It was a big day. Not only did it mark the joyous matrimony of Teun and Rosa, but it marked Niels and Amanda's 4th wedding anniversary. As usual, Emi was a bundle of excitement. Amanda had lost count of how many times she’d had to fix her daughter’s hair. It was probably less than the amount of times Isa had brushed Aubreys curly hair. But at last, both flowergirls were settled. Aubrey was quiet in Isa’s arms, sucking on a bottle, while Emi sat and gazed in awe at Rosa’s wedding gown. “Is pwetty!” she’d remarked. “Can I weah it?” Amanda’s eyes wandered over to where her mother sat. It was obvious that Rosa was nervous, and knowing her mother, Amanda guessed she was silently rehearsing her vows or praying for the best. Was it already four years ago that Amanda was in that exact situation? Amanda could still remember how patient Rosa had been with her, keeping her calm until the moment of the ceremony. It was hard to believe that four years had sailed by so quickly, but many, many happy memories certainly filled the gaps. Emilia, their three-year-old daughter, was everyday proof of their ever-growing love. Amanda smiled, the overwhelming joy bringing tears to her eyes. She fanned at her face with her hand, trying to ward off the tears lest they ruin her make-up. Emi stood up from her spot and ran over to Amanda. “Are you oki, mummy?” she asked. Amanda nodded and smoothed Emi’s hair with her hand. Emi giggled and put her own hands on Amanda’s growing, asking “Can I kiss witto bwotho?” Amanda smiled and permitted her to do so. Emi pressed her face against Amanda’s belly, gifting it with a big kiss. “I’m sure he liked that,” Amanda said with a wink. “Now go get your flower basket. It’s almost time for Grandma to get married!” “Yaaay!” Emi rejoiced. “Yay!” Amanda echoed. Thanks to all the available babysitters at Rosa and Teun's wedding reception, Amanda and Niels had the perfect opportunity to sneak out for some alone time. While Isa looked after Emi, Amanda and Niels excused themselves from the party and ventured out into the crisp night air. With a shawl wrapped around her shoulders and Niels' warm arms, the chill was rather easy to withstand.
The town was beautiful, even in the scant illumination of the moon. Hand in hand, the two strolled past the lovely houses together. They spoke of their parents' marriage, Amanda inquiring if it bothered him that they were lawfully "siblings" now. But Niels' response ("we were first") made Amanda giggle. He was right, though. No amount of legal papers could separate them or delegitimise their relationship. They'd been soulmates since childhood and married for four years. At last, they arrived at the nearby botanical gardens. Even in the winter, and in the darkness of nightfall, it was a beautiful sight to behold. The fountain glowed with a mysterious, blue light, giving off a romantic ambience. And as if that wasn't enough, Niels had a picnic set up for them... by candlelight. Amanda nearly squealed with delight at this discovery. As they sat down on the blanket, Amanda cuddled close and Niels handed her a cup of alcohol-free champagne. "Thumbs up for the most unique anniversary surprise," she said, beaming. "Oh?" Niels asked, grinning. "Happy anniversary, baby."
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Amanda at a GlanceNames: Amanda Pontremoli, Amanda van Loon Archives
August 2017
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