Page 26 of Now and Forever

“Catalina?” the priest prompted.

After clearing my throat, I began, “I, Catalina Ruiz, take you, Dario Luciano, to be my husband.” I wasn’t sure how I made it through the entire consent, but I did, with Dario’s penetrating stare watching my every move while his hands offered support.

The priest lifted his hands. “May the Lord in his kindness strengthen the consent you have declared before the Church and graciously bring to fulfillment his blessings within you. What God has joined, let no one put asunder.”

When it was time to place the rings, I was certain the entire congregation could see the way my hand trembled.

Despite the moving target, Dario slid the diamond-encrusted band over my fourth finger. “Catalina, receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Lower for only me to hear, he added, “Are you all right?”

I nodded.

Camila handed me Dario’s ring. I turned back toward him, sliding the ring over his fourth finger. “Dario, receive this ring…”

The priest asked for God’s blessing and then said, “In the sight of God and these witnesses, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss.”

Kiss.

My breath caught in my lungs as I turned toward my husband. Despite his hesitation last night, here, in front of witnesses, there was none. Dario leaned down and brought his firm lips to mine. The kiss lingered longer than I expected, as indicated by the way my body warmed from the top of my head to my toes. When we pulled away from one another, my cheeks and decolletage were warm and no doubt blushed. There was something new in his stare—possession. I was now his, now part of the famiglia. The deal was complete.

“Go in peace.”

As Dario and I turned toward the guests, I wondered if peace was possible. The Roríguez cartel on one side of the aisle and the Luciano famiglia on the other. Forcing a smile, I decided to be happy there was—as yet—no bloodshed.

Dario took my hand and led me down the aisle. The bridal party followed. As our guests were dismissed, I stood with Dario on one side of me and Camila on the other. Famiglia and cartel alike shook our hands, hugged, and congratulated us on our wedding. More than once, I heard men from the famiglia congratulate Dario on his beautiful wife.

I sucked in a breath as Josefina Roríguez appeared before me. “Catalina, you’re an absolutely beautiful bride.Mejores deseos.”

“Gracias.”

Patron was next. His large hands grasped my shoulders as he kissed both of my cheeks. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw we had Dario’s attention.

“Your loyalty makes you shine above all,” Patron said.

Dario possessively wrapped his arm around my waist. “Jorge, it’s an honor to have you attend our wedding.” Dario’s expression didn’t match his words.

Patron offered Dario his hand. “It is an honor to attend such a meaningful occasion.”

With the tense greetings, I almost missed the next guest in line. “Felicidades,” Aléjandro said. He motioned to the redheaded girl to his side. “This is Jasmine.”

She appeared young, with pale skin, vibrant blue eyes, and curly hair.

“Hello,” I offered.

She smiled in return, but her eyes were on my husband.

As she caught his attention, Dario stiffened at my side. “Jasmine?”

“Congratulations, Dario,” she said in a quiet voice.

If looks were daggers, Dario would have taken Aléjandro to the ground with only one. To Aléjandro’s credit, he only smiled.

Giorgia and her husband were next. He was tall and lanky with obvious respect for Dario. While they seemed like a happy couple, I couldn’t help thinking of him slicing her wedding gown on their wedding night.

The tradition turned my stomach.

Ana and her husband, Elizondro Herrera, were next. My eyes opened wide. I hadn’t seen Ana since her wedding nearly six years ago when she left for Mexico. While she was recognizable, she’d also grown even more beautiful. To my surprise, she hugged me, whispering in my ear, “Love him even if he doesn’t deserve it. Make him love you. You can make it work. I did. You can too.” She backed up and smiled. “Catalina, you remember Elizondro?”

“Si, it’s an honor.”

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