So, Here I Am

Chapter Forty Five Not The End

Five years later ....... 

The flawless 5 carat, princess cut diamond solitaire ring encircling Maggie's finger sparkled like a million sunbeams caught it's facets in their glowing embrace, blinding anyone within fifty feet of it's glare.

"Can you not wear that thing when it's sunny out ?"  Larry laughed at her, furrowing his brow.  His answer came in the form of a derisory stuck out tongue.  Issy had her own version of Maggie's engagement ring, and though more modest, it was totally her.  Their men had chosen wisely, matching beautifully the symbol of their undying love and affection perfectly to their girls personality.  And their partners fit them perfectly too.

Laurent and Maggie, as a couple, were chic, sophisticated, and total fashion plates.  They loved the L.A. and London cultural scene, attending the ballet and the opera, the latter more so for Maggie, but Laurent learned to appreciate it, if not to love it.  They went to gallery openings and charity events, mostly where Maggie was a chair or co-chair, or when it was her own trusts events.  Maggie learned a lot about dance too, attending a lot of Les Twins workshops and appearances.  In the Arts world, they were a force to be reckoned with, what with Laurent's talent and persona, and Maggie's money and charity work. 

Larry and Issy, on the other hand, while still a force of nature in their own right, were a little more subdued in their everyday lives.  More eco warriors than boardroom warriors.  Larry was still his usual ebullient self, energetic and silly, but Issy kept him grounded, a little more serious and thoughtful.  They shared a home in L.A., that was previously Issy's lovely apartment when she was single.  They had both loved it so much, they found no need to buy another house or apartment just for the sake of it, although that may be changing soon, just because of the present circumstances.  Laurent and Maggie had bought a house in London, so they would stay there when they visited them while they were in residence, or when the Twins work took them to Europe for any length of time.  They frequented organic farmers markets, took part in beach clean ups, even the occasional march or demo for their chosen cause.  Each couple doing their own thing, contributing to what was important in each of their conjoined lives.  

Their weddings were completely different too.  Maggie choosing, out of necessity rather than choice when she thought about it, a large society wedding in London, Laurent going along with it, realising it would be good publicity, not just for them as a couple, and for both their professional lives and for Maggie's trusts, but for Les Twins, too.  Larry had complained bitterly, as being Laurent's best man, having to, in his words, "get dressed up like a dog's dinner".  A kiss on the cheek from Maggie and he forgave her immediately.  Whereas he and Issy eloped to Las Vegas, their wedding breakfast an In'n'Out burger from a drive thru.  

Laughter and chatter could be heard approaching them, two pairs of footsteps tapping across the bamboo floor of the house towards the french doors that opened onto the garden and pool.  Being ensconsed under a sun umbrella, Maggie and Issy turned around to find A.J. and Soraya beaming at them.  

"You came !"  Maggie beamed equally as brightly at her son and his partner, getting up to greet them.  

"How could we not ?"  A.J. said, hugging his mother tightly, kissing her cheek.  After Issy and Soraya were done with their own hug, it was Maggie's turn.  She patted Soraya's ever expanding baby bump, passing her love on to her first grandchild, warm and comfy in it's albeit temporary home.  

"How far along are you, Raya ?"  she asked.

"30 weeks.  I know !  Where has that gone ?!"

"It'll be the last time she can fly, so I told her to make up her mind where she want's to live for the next few months, because we won't be going anywhere for a while."  A.J. interjected, placing a soft kiss to Soraya's head. They had traveled from London, especially to help celebrate Maggie and Laurent's 4th wedding anniversary.  He hadn't seen his mother in a while, being she and his brother had chosen L.A. as their primary residence, Laurent's and Les Twins work being here more often than not.