islaricci

[islaricci]

Isla smiled at the other, "That is usually the best way to go about it." She said with a nod, having grown up to watch some of the boy on the football team be pushed from their parents into it more than they seemed to enjoy it. "A pole and reel.." Isla repeated while she had followed the man along over to the correct section. "Any of these in particular that you'd recommend?" @charliesxdavis

He smiled he knew Houston wasn't his blood but still could have love of baseball and have skill for it from his own. "It may be a while, but he will find his thing." Charlie wouldn't mind if it wasn't some sport. "We do..." he just wanted the boy to be happy and find his own calling. "Alright we can help with that" he teased with Houston. He walked over to the fishing area. "We can get him a good pole and reel." that was always a good gift and something a fisherman would like. @islaricci

[islaricci]

Isla chuckled, “In all fairness it is usually the experience I get whenever I come home to my parents as my mother doesn’t trust me anywhere near her kitchen.” She half joked, even if it was justified. “Hm maybe that is the answer to all my troubles." She laughed, though Elian did do a better job than her at the moment whenever he cooked, at least in her opinion. "That sounds like a good idea! Let's do that!" She smiled. "How has it been being back? You settling in okay?" @hasadxaslan

Hasad laughed with Isla's words, "And that's exactly the kind of experience you should want to have," he found himself grinning at her. "Now if you need me to give Eli some cooking lessons, you just let me know," Hasad teased with her. "Rose is good," he picked up the menu, "I'm not too picky," he told Isla, "I was thinking we could get a flight to share, get a few different kinds to try. What do you think?" @islaricci

[islaricci]

Isla grinned when he said Italy was on the list, before her eyes grew wider at the mention of both Germany and Switzerland. "Gosh, Switzerland? I have always wanted to go there!" She said, "Did you know there is a train you can take from the north of Italy through to Switzerland?" She asked, having seen clips of it on her social media, which of course made it look gorgeous. Isla nodded, "I was planning on maybe doing a discount week or something? With 20% off the entire store or something like that?" She said, "But I am open to ideas if you have any?" @elianxbrowne

"Italy is on the list again," he chuckled softly with the excitement that Isla brought to the table. "Germany and Switzerland as well," he continued on, "hoping at least two out of the three projects will kick off this summer and one later this year." It was all about the quarterly cost. "I'll never be surprised," he was grinning at Isla all the same, loving how passionate she was about her job. "It's coming up on the one year anniversary that the store's been open. Are you going to do anything special?" @islaricci

[islaricci]

Isla looked at her with a grin and a nod. “I am honestly so excited for it. I mean can you imagine how cute our babies would be?” She chuckled lowly, but she was confident enough for that statement to be true. Besides, Elian was the most beautiful man she had ever laid her eyes on. She nodded a little. “I guess it might help having some family nearby.” She thought aloud, knowing her mom would probably practically move in for a while. “I think that is good advice.” She smiled. “How are the twins?” @steviexwagner

"What?!" Stevie said a little loudly but was careful not to be too loud that she would wake the sleeping babies nearby. Hearing the news, she was so happy for her best friend and excited too. "That's so exciting, Isla. I'm so happy for you guys." She grinned before laughing a little and sitting back in her chair. "I feel you want me to lie and say that it is, but it's not. Sure, some days are better than others, but it's not easy by any means. You just have to find your own system for things and be prepared for nothing to ever go like you expect it will." @islaricci

[islaricci]

Isla smiled while watching him go in for another bite, making his statement even more passable and not just him being bias. She chuckled before shrugging, “I will for sure do my best!” She told him. Listening to him tell her about his day, she smiled. “What prospects are you looking for for summer? Is it Italy again?” She asked maybe a tad hopeful. “Well we got some early spring deliveries for the store.” She grinned, “So if I am broke by next week, don’t act all surprised.” She added with a laugh as she couldn’t help herself. @elianxbrowne

"Well we can leave it to the desserts for you," he teased his soon to be wife with a bright grin, "It will look beautiful no matter what you do," he agreed, "and taste amazing," he reached for another bite, unable to help himself. "My day was good," he told her, "quiet start to the year," which he didn't mind, "gave me some time to catch up on some emails from the weekend and a few new project prospects coming up this summer." He continued to tell Isla, "What all made your day eventful, besides making this delicious pie." @islaricci

[islaricci]

Isla smiled a little as she watched the child for a moment before looking back at the man. "Hm I guess only time will tell." She said with a grin shaped across her lips. "That is what all parents want for their kids, isn't it?" She added, gripping onto the strap of her handbag that was hanging over her shoulder before she looked ot her side. "Oh, um--" she chuckled, "No, I was looking for a present for my brother. I think he likes fishing though.. If he doesn't he could always start." @charliesxdavis

Hearing her, he smiled as he looked at what she was looking at before he chuckled. "I mean, right now, it's a close one he can already kick very well, but we will see what happens from that." he smiled. "I don't care what he will do as long as he's happy and safe" he said with a smile. "But are you looking at getting into fishing?" he asked as she was in front of the fishing stuff. @islaricci

[islaricci]

Isla chuckled before feeling her stomach sting slightly at the comparison of it being a symptom of a pregnancy brain, however she kept her face the same as she looked at her. "Yeah, something like that--" She said, "Or so I have been told I guess." She had not yet been blessed with a child of her own, though not for the lack of trying recently. "Can I get you anything else?" @lilianaxjackson

Liliana offered the other a thankful smile when she didn't make a fuss over picking up her cutlery. There could've been plenty of people to judge her for being 'lazy' or making a big deal out of it in a different way. But she appreciated the low key moment, as well as the comforting in shared experiences. "Kind of like putting your car keys in the fridge, right? Definitely been there. Pregnancy brain can be the worst." Even though she'd do anything to get back to that time. The world felt like a scarier place knowing she couldn't fully take care of her daughter, the way she had always dreamed she could. @islaricci

[islaricci]

Once Hasad explained how he usually preferred to cook over experimenting with alcoholic beverages, Isla had to let out a small chuckle in amusement as for her it tended to be the opposite. "We could not be more different from that point of view--" She began to explain, "Because I much prefer sitting back, sipping my wine, while watching others cook for me." But since getting engaged, Isla had been trying to do both. Her chin was resting into the palm of her hand that was supporting itself on the table, while the other tapped her fingers over the surface of the table while pondering his questions. "I got to admit, I have recently taken a liking to rose wine." Not having been something she had had too much of before. "What about yourself?" @hasadxaslan

starter for @islaricci

location: cunnamore vineyards

"I have to admit," Hasad began with a playful grimace, easing into his chair across from Isla, "wine tastings aren't exactly my forte." He chuckled, his tone light as he leaned forward slightly. "I always focused on the cooking side of things—perfecting dishes, experimenting with spices—but I never really explored beer, wine, or cocktails." His smile widened as he rubbed his hands together, a spark of genuine curiosity lighting his face. "But I've heard amazing things about Sanjit's pairings. People say his wines practically dance with the flavors on your plate." Hasad tilted his head, his eyes warm and inquisitive. "What about you? Is there a wine you're especially excited to try tonight?" His brow arched as he waited for her answer, clearly intrigued by her perspective.

[islaricci]

Isla was looking to exchange one of the presents she’d bought her dad for Christmas as apparently the fishing rod she’d settled for, he had bought himself just a few weeks before the holidays despite her specifically asking him what he wanted. Looking around the shop, she was trying to decide between some fishing hooks and a box to keep the hooks in when she noticed the man with the young boy. Smiling a little to herself, she decided to intervene. “Do you reckon he’ll be a football or a basketball player?” Isla asked, giving the young boy a small wave. @charliesxdavis

Today, he had Houston at Athletic Edge with him. Chantel had some work to do and things to do that she couldn't do with a nearly one-year-old. "Se,e buddy, this is fun, isn't it?" he said as he held him and looked around the sports shop. He would only have the little boy a couple hours before the sitter would get off and be able to pick him up. "See, in a few years, you can work here?" he said as he showed Houston around. Naming some the equipment and what sport it was used for. "See, you will be pros soon," he chuckled.

@islaricci

[islaricci]

Isla was as usual dropping by the cobblestone cafe to pick up her lunch. She had been waiting for the staff to finish off her green juice and packing her salad, but the sound of metal dropping had her turn her head towards the sound. Letting her eyes glance to the woman who soon after excused herself. “Of course!” She smiled, leaning down to pick it up only to place it back onto the table in front of her, but within reach. “I do that all the time myself.” She chuckled. “Not here, but like in general.” @lilianaxjackson

Liliana sat by herself at the cobblestone, which remarkably had a moment of quiet. Barely any people around. She told Travis it was okay if he left to do some things, after all, they still had to get some things out of town despite her current situation. She could only move her right half, which was all she needed to lift her cup of tea. In a clumsy moment however, she decided now was the time to put her cup on the outside of the saucer, causing it to send the teaspoon flying. She cursed under her breath, for she was restrained to her wheelchair. "Excuse me." She asked, clearly embarrassed. "Could you pick up the spoon for me? Moment of clumsiness." @islaricci

[islaricci]

Isla chuckled, “I honestly don’t even think I should help with the actual food for the wedding.” She didn’t trust herself and her skills when it came to cooking, or rather lack there off, in the slightest. “But I am glad we at least agree on that, because I think it is a cute idea.” She imagined a cake stand with small cakes all over, matching their color theme. “How was your day? As eventful as mine?” She chuckled, leaning over to kiss her fiancée’s cheek. @elianxbrowne

"I do really mean that," Elian answered with a nod of his head. He'd not lied to Isla when it came to anything she made and he wasn't going to start now. Even with her mishaps in the kitchen, he'd been honest about them. "It's amazing." He smiled at her, "I think that's a great idea," he agreed, "I know I can't help, you shouldn't let me help," he laughed as his baking skills were far less superior, "but I fully support the idea." @islaricci

[islaricci]

@elianxbrowne

[islaricci]

With watchful eyes, Isla carefully observed the man she loved dig into what she felt was probably the most successful thing she had created to date with her own two hands in the kitchen. Hearing him groan caused her lips to curve up into a smile. “Yeah? You really mean that?” She asked in excitement, glad he liked it and was still willing to give all her endeavours a try despite her multiple mishaps. “It’s good right? I was thinking maybe we should do a selection of different cakes? As like one big tower cake but different once to cater a little to everyone?” @elianxbrowne

Eli had been eagerly instructed to take a bite of his soon to be wife's lemon meringue pie. She'd returned from spending time with her grandma and Eli barely got a word out before he was being asked to give it a whirl. Which was not something he was going to complain about. As soon as he stuck the fork into his mouth, he groaned ate the taste. It was damn good, "Isla, this is so good I could marry you in this kitchen," he joked with her as he always did. Though, he meant both things that he said. "I think that's a great option for a cake option," he set the fork down and leaned over to kiss her on the forehead, "you're goddamn incredible." @islaricci

[islaricci]

Closed | @steviexwagner

"Did I tell you Elian and I have started talking about kids?" Isla said, unable to hold back her excitement as it came as no surprise to anyone who knew her that she had always wanted a house full of kids. In some ways she thought she’d have some by now, but in hindsight she was glad she didn’t as the only person she wanted to have her children with was Elian. “I think after the wedding we will start trying for real, maybe before?” She added before sighing slightly. “You make it look easy, your kids are great—“ Looking at Stevie. “Tell me it’s easy?” @steviexwagner

[islaricci]

Isla offered a small nod in return, glad things had worked out as she wasn't sure whether or not it had been returned. "Of course!" She smiled, "Always happy to help." She told him, before hearing her name get called out for her drink order, "Well, that is me--" She chuckled, "You know where to find me now, should you need any assistance with Christmas presents." She added, before giving a small wave before she went to get her drink.

THE END

He was about to grab coffee before heading into the event to see what was happening around the event. He didn't expect anyone to talk to him, most people did tend to leave him be. With how he acted at times and spoke, he wasn't a lot of people's favorite. "Oh," he thought about it for a moment to connect the dots as it had been a while. "She did." he smiled a moment as Lucy did wear the dress a few times, so it was nice she did seem to enjoy it. "So thank you" he nodded. @islaricci

[islaricci]

Isla made a small face at the woman's comment about the Christmas shopping, it serving as almost daily reminder from customers that she was very far behind herself this year. "I am usually finished by now--" She began, "But this year, I haven't even started." She added with a soft chuckle. "And sadly, I can't get everything from here for everyone I am buying for, but that would obviously have made things a lot easier." Luckily she still had some time. Seeing someone standing by the register, she offered the woman another smile. "There are some scarves on the table over there--" She said, pointing, "And accessories we keep by the register. Most of it is handcrafted by local artists, one of which actually works here!" She informed her further. "Excuse me, I just need to go take this--" Walking a little towards the register, "I'll be back in a minute to help give you some ideas."

THE END

"You're welcome," she smiled in return to the other woman, "that is true, they do say that." Giovanna laughed softly, keeping the smile resting against her lips. "I am just browsing as a whole, honestly," the brunette admitted aloud, "admittedly, getting a late start on some Christmas shopping," though it wasn't that late, she hadn't finished. "I thought I might be able to find something my sister liked here," though she doubted Calliope would be accepting a gift from her any time soon. "Maybe a few nice accessories? Scarves?" @islaricci

[islaricci]

Closed | @elianxbrowne

“Well?” Isla questioned while she eyed Elian eagerly while she was waiting for him to finish taking a bite of her lemon meringue pie that she had made along with her grandmother. She had been trying out some different recipes with her help, which gad resulted in decent outcomes so far. “Nonnie helped me—“ She almost reassured him, “But I did do most of it myself, and she did try it and said she liked it so—“ Raising a brow slightly questioning at her fiancée. “If you like it, I was thinking maybe we could consider it for our wedding as a cake option?”