Elias woke up from a nice relaxed sleep, he'd met with Godfather Salvatore who had finally granted his blessing for himself & Isabella to be together, properly, and officially. They need not hide their emotions anymore, and could show affection to one another in public. Upon receiving the news, Elias took a celebratory bottle of Whiskey home and drank it long into the night before falling asleep. But this morning was not a hangover lurking, but pure excitement. He picked up the phone and dialled Isabella 'Hello my love - I've missed you! I'm sure you've been super busy, just like I. But I need you to come over, or I can come to you? We need to have a discussion, but there's nothing to worry about this time, you nee dent bring an army of bodyguards. I'm not in trouble, and neither are you' 

Elias couldn't hide the excitement in his voice as he waited for Isabella to speak back to him.

Isabella heard his tone but she was skeptical - after all, WHEN hadn't there been some form of trouble that caused them to get together?  "Alright..."  She said tentatively.  "But if I end up in a lake again... I'm holding you under a while."  She let out a chuckle.  "I'll come by shortly."

Isabella dressed in a new suit and primped her hair, put on rouge and lipstick.  She spritzed herself with a bit of the perfume that Elias has gotten for her and the headed out the door.  On her way there she stopped and picked up a life vest from a local merchant... and before going to the door she put it on for humor's sake.

She knocked and waited.

Elias opened the door to see his dear Isabella standing there...wearing a life vest!! 'My love, I've seen you in some damn, sexy outfits over the months, but this one..has to top them all!' he chuckled as he pulled her in close and gave her a kiss before closing the door behind her.. 'so how are you? I've heard some important news that's been passed down various hoods...about you..is there some good news you wish to tell me about your situation Izzy?' 

Elias had clearly heard that Isabella was due to start a criminal family of her own, and before he delivered his own news, he wanted to see if the rumours that he'd heard were in fact true too..

Isabella looked at Elias like he was crazy.  "Do you WANT my father to shoot you?  All it will take is for some street rat to run tattling to my father that you were being handsy in the door way and that I went in after and boom... you really do live dangerously Eli."

She sighed.  "Yes... I do have news though how the hell you found out is beyond me, Mister."  She smirked.  "A girl gets one big piece of news like this and she hopes no one knows so she can tell them... and here you are spoiling my fun by already knowing."  She leaned casually against the door frame.  "I should shoot whoever told you."

She thinks about that a moment.  "Maybe you could pretend to not know... and I'll tell you."  She waits for Elias to put on a mock neutral face and she clears her throat.  "Elias,"  She says very 'seriously.'  "I have to ask you something and I hope that you'll do me the honor of saying yes."

"When two people have been together through as much as we have... they build a special bond..."  she couldn't contain herself, she busted out laughing.  "I'M GETTING AUTHORIZED!"  She threw her arms around Elias and kissed him again.  First passionately and full exuberance and then slow and purposeful.  As their lips parted and she held his gaze a little longer, her arms still around his thick neck as she all but hung from him she said quietly, "There's only one person I could ever truly call my Right Hand.  Say you won't make me ask anyone but you?"

Elias done his best to put on his surprised face before reacting happily to the news that Isabella confirmed. She was authorised to start a family of her own. Elias always knew when that day came that she would want him to be part of it, but being asked to represent the family by her side, as her right hand. Was not an honour he thought he would be given. He loved Isabella more than life itself, but balancing love & family life wasn't an easy thing. But nonetheless, Elias was determined he could make it work..

'My love, it would be my honour to stand by your side, I've always wanted to stand by your side. Ever since the shooting, it finally made me realise that I can't hide my love for you anymore, I admitted it to myself, and since our mutual affections are known to each other...I've been much happier..'

Elias continued as he took Isabella by the hand into the middle of the room..'My love, I am so proud that you've gained an authorisation. I remember the day we first met, you were a complete unknown to our troublesome life, we've had many dangerous assignments together, and I'm so pleased to see what you've become..you've asked if I would like to be your right hand, now please give me your left hand..'

Elias kissed the fingertips of Isabella's left hand, kneeled down on the floor before taking out the small box from his suit jacket, he opened the case and exposed the sapphire & diamond encrusted engagement ring, that belonged to his grandmother...

'Izzy, you came into my life, and you've made my life...you are my life, I can't remember a day of my life without you in it where I was happy. You've rescued me from the darkness, and it would be my honour if you would marry me...'

Isabella trembled.  She didn't have to ask if her father had given his blessing, to be sure he had or Elias wouldn't dare do something so monumentally suicidal and positively perfect.  Tears welled up in her eyes.  She nodded enthusiastically, "Yes, Eli... a million times over, yes!"

He rose up, towering over her as he did, his arms wrapping around her like a shield from all the world's woes.  She could smell him and she tried to memorize that scent - taking it deep into herself.  She languished in the feel of him, knowing that this time, he didn't have to send her away.  Finally, they were well and truly allowed to be together.

"There's just one problem..."  She whispered by his ear.  "With us launching a crew we'll have no time for a honeymoon... I hope you can forgive the rain check on that?"  She laughed.  "But I promise you... what we're about to do will make all the sacrifices worth it."

'My love, getting a yes from you and seeing you wear that ring makes me the happiest man in the world. We don't need a honeymoon, spending all of this time getting the family up and running is more than enough for me..'

Elias kissed Isabella softly, and pulled her into him gently...'shall we go out to dinner to uhm..celebrate? That ring looks so beautiful on you young lady...'

"Let's.  You'll need the energy for later."  She gave him a playful wink and backed away before he could grab her and change his mind about leaving.  "I refuse to set foot back in this apartment with you until we've eaten, had a drink, and you've danced at least three lindies and one slow dance with me.  THEN ... you can come back and I'll let you see the new outfit I bought and tell you all about my plans for The Ivory Tower."

She wondered which he'd ask about first... her new outfit, or the Tower.  Being Elias' wife was going to be one hell of an adventure, of that she was sure.