The plane landed at Harry Reid International airport, Las Vegas. It was still five am in the morning as they had boarded it at night. The weather was cold as ice, making them shiver.
As they walked out of the lounge, Rosie took a deep breath in and exhaled in relief; she seemed excited to be back on Las Vegas’ soil, moreover it was her wedding day. She looked towards Sammy and smiled. Oliver and Aria were also getting married today.
Rosie was not the only one excited to be back here, Oliver was thrilled as well. Las Vegas was his home and now it was complete; his wife had come back, the love of his life and mother of his child. What could be better than that?
“So what now?” Aria asked as they arrived at the airport drive in.
“Well, now we go home,” Oliver replied and smiled. He checked the time on his apple watch and furrowed his eyebrows, then he looked towards the drive in.
They all looked in that direction as well, it was so cold that Lena’s teeth were chattering and Aria had to fold a sweater around her and pull her closer. Just then, a limousine drove towards them; Sammy recognized the car as belonging to the Gomez family.
“Awesome, our ride is here,” Oliver said out loud.
The car stopped and the driver walked out immediately, he greeted Oliver and went ahead to open the door for them. They all hurried into the car to get some warmth, if they stood out there any longer, then they could freeze up.
After they were all in, the driver got into the car and drove off. They were on their way back to the Gomez mansion.
** * * * * * * * * *
The car drove slowly into the Gomez mansion, they parked in front of the building and the two doors were opened by the excited butler. Aria smiled the moment she stepped out and saw Zach.
“Welcome back Madam,” the old man said happily and bowed, he was still looking neat and intact as usual. His tie in equilibrium and his shoelace properly tied, his awesome white handkerchief hanging on his left arm like always.
“Oh my God, Zach! It’s been ages, how are you doing?” Aria exclaimed in excitement.
“I have been fine madam, but I am better than ever now that you are back with the master and young missus,” he replied with a wide smile on his face.
“I am starting to wonder which one of us hired you, between your madam and I,” Oliver muttered with jealousy audible in his tone. The others all laughed.
“You are my Master, sir… and you did hire me, but Madam holds not only the keys to the house but to your heart as well, so I think more of my loyalty should be to her,” Zach replied and Aria burst into laughter.
Oliver sighed and shook his head. “You are right anyway, my honey bunny should be your priority, it’s her before me,” he replied and Zach nodded.
“So… what are you supposed to be? A butler?” Lena queried curiously, as she rubbed her eyes to get rid of the drowsiness. She had fallen asleep in the limo on their way back.
“Yes little Princess, not just any Butler, but one who used to be very fond of you as a baby.” Zach replied.
“Wow… that is cool, we didn’t have one of those back in London, and by the way, don’t call me little, I am seven years and five months old today,” Princess Lena retorted.
“Wow, she knows her math, maybe you could teach this old man a few things,” the butler said with a smile.
Lena smiled back. “It would be my pleasure, now if you will excuse me, I have a wedding to attend and I don’t want to be late,” she muttered and grabbed her doll bag, then headed for the main door. The others followed immediately.
It was no secret that the butler was excited to be back to his job, but he was not the only one excited, the other servants had also been called back to their jobs.
They all arrived at the door and Zach opened it. They were surprised to see the servants all standing at the door with a sign that read ‘Welcome Back’ and a broad smile on each of their faces. They could see the inside was decorated as well
Aria gasped and turned to Oliver. “Did you do this?” she asked with a smirk.
“Well, not exactly… I only called them back and asked them to prepare for our return, but this was all their idea, I guess.” Oliver replied.
“Sir, you and Madam with young Missus are finally coming back together after seven years. We thought you deserved a little welcome surprise, and moreover… today is your wedding,” the butler said and Oliver smiled.
“Good job Zach, I am impressed, at least keeping you all this while was not a waste of time and resources,” he said and tapped Zach softly on the shoulder.
They all walked into the house which was sparkling with colorful lights, it was like Christmas came early. The furniture had all been rearranged and there were flowers on the stairs.
Aria drew her breath and exhaled. “Home sweet home,” she muttered to herself.
“That is right Honey bunny, we are back at home and we are never separating again,” Oliver said and hugged her from behind.
“Awn… aren’t you two cute?” Lena said, making a puppy face.
Oliver chuckled and let go of Aria. “Hmm… come here you sweet little thing,” he said and opened his arms.
Princess Lena embraced him and Aria joined in the hug as well. Now, the circle of hearts was complete.
“Okay, I would leave you three for your little back to home reunion, I would drive myself back home and prepare for the wedding, Rosie can stay here and get ready with you, Aria… and don’t be late,” Sammy instructed with a small smile on his face.
Rosie nodded and then kissed him. “I will see you at the wedding,” she said and walked back.
Sammy smiled, then turned around and walked towards the door.
Oliver finally broke the hug. “Zach, take the Princess to her room, help her get settled down and some rest as well, we still have six hours before the wedding,” he instructed and the butler nodded.
“I will be back,” he said to Aria and kissed her on the forehead.
** * * * * * * * * * *
Oliver walked out of the building and met Sammy who was about to enter his car, he had parked it there the day they left for Hawaii.
“What is the hurry, buddy?” Oliver asked with a smile as he walked slowly to Sammy.
“Hey man, I just wanted to try to get some sleep before the wedding, you know… we have had a rough night,” he replied.
“Hahaha… I didn’t know flight trips can be rough too,” Oliver joked and Sammy chuckled. “Anyway man, I just wanted to come out here and thank you.”
“Thank me? Um… For what?” Sammy queried
“For everything man, you have had to sacrifice a lot for me, your time and attention, last night should have been your bachelor party but we missed it because of me, you had given all your time just to help me put my family back together, I can’t say how much that means to me, I really appreciate.”
“It’s fine buddy, that is what friends do for each other, and I didn’t even remember the bachelor party anyway.” Sammy replied.
“You are not just a friend, Sam… you are my brother, and I can’t love you less,” Oliver said and hugged him.
They were silent in each other’s embrace for a while, and then Sammy pulled off. “Alright man, I gotta go now, before you make me emotional this early morning,” he said and chuckled.
“Alright, I know your house is just a few blocks away, but don’t fall asleep while driving, I am sure Rosie wouldn’t want to get married to a guy in a wheelchair,” Oliver said and Sammy chuckled.
“I won’t, trust me…” he got into the car and turned it on, then looked out to Oliver. “See you at the wedding bro.” he smiled and Oliver nodded, then he drove off.
Oliver stood there and watched him disappear out of sight. That was his best friend, always steadfast, always caring, and never breaking.
To be continued!!