Sweep Me Off My Feet

When Michael and Angela woke up the following morning, they were both exhausted. They had made love again in the middle of the night and they had both brought their A-game. Angela would have wanted them to stay longer in Hawaii. It was not only magical. It was also a little piece of heaven where she actually had a relaxing sleep every time she closed her eyes. She was a little disappointed when Michael announced that they had to go back home that very day.

“Something came up at work and it is not something I can delegate,” he said as he held her face in his. “But I promise you, I will make it all up to you. The honeymoon doesn’t have to end just yet.”

She smiled.

“It better not,” she said, and he leaned in to kiss her cheek.

“It won’t. Now, get packing. We need to be wheels up in two hours.”

*****

Angela had sent Candy a message telling her that she would be home later that day. With Michael going to work, she knew that she couldn’t just stay home alone. So, she made sure that Candy and Brandon would be home when she got there.

“Ready to face the world?” Michael asked when they touched down.

“I guess… I don’t really feel any different,” she said in a soft voice.

“And there is no reason why you should,” he said, holding her hand.

“Well, there is the little fact that I traveled in a private jet… that is definitely something to make me feel different.”

He kissed the back of her hand and undid his seatbelt. She undid hers and exhaled loudly before she stood up and headed towards the doors. Her heart was racing, perhaps because she was excited to see her son and best friend or maybe it was because it was finally hitting her that she was a married woman. She was smiling as they stepped out, but her smile faded when the camera flashes almost blinded her.

“What is happening…” she muttered, hardly having any time to process what was going on. The next thing she knew was Michael’s arm around her, shielding her as they fought through the army of paparazzi to get to the town car that was waiting for them. It seemed like an undoable task getting to the car, but when they finally did, she could see that Michael’s demeanor had changed. “What the hell,” she wondered as she looked at him.

“I am sorry you had to go through that… I forgot how much of a mess my life back here is.”

“Yeah… why does the press know about us being married? And why are they asking me what it feels like to be part of a PR campaign?” she asked, and he exhaled loudly. He interlaced his fingers with hers and looked at her.

“Baby, I’m sorry to say, but this is my world… It is crazy, messy, and maybe I should have waited a little longer before I threw you right into the deep end…” His voice trailed off when she leaned in and kissed him.

“Hey,” she said when she pulled away. She stroked the side of his face, smiling. “I dove into the deep end. I did it and I will help you through this.”

“You don’t care that your husband has been accused of being a racist businessman?” he asked, and she shrugged. ‘

“You are going to hear some stuff about me too. This is simply my turn to be the strong one. So, anything you need, let me know.”

He smiled and gave her hand a squeeze.

“You are incredible,” he whispered. “I don’t think I could have gotten a better wife if I tried.”