Chapter Text
They got their dream wedding in Malta with their family and friends around them, and it was a day filled with happiness and love. Twenty minutes after dancing the wedding dance, Joe took Nicky's hand.
"Come," Joe whispered. "I promise, they won't miss us that much, and we will be back in time for the fireworks."
The fireworks were Joe's idea, and Nicky loved it. Nicky looked around at their wedding guests, who all seemed to be enjoying themselves, so he went with Joe. Joe led them down a small path behind their summer house until they reached the cliffs.
"I hope you are not planning on jumping into the ocean at this hour," Nicky said. "Or asking me to do it."
"Don't worry. I promise that my fear of heights is preventing me from jumping into the ocean," Joe replied. "No, I just want to have a moment alone with my hubby."
Joe spun Nicky around, who smiled.
"I don't mind having a moment alone with you," Nicky said. "But I don't know what to think about you calling me your hubby. It is the word "hubby" that bugs me."
Joe chuckled. Joe knew Nicky well enough to know that there were certain words he hated.
"Then I will call you my husband," Joe said before kissing Nicky. "Now, I got you something. Call it a wedding gift."
Nicky watched Joe find a packet behind one of the rocks.
"I love getting gifts," Nicky replied. "But I didn't bring your wedding gift."
"You saying yes to marrying me is all I could ask for," Joe replied. "Because that is one of the things I dreamt of doing with you."
"Incrurable romantic," Nicky replied. "What else is on your list of things you want to do with me?"
"I will tell you tomorrow," Joe replied. "Because there is time enough."
Joe placed the packet in Nicky's hand. As usual, Nicky took his time to unwrap his gift, something Joe loved. When Nicky saw his wedding gift, he couldn't stop laughing.
"A few months ago, I thought about what you said about that one day we would laugh at what happened on the day I proposed to you," Joe said. "So, I made you a figurine of the events."
Joe had created a clay muffin with a ring on top and an X-ray of a stomach on the sides.
"I love it so much, Joe," Nicky said. "Thank you."
Nicky kissed Joe.
"I think I will place the muffin on my desk," Nicky said. "Is that okay with you?"
"That is more than fine with me," Joe replied. "So, about my wedding gift?"
"Yeah," Nicky replied. "What about it?"
"If I promise you all the muffins you can eat, will that convince you to tell me about it?" Joe asked. "Please, Nicky."
Nicky smiled.
"No, you have to wait another week," Nicky replied. "I cannot pick it up before that."
"Yes, I know that," Joe replied. "Just a little hint."
Nicky shook his head.
"Oh, look at the clock," Nicky said. "We'd better get back to our wedding guests."
"I will get you to tell me about it," Joe replied. "Just wait and see."
A week later, Joe was waiting in the living room for Nicky to return home with his wedding gift. When Joe heard the car, he pretended to be reading.
"Is that a new way of reading?" Nicky asked. "I mean upside down."
"Yes, it is the latest trend among the teens," Joe replied. "You should try it one day."
"I will write it on the list," Nicky replied. "Now, close your eyes so I can give you your wedding gift."
"Okay," Joe replied. "I cannot wait."
When Nicky was sure Joe had closed his eyes, Nicky placed the wedding gift between Joe's hands.
"I think, if I had to guess," Joe said as he ran his hand over the wedding gift. "You bought me a basket."
"Open your eyes and have a look," Nicky replied. "I promise it is something you have always wanted."
Joe opened his eyes and saw indeed that he was holding a basket in his hands. But Joe soon forgot all about the basket when he saw what was inside it.
"I cannot believe it," Joe said. "You got me an Old English Sheepdog puppy."
Joe picked up the puppy with a big smile.
"Yes," Nicky replied. "I thought it was best to give her to you after the wedding, when things had settled down a bit again."
"Great thinking," Joe replied. "Did you say the puppy is a girl?"
Joe lifted the puppy to check.
"She is a girl, and I know just what to call her," Joe said. "I want to call her Calliope since Calliope in Greek mythology is the muse of poetry. Is that okay with you?"
"I love that name," Nicky replied. "Should we go outside and play with Calliope? I bought a ball for her."
It was a plan Joe could get behind. And while they played with Calliope in the backyard of their summer house in Malta, Joe and Nicky both knew they had never been happier and more in love with each other than they were right now. And Joe and Nicky both wished for more days like this.