Page 88 of Stolen By the Enemy

I hold my breath for their answer.

Family is the most important to me, and my wedding day will be empty without the only family that I have left to watch me get married.

“Sure,” they both say in unison.

I breathe out, relieved that they’re not fighting me on the matter. They agreed much faster than I thought they would, actually.

“Thank you.” I smile and drop the call.

Now I need to do some more wedding planning.

***

My brothers and their wives arrive at Marco’s house—or, I should say “our house”, but that will take some getting used to—a few days before the wedding.

Marco has set them all up at the same resort that we’re having the wedding at, since it would be a bit crowded in the house with all of our guests. But we’re having dinner here first.

I welcome them in, giving them a tour, and we settle outside on the terrace, where I admit to them is my favorite place in this entire house.

“You look good, Grazia, happy.” Emelia smiles at me.

I’m grateful for her comment, partly because I didn’t leave home on the best terms with her, and partly because I know it will put my brothers slightly at ease.

“You’re looking great yourself, Em!” I return the compliment. “Is the baby doing all right?”

She tells me that the pregnancy is going smoothly, and we chat about baby stuff for a little bit until Luca chimes in about how nervous he is.

Enzo and Lori give him some helpful advice.

Suddenly we’re all chatting and giggling together, and I wish Marco was here to be a part of it.

He had to handle business today, and decided to do it out of the house so that it didn’t interfere with my family arriving.

“Em, Lori, I have a sort of favor to ask you both…” I break a lull in the conversation and look at both of my sisters-in-law.

They look back at me, waiting to hear my request. “Would you both be my bridesmaids? We’re not doing full traditional bridal parties, but I would love for you to stand at the altar with me, and to go dress shopping, if you’d like.”

“Of course!” They both exclaim, and Lori hops up to hug me. Emelia follows her, just a bit slower, since she’s still getting used to her baby bump.

I smile at them both, happy that they’re willing to be a part of this. Then I look at my brothers.

“I was also wondering… if you two would give me away?” I ask them, looking from Luca to Enzo hopefully.

“Both of us? Zia, I won’t mind if you just ask Enzo, you know. He did do most of the work to raise you.”

Luca looks uncomfortable, and I worry for a second that he’s not fully on board with this wedding.

“I’d like you both to do it, but only if you want to,” I say, playing with the hem of my sundress and looking away from the group.

“I’d be happy to,” Enzo finally speaks. “And I also think it should be both of us.”

“Okay, I’ll do it.” Luca smiles at me, and the tension is broken.

They go back to chatting about Mexico and the food that will be at the wedding, and I pick a time for the ladies to join me on a mission to find a dress.

***

Inside the bridal boutique, I try on my fifth dress. None of these seem like they suit my body.

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