Dominica Dominguez ch 4- New people equals new love.

Dominica Dominguez (24)
Narrated by Dominica

I still go out to see Kampols grave and wonder where we would be now. The pain is still there but now its bearable. I never thought that I would survive one year let alone a second year with him. I realize now that I have to move on with my life and do something other than work.

As much as I tried I can not get our crops going. Its so frustrating because Kampol did everything. I want to keep his memory alive by planting things and watching them grow. In the end I end up trashing most of the plants and wishing I had been born with a green thumb.

*****

More and more people are moving to Paradise cove. Its a new development but not too many people like it because of the heat. I love the heat. I love knowing that there is no winter coming any time soon. I met my new neighbors and they seemed nice enough. Mrs. Jacquet introduced herself and before I knew it she was introducing me to her son Gilbert.

I could tell off the bat that Mrs. Jacquet wanted her son and I to date. She is such a nice woman that I could not say no. I still could not understand why someone "so great" as his mom put it would be single. I managed to get away with saying that I would give him a chance in the future.

*******

Before I knew it, they were at my house having dinner. I am not a great chef but if you would hear Mrs. Jacquet comments, makes me sound like a five star chef. I know she's trying but honestly its cute. I finally agreed to go out with Gilbert.

We went out to dinner and you could hear a pin drop. Gilbert was a little on the shy side but did not do too bad.

Before the end of the night he had me laughing so hard. I guess he had a right to ask me why I was single if I was wondering why he was.

We walked around and I told him about Kampol. He told me he understood and felt bad that his mom pushed him on me. I thought it was nice of him to acknowledge that his mom was a tad bit pushy. The evening turned out nice and we both agreed to see each other again.

******

We did see each other a LOT. I know it could be me just jumping into another relationship but things with Gilbert are so easy. He surprises me with flowers and honestly I love it.

I get surprised with breakfast being cooked while im in bed. I wake up to the smell of bacon and eggs in the morning.

I even thought it was cute when he asked me to be his girlfriend. Gilbert is very traditional. I of course said yes. We see each other constantly and well I am falling for him..

I guess he has a green thumb because the plants are flourishing. I am so surprised. We started to fall into a nice and comfy routine. I guess it was only a matter of time before he met my family.

**************

My uncle Austin was hilarious! He was questioning Gilbert about everything. I guess he was amazed that we are so intensely dating in such a short time.

I thought that Gilbert and his mom would fell overwhelmed but they enjoyed my family. My uncle Austin laid back.. my mom were a little surprise to Mrs. Jacquet. I don't think she was used to lesbians getting married and having kids. we started cleaning up and I could not find Gilbert anywhere. I guess he needed a little break.

******

As I was asking my aunt if she needed something, Gilbert asked me to turn around. When I did I saw Gilbert on bended knee. To my surprise he proposed to me in front of my family.

Of course I said yes. Gilbert and I are so happy. I never thought that I would ever be as happy as I was now.

My mom told me that she approved of Gilbert. She loved the fact that he actually asked for her permission to marry me. My mom Laci was too emotional to say anything.

I guess im getting married! Mrs. Jacquet got us to date and she is happier than ever seeing us engaged. I guess she can get a career as a match maker!

Debbie King Ch4- Another new beginning for me.

Debbie (49) her finacee, Ronan Parmelly (41)

Narrated by Debbie.

The boys came over to visit me today. It was great seeing my young men all grown up. I look at them and I am proud that they are all healthy. Sure I would have loved to see some college degrees but we can only raise our kids and hope for the best. Right now I only have Darcy as my last hope for a college degree.
The boys also came over to tell me that their father has separated from Mary yet again. They tell me that its for sure now. Darcy asks me what I think about it. In all honesty I do not feel a thing. My love for Ian left a long time ago. Now I am ready to start a new chapter in my life with Ronan.

Ronan gets along with the guys and vice versa. Darcy was small when I divorced their dad so he always had wild hopes that we would get back together. Now with Ronan and I getting married, its solid that I will NOT be going back to his dad. Don't get me wrong, I get along with Ian but he can be trying at times.

*******

Our wedding day came faster than expected. We decided to rent the new venue that opened up here in Viramontes. We choose the outside room rather than the inside one. A lot of my ex sister-in-laws showed up. We still meet from month to month so I thought it was proper to invite them over. Ronan made me blush when he told me that I made a beautiful bride.

We exchanged simple vows. I never had a wedding before but being 49 meant that I was content with telling each other "I love you".

The kiss was more embarrassing than I expected. Plus our friends kept asking for a kiss but tapping on their wine glasses. We kissed a lot that evening.

We managed to do it also while we were dancing our hearts out. Ronan loves dancing and he loves the attention.

Ian had come to the wedding. I could not really leave him out since he is the father of my kids. He wished me well. He told me that he was happy to see me married and enjoying life. I have to admit this surprised me of Ian. I think that finally after all these years he may be actually growing up.

he asked me if I did not mind dancing with him. We danced a fast song and I felt a little sad that Darcy looked at us and just smiled. I think he liked us being cordial. Next thing I knew Ronan came up behind me when the DJ put a slow song.

The end of our wedding party was fantastic. Everyone kept telling me that they had a great time at our wedding. I am glad that they did because hopefully this was my first and last actual wedding party.

Ronan and I finally sat down and ate some dinner before heading home. He asked me if I was happy and of course I was. He was glad that everything turned out right for our wedding day.

We headed home to rest. We were so tired that we did not even have the energy to make love that night. We needed the rest since the next day we were going on our honeymoon. There would be plenty of time for us there.

The first thing we did when we got to the far east is get into the hot springs. I love the hot springs. I had never traveled outside of Viramontes. This was well worth the wait.

Ronan and I got to make love and enjoy our time to ourselves. It is so different being married with no children to take care of. I remember when I asked Ronan if he wanted children. He was so scared that I wanted them and we both were relieved that we did not want any.

Soon it was time to head back home and get back to reality. We might go back and we both are interested in buying a vacation home. We shall see how it goes once we get our finances in order.

Beatrix Leopardi Ch 6- Her thoughts not mine.

Beatrix (29), Christopher Moore (32) and their child Carmela (4)

Narrated by Beatrix Leopardi

We had my sister Madeline, her finacee William and my brother-in-law Cole over for dinner. My brother Rodrigo was supposed to come too but he still waiting on the babysitter to arrive.

Dinner was good but it got akward when William asked if Chris and I ever thought about getting married. I was shocked because we never really thought about it. For now we both were fine just being together with our baby girl. I know William was trying to get us to defend his right now to marry Madeline right away but now were thinking about it.

After dinner I put Carmela to bed and Madeline followed me up. "I am sorry that William said that. I honestly do not know why or where that came from."
I turned around and could tell that my sister was annoyed with William.

"I do not know whats going on between you too but were fine. I dont have the need for Chris and I to get married right this minute. If it happens great if not then great too. But why is William saying these things? Are you two not getting married or what?"
"We are but I guess the burning question is when? We have been engaged two years and we have not decided on any wedding plans"
"Maddy... you really want to get married again? I would not want to after getting divorced"
"I do want to... I love William but I guess im bowing down the the marriage pressure."
"My advice Maddie is to take it slow. If its right then it will feel right. If it doesnt feel right then something else is there...."

Meanwhile I was talking to Maddie, the boys were busy playing some basketball outside. Rodrigo finally made in just in time to play some b-ball. Soon it was time for them all to go home. I made sure Maddy called me when they got home. I hugged my brother and Cole goodnight. It was great seeing all of them.

I saw that Chris was talking to William. I was going to ask Chris what they had been talking about. Hopefully nothing too serious that would take a toll on our relationship.

I did ask Chris what William wanted.
"William is feeling pressure from Madeline to get married. I think its turning him off and making him feel like running away."
"Maddie should relax. If William wants to run then its OK. Maddie does not deserve to get hurt"

Chris asked me to come closer to him.
"I love you Beatrix. If you and I were to get married...nothing would change you know. We would be just like this"
"I know Chris. We will get married when we want. I don't want Maddy's relationship problems becoming our problems OK. We are OK"

We got ready for bed and right when I was going to doze off, "Beatrix, I love you. I really love you and I love our family. Goodnight"
"Good night Chris. I love you too"

*****

I was busy getting our house ready because it was my little girls birthday. She was turning five today and she was a big girl. I still could not believe that she was going to be five. In my mind, it felt as though I told my family I was expecting her yesterday.

My family came over and we all cheered as Carmela with mommy's help blew out the candles.

My daughter Camila looks as beautiful as she was as a baby. Chris is worried that too many boys will like her... but in reality shes our baby and no one is good enough for her.

The drama of Madeline has long since left our family. I look at Chris with Carmela. Chris loved our daughter. Sometimes I wonder if we shold have another child. For now this is just perfect for me.

Melody Sofia Barillas-Ruben Ch 7- Everything is changing.

Melody Sofia (31) and Joshua (33)
Narrated by: Melody Sofia.

I needed a change. I wanted to do something big so I decided to go and get my hair done. I told the stylist that I wanted something new and exciting. He asked if I was sure or not.

Next thing I knew I had a flurry of hair getting chopped off. I have to admit that I started to get a little nervous.

Once done I thought it was the best thing. I looked at myself and could not believe that this was truly me looking back. I thanked the stylist and could not wait to show Joshua my husband.

Before I headed back home, I met with my brother Joshua. Joshua loved my new look. He said that he did not know who I was until I was getting ready to hug him.

I look at my little brother and marvel at how much he has grown. It is an amazement to me that we are both past our college years. I still remember coming back from college and visiting him at home. Now he is done with college and living back with my parents to save up money.

He got up and started to sign a little tune. Turns out that the coffee shop had a little open mic hour. He was great but certainly did not going to get a record deal anytime soon.

He even got me to do it. I just got up there and said a poem I remembered from long ago. Joshua said that I should get a little more peppier when I said my poem.

When I got home, Joshua hugged me and loved my new haircut. This is the first time I actually got tired of saying Joshua the whole day. My brother is Joshua and so is my husband. For now I call my husband, Sweetie.

Joshua has stopped asking about kids. I want to have a baby but not yet. We asked our landlord and decided to redecorate our place. For a small fee we decided to go ahead and repaint the place. I think it actually brightened it up.

I invited my family over to have a nice dinner. Of course they loved our new apartment. My mom loved the color choice and said I could even do her apartment. They just redid theirs but I could help them with their vacation home.

Everything was going good until my brother mentioned that now we could decorate the other room for a little niece or nephew. My husband was so excited that he agreed. My mom just looked at me and I just kicked my brother under the table. What is with them and a baby?
After my dad, brother and Joshua went to play some pool in the other room. I cleared the dishes and my mom said she wanted to catch up on some things.

The first thing she asked me was if I wanted kids.
"Honey, I think its time for you and Joshua to discuss if you want to have kids or not"
"Mom, I do want kids but the reality is not now. I want to live life, earn more money. Not get into debt because of kids"
"We did not get into so much debt having you kids. Look it can wait but make sure both of you are on the same page. That is all I am asking. Make sure you are on the same page"
Of course my mom is right but still. I guess I will have a talk with Josh just to make sure.

"You know your sister is going to kill you for mentioning us having kids right?"
"Ya but I thought you guys would have discussed it by now. Ava and will want kids right away if we get married"
"Wow, your thiking of proposing?"
"No net yet, relax brother-in-law. I have nothing saved. For now I just want to work and move out of my parents house".

After everyone left we got into bed and I was reading this great book when Josh came to bed.
"Melody, you know I want kids right?"
"Huh, Ya I know... I want to but not right now. Listen I like this. You and I coming home getting everything together. Don't you like just relaxing?"
"Yes but I also want to see us with a baby. Its fine. We can wait but I dont want to wait too much."