk and to the waiting SUV.  he stowed the luggage in the trunk,  while the kids climbed in to sit far back; Mara and me climbed inside the middle back,  then with Joe at the wheel we left Heathrow Airport.

"can I ask sir, do you know where you are staying?"  I pulled out the documents from my hand luggage and past them to Joe.
"ah, your staying in Barnes, South London, a stones throw from the city. You ever been there before?"
"Er London yeah, but, where you say we're staying,?"

"Barnes sir?"

"no never been there, what's it like?"
"nice, it's a village in a big city, you'll see."
" great how long till we get there?"
"hour, maybe hour and half"
That was fine, I was with my family, and enjoying my time, we were away from the stress of my pop and home and we were on honeymoon. I answered Joe.

" that's fine, take your time."
Then holding Maras hand we sat back and took in the sights of the towns in Surrey on route to our holiday home for the next month.

 

The going was slow, traffic was real bad tail to tail along most of the roads, the kids were quiet as they looked out and studied the houses and people going about their everyday business, Joe had been correct on time as and hour and a half later we pulled up outside our home for the next month.

 

Joe helped us with our luggage as we met the agent on the steps of a gorgeous Victorian town house.

"Good Evening Mr Bongiovi, I'm Ellie Waters." I shook her hand and introduced my family as she unlocked the house and we stepped inside. Smells of coffee and fresh baked cookies filled my nostrils and the house was warm and welcoming as we entered, the kids all chorused together, "mmmm cookies", they immediately took off to find the kitchen; where they met with the cook and house keeper, Back at our sides with cookies and glasses of milk we were taken on a tour of the house by Ellie.

The décor was modern with a art deco twist, dressed out in yellows and pastel greens and pink. It was clean and going to be very comfortable.

At the end of the tour we were all taken into the kitchen where we too met our house keeper, her name was Sandie. A women of older years, slim, slightly greying but still attractive with a friendly face.
""Would you like something to eat?" "Mara shook her head, I too was feeling hungry it had been some time since we ate. A sandwich made with white bread, with cheese and tomato and mayonnaise with a fresh cup of coffee were placed in front of Mara and me as we sat at the kitchen breakfast nook.

Sandie told us that she would be looking after us during our month long break, and anything we needed, we only had to ask, but not to hesitate to help ourselves to anything we wanted in her absence.

She had her own quarters at the far back of the house, but told us; she would work the hours we wanted to make our vacation a pleasant one.

 The kids had gone off in search of their rooms, and took their luggage with them, while Mara and I sat talking to Sandie as we ate our snack and drank our coffee. We learned that she had been a head house keeper for five years, but prior to that she had been a manager of a Estate Agent, not familiar with the term Mara asked, "Wants that?" Sandie smiled, then adjusted the meaning,  as she corrected her meaning "I believe you call it realty?"

Mara smiled, "of course, I'm such a dumbass sometimes, I guess its cause I'm tired..." Sandie smiled , "so I believe congratulations are in order, you are here on honeymoon?"

we shook our heads as we looked at each other, and I spoke, "yes, we were married yesterday."

"Oh that's so nice, well Congratulations both, so what are you planning while your in London?"
"Mara answered before I had a chance, "Everything, I cant wait..."

chapter Eighty Two

How we made it to the airport and then on board the Jovi jet is gonna remain one of life's mysteries to me, I've never witnessed such disorganised chaos in all my life, there were kids running in and out of rooms, Mara going through her checklist over and over and ma making sure we had every drug needed in a pouch, just incase.... I told her more than once, "Ma we ain't going to Mars, we can get these in any drug store in Europe," "yes and when you need a store you won't be able to find one." I laughed and gave in and just went with the flow.

Ma was driving us to the airport to save time, hadn't quite got that one figured out yet, but she was happy and I wasn't gonna rock the boat, I wanted happy people before we set off on honeymoon. I know my ma did not agree with me not telling Mara about my pop but she accepted my wishes, so I figured give as well as take, then its a win, win situation.

 

At the airport, we all stood out of the SUV with our luggage on the sidewalk, any easy escape was outta the question, when my ma jumped out too and grabbed us all wishing us a great vacation and a safe flight.

I really had to pry her arms from the kids so we could get going and check in.  It took forever, but we managed to make it through the doors into the departure foyer, as we moved forward in the direction of the check-in desk, I could see her waving and wiping her eyes.

"For the love of god, that women's not real..."

"Jon, she loves you, she is going to miss us, have a heart."

I smiled at Mara and shook my head and turning back I gave my ma a wave...

"Ok, happy now..." she smacked my butt. "Better" 

At check-in all the usual answers done we headed to security, as always I was the one that triggered the sensors and had to remove everything but my pants and be frisked before they would allow me though. A great source of fun for my wife.

"I think they knew it was you and the only way the women security officer could ever touch you up was legally... she certainly had a smile on her face the whole time..."  

"you think?" walking down to the gate, she laughed. the kids were sharing their banter and I knew we were going to have a great honeymoon and vacation.

We boarded the bus for the short trip to the plane, standing off the bus, as it turned around and left, I looked up to the door entrance of the jet. Stood waiting to welcome us on board was Carl our captain and Charlotte our cabin crew. Turning to Mara and the kids I asked, "so we all ready?" a resounding chorus cried out in unison, "yeah, lets get this muther..." "Jessie Bongiovi, watch your mouth..." he smiled at me and apologised, "Sorry dad, I'm just psyched you know..."  

"alright, lets go then, follow me." I led the way up the steps to the top, with Mara and the kids following behind her.  "Good Morning Mr Bongiovi, nice to have you on board." I smiled at him as I introduced Mara, what caught me by surprise was how Mara behaved, as she extended her hand to meet his, I noticed she was blushing. Mara looked at me, then looked to Charlotte and continued with the pleasantries of meeting our crew. I brushed it off and smiled to myself, I had a feeling Mara fancied our captain, or was it the uniform I guessed on the latter..
"Thank you Carl, nice to see you again, its been a while." he smiled and shook his head then added,
"My congratulations to you both on your wedding"
"thank you,  we appreciate it, so any storm's we need to ride or should it be smooth?"
" no reports of any bad weather sir so should be a nice flight"  "great, " he smiled as we moved past and took our seats. Mara chose them, we were sitting on the left side and Mara took the window seat... "Hey not fair I wanted that seat?" laughing she replied, well sit somewhere else then..."

I sat next to her, "oh really, is this the real you Mrs Bongiovi, getting all bossy,?" and leaning in close I whispered, " and what was with you blushing meeting the captain, care to share..?" she giggled as she whispered back, "I had a flash image of you wearing that uniform... for me..." I burst out laughing as my guess had been right, leaning back in I whispered, "well this is our honeymoon so never say never, anything is possible..." she smiled at me and blushed again. then she cast her eye's out looking at the runway.

My attention was caught momentarily as the kids had spent ages finding a seat they wanted to sit in, Charlotte was closing up the plane, a given we were nearing take off.  

Jakey was jumping from one seat to the other, having a seat in front of me, I caught him mid run and made him sit facing me. "hey lil man, steady ok... sit down and fasten your belt, were about to take off". no sooner had I said that carl came over the intercom. "cabin crew to seats please."

I watched as charlotte seated herself in the jump seat and buckled up. there was no psychical safety drill on my jet, we had cards and the video played while we taxied ready to depart.

I looked at all the kids, and smiled as they studied it, then I looked across at Mara who was miles away, "penny for them?"

she smiled back at me,  before speaking "thank you, thank you so much?"

"what for?"

"for giving me my dream..." she held her smile and behnd her chocolate eyes were tears, I took her hand and held it, as the captain increased the engine speed to a roar and we sped down the runway, taking off on our vacation/honeymoon, destination.... London England...  

Chapter Eighty One

I was stunned in one way and not another, my pop and me had always had this love hate relationship, now I understood it to be a jealous hate relationship. the one thing I couldn't do was tell Mara, It wasn't right to ruin her moment because of my ass of a pop. No, I reasoned with myself, when we got home after the honeymoon was soon enough.

 

leaving my ma drinking her coffee, I took a two fresh cups of coffee, one for me and one for Mara together with some fruit and slice of toast for breakfast on a tray. I wanted to start the day right. We were leaving in a few hours for our honeymoon and I was going to fix my attention on Mara and my kids, although I had an idea playing in my head, but didn't want to say anything until I had ran through the scenario fully in my own mind first.

Reaching our bedroom door, I knocked and opened it calling her name, "Mara, sweetheart, time to wake up..."
she stirred in the bed, "mmmm What time is it?"
"A little after seven,"
I sat on the bed and placed her breakfast next to her. she smiled as she asked, "For me?"
I nodded, "she took a slice of toast and bit into it, "mmm delicious..." with a wicked glint in her eye she continued,  "the best toast I've ever tasted" she was teasing, "alright Mrs Bongiovi, knock it off" I was smiling and loved our little play fights, "so why are you wearing that robe Mr Bongiovi?"
"erm, we have other guests in the house, including the kids... I would not wanna scare them mentally would I?"
"Not physically either..." she giggled as she spoke, and continued " but you don't need to wear it now do you?"  still laughing she gave me a look still with a twinkle in her eye..." standing I slipped off my robe, and slid into the bed right next to her. "that better?"
"Much, she settled down after placing the tray on the floor and lay her head on my chest. holding her with one arm I stroked her hair gently with my free hand and kissed the top of her head, for a while as she lay silent I let my mind wander to the idea that came to me as I was walking up the stairs. I didn't hear Mara for a second until she gently nipped me in my side, " hey, are you listening to me?" coming back to the moment I answered guilty,
"What, no sorry babes, I was thinking of something else..."
"So that's how its gonna be is it..." this time she sat astride me, is this what I have to do to get your attention?"
laughing back at her I answered, "Could be..."
she lent forward and kissed me, pulling back she spoke softly, "thank you for marrying me, I love you Jon with all my heart...."
I smiled back at her and answered "Ditto"
Jumping off the bed, she raced to the bathroom, "I'm showering first, unless you'd care to join me. in a millisecond I was in the bathroom with her.

Both refreshed from our shower together, we helped each other towel down, we both dressed. Back in the bedroom she picked up her breakfast tray and munched the cold toast and ate her fruit, drinking her coffee, she moved around the room collecting clothes and accessories to pack in the cases. I watched in amusement.
"babe, we're not emigrating just going on honeymoon."
"Yeah, well I don't wanna be without my essentials, tell ya what, why don't you go wake the kids and let me finish up here?" she smiled the sweetest smile, but it was clear I was being dismissed. "are you trying to get rid of me? Mrs Bongiovi?" turning to look at me with a scarlett silk scarf in her hands, she looked up to the ceiling then back at me as she considered her reply, "Erm, how can I put this..... Yes, now go, or we will miss the flight"
I laughed, "ok, I'm going, but I could not go without stealing a kiss, I moved over to her side and stole a moments passionate kiss, "Oh babe, by the way, just to give you the four one, one, we won't miss the flight" she looked at me, "but you need to check in two hours before departure, don't you?"
"Yeah on a commercial jet you do," I moved back in close again and held her gently, " but it's a little different when you own the jet..." I tapped her behind as picked up my coffee and headed out the door,  leaving her to pack in the room, while I was off to go wake the kids.  I was smiling to myself Walking along the hallway. Taking a drink of my now luke warm coffee I met my ma, who had just come upstairs "Jon are you ok?"
"sure, why wouldn't I be?"
"well after telling Mara." I held up my hand, "whoa there mama, I aint told Mara, and I aint gonna."
"But what if she hears about it else where? you cant leave this hanging like a noose?"
" how is she gonna hear it from anyone else ma? Huh? How? The only people that know are you me and him., and why can't I leave it?, why do I want to spoil my honeymoon, to much time has been spent on that ass, no more ok, I'll sort it when we get home..." "but sweetheart..." No, Stop mom, Please drop it ok,, Ive told you, I'm going on honeymoon with my wife, all this shit stays here, you got it?" my ma shook her head, changing the subject she asked, "want me to help jakey pack"  calming down I shook my head, "Yeah please" feeling a little remorseful I bent down then and kissed her head to show no anger, I loved my ma, and everything she had done for me, but sometimes she just didn't know when to let go.

Chapter Eighty

The day after the wedding I awoke at stupid o'clock, I looked across to my wife sleeping peacefully next to me. I laid looking at her for ages, studying every line of her face, which to me was perfection, she looked like an angel as she slept.
If I'm honest, I had not slept well, and the phone call from my pop begging me to go see him this morning before we left on honeymoon had not helped.
Swinging my legs over the edge of the bed, I eased my body up and out, without waking Mara, I grabbed my dressing gown from the foot of the bed and managed to make it out to the hallway.

Walking quietly I made my way down to the breakfast nook, looking at the clock on the wall the time was 4.35am, with the moonlight streaming through the window I made my way to the coffee pot and switched it on, then resting my hands on the counter top I waited and stood thinking.

What was it that my mom had been so afraid of with my pop?, and what was his breakdown about? In the past, not being invited to any of my events would not have phased him in the slightest, why this time?.
I had agreed to go see him before we left for Europe, given I had the Jovi Jet booked for ten am, my visit would be short.

Thankfully my ma had agreed she would stay at the house, and make it ready for the sale for when we returned, we were going to be vacationing in Uk for a month, Mara had always wanted to visit and I was meeting with a film director regarding a movie being made in England, I was being offered the leading role. The most it would take up out of our schedule would be two days. I hadn't mentioned it to Mara yet, but knowing how supportive she was I knew it wouldn't be a problem.

Drinking my coffee, my mind was playing everything over, I didn't hear my mom come downstairs, or come into the breakfast nook.
She slid her arms around my waist, "Penny for them?"
"whoa, damn.." I spilled my coffee as I jumped, "mom, what are you doing up?"
"Same as you it seems, I couldn't sleep"
I turned so my back was resting on the counter top, my ma was now stood over on the other side.
"why mom?, you know far more than you have let on... would you like to share with me?"
"I don't know Jon, what I've been told, well, lets leave it till you return from your vacation."  she made to move to leave and go back to bed, "Please ma, I did everything you asked, you promised you'd tell me after the wedding, don't you think you owe me the truth as to what the fuck was going on?"
she breathed a deep sigh, then moving to the chairs, she sat herself down at the breakfast bar. she patted the seat next to her for me to join her.
I sat and waited, "Oh boy this is hard, and it is seriously going to affect the relationship you have with your pop..."
"ma, there's no love lost between us, how can it get any worse?"
my ma looked at me gravely, "Oh it can son, and it will.... before I tell you, I need you to be one hundred percent sure you want me to tell you?"
"ma, stop stalling, just tell me already."
taking her third deep breath in minutes she replied, "OK, here goes..."
"Your dad came to see me three weeks ago, he was stinking drunk and in a terrible state, all he was talking about was coming to your wedding, then he started rambling about making things right for D and getting revenge..."
"go on.."
" I asked him what he meant by that comment, he sneered at me, and mockingly pointed his finger while swaggering around...what he told me next sent shivers down my spine..."
"Yeah..." I was getting impatient, "he told me that him and D had been having an affair together and everything that had happened to you and Mara was all his brain child..."
"What?"
"he told me that he was responsible for the fire, and for everything that had happened to you, he was jealous of you and D, he wanted her, so he told me he visited one night to console her after you two had yet another spat. he found her crying, the kids were staying over with you and Mara I think, anyways, D kept telling your pop how much she loved you and how she wanted you back, he instigated the meeting with her re your kids, and what she did to you in the bedroom the night you were drunk, then when you got more involved with Mara he set up the fire..."
"but D's mom was responsible, "no that's just it she wasn't' your pop was, she agreed to take the heat so your pop and D could carry on trying to hurt you both."
"wait a minute are you saying my pop was trying to kill me and Mara?"
she nodded her head, "but the most awful part is, now D has died, he is still hell bent on revenge, he told me when he came to the wedding he was gonna cause a scene and kill Mara first and you next... Baby, that's why I didn't want him at your wedding..."
I sat in silence, stunned to be hearing what my ma had told me. Our living nightmare was because of my pop and my ex wife....
I looked to my mom, "he's asked me to visit him before we leave on honeymoon..."
"Oh god, your not going are you?"
"to the cop station I am.... to see him no, I'm gonna tell the cops just what you have told me, as for my pop I aint got one, he's dead to me now..."

Chapter Seventy Nine

My pop continued swaggering around the marquee, trying to engage the guests in his torrent of woe,  " well how would you feel being told you could not attend your sons wedding?"
no one answered, I tried again, but the gun was pointed directly at me...
"Don't son, please, don't make me shoot you.I swear all I wanted to do was come here today to wish you both well, and tell you how much you mean to me,"
his venom started again, but he had lowered his gun, "oh no, your ma spouts accusations about me, and without even giving me a hearing you believe her and toss me off.. why?, I am your father and I am entitled to respect too.." he took a swing of champagne and beat his chest to emphasize his point.
I tried to speak again, "look pop, you have your reasons and I have mine, but here and now is really not the time, please just go sit down, well talk later I promise"
"Talk later?, no son, I want to do my talking now... and I want it to be in front of witnesses... that way no one can twist what I say."
My pop was stood with his back to the marquee entrance, and behind him I saw Deyvren coming with the police. they entered quietly, and the cops made the way over to my pop and jumped him to the ground and then disarmed him. They read him his rights and in cuffs they dragged him from our wedding.
As the cops left a hush descended over the guests. I stood and spoke, "Ladies and gentlemen, everyone gets the asshole relative that cant take his drink at a celebration, please lets enjoy the meal..."
Mara touched my leg as I sat and chatter amongst the guest started. leaning in close Mara asked, " care to share about that?"
"Later ok, now is not the time..."
I could not believe that my wife gave me a stink eye, "really Mrs Bongiovi, did you just give me a stink eye?"
she laughed "maybe."
"well I think you deserve a spank or two for that."
"well later Mr Bongiovi, now is not the time for that."
My pops outburst was forgotten for the rest of the afternoon, and into the evening. We all danced and drank into the early hours, dancing with Mara, her arms draped around my neck, I lent down and whispered, "I will always love you Mara Bongiovi."
looking up at me she whispered, "I know" as the dance ended we announced to the compare that we would like to say good night.
He duly took his position on the stage and spoke to get the guests attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Mr & Mrs Bongiovi wish to say goodnight." with Mara holding my hand I led her to the centre of the stage, the boys were set up ready to play, I stood before the microphone. Holding Maras gaze I took the mic in my hands, then looking out into marquee and our guests I spoke, " I want to thank you all for sharing our special day, you have all made it as perfect as could be, but nothing could be more perfect than this lovely lady becoming my wife." I looked at Mara, she was looking right back at me, love poured from her liquid chocolate eyes, I carried on, so as a farewell to you, before we go and leave you with my band I wanted to sing just one song dedicated to my wife that I've wrote, boys?"
I dropped Maras hand as the boys started the intro.....
It's hard for me to say the things 
I want to say sometimes 
There's no one here but you and me
And that broken old street light

Lock the doors
We'll leave the world outside
All I've got to give to you
Are these five words tonight

Thank you for loving me
For being my eyes
When I couldn't see
For parting my lips
When I couldn't breathe
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me

I never knew I had a dream
Until that dream was you
When I look into your eyes
The sky's a different blue

Cross my heart
I wear no disguise
If I tried, you'd make believe
That you believed my lies

Thank you for loving me
For being my eyes
When I couldn't see
For parting my lips
When I couldn't breathe
Thank you for loving me

You pick me up when I fall down
You ring the bell before they count me out
If I was drowning you would part the sea
And risk your own life to rescue me, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Lock the doors
We'll leave the world outside
All I've got to give to you
Are these five words tonight

Thank you for loving me
For being my eyes
When I couldn't see
You parted my lips
When I couldn't breathe
Thank you for loving me

When I couldn't fly
Oh, you gave me wings
You parted my lips
When I couldn't breathe
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Oh, for loving me

At the end of the song, Mara had tears in her eyes, our family and friends were clapping and cheering, and with a last address to the mic, I thanked everyone again as taking my wife's hand we left the stage and headed out the marquee past out guests to the main house. Ready to spend our first night together as Mr and Mrs Bongiovi..... 

Chapter Seventy Eight

Not wanting to cause a scene, I continued walking to our table. Mara was oblivious, but my mom saw and she was pale in colour and looked more than uneasy with his presence.

Reaching our table, Mara and me took our seats, the clapping died down as the servers began serving the starters to our wedding breakfast, my mom who was sat next to Mara, looked across and asked for me to speak with her, I shook my head to let her know now really was not the time, her eyes pleaded with me, I spoke softly, "Later mom, relax alls good ok?"  her eyes told me she wanted to believe me but didn't, but given I was not moving she had no option but to run with it.

My starter was placed in front of me, and I picked up my fork to eat, scallops with a crispy dressed salad, Mara sat next to me she was happily chatting to my mom who really was not paying attention to what she was saying. Mara's mom was sat next to me, and she too was chatting away about how wonderful the day had been, unfortunately me like my mom, my mind was elsewhere, I would certainly have someone's  head for letting my pop in when I gave orders not too.

I looked at Mara, she was radiant, glowing and really enjoying her day, taking a deep breath I decided to try and do the same, looking out to our friends and family I caught Obie's eye, he lifted his hand and raised his thumb, I smiled and nodded, it meant the kids would be coming with us on honeymoon as Mara wanted.

By desert I was more relaxed, and then it was time for the speeches, my mom rose to say a few words about me and Mara,  I prayed she would not embarrass me too much, every time I had asked her what she would say, she just tapped her nose... as to say, never you mind; so I just sat and listened nervously...

"Dear friends, all of you know that Jon is my eldest Son and that I am really proud of him, but let me say that has not always been the case, a few years ago he slipped into self destruction, and he was succeeding in destroying his life, he had gained weight, let his boyish good looks go, and was drinking very heavily. Now being a mom, watching your child in self destuct mode is the hardest thing to watch ever,  so I took it on my self to help him. You may or may not know, that I was the one responsible for booking him a personal trainer, a lady personal trainer, thankfully his life changed, he lost his weight, stopped drinking and regained his good looks, and if you still don't know, his trainer is the beautiful women he has married today, and let me just finish by saying, now I am not just proud of my Son Jon, but also proud and honoured to have Mara as the daughter I never had. Please raise your glasses and toast Jon & Mara"
everyone stood and raised their glasses to us, "Jon & Mara rung out around the room. Next was Mara's mom, this time mara gave me a nervous look as if to say sorry before her mom started, I took her hand in mine and gave it a gentle squeeze together with a smile to say it will be fine, she too squeezed my hand in response.
her mom began, " erm, ladies and gentlemen, please forgive me, I'm not good at this, but I have to just say a few words, especially to my daughter and my lovely new son - Jon."
she looked at me mainly as she spoke,
"Jon, I cannot thank you enough for bringing a spark and life back to my daughter, like you she too was once a tortured soul, but you gave her life again. You are a wonderful man and I am very pleased to welcome you to my family as much as Mara is now part of yours. I wish you both a very happy and prosperous life together,  I raise my glass with your friends to wish you both love, health and happiness..."
again everyone raised their glasses in toast, except my pop who was laying back slumped in his chair, elbow on the back of the chair, with a sneer on his face. I felt a chill run down my back, and what happened next I should have heeded my feelings.
My pop stood and clapped loudly while walking around the guests, " bravo, bravo, is there anymore schmaltz you can pour on this over coated sickly sweet day?, well is there?" everyone looked uncomfortable, and they refused to hold eye contact with him.  but that  did not stop him, he was getting into his stride, " nooo you can't, well I'm Jons father, not that you would know, firstly my son met with me this morning to tell me I wasn't welcome, I'm his father for gods sake, I drove off, but I rang his new sweet wife and she would not hear of it and told me to come on back, so here I am." he was swaying with a glass in his hands still spouting his views, " second, I do not get honour of place at his table, no I am relegated to spending my time listening to the bull with you people, and I have nothing against you, but I am FUCKING FAMILY, your not."
I raised my hand to security who started making their way across to my pop, but were stopped when my dad pulled a gun. "ah, now I have your attention don't I?"
I stood and tried to reason with him, "Dad, put the gun away ok? this is a happy day.."
"is it? for who?"
"For Mara and me and every one here... please put the gun down..."
"See the thing is, I don't want to, I think its time that you pay..."
"what are you talking about?"
"You Jon, you, all through your life I've pushed you, how do you think you made it big with Bon Jovi eh?, yeah because I pushed you. your nothing more than a mummys boy, she molly coddled you, man, she was the reason you hate me, and I know it....guess she told you the rest right?"
he spun on his heels and pointed the gun at security, "Back off boys, unless you wanna get hurt..."
Security raised their hands and backed a way a little, Deyvren managed to leave the marquee and I hoped he had the common sense to call the cops...

Chapter seventy seven

"well Mrs bongiovi"
" yes Mr Bongiovi, it's really happened, I'm your wife."
"I really could not be happier babe, I love you so much."
"ditto"
Her arms swept about my neck as she stole a kiss from me, interupted by my good friend and photographer, David Bergman, "Ok, can I part you two for a minute and ask you to join your family and friends outside for some pictures?"
"sure, but can I have just five minutes with my wife?"
He nodded as he left the marquee, Mara looked at me puzzled, "Jon our friends and family?"
"sssh, just come with me for a moment ok, I want to give you your wedding present. "
"wedding present?"
Taking Mara by the hand I led her to the too table, once there I handed her an envelope. "go ahead open it?"
Her chocolate liquid eye's looked at me, then back to the envelope as she tore it open. Her eyes wide with excitement as she grabbed me and squealed, " Omg, seriously were honeymooning in Europe?"
I nodded, "well London anyways"
" thousands of kisses were planted on My cheeks, while in between I heard over and over thank you, thank you"
" I did good then?"
"hell yeah, Omg, I can't believe it, when do we leave? "

"Tomorrow..."

Again the hugs and kisses, "What about the kids?"

"its ok, they are gonna stay with my mom."

"Really?, babe I know its our honeymoon but cant they come with us?"

"But I thought you'd want to get me all alone..." I pulled her into my arms and held her tight... she threw back her head and laughed, "Oh there will be lots of opportunities... trust me..."

"So you really want the kids to come with us?"

"I do, can it be arranged...?"

"I'm sure it can, I'll ring Obie and get him to amend the reservations at the hotel..."

David put his head around the door entrance again, Jon, light is fading here... are you two joining me anytime soon?"

"Yeah, be right there... shall we, I offered my arm to my wife and we walked back out into the grounds to be met with cheers and lots of confetti, for two hours David had us pose this way and that way, with parents, with family, then friends, even with us on the balcony of our bedroom looking down at friends, he must of taken at least one thousand pictures. Sitting on the bed for a moment, I exhaled a deep sigh, and Mara sat right next to me and did the same, which caused us to fall about into fits of laughter, and the more we tried to stop the more we laughed. We must of been laughing for best part of thirty minutes, a knock on the door brought us back to normal and the giggles subsided.

I opened the door, "Sir, your guests are seated and waiting on your entrance."

"Thank you, we will be down in a minute."

"Yes sir"

I ran and jumped back on the bed, "well Mrs Bongiovi, they are waiting, are you ready?"

laying back on the bed with her feet on the floor she nodded, I stood and offered her my hand as she stood, then linking arms we made our way down stairs to head to our reception.

 

At the entrance, we were stopped as the compare went ahead to check everything was ready for our entrance, he returned quickly and opened the doors to allow us to enter and take our place at the top table with our family.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please be upstanding and welcome your bride and groom Mr & Mrs Bongiovi"

for the millionth time that day more whistles and cheers and clapping as we walked past our friends and family to our table. Mara was smiling and beaming and positively glowed, she looked stunning, each of us acknowledged our friends as we past to take our places, I was stopped short as there sitting at a table was my pop.

"Congratulations son..." he beamed at me and got up and grabbed me and pulled me tight into a hug before sitting back down.

I stood for a moment totally shocked after my conversation with him how the hell could he be sitting here at our reception?

Chapter Seventy Six - THE WEDDING

THE WEDDING

Standing at the alter, with Jessie, Jake and the guys seated behind I waited for the intro music that told me Mara had arrived.

Shania Twain had agreed to sing for us, as a gift to us both.

As a hush descended over the congregation I knew she was there, just paused waiting for her moment.

I caught my breath in my throat as the first notes of the song "From this Moment" and Shania's voice rang out.
Turning slightly I watched first as Steph; dressed in a gorgeous Lavender gown of lace, and being a pop, I was biased, but I was sure she looked every inch as stunning as Mara, the lump in my throat grew as Steph neared. Blinking I tried to control my emotions. Momentarily I looked at the floor before looking back to see Mara.

Then in the doorway with her mom holding her arm, Mara slowly walked down the aisle, smiling at our friends and family that had joined us for the day. then she looked straight ahead to where I was standing, She was breath taking, her hair was curled and swept to the side, her makeup was flawless, the bouquet simple an arrangement of lilies, sweet peas, and roses, worn with a simple jewel encrusted veil to give her an alluring mystery, added to that, she had decided on the dress I had seen her wearing at Kleinfields, she looked perfect.
As she got nearer I swallowed hard, I could not believe she was really going to marry me.

Standing next to me, she mouthed the words, " I love you." I did the same, before we both turned and faced the minister.

"Are you ready?"
we both looked at each other and nodded.
He addressed the congregation, " Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to see the marriage between Jon & Mara, If anyone knows why these two should not be married, I ask that you now speak?"
silence apart from my beating heart, which was thumping loudly in my chest.
Turning to me he asked,

"Jon Francis Bongiovi, do you now freely and willingly give yourself to Mara, are you ready to commit to one person forsaking all others?"
it was time for me to speak, I looked to Mara, who's liquid chocolate eyes melted into my heart and soul, smiling at her I answered, " I am"
And you Mara Angelic Goodward to you now freely and willingly give yourself to Jon, are you ready to commit to one person forsaking all others?"  "I am"

"you have both committed to each other, and now you may ready your vows you have written to each other, Jon?"
turning to face Mara, I took a deep breath as I took her hands and looked deep into her eyes and began.

"Mara, from the moment I first saw you, I knew you were the one with whom I wanted to share my life. Your beauty, heart, and mind inspire me to be the best person I can be. I promise to love you for eternity, respecting you, honouring you, being faithful to you, and sharing my life with you. This is my solemn vow."

"I Mara, affirm my love to you, Jon as I invite you to share my life. You are the most beautiful, smart, and generous person I have ever known, and I promise always to respect you and love you.
With kindness, and an unselfishness  love and trust, I promise I will work by your side to create a wonderful life together. I therefore take you Jon Francis Bongiovi to be my lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health for as long as we both shall live"

"The rings please?"
Jessie, stood forward and handed the rings across to the minister, he smiled at me and winked as he past them over.
 "Jon please take Mara's ring and placing it on her third finger on her left hand repeat after me."
I took her ring between my fingers, and held the ring mid way on Mara's wedding ring finger as the registrar spoke.
" I Jon Francis Bongiovi  do take thee Mara Angelic Goodward, to be my lawful wedded wife, and forsaking all others, I promise to be true to you for as long as we both shall live."
I repeated the words and slid Mara's ring onto her hand. I felt her give my hand a gentle squeeze as she turned to take my ring in her hand and like me she placed the ring on my wedding finger paused at the first knuckle and said her vows too.
Still holding each others hand the minister spoke the words I had been dreaming of for as long as I could remember,

" Mara and Jon you have consented and made your vows in the presence of god and your family and friends, it is therefore my pleasure to declare that you are man and wife together, you may now kiss your bride."

lifting her veil back, I gently lent in and kissed her on the lips as our friends and family gave us a cheer, and all clapping loudly. With us turning to face our friends, the minister announced "Ladies & Gentlemen " Mr & Mrs Bongiovi"
 as we began our walk down the aisle, "the wedding march rang out as we walked past everyone and to the marquee, ready at last to let the festivities begin.

Chapter seventy five

All Done, I rolled my sleeve back down, "thanks Mike."
"now you know that the shot won't work straight away right?"
"Yeah I know." Mike looked at me his face full of concern.
"Jon really, you ok?"
I nodded my head, "yeah sure, I've told ya, just nerves... I guess, that and I really need to start getting ready, its ok for the bride to be late right? but not the groom..."
Laughing Mike nodded his head, "true enough my man, true enough" he sipped his drink but still sat on the bed; he showed no signs of leaving. I looked at my watch again hoping he would take the hint.it didn't work, I had to be brutal...
"Look thanks for coming early and giving me my shot, I appreciate it, but I really have gotta start getting ready... why don't ya head out back and mix with the other guests, I'm sure Richie and the guys are here now too" ,
a look of realisation hit him, " Man what am I like, I'm sorry I'm holding ya up..."
"It's fine,"
reaching the door I opened it for him to step out, turning back to me he spoke, " You know Jon, I've known you for many years, and its really nice to see you so happy for a change, and I want to wish both of you every good luck for the future." added with a friendly slap on my back, he finally left so I could get ready.
Not wanting anymore interruptions I Locked my room door, then immediately I took out my cell, I know I had told my mom I would go see my pop but I had no time, I rang his number..... straight to voice mail, I had no option.
"pop, its Jon, call me before you get here. its urgent."
I hung up the call after leaving the message, then called security at the front gates.
"Deyvren,  its Jon, if my father arrives, do not let him enter under any circumstances, call me and i'll come down ok?"
"But sir if he..."
"under any circumstances, got it?"
"Yes sir."
"Great tell the other security team too ok?"
"yes sir"
putting my cell on the dresser I finally made my way to shower and dress ready for my wedding. I kept thinking over what it was that my pop could have said to my mom to make her so scared, but nothing would come to me.
Even as I dressed,  my mind carried on thinking, even to the point I was voicing my thoughts out loud..." my pop had always been self absorbed, but to threaten my mom?, sure in the past they had come to blows, but from what I can remember he had always come off worse.... so the fuck could he have over her to make her that scared?"

Still I could not think, and as my cell rang I stopped in mid thought, "Yes"
"Mr Bongiovi, your father is at the gate... he is err... a little stressed sir."
"Ok thanks, I'll be right down"
"I left straight away and made my way to the front gates, grabbing a motor cart for speed. I could see my pop in the distance as I approached, being very animate with his arms, and it was clear he was angry.
I stopped just short of the gate. "thank you Deyvren, stand behind me with the boys please."
"Jon, what the fuck is going on?, you invite me to your wedding, then tell me I can't come in?"
I looked at him cold as I blanked his question.
"You get my message?"
"yeah, but I figured I'd be here shortly so would speak with ya then?, what the fuck is the problem?"
"You are."
"Me?"
he sneered, " I'm no problem boy, I'm just to strong for ya, always have been. your a wuss in girls pants...now you gonna let me in or not?"
"Not"
he was pacing around flailing his arms, turning back to face me he spat, "I bet that fucking whore of a bitch has told you aint she?"
he moved in closer and stood inches from me. "Well?"
" for the record pop, I'm more than capable of making my own decisions, and that is I don't want you at my wedding,  this is mine and Mara's day and I sure the fuck aint letting you turn this into your fucked up drama, so.." I stepped forward so we were nose to nose, " You have two choices either leave quietly, or I'll have you removed for trespassing on private property.... you decide"
he backed away, but stood looking at me, "you think you can beat me?, ha? do ya?, well I'll tell ya Jon, you will be sorry, really sorry..... opening his car door as he got inside he hollered  "have a nice fucking life... while it lasts " he voice echoed around the ground as he spun off causing the tires to squeal, and leave a rubber stain on the asphalt.
Sadly as I looked around the press had already started to gather, no more than five hundred yards away from where it had all happened, I was sure they had witnessed the spat for sure, I just hoped that none of them had recognised it was my dad... and I still had to explain it all to Mara; no point stressing on it now though.  shaking the team hands, for a job well done,  I got back on the cart and made my way back to the house to go mingle with my guests and do what this day was all about and marry the women of my dreams.

Pulling the cart up outside the main entrance I walked round the back, people had arrived from about everywhere, Mike was stood talking with his wife to Mara's mom, Oprah was talking to Richie, Tico was talking to Jessie,  I checked the time and saw we had only half and hour left. I made my way over to Richie and Oprah. "Hey here he is the groom, wow Jon you brush up real nice, if Mara stands you up, I'm ready to take her place..."
I smiled at her, for as long as I could remember we had a great relationship each of us understanding the professional boundaries of what to ask, and when, a relationship built on respect.
"thanks, if she does, I'll hold ya to it.." we embraced each other then stood back, the server arrived offering drinks with lots of summer fruits in. I took a glass. "So you nervous?"
I shook my head, "no, I'm good, it feels right ya know?"
Oprah nodded, "so, tell me quickly, a new album on the cards? "
I frowned, at her " no shop talk today ok? " moving forward I kissed her on the cheek as I made my way over to Jessie.  as I past she slapped my ass.  Richie followed.
"Jessie my boy,"
"Pop"
"You good?"
"yeah, I think so..."
"got the rings?"
he patted his pockets, and gave the omg where are they expression before producing them in the palm of his hands from his trouser pocket.
playfully I clipped his head as we hugged for a moment.

Chapter seventy four

Back inside my bedroom, I looked at my suit hanging on the closet door, just  waiting for me to put it on, I turned to head to the bathroom when there was a knock on my door.  "Jon, Jon, you in there..." bang, bang the sound got louder, I stood rooted to the spot... it was my mom on the other side... " I know your in there... and I'll wait all day if I have too...Your gonna have to face me sometime... so open up..."  I went and sat back down on my bed, this was not going to be pleasant. taking a deep breath I walked to the door and opened it.
"Mom"
she pushed straight past me, "Don't you dare tell me you didn't hear me calling you outside?"
I lied, "no I didn't, sorry. what's up?"
"What's up? you really have to ask that?"
"Well if you don't tell me how can I answer..."
"Oh you know what you have done?"
"Do I what's that mom?"
"Jon Francis Bongiovi, you frustrate me you really do..."
"so are you going to tell me or not, I've gotta start getting ready..."
"Ok your dad, Jon, why invite him?"
"Cause he's my dad, I don't have any great love for the man, you know that, but it seemed the right thing to do, Mara and I discussed it and she said to invite him, security are on alert though and if he causes the first sign of trouble he's outta here."
"Oh, and you both didn't think to run it by me first?"
"Why would we, its our wedding?"
she turned away and I could hear the gentle sobs... "I know its your day, but that man hates me so bad he will stop at nothing until my day is ruined in one way or the other."
I put my hand on her shoulder, Mom, I promise you he wont be anywhere near you, ok, hell spoil nothing for you I promise you, ok?"
Still sobbing she nodded her head, "but you don't get on with him any better than I do, he's always ridiculed you?, why Jonny, why?"
"Mara"
"Mara?",
"Yeah, she said no matter what I should give him the option to attend but make sure the rules are in place and if at any time he crosses the line he's outta here and not just for the wedding but permanently, she said that no matter how hard I try I cannot get away from the fact he is my father."
"Mmm I just wish he wasn't..."
my mom was really upset, far worse than I had ever seen her before.
""Mom, what's wrong?"
"Nothing it's ok, its yours and Mara's day, I'll be good."
"No c'mon tell me, when he's been invited before you have always been fine, what's so different about today?"
"You really want to know?"
"Sure, of course, c'mon lets sit."
I led her by the elbow to the chair by the dresser and as she sat I squatted down at the side of her.
She composed her self then looked me in the eye as she spoke;
"Ok, when you sent the invitation to him, he came round one Sunday afternoon, well four weeks ago; I was out back tidying from lunch. he just walked in as if he owned the house. He scared the hell outta me for sure,  I let him have it and it got more and more heated. things got nasty as they do whenever we are in the same room, but I don't know this time it was different,  he sneered at me, then thrust the invitation under my nose.  and...." she put her head down and looked at her hands, then raising her eyes, she carried on "Jon, what he told me next has scared the living hell outta of me and I've been carrying it with me for weeks now. I hoped and prayed he would not be coming but when I was placing the seating cards I saw his name...."
"Mom, what is it he said?"
"but if I tell you Jon, I'm a dead women walking..."
"What?"
"He said if I told you, I'd be dead...."
"What the fuck... mom, you have always been stronger than him, c'mon what's he say, it really can't be that bad, maybe it was just the heat of the argument.."  
She grabbed my hands, and I could feel her shaking, "No Jon, he made the threat, and I know he meant it... Please I'm begging you, stop him coming to the wedding...Please"
"but won't he think that's odd..."
"not if you go see him and tell him, you really don't want him there... please Jon..."
"Ok, but you need to tell me what he's said..."
"After I will, I promise...but not before..."
I looked at the time, I had a hour at best.. "ok, look I need to shower and dress first ok, then I'll make the call...."
"no, no call's Jon, you need to face him..." my mom grabbed my hands and gripped them tight as she pleaded... I had never seen her so scared before.
"Ok, ok, I'll see what I can do... now go relax and get ready ok... I'll take care of it..."
Another knock on the door, "Jon, its Mike you there?"
my mom got up to leave my room, as I opened the door to let Mike in, she looked back at me as she walked down the hallway. I watched until she went into her room before turning back and closing my door to see Mike.
" taking your time eh?"
"mmm something like that..."
"here I took the liberty of getting you a stiff one..."
he handed me a drink, "thanks" clinking glasses we toasted to a happy life together..."
Mike sat on the bed, as I lent back against the dresser, he was making polite conversation but my mind was elsewhere thinking on what my mom had said, or really hadn't said..."
"Jon, you ok? you haven't heard a word I've said."
"mmm, what?, yeah, I'm fine..., just a little nervous I guess... sorry..."
"to be expected, don't worry, so you ready for this?"
he pulled from his pocket my allergy shot, putting my drink on the dresser, I rolled up my shirt for him to inject me.

Chapter Seventy Three

walking out of the breakfast nook into the yard, I found my mom busying her self organising the caters, "no everything should flow, I want this day to perfect for my son and my new daughter, just like this see..."
Curling my hands around her waist I bent forward and kissed her cheek. "Still being bossy eh mom?"
"Oh Jonny, you gave me a start..." she turned to face me, "Well you look awful, when are you getting ready?" "Oh thanks for the vote of confidence mom... you know how to make a guy feel good..."
" well you do, your eye's are red and puffy."
"umm its my allergy's"
"Wait a minute, your getting married in the yard, peak summer time and you aint had your shots?"
"Ok, I know I'm stupid, but I clear forgot, don't go on already, Ill call Doc this morning and get booked in to get them done..."
"today? your getting them today?"
"Yeah, don't fuss so ma, I'm all good..."
"Jon, you have three hours?, what if he cant fit you in? then what your gonna sneeze all through the ceremony?, please for the love of god."
"Ma, I said its all good stop already ok.."
  Changing the subject I asked, "So, how things going?"
"ok I guess..." she was real pissed at me, so I lent in for forgiveness...
"Look Mom, the suits are here ok, I've got to go shower, shave and dress... trust me, I'll be ready and I will have had my shot, so I wont let you down."  It worked,
she smiled that mom smile and stroked my cheek "Ok.... so what do you think,?"  I studied the table setting and answered,
"It's perfect..."
"Really?"
"Yeah really"
"the colours aint to subtle..."
"no ma the colours are fine"
"You don't think we need a little bright colour injected to lift the setting?"
"No ma, stop worrying,  and er, don't you think you should go get ready too, after all you only have three hours..."  I smiled at her,
"Hey, watch it..." she raised her hand to slap me but I moved out of her way, and carried on walking past the marquee and the attendants working hard, the arch way and stand where Mara and me were gonna be stood, the white chairs with ribbon, and rose petals in bowls, giving off a fragrant smell as you past by. immediately I sneezed.
I pulled my cell from my pocket and called my M.D, "Hey Mike,"
"Jon, your calling me on your wedding day? what's up buddy?"
"my shots..."
"Really Jon, you ring me today for allergy shots? you realise they wont take affect straight away?"
"Yeah but they will help, I just clear forgot."
I could hear Doc shuffling papers and moving around his office, "Ok look give me half and hour, gotta see my last patient and then I'll be over ok?"
"Yeah that's fine, Margo coming with you?"
"are you kidding me, she takes three hours to get outta bed, were talking mass re construction here, your wedding is at three and she will be just ready at 2.45pm..." he laughed, "Of course don't tell her I said all that..."
Laughing I replied..." its ok your secrets safe with me for now..."
"Now?"
"Yeah, give me more grief over me forgetting my allergy shot and she knows..."
he was laughing again, "Ok, you got it,.see ya in a while.."
I smiled to myself as I put my cell away, to be distracted by Jessie coming across the lawn.. "Hey pop, can I have a word?"
"Sure bud what's up?"
he shuffled his feet and looked down, then mumbled... "Its my speech..."
"Ok, tell me?"
"well, I know I'm spose to say nice things about Mara, and I can do that, but I'm struggling to string together everything cause of mom and what happened.... I'm real stuck..."
"what are you trying to say?"
"How you and Mara met and stuff... and how you have the happy ending..."
"ok, lets take a look see. " we walked forward and sat and the east side bench, "All's you have to do, is say how your old man was fat and outta shape and thanks to Grandma, who hired a personal trainer, Mara got me back in shape and love blossomed..."
"So I don't even have to mentioned this stuff about mom?"
"No, course not..."
he smiled and looked relieved and it dawned on me how much of a task and a trial the day would be for the kids too, no matter what Dorothea had done, she was still their mom.
I asked,
"So you all good?"
he looked at me, "Yeah I think so... Its good now...by the way pop, your eyes are red and sore, you ok?"
"Yeah I'm good."
he got up from the bench." "Jessie?"
"Yeah?"
"you ok about today... with your mom not being here I mean?"
"Yeah, of course pop, this is your day and Mara's and we love her to bits, so we are all cool." he raised his hand for a fist bump. I met his hand as he turned and walked back towards the house.
I sat looking out and surveying everyone busying themselves for our wedding, out the corner of my eye I saw Ma heading in my direction, so decided to move and head to the house before she could reach me, something told me I was in trouble, and I knew why...

Chapter seventy two

Back down stairs to the men's area with the guys, We met with Richie , Teek and Dave, with their suits tried and everything finalised we all made our way back upstairs to wait for Mara.

She had left strict instructions that we, well mainly me, was to wait in the open lobby area and not the gallery where she was trying on gowns and showing them to the girls.
Sure I tried to sneak a peek, but everytime I tried my dresser, who was now christened with the nick name Franc, appeared out of now where and asked if everything was fine and if he could get me anything.
"ser con I sujucie, if yow vant anytink yow lit me no. I ams ere to service yow."
The first couple of times was fine, but by the eighth time I was getting pissed.
"Look, i'm fine ok, I'm just stretching my legs..."
"low K ser, buts if yow ned anytink..."
 "Yeah yeah I'll ask..."
I looked at the guys who had there heads bent, all close together and I couldn't help noticing that they were all laughing.
"Something you wanna share?"
Rich looked up first, wiping tears from his eyes,
"What?"
"You, and that guy... its hysterical..."
"Really?"
I was still pissed and not in the mood for them to be laughing at me.
"Every time you move he's there, He's so fast, your shadow couldn't keep up...and the way he talks... man its pure gold..." Rich said this all in between gasps for air and still laughing uncontrollably...
"turning my back, I retorted, "So pleased I am a source of amusement for you..."
"Getting up, Richie came over to me, "Hey man, it wasn't you we were laughing at, really it was...." holding back his giggles, he composed himself enough to say "Franc" Soon as the boys and Jessie and Jake heard the name the laughter started again, this time I felt a smile curling at the corners of my mouth and soon enough I was laughing with them, made worse again when Franc came out to ask us to be respectful and quieten down, although his pronunciation took some understanding. In the end we thought better of sitting and waiting and decided to go get a bite to eat, I summoned Franc for the last time to go get my mom.
He left to go get her and a minute later she was stood in front of me.
"Oh baby, Mara is going to look a total dream...."
"Yeah, I know she will ma, listen, we have finished and Jessie and the guys are getting hungry so we thought wed head out to grab a bite ok?, call me on my cell when your through..."
leaning forward she did the mom thing and licked her finger and wiped away a smudge she saw on my chin...
"Ok sweetheart, there still a few more gowns Mara wants to try so i'll call when were done, and you can relax ill let her know where you have gone."
Giving my Ma a kiss on the cheek, I left with the guys,  outside on the sidewalk I asked, "So what's it to be guys?,"  Jakey answered first, "Pizza" Everyone thought for a second and agreed Pizza it should be.. Raising our hands we hailed three cabs, with the destination agreed, getting into the cab Jessie gave the driver the instructions "Hard Rock Café Times Square...." I half listened to Jess and jake having brotherly banter, but my mind was transfixed on the vision of Mara stood in that wedding gown... she looked radiant and stunning, every curve every inch of her looked perfect, fact in my eyes she was perfect... Our wedding day was gonna be the best day of my life.

As our cab pulled up at The hard Rock Café Times Square, Jake, Jessie and me got out and stood on the side walk waiting for the others to catch us up, Jakey asked, "Hey dad is that building over there where the drop the ball on New Years Eve?"
I nodded, "yes it is"
"Wow, its tall.... look the year is still showing,... why is that when we are in the year now?"
"It stays for the year, and changes near the end ready for the next one."
"Oh, ok guess that makes sense.." he chuckled to himself, "What's so funny?"
"I am dad, I ask stupid questions sometimes."
I knelt down in front of him, "Your young Jakey, and your learning, and no question is stupid ok, only the one you don't ask."
"Really?"
"Really" he smiled at me as I ruffled his hair and stood up.
Jessie looked at his brother and then the banter started again, just as the guys pulled up kerbside.
Cab fare paid, we headed into the Hard Rock Café,  "Good afternoon sir, table for....six?"
I nodded, "there's a forty minute wait,  is that ok?"  I looked to the guys who all nodded.
"ok, take this bleeper sir and when it lights red, come to the desk and we will seat you at your table, the bar is downstairs to the left, or the gift shop is here for you to look around."
The kids wanted to look at the shop, and the boys wanted the bar. I handed the kids some money and told them to come find us in the bar when they were done.
"Ok Pop."
Downstairs and seated at the bar, we ordered our drinks, Richie asked. "So you nervous about your big day?"
I shook my head, "no, excited."
"You were never excited when you married Dot."
I thought on what Rich said, "no because I know now I wasn't one hundred per cent in love with her, and the doubts I had were s many, looking back I should have paid attention to those feelings, but I was young and just thought everyone goes through this on their wedding day, man was I wrong."
Teek put his hand on my shoulder,
"This time Jon, its not, you have your princess you have your true love."
I nodded and smiled at Teek, I knew he was right, Mara was my soul mate and best friend and the warm feeling at the pit of my stomach told me so too.

Chapter Seventy One

Upstairs Mara was busy trying on a vast amount of dresses, and I am told she looked stunning in everything, part of me was so jealous as I really wanted to see her in a gown, not the one, but any, so I could capture a memory in my minds eye, just for me.
I found myself doing that an awful lot, A way I could document the special things in my life, with flash backs, it was like looking at your favourite photographs.
Anyway, my mom came down to see us boys in our suits and told me that Mara looked stunning, she then tapped her nose and showed me her camera. "There's something special on here for you." she followed with a wink and slipped the camera back in her purse.

Standing back and with my arms outstretched and the boys stood close, I asked " so, what ya think mom?, will ya boys do?"

Before she answered it was clear the answer was yes, as her eye's filled with tears, and she nodded her head in agreement, "Oh yes, you all look wonderful." Calum, our dresser surfaced from no where, "Mr Bongiovi, your cell is ringing Sir?" he handed me my phone, looking down I saw it was Rich.
"Yo, Bro.."
"What's the address of this god damn place Jon, be fucked if me and the guys can find it?"
"Where are you?"
"In New York."
"Yeah I get that, but where?, you in a cab?"
I could hear Rich ask Tic where they were,  so Teek was driving...
"Upper Manhattan, west side"
"Ok, Get Teek to pull over and pass the phone to him."
They pulled over and tico's voice came on the phone. "Jon..."
"Teek, what street you on?"
"West side highway"
"Right, your not far from us, take exit at 23rd Street and continue to 7th Avenue, turn right on seventh Avenue, then turn left on 20th Street to 110 West 20th, which is between 7th and 6th Avenue."
"there's parking right?"
I looked to Calum, any parking garages close?"
"nearest is Ryders Alley Sir. Have your friends pull up outside the store and we will go park for them."
"Tic, just drive with instructions I've gave you, there will be someone waiting to meet you and go park."
"Ok."
hanging up the call I turned back to the guys and my mom. she stood still with tears in her eye's.
"cmon mom, were wearing suits, no one has died..."
"I know but you all look so wonderful, all my boys... I'm so proud..." moving forward she gave each of us a kiss and hug.
Jessie spoke, "Don't be sad Grandma, this is a happy time.."
"Oh sweetheart I'm not sad, these are tears of joy..."
Jessie looked at me, confusion wrote on his young face, I shook my head, " So mom you gonna let me sneak a peek at my beautiful bride?"
A look of concern crossed her face, "Oh, I don't know Jon... Mara doesn't want you to see her in the dress.... she may never forgive me, she thinks its a jinx..."
"Please ma, look, I'll stand to show the rest of you ladies our suits with the boys, if Mara's out fine, if she's not I'll leave... ok?"
unwillingly she agreed, Calum led the way, he said it would be better if her announced our arrival rather than just walking in...
Upstairs we were all queued like sheep waiting for Calum to come get us, my mom slipped past and went into the bridal fitting room, next I knew Mara came out, a picture of pure vision in a gorgeous gown, she looked every inch a princess, "Jon, what are you doing here?"

"I wanted you to see the suits and see what you thought?"
"nice try Jovi, you wanted to see how well I scrubbed up, didn't you?"
I smiled at her, "I guess I had to admit defeat, You cant blame me.. you look gorgeous. So is that the one?"
"Ive not decided yet, you think it should be?"
"Really you want my opinion?"
"Cause I do,"
"well yes, I do think that's the one, I have never seen a vision more perfect than how you look right now..."
resting her arm on the chair, she stood on one hip with her knee slightly bent, and her head tilted, she replied, "Ok, its a contender, but Jon, you won't know what I'm wearing until the wedding day." with that remark she turned and walked back to the dressing room with her dresser. As she reached the door, she looked at me and smiled, "Babe, the suits are perfect." then she was gone.

Chapter Seventy

Everything was beginning to take shape for the wedding, today Mara with me, and my mom, and Mara's mom, and Steph, and the boys... well every attendant and family member you can name was coming along with us to Klienfields... Mara thought it would be nice to do all our buying in one place, plus she had always dreamed of being waited on in such a prestigious store.

Moving the entourage was a task on its own.... so heaven only knows how the attendants in the store would cope, however we were soon on our way to New York city.

We found a parking lot and then managed to hail a string of cabs and ever the movie buff we could all say "follow that cab.." as each of our drivers headed off to 110, west Street.

One by one the cabs stopped and dropped off the passengers, our families, Spirits were high, and the excitement flowed for the girls and Mara like thick molasses.
she looked at me with a sparkle in her eye's I had never seen before. "now Jon, you know the colour scheme right, and please nothing too old fashioned, and make sure that it works...."
"Babe, relax, it's covered ok?"
"whew, yeah, omg this is so exciting..."
Mara was like a kid about to enter a toy shop for the very first time, I slipped my arm around her waist as we all entered inside the building.
"Good morning Mr Bongiovi, this way for you and your party please." we all followed along the marble floor lobby to a very nicely decorated seating area, the walls were covered in pastel grey candy stripes and powder blue paint, the seating was a round velvet couch with planting seated in the middle.
Our wait was minimal as our servers were sent out to split our party, Mara's and the girls to the bridal salon and us boys downstairs to the mens section. I cannot lie, I wanted to be with Mara's and see the styles of dresses she was testing and I was intrigued as to the style she would choose. In my minds eye I pictures her in a soft mermaid style design with delicate flowers in her hair and a very minimal wedding bouquet..... lost in my own thoughts,  Leaning forward Mara kissed me on the lips... "I'll see you later..." she walked off with the girls and turned back and smiled as she got onto the elevator. I stood looking in a dream like state brought back to normal as Matt tapped me on the shoulder, "Earth to Jon?" "What?"
"You have been asked for colour scheme and style?"
"I have?, ... oh right I have?" we took the elevator down to the men's section as I concentrated hard and discussed the options of what i'd like for us all to wear, Calum our server, making notes and agreeing and adding his thoughts and suggestions. down stairs we were led into the waiting area and after making sure he had my requirements noted he disappeared to get styles for us to choose, matt and the boys and me all sat on the waiting queen anne style chairs. The room was a continuation of the entrance lobby, very pristine in presentation with out being over the top, the room gave a calming hue.

Calum arrived back with the suits, just as Mara's server snook her head round the door arms laden with mountains of wedding gowns.... " Mara asked me to call, she said to let you know...relax, your bride will look beautiful;"
"I know she will, even if she wore a trash bag she'd look perfect."
"well she aint chose a trash bag, but; Mr Bongiovi, you will love her choices..." nodding at the suits she carried on, "looking good by the way" then she was gone... I was now even more determined to see what the choices were, I called Matt to my side,
"go see Mara Matt, ask her if she will allow me to join her to view her in one of the gowns at least..."
"Jon, no way, that's bad luck...can't do it.."
"Matt your getting confused, its only bad luck to see her on the wedding day..."
"Don't care, not doing it bro.... you just gotta wait."
Calum our server joined in with out being asked for his opinion...
"Oooh you can't join the bridal party, you so do not want a hex on this marriage... your brother is right...now who's trying the suits on first?"
Matt slapped me on the back as he went first, when he stepped out the dressing room he did a little jump and "ta dah"
he look striking in the grey suit with aqua accents, in the cravat, Tony went next, he too on stepping out announced his presence with a ta dah... Jakey went next... and yep he came out and said same ta dah, then Jessie went in and when he came out I said it before he could... "Ta dah"
"Ew dad, I was going say sick..."
"Sick?, you don't like it?"
"What, no look, sick means cool, great...."
"well just say cool or great then..."
"der cause that aint cool pop..." he moved across and stood with the other guys and they all stood out and looked amazing.
"Mr Bongiovi, shall we?" Calum was stood next to me indicating for me to step into the dressing room, I was next...
With the suit fitted I stood looking at my reflection, the colours were perfect, but something wasn't right.
As I walked out of the dressing room I carried on the tradition of "Ta dah..." matt and the guys gave me a round of applause.
"Well that was easy right?"
"mmm I guess..."
"What, you don't like them?I think we all look great..."
"I like them, but, I think for me and Jessie and Jake we should all wear the same but be different from you and Tony.."
"like a darker shade of grey?"
"yeah.."
Calum  immediately became involved again, "Oh I agree, make a striking statement., I suggest that you and the two young men wear a slightly darker colour of grey and have the two other gentlemen in the lighter grey... much more flattering..."
I guess if I had to describe Calum, he was very much like the character played by martin short in the movie Father of the Bride and in so many ways minus the accent he was like Franc...
Matt looked at me as he asked, don't he remind you of the guy in that movie with Steve Martin... immediately we both started to laugh as Calum returned with the darker suits for us to try...

Chapter Sixty Nine

Back downstairs and sitting in the breakfast nook, Steph Jessie and Jake came in together, they had been in the back yard bouncing around a volley ball, Jake was whining that the other two hit the ball to high over the net so he could not play and had spent the whole time just jumping up and down trying.
"You are not fun, your mean..."
"Jake, lil man you just have to jump higher, that's all" Jessie was teasing him and Steph helped too.
"Yeah, we punched loads low for you, but you missed them, so not our fault little bro..." they were both eyeing each other as they used the term little. I saw Jakes face fall.... and interrupted...
"now, you two stop teasing your brother, you want some hot chocolate Jakey?"
with a forlorn face he came over to me and nodded his head.
"You want mallows and cream too Jake?"
immediately he brightened up, "Yeah...." with a beaming face he stood by Mara as she prepared him his favourite drink. Steph and Jessie sat at the breakfast bar.
Looking at Mara I indicated the look, shall we tell them now, she nodded her head gently while stirring the milk for Jakes hot chocolate.
"Kids," all three sets of eyes looked toward me. "Tomorrow, how you all feel about a family day together?"
All three nodded there heads, but not enthusiastically, laughing I asked, "Don't look so excited will you?"
Steph answered first, "well its not that we are not excited dad, but, well I dunno..." I finished her sentence, "its not cool hanging with your old man right?"
"daddy we love you but I guess it depends what you have planned, right Jessie?"
Jake pulled on my jeans, "I'm happy and excited Daddy..." I stroke his head, I know you are son."
Mara finished making Jake his chocolate and he sat at the breakfast bar either side his bother and sister and quietly drank his drink and spooned out the mallows and cream first...
the older siblings still looked pretty stiff about spending the day with us. Mara winked at me before taking the lead....
"Guy's look it really wont be that bad, after all, we are going to a theme park"
Immediately there faces broke into electric smiles, if we had given them each a new four by four they could not have looked as pleased.
Steph spoke first..." really, well I think I could manage some family time at a theme park... your gonna ride with us though right dad?" laughing I nodded my head, "Yeah, no standing waiting and waving like loons at us guys as we go round or something lame.... that is so not cool..."
"thanks Jessie, I feel heaps younger now.."
"You know what I mean dad"
"Sure, your embarrassed by your old man..." I tried to keep a straight face but failed. he saw and laughed too, "So what time we leaving then tomorrow, we wanna have a whole day right?"
"Yeah that's all planned too, we are planning to leave at 8am... that ok with you Steph?"
"Oh right pick on my cause I'm the girl..... well it so happens I will be ready before you all, you'll see." pouting she looked out of the window with her head in the air.
The banter and noise in the kitchen was music to my ears, I had everything I could want, three wonderful kids, all growing up normal and a beautiful fiancée, and when the house was sold we could go looking for a new family home together. It seemed like an eternity but at last things we beginning to go right.
Mara joined my side, and draped her hand round my back and slid her hand in to my jeans back pocket and gently squeezed my butt, as I looked at her she smiled back at me.
"So tonight then kids, eat in, or out, and where, lets hear it?"
in a milli second all shouted in chorus, "out and Pizza Express."
I looked to Mara," you ok with that?"
"Fine, I'm happy, well as long as I can have a Hawaiian deep cheese filled crust large all to myself , no sharing ok  Bongiovi?"
for someone so slim it was amazing how much of an appetite Mara had, and how much she could eat.... " Not even one slice? Miss Goodward that's mean..."
"no not even one slice.... "
it didn't help we both had the same taste, and I never wanted Hawaiian until Mara had it, and for some reason eating her's always tasted better.
"I'm waiting?" with a cold look in her eye's she stood looking at me, "well?"
"Ok, ok, you got it, you can pig out on a large all to yourself.... " smiling, playfully she smacked my butt as she went to get her jacket, checking the time 8pm, it was time we made a move or we would be to late getting home and that would mean tomorrows plans would be scuppered, Jake put his cup in the sink, and wiped his mouth over his hand, Jessie and Steph were talking I interrupted them " right you three lets get moving,   go get your coats..." All three marched out together and in a minute all three were ready and stood waiting, taking my keys from the worktop, and with Mara's hand in mine we headed out to the car, all on board and buckled up we set off for a lovely family evening.