Promise of Forever
      Chapter 20
 

 
It has been a month since Theresa killed her father and then turned the gun on herself. Danny is finally free of the “family business”. Danny and Michelle decided that Carmen needed to know the truth about Mick’s death. They both suspected she was faking her “breakdown” as a way to avoid being punished for Ben’s death, but when she learned the truth she really did suffer a breakdown. She actually felt guilty for all the horrible things she had done to both Michelle and Danny all in the name of “revenge”, she and Michelle will never have a close relationship and Danny will never allow her to be “mother” to him again, but she did promise them that she would no longer interfere in their lives and try to destroy their happiness. Even though she is making progress the doctor’s at the hospital have told Danny and Michelle that she will be there for a very long time.

Danny has taken over the operation of Sancorp, and is working on a deal to merge it Lewis Construction. It is a deal that will benefit both companies. It will give Lewis working capital, plus allow them to be diversified, and it will allow Danny the freedom to make a legitimate living, and come and go as he pleases. He has elected for now not to be fully involved with the day to day operations of the newly formed company so that he and Michelle can spend all of their time together, relishing the “normal” life they have worked so hard for. Another bonus of this merger that Danny won’t admit to but, Michelle knows, he sees as the biggest benefit is that his name will now be respected, not feared, when the merger is complete Lewis-Santos Enterprises will give Danny a source of personal pride in his family name that he has never known before.

Michelle is waiting for Danny to come home from a meeting. They have moved into the garage apartment just like they had planned, but it won’t be for long. Danny immediately put Lewis Construction to work on their new home and it will be finished in a few more weeks. Danny gave Michelle “carte blanche” to decorate the house whatever way she wanted, and she has done just that, she lovingly picked out every piece of furniture, every wall color and wallpaper design. This house will truly be “theirs” and she wanted it to be reflected in the decorating. Michelle is lost in her daydream of their home when she feels two muscular arms snake around her waist.

“Good Afternoon, Sexy.”

Turning in his arms she places a light kiss on his lips, “Mmmm, I thought you were the sexy one.”

“Well, of course, I guess we are just an incredibly sexy couple.”

She flashes the smile he loves so, “Why of course, you’re right as usual, Mr. Santos. How was your meeting?”

“My meeting went great, Lewis-Santos Enterprises, is official!”

“You signed the papers today?! I didn’t know that, why didn’t you tell me? We have to go celebrate.”

“I already have plans for that, now go change your clothes, I have another surprise for you.”

“Another surprise,” she runs her tongue over her lips and presses her body to him, “care to give me a hint?”

“Mmmmm, nope, I don’t think so, just go change and you’ll find out soon.”

“What should I change in to?”

“Something fun and casual. I’m going to change to.”

They emerge from their bedroom, Michelle in a short, yellow baby doll style dress and sandals, Danny wearing khaki shorts and a red polo shirt.

They get in the car and head to their destination, Michelle pouting until she figures out where the car is heading.

“Danny, are we going to The Falls?”

“Oh, you’re so smart, how’d you guess.”

Michelle lightly punches his arm, “Smart Ass.”

Danny can’t help but chuckle as he reaches for her hand and brings it to his lips. “Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Yes, we are going to Laurel Falls, I thought a nice quiet picnic for two would be the perfect way to celebrate. Plus I want to check and see how things are coming on the house, I haven’t been here for a few days.”

“Honey, it sounds perfect and it’s a beautiful day for a picnic, I can’t wait to see the sunset.”

They arrive at the falls and make their way to the spot where there house is being built, tears spring to Michelle’s eyes at the sight before her. It’s their house, finished with a huge bow around it.

“Danny.....” she jumps into his arms, “how did you do this? It’s perfect.”

“Are you happy Baby?”

“Oh Danny yes!”

“Being the owner of the company building your house has it’s advantages. I wanted it to be finished when the merger was complete.”

Danny takes her hand and leads her to the porch, Michelle spots a bronze plaque in the wall beside the front door, it reads “Danny & Michelle Santos...Forever”

She is speechless as she turns to look at her amazing husband tears running down her face. He sweeps her into his arms and carries her over the threshold carrying her up the stairs to their bedroom, and they begin to fulfill their “promise of forever.”

THE END