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The next week flew by. Both Maxie and Spinelli had been too busy to connect. In addition to her regular work at Crimson, Maxie had to finalize Kate’s wedding plans, as well as travel arrangements for the guests who were still able to attend. Most of Kate’s so-called friends had made other plans as soon as the wedding was canceled a few weeks ago. Kate’s maid-of-honor had flown to Europe on business, so Maxie was asked to stand in—a position she was eager to accept. In the midst of it all she had been able to get an appointment with Dr. Kelly Lee, thanks to Robin. Maxie received confirmation on her pregnancy, as well as strict instructions on how to take care of her health. Maxie’s heart condition could potentially be a complication. Unfortunately, Maxie thrived upon stress. Though what might send others into a meltdown, got her blood pumping with excitement.

Spinelli had immediately spoken to Jasper Jacks about his business proposal, which was most definitely still on the table. Jax was happy to get Spinelli under his wing, the extra perk being he had taken something away from Jason Morgan. He put the young man to work the next day designing a new computer network for his local investment firm. And if he was happy with the final product he would have Spinelli do the same for his other companies. Back at the penthouse, real estate magazines littered Jason’s coffee table. Spinelli just wasn’t sure what type of house Maxie would want. He had considered a stylish loft in the city, but that was no place to raise a child. He would have to do some detective work.

Kate and Sonny’s wedding day finally arrived and Maxie was busy ordering people around the church. She directed the florist to the chapel and the makeup and hair people to the dressing room and discussed the last minute changes with the priest. After an hour of running around she was exhausted. She lay down in one of the pews and flung her arm across her face, uncaring of her appearance.

“Maxie? Are you all right?” Lu Lu looked down at her with concern. “Kate’s been asking for you.”

“Oh, sorry. I just needed to rest for a minute.”

“Maxie, you’ve been MIA for half an hour!”

“What?!” She sat up quickly and was hit by a wave of dizziness. She clutched her head. “Oh, no! This is not going to happen today! How could you let me stay in here so long?”

“Sorry! I didn’t know where you were. I came in here several times before I decided to check each row.” Lu Lu helped her up.

“Thanks.” Maxie nearly fell over.

“I’ve got you. Are you sure you can do this?”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine… in a minute... I hope.” Maxie let Lu Lu walk her back to the bride's room.

“Oh, Maxie, there you are! I’ve been worried sick.” Kate studied Maxie’s pale face. “Maybe I was right to worry? Are you going to be well enough to stand up for me? Can you even stand on your own?”

Maxie let go of Lu Lu’s arm and steadied herself, taking a deep cleansing breath. “Ahh... See? I’m good.”

Kate wasn’t so sure. “I don’t want you throwing up all over my gown in there.” She pointed to a bag in the corner. “I took the liberty of bringing some saltines and ginger ale. Please help yourself.”

Maxie smiled. “Thanks, Kate.”

“You’re welcome. Now hurry up! You have less than twenty minutes to get ready!”

-

Spinelli sat in the front row of the church. He barely took his eyes off Maxie. She caught him staring at her a couple times and her cheeks flamed. She hoped he liked what he saw. The long pale pink gown wasn’t something she would have chosen for herself, but once she put it on she felt like a princess. She noticed how handsome he looked his dark suit. It was very unique with its subtle floral pattern. And those black-and-white shoes were so Spinelli. She suppressed a giggle.

The simple ceremony was over in a few minutes and the guests drove over to the Metro Court for a lovely reception. Sonny and Kate greeted everyone as they entered the ballroom. Spinelli was apprehensive about approaching Sonny, having been a major source of distress for the ex-mobster. But it was all for naught. When he extended his hand in congratulations, Sonny accepted it with a smile. “Thanks for coming, Spinelli. I know I’ve been hard on you and, well, you didn’t deserve it. You’re an okay guy.”

Spinelli was overjoyed. “Thank you, Mr. Corinthos, Sir. It lightens The Jackal’s heart greatly to know that you carry no ill will towards him. And I must say that I have always held you in the highest regard, an honorable mobster such as yourself.”

Maxie walked up and mumbled a greeting as she directed Spinelli away from the newlyweds. “Don’t push your luck, Spinelli.”

“Did I say something to offend?”

“No, but I’m pretty sure you were about to.”

“Oh, well The Jackal is in your debt for averting him from yet another awkward encounter with the Pacino-esque One.”

“My pleasure.”

He gave her a slight bow. “I must say, Maximista looks quite fetching tonight.”

“Thank you, Spinelli,” she said sweetly before glancing around the room.

“Have you lost something?”

“Actually, I'm looking for someone. Federico said he might be at the reception. I really wanted you to meet him.”

“Federico? Oh, joy of joys,” he mumbled.

“Hmm. I guess he couldn’t make it after all.”

Spinelli smiled. "I guess The Jackal will be monopolizing Maximista's time this evening."

Suddenly Maxie gasped and bounced up and down, waving her hands. “It’s him! It’s him! Federico!” She shouted his name, while Spinelli pouted.

A handsome young man in a dark burgundy suit waved back. “Maxie, my love!” he called out in a heavy Spanish accent. The young dark and handsome man trotted over and air kissed beside each of her cheeks. “Muah! Muah!” He eyed her dress. “Oh my gawd! You look ab fab, dahling!”

Spinelli scrunched up his nose at the man’s strange way of speaking. “Ab fab?”

“Absolutely fabulous,” Maxie explained.

“Oh.”

Federico turned to Spinelli. “What a whimsical suit! And those shoes are just a riot! I heart them!” He spoke to Maxie, “Now here’s a man who’s not afraid to take a fashion risk.”

“You have no idea,” Maxie laughed. “Federico, this is Spinelli.”

Federico gasped. “The best friend? What a cutie pie! Maxie, you did not tell me how adorable he was!”

Spinelli stared at him in confusion.

“Back off, Federico! He’s not your type.”

“His type?” Spinelli asked.

“You’re too young for me anyway,” Federico admitted. “I prefer my men with some miles on them, if you know what I mean.” He giggled.

Spinelli gave him a fake laugh in return. He stepped closer to Maxie and put his arm around her. “So you’re not interested in Maximista?”

Maxie laughed. “As if.”

“Maximista?” Federico noticed Spinelli’s possessive gesture. “My my, don’t you two look cozy.”

Maxie and Spinelli glanced at each other nervously and blushed.

“Ooh, something is going on here! You have a secret, yes? Tell Federico,” he whispered, moving in closer.

Maxie bit her lip. “Well, it’s not really a secret.” She would have to tell everyone soon enough anyway. No time like the present. “It's not really public knowledge yet, but... I'm pregnant.”

Federico looked at Maxie and pointed a questioning finger to Spinelli. Upon her nod he slapped his hand over his mouth to stifle a scream. He jogged a giddy little happy dance before crushing Maxie to him in a hug. Then he did the same to Spinelli.

“Oh, okay,” Spinelli laughed nervously.

“I’m so happy for you both! That is going to be one beautiful bebe.” He held a hand to each of their cheeks and patted. “You’ve got my creative juices flowing. New ideas! Oh, the possibilities! Couture Maternity! I have to do your wedding dress!” He looked around frantically. “I must find a pencil and paper.” He scampered off with an excited shriek.

"No, wait! We're not getting married..." Maxie's voice trailed off. She looked at Spinelli’s shocked expression and laughed. “Well, that was Federico.”

“He’s a bit um... unusual.”

“Yeah... but I happen to like eccentric people.” She blinked at him.

Spinelli gave her a crooked grin.

“Dance with me?” Maxie held out her hand. He accepted it and followed her to the middle of the room, where other couples were swaying to the romantic music. Spinelli attempted to waltz with her, but she shook her head. “Just hold me,” she said softly. He pulled her into his embrace and they gently moved together. She sighed and leaned her head on his shoulder. It felt so good to be in his arms again.

Kate tapped Sonny on the shoulder and pointed towards the dance floor. “What did I tell you?”

He saw Maxie and Spinelli on the dance floor. “Well, would you look at that?”

“Thank you for being so nice to him… and for not mentioning you-know-what. I don’t want Maxie to think I can’t keep my mouth shut.”

“Anything for you, sweetheart.” He flashed his dimples and kissed her sweetly before looking back at Maxie and Spinelli. “Who would’ve ever thought those two would fall in love.”

“Stranger things have happened. And according to Maxie, they’re just friends.”

Sonny laughed. “Yeah, right.”

Spinelli rested his chin on Maxie's head with eyes closed. His senses were filled with her, the silken tresses against his skin, the delicious orange scent of her shampoo, the sound of her breathing so close to his ear. He wanted to stay like this forever. Suddenly quiet laughter and soft murmurs echoed around him. He opened his eyes and froze.

Maxie lifted her head. "Huh?" Everyone was staring at them! The music had stopped and Sonny's father was waiting to make a toast.

"You kids ready?" Mike asked with a gleam in his eye.

Maxie waved to him. "Sorry, Mike! I think I was falling asleep!"

Spinelli bit his lip in embarrassment.

"Not what a man wants to hear, Maxie," Mike teased. The crowd roared with laughter and Mike went on to toast the bride and groom.

Maxie looked up at Spinelli. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that."

"No need for Maximista to apologize. The wee one is no doubt making her tired. Perhaps we should adjourn from the festivities."

"Good idea." She linked her arm through his and he led her out of the ballroom.


Spinelli drove Maxie home, making small talk. Somehow he managed to steer the conversation towards architecture. He expressed his appreciation for the Victorian era.

"Victorians are cool, but if we're talking houses I really love the Cape Cod style. You know, the kind with the little white picket fence. Storybook charm."

"Hmm. I would've never pictured Maximista as the white picket fence type."

"I guess I'm just an old fashioned girl at heart. Weird, I know."

Spinelli made a mental note. Cape Cod with a white picket fence.

"How does Maximista feel about lakes?"

-
TBC