Hello Again (Sequel)

Accepting the Offer

"Today marks exactly three years since The Heart of Saint Evangeline was started," I spoke into the microphone. "At ten years old, my mother died, leaving me in the custody of my father. At sixteen, I emancipated myself from his custody. I thought that was the end of it, that I'd never see the man again. However, my dad is one of my greatest supporters in this endeavor. I love you, Daddy." I paused my speech and blew a kiss to Tres Alex, who was sitting at a table near the front of the stage with my stepmother and Lil Alex. "My Aunt Jeanie and Uncle Ryoji (Ranka's real name) have also been by my side since day one. Without them, I wouldn't have had the courage to follow my dreams. My best friend Haruhi, her husband Tamaki, and my high school friends Takashi, Mitskuni, and Kyoya have worked with me for three years, one thousand and ninety-five days! They have contributed so much time and hard work into this organization, and for that I am eternally grateful. My greatest motivation is my little girls, Lily Faith and Rose Grace. Recently, I have found solace and support in Kaoru and Hikaru Hitachiin, my future brother-in-law and my future husband. Most of all, I want to thank you all. All of you wonderful people that decided to start a career with Heart of Saint Evangeline. Evangeline Landry-Breaux was a kind, generous person who had a wealth of love to give. I created The Heart of Saint Evangeline in honor of my mother, because she brightened my life...and I hope to do that for everyone someday. Thank you," I closed, stepping off of the stage.

I was reciprocated with applause. This was the first anniversary event I had held, and I had personally invited and brought all of my employees to Japan to celebrate. There, of course, were some that couldn't make it; in total, 1,754 people filled the hall that had been reserved. Hikaru met me at the end of the stage and offered his hand. Smiling, I took it and he guided me to where our daughters, Tamaki, Haruhi, and Kaoru sat.

It had been two months since Hikaru and I moved into the house together, and I was starting to find comfort in him. The love I have for him has always been there and will always be; love wasn't lacking at all in our relationship. It was comfort and trust, mostly on my part. I had built up so many walls between me and the world after what had happened with Ryo, and Hikaru had knocked them all down like Joshua in Jericho. Our relationship was starting to feel like...well, an actual relationship. He kissed my hand before letting it go to pull out my chair, and I blushed and giggled like a school girl as I sat down. He took his seat next to me just as the band took the stage and began to play. "Daddy, dance!" Lily demanded. "Unkie, dance wit me?" Rose pleaded. The twins stood with matching smiles as they took their niece and daughter to the dance floor. "You're not going to dance?" Haruhi asked. I rested my head in my hands on the table. "Nah, I'm okay," I yawned. Tamaki nudged Haruhi with a wicked grin and mumbled, "Must be all those long nights." My face grew hot and I sat up straight immediately. "N-no! That's not- we don't- we haven't done anything since the party at your house!" I exclaimed. Haruhi raised an eyebrow at me and nudged her husband, signaling that it was 'girl talk' time. He sighed and drug Auntie to the dance floor. Haruhi leaned over the table and whispered, "You two haven't done anything?" I shook my head. "Nope. I've barely gotten comfortable with sleeping in the same bed as him," I replied. "Any time he gets close to me I freeze up or shut down. I know, logically I know he isn't going to hurt me. I mean, it's Hikaru for Christ's sake! He wouldn't hurt a fly. But still, I'm so scared." Ranka suddenly came over, his black suit and red tie ironed to perfection and his maroon hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail. He grinned cheerfully. "Excuse me. I'd like to steal my daughter for a dance." Without another word, he took her hand and led her to the dance floor. Auntie and Ranka stared lovingly at one another as they danced with Tamaki and Haruhi. I sighed happily as I watched them together.

After Haruhi's mother died, Ranka swore he would never love another woman. Yet, there was something Jeanie pulled out of him when they were together that made him head-over-heels for her. Of course he would never love her like he loved Haruhi's mother, but a new love was able to grow from both of their pain. Auntie was in love once, but the man left her at the altar without an explanation or farewell. Ranka made her feel joy again. Their relationship was a peculiar one, but they fit together like puzzle pieces. Ranka was still a cross-dressing bartender, and Auntie was still devoted to her work...but they brought out a spark in each other that they believed died out long ago.

"A.J.?" a voice brought me out of my thoughts and I looked up to see Hikaru standing above me with his hand outstretched. I looked around quickly and sighed in relief when I saw Lily with my dad. He wore a tan suit that matched his brother, wearing a pale blue tie instead of a burnt orange one like Kaoru. My dress matched Hikaru's, a sky blue with a beige sash. It was simple, but when he looked at me-- God, when he looked at me-- I might as well have been adorned with the finest silk and most exquisite jewels. He made me feel like a queen. "Asking me to dance?" I murmured, my lips twitching in a playful smirk. His smile grew. "No, I want to show you something," he said. I took his hand, following without hesitation as we left behind the herds of people that filled the grand hall. We were soon outside, nothing but stars and a full moon to guide us. We walked hand-in-hand, stopping at a large gazebo with deep blue sweet peas woven into the frame of the arch. He stopped in the center of the gazebo and turned to face me. "Adrienne. I have told you before that I will ask until you say yes-" He paused to get down on one knee, pulling a small box out of his jacket pocket.

"Please let today be yes. Will you do me the honor of becoming Mrs. Adrienne Jeanette Hitachiin?" He looked up at me with loving, hopeful eyes. His face blurred as tears clouded my vision. How could I deny this man? This man who loved me, took care of me, and wanted to spend eternity with me. Better yet, why was I denying myself? I loved him with every fiber of my being, and I wanted nothing more than to be with him. Ah, what the hell? I thought, (for once) swallowing my fear. "Yes," I whispered. His eyes widened with shock and his entire face lit up with joy as he stood, taking me in his arms and spinning me around. "Yes? Yes?!" he shouted, his voice raising with giddiness. "Yes!" I shouted, linking my arms around his neck and kissing him passionately. I wanted to scream it for the whole world to hear: I am going to marry Hikaru Hitachiin! I heard a few cheers and I whirled around to see all of the former hosts standing nearby, applauding our (official) engagement. Haruhi was holding my camera, grinning as she captured (probably not the first, but) a photo. "Hikaru and Adrienne are back together for real now!" Honey cheered. Kyoya smiled, pushing his glasses up. "I suppose you're right Honey-senpai...I also suppose I should start putting together a budget before Tamaki goes wild," he sighed, his smile faltering into a look of annoyance. As if on cue, Tamaki blind sided me, picking me up in a bone-crushing embrace as he danced around like a lithe sprite. "DADDY'S PRECIOUS GIRL IS GETTING MARRIED!!!" he wailed. My temple throbbed and I squirmed in his arms. "Not...your...daughter," I gasped. Hikaru whispered something to Tamaki and he let me go immediately, rushing off in a whirlwind of incoherent shouting. My friends made their presence sparse, leaving Hikaru and me alone outside again. "What was all that about?" I snorted. My breath was suddenly stolen from me as Hikaru picked me up bridal style. "I made arrangements for Lily and Rose to stay with their Aunt Haruhi and all of their uncles at the Suoh home tonight. I have plans for you, my bride," he whispered huskily as he carried me to where his car was waiting. The valet just laughed and opened the door for him.

Like it? Hate it? I'm thinking about starting a KevEdd fic because KevEdd is bae <3 ...then again, I do have several stories unfinished. Maybe I'll wait. What do y'all think?