Saturday, August 15th, 2020

Bliss' POV

I remembered something Andrea said to me when Shane and I first started dating. She said, "Don't let him go because of people's stupidity and jealousy." And I do believe in second chances. Shane deserves one.

We are on our way to a surprise he has for me. "Shane, you don't have to do all of these surprises. Stop beating yourself up. And, why the blindfold?"

"Trust me. I know you will love this surprise. The blindfold is to make sure you don't see a thing."

I knew he was smirking even though I couldn't see it. "Stop smirking."

Suddenly, we stopped. "Sit tight. I am coming over to help you."

Shane got out of the driver's side and came to help me. Once he helped me out of the truck, he led me somewhere.

Suddenly we stopped. "Keep your eyes closed while I take the blindfold off."

"Seriously?"

"Yes, seriously." He took off the blindfold. "Now, you can open your eyes."

"Oh my gosh! It's beautiful! You had this set up for us?"

"Yes. I have many more surprises for you. Your taking me back was the best moment that has happened in my life. No one will ever break us apart again."

"I love it, Shane. Thank you." I pulled him down on the sand, and we made out on the beach. I missed this so much.

We heard throats clearing. "Mr. Landes, dinner is ready to be served."

Shane and I stood up, dusted off the sand, then sat at the beautiful table. Shane even pulled out my chair for me. "Thank you."

There was a bottle of Cris' wine on the table. Two waiters approached the table with plates for Shane and me.

********

Dinner was delicious. We had filet mignon, a baked potato, green beans, and salad. For dessert, we had strawberry cheesecake.

"I'm stuffed. I'm going to need to walk down the beach."

"Ready for surprise number two?" Shane walked over to where I was sitting and placed his hands over my eyes.

"You still love sitting me on counters and covering my eyes, don't you?"

Suddenly, I heard one of my favorite songs by LL Cool J, 'Luv U Better.' Shane removed his hands, and I almost passed out. "Y-y-you got LL Cool J to come and sing?!"

"Mason helped me out. He has connections."

As he sang the song, he did it - licked his lips. Oh my gosh, it's getting hot out here. I started fanning. He took my hand and twirled me around in a circle.

After he sang 'Luv U Better,' he sang 'I Need Love.' That is absolutely my favorite rap song ever.

Shane and I even imitated LL Cool J and the girl in the video.

Once he finished singing the song, he came over to talk to us. "Oh my gosh, thank you so much for coming. I love those songs! And, I can't forget 'I'm Bad.' I am an old-school music gal, even though I am 28. Can you sing that one, please? Did you teach Shane how to do that dance?"

"You're welcome. Mr. Landes actually did it on his own. He did a great job. I have a present for you too."

One of the servers came over with a bag and handed it to me. It was autographed CDs of all of his albums and an autographed picture.

"Aww, this is too sweet. Thank you."

"You're welcome. And congratulations on your modeling. Keep doing your thing out there."

I couldn't stop blushing. "I definitely will. Thanks." Then, he started singing 'I'm Bad."

I sang it word for word. And danced so I could work off the food that we ate. Shane stood there watching me like I was crazy. If he only knew this was the jam.

"Oh my gosh, thank you!!"

"You're welcome."

"Darling, LL Cool J will introduce the next surprise." Shane grabbed one of the chairs for me to sit down.

Can this night get any better?

"And now a legendary group that has been around for decades, introducing Ronnie, Ricky, Ralph, Mike and Johnny singing 'This One's For You.'"

I am seriously about to faint - New Edition?!!! Shane even went to sing and dance with them. They even let him sing a verse. Shane was off-key, but I didn't care.

I had tears falling from my eyes. Shane really knows how to make me feel special. And I love his surprises.

Once the guys finished singing, I got to meet them. "Excuse me for fangirling, but I love you guys!! I have every one of your CDs. Do you guys know Mason too? And, how did Shane know the dance steps so well?"

He side-eyed me, smirked, and whispered, "Later, honey."

"Mason did some bodyguard duty for us several times on our tours," Johnny Gill says. "He said you were a big fan of ours. We practiced with Mr. Landes a few times."

"Boy, am I a fan. I went to every concert that was held in New York. Thank you guys so much for coming. It means a lot to me."

"You're welcome. Mason said you and Mr. Landes recently got back together. Congratulations."

"Thank you. Nothing is going to break us up again. Can we take a group picture?"

Shane waved one of the servers over, and he took the picture.

"Thanks, Lover Boy." Shane leaned down and kissed me on my cheek.

"You're welcome, Darling. I have one more surprise." Shane once again put his hands over my eyes. Then, within five minutes, he took his hands off my eyes.

From behind their backs, New Edition and LL Cool J each pulled out a bouquet of roses. They presented them to me. Then, Shane dropped down to one knee.

"Your forgiveness means the world to me. I was a lost cause for the time we were apart. I have my 'Darling' back in my life. Will you officially marry me?"

"That is a beautiful ring, Shane. And, yes, I will."

He put the ring on my left ring finger as he stood up.

"Just like LL Cool J, we have autograph CDs and group pictures." Mike Bivens handed me a bag that was loaded with autographs.

I passed out. Fortunately, Shane caught me before I fell into the sand.

"Thank you, guys, for coming out tonight. As you can see, I have an in shock fiancée," I heard Shane say, and they all chuckled.

The guys said goodbye and walked away.

"Shane, we lost too much time in our relationship, and we're supposed to be married. Why wait? So, will you marry me now? You already gave me this beautiful engagement ring. We can have two ceremonies - one for us and one for Adrian to plan. She may be disappointed, but what's more important - our happiness now or a big wedding later?"

"I agree. Why should we wait? Who are we going to tell?"

"Julian and Andrea. I want Julian to walk with me. I love you, Shane. Plus, several times, we have come close to being naughty. I'm ready to be naughty, and you are the only one I want to do that with."

"Where do you want to get married?"

"The vacation house in Milan. The views are amazing, and you haven't been there yet. The only problem will be us buying our wedding bands."

"I know a jeweler who could come to the house. I'll call and see when he can come. Let's go back to the house."

~~~~

While on the way home, I can finally say that I am happy.

"Shane, I just realized that I will need to find a wedding dress secretly. Does your jeweler know someone that will not blabber about us eloping?"

"We'll think of something."

As soon as we got in the house, I sent Andrea and Julian a text to video chat about something important. Within five minutes, both of them said we could chat at 11:30 pm. So, that is what we did, and Shane sat with me.

~~~~~

Bliss: "Okay, Jules and Andrea, I am going to get straight to the point. Shane and I are going to elope and want you both there. And, Julian, I want you to walk with me down the aisle."

Andrea screamed so loud that all of New York City probably heard her. Mason is going to know too.

Andrea: "OH MY GOODNESS!! Yes, I will be there!"

Julian: "Of course, I will be there."

Soon, Carly and Mason joined the conversation.

Mason: "Hey, Bliss, Shane, Carly, and Julian. Why is my bride screaming at almost midnight?"

Bliss: "Carly and Mason, Shane and I are planning to elope. We want Adrian to plan the wedding in April. Mason and Carly, will you come with us?"

Carly screamed just as loud as Andrea.

Carly: "Yes! Yes! Yes! I am so happy for you guys! Mom will just have to get over her disappointment. This is about your happiness, not hers. When is the wedding?"

Shane and I looked at each other, then he said,

Shane: "Is next Saturday too soon for you? We are getting married at Bliss' house in Milan. If you can fly down next Wednesday, we can leave on Thursday."

Julian: "We will be there, Shane. No way we are missing this."

Bliss: "Thank you all. I love you guys. Now, I have a problem. Shane knows a jeweler that will come to our house for wedding bands, but I need your help with ideas on how to buy a wedding dress."

Carly: "How about we go shopping in Milan on Friday for your dress and bridesmaid dresses?"

Bliss: "That sounds like a great idea. I'll take an extra suitcase with me for our trip home. Thanks, Carly. Andrea, you will never guess who I met today. By the way, thanks, Mase. I met LL Cool J and New Edition!!"

Andrea: "OMG!!! I wish I were there!"

Mason - "What kind of husband would I be if I didn't surprise my wife? The guys are coming by tomorrow."

Mason is getting ready to be one happy man, if you know what I mean.

Bliss - "Let us know when you arrive in Miami, and we will pick you up. Thank you all again for supporting our elopement. And we will see you on Thursday."

~~~~~

Narrator's POV

Bliss and Shane were both ecstatic that they would finally be husband and wife, interruption-free.

Shane had to convince his parents that he was going on a business trip so his mum would not be nosy or suspicious.

The jeweler stopped by their house on Monday, and they chose a pair of silver wedding bands. Shane even let Bliss pay for the rings. The jeweler congratulated Bliss and Shane and promised to keep their secret.

Wednesday came, and Shane picked Julian, Andrea, Mason, and Carly up from the airport.

Everyone got plenty of rest for their travel day on Thursday.

~~~~~~~

Thursday, August 20th, 2020

Shane's POV

"Mum was very suspicious when I told her Bliss was going with me. Our elopement may be hard to keep from her. I told mum Bliss is fluent in Italian and will translate the meeting for me."

"Shane, everyone knows mom is nosy," Carly says while everyone chuckles.

"Once mum understands the reason, she will be fine. Hence the point of the second ceremony. That will be for mum."

"Shane, Marsha said we are about to land in Milan and asked everyone to put on their seat belts."

"Thank you, Michael." Michael then walked to his seat.

Within fifteen minutes, we landed safely in Milan. I rented two Range Rover SUVs for us. I gave Julian the other set of keys.

"Here is the address, Shane."

Bliss handed me a piece of paper with the address. After loading the luggage, I plugged the address into the GPS, and we were off.

~~~~~

Bliss' POV

With the amazing views the house has, I had to keep it. I absolutely love this house. It has a beautiful, well-kept garden and a humongous backyard with a water view. There is a balcony with rose bushes. I want our wedding to take place there.

Everyone stepped out of the vehicles. "Bliss, this place is amazing! Look at the views of the lake!" Andrea gleefully proclaims.

"Wait until I show you guys the backyard. And there is a balcony with a beautiful view of the lake. It also has an arch with rose vines wrapped around it. I thought it would be the perfect view for our ceremony. I'll give you guys a tour."

While the guys grabbed the luggage, I took Andrea and Carly inside. Once Shane, Mason, and Julian were finished bringing in the luggage, I gave everyone a tour.

*******

Shane agreed with me about the balcony for the ceremony. "It is the perfect spot. A sunset ceremony would be perfect."

"I agree. Sunset it is."

"I love the upgrades, Bliss. This is a beautiful house."

"Thanks, Carly. While out for dinner, we need to stop for groceries. Let's go now." Everyone agreed, so we left the house.

Shane took us to Solo Mio's. "I remember coming here in 2018 when I finally told you how I felt. Aren't you sweet?"

Julian and Shane gave the valet the keys, and we made our way to dinner.

~~~~~~~

Friday, August 21st, 2020

Bliss' POV

"Bliss, time to wake up!"

"No, Andrea. I'm nice and comfy." I really was - nice and comfy on top of Shane.

"A shirtless Channing Tatum is downstairs, waiting to meet you."

I shot up off Shane quickly, accidentally giving Shane a knee to 'Jr.'

"Ouch, woman! No more knees if you want to have children."

"Oops."

"Ha! I knew that would wake you up. Girl, go get a shower and dress. We have to go dress shopping, remember?"

"You have the hots for Channing Tatum too?"

I slowly started backing away towards the bathroom. "Uh, to the shower I go."

I was able to run and close the door to the bathroom before Shane tried to come in.

"You have to come out sometime, missy."

I took a nice, long warm shower. After my shower, I grabbed a towel, but I realized that I had left my underwear in the dresser. Dang.

It sounded like Shane had left, so I took a chance and darted out of the bathroom to the dresser. My underwear was not there.

"Looking for these?" Shane had my bra and panties in his hands, twirling them with his fingers.

"Give me my underwear, Shane!" I marched over to him to get my underwear. He held them high in the air. I jumped but couldn't reach them.

"Nope," he says with a stupid grin on his face. He is going to see me naked tomorrow. So, I dropped my towel and gave him a preview.

"Oh, my word!" Shane saw what I did, then he fainted.

After grabbing my underwear, I put them on and got dressed. Then, I woke Shane up. My stomach hurts from how hard I am laughing. "Shane, wake up!"

"I see nothing funny, woman!"

"All I did was give you a preview of what is to come tomorrow night."

"Oh yeah?" In a flash, Shane pulled me down with him and said with a smirk, "How about I give you a preview right now?"

"How about you, Shane, go get a shower so we can go wedding shopping?" Andrea then rolled her eyes and left our room.

"We better get up." Once Shane stood up, he gave me his hand so I could stand up. I went downstairs while Shane went to take his shower.

~~~~~~~~~

Money was not an object, so Shane gave me his card and told me to get what I wanted. Andrea, Carly, and I went to several bridal boutiques, but I didn't see 'the dress' that I wanted. I did buy a pair of shoes and some jewelry from Prada.

I'm tired, and I am sure Andrea and Carly are too. The next store we go to will be the last. Carly and Andrea found dresses, but not me.

"Ladies, the next store will be the last. I'm sorry. I'm sure you're tired."

"I am, but we still need to find your dress," Andrea said while we walked into our last store. We all suddenly stopped, looked at each other, and silently screamed.

"Bliss, that is the perfect dress for you! I'll go find someone to help us."

Five minutes later, Carly came back with a consultant. And she actually spoke English.

"How can I help you? My name is Mariah."

"Mariah, I want to try on that dress in the center of the store. It is perfect and exactly what I am looking for. My fiancé said the price is not an object."

"Sure thing. Follow me, please." When she sees Shane's name on his card, I have to do all I can to convince her to keep our elopement a secret.

~~~~~~~~

Narrator's POV

Bliss tried on the dress, and it was perfect! Before she gave Mariah Shane's card, Bliss asked her to keep her buying a wedding dress secret. Mariah promised that she would. Then, Bliss paid for her dress. After paying, she called Shane to pick the ladies up.

Shane and Julian pulled up to the street address Bliss gave them. The ladies got in the vehicles, and they made their way home for the long day ahead of them.

~~~~~~~

Saturday, August 22nd, 2020

Bliss' POV

I really am a blushing bride! I am finally getting married to the only man I would consider.

"Bliss, let's help you put your dress on," Andrea said as she walked into my room.

"It's beautiful, Bliss."

"Thank you, Carly. I'm ready. Let's go, ladies." I didn't wear a veil. We made our way down the stairs.

Shane's POV

My wedding day is finally here. I am glad Bliss suggested for us to elope. In the eyes of the law, she will officially be mine. No one, and I mean no one, can have her.

I was already positioned near the white arch with rose vines, waiting for my bride. Julian walked out onto the balcony with Carly, and then he went back. Mason walked onto the balcony with Andrea.

Then, tears fell from my eyes because Julian and Bliss were now walking onto the patio. It doesn't matter what Bliss wears because she looks beautiful in everything. Bliss looks like a queen in her dress.

"Take care of my sister, Shane," Julian says as he walks back to stand with Carly.

Bliss and I held hands the entire time the officiant spoke to us, which lasted forty-five minutes. Then, it was time for us to say our vows.

We turned around to face each other, and Bliss said her vows first.

"Today, I am marrying the man of my dreams, my 'Lover Boy.' I love you, Shane Carson Landes. I vow to love you, cherish you, stand by you, and be a supportive wife and mother to your children. I vow never to let anyone or anything come between us again. This is my vow to you."

Then, I said my vow.

"Here I am marrying the woman of my dreams, my 'Darling.' I love you, Bliss Nalani Sanders. In front of Julian, Mason, Andrea, and Carly, I vow to love you, honor you, respect you, stand by your side, and be a supportive husband and father to our children. I also vow to never, ever let anyone or anything come between us again."

Wedding Officiant - "Before we proceed, who is here to present the bride to Shane?"

Julian spoke up and said, "I do."

Wedding Officiant - "And now, Bliss and Shane will exchange their rings as they say their I do's."

Bliss passed her bouquet to Carly. Julian then gave me Bliss's wedding band.

"I, Shane Carson Landes, take you, Bliss Nalani Sanders, to be my lawfully wedded wife

To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse,

For richer or for poorer,

In sickness and in health,

To love and to cherish until death do you part."

Without hesitation, I placed the wedding band on Bliss's finger and said, "I do."

Bliss spoke next.

"I, Bliss Nalani Sanders, take you, Shane Carson Landes, to be my lawfully wedded 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,

To love and to cherish until death do you part."

Without hesitation, Bliss placed the wedding band on my finger and said, "I do."

The wedding officiant then proclaimed, "In front of this gathering before us, I now pronounce you, Bliss and Shane, husband and wife. Shane, you may kiss your bride."

I sure did. Julian kept clearing his throat, but I did not care.

After a long few minutes, we finally broke apart.

"May I now present to you Mr. & Mrs. Shane and Bliss Landes."

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

Thank you for reading chapter 52.

LL Cool J and New Edition videos are courtesy of YouTube.

And thank you for your votes and comments.