Page 75 of Giorgio

The dress, a stunning Victorian style silk and lace had been designed in a way that covered her advanced pregnancy. Therich lace was a sharp contrast to her ebony skin and highlighted her perky breasts.

The high waist had a slender gold and diamond trim around it, with the voluminous skirt drifting around her in swirls to her ankles. Her makeup was skillfully applied to enhance her flawless complexion. The nude mascara gave her eyes a warm glow and her full pouty lips were coated in a soft shade of russet.

“I hardly recognize you,” Julian felt his throat going dry as he continued to stare at her.

Reaching into his pocket, he drew out a velvet box and opened it. “Something borrowed and blue.” He handed her his teal blue handkerchief, and she tucked it next to her left breast. “Ready?”

“Yes.” She clung to him for a few seconds before letting go. “I am.”

*****

The lavish gardens of the Palazzo were alive with so many colors, it reminded the coveted guests of the colors of the rainbow, bursting in the sky after a shower of rain. It had rained the day before, giving the blossoms a dewy look, the delicate petals, dripping with left over moisture from the showers.

Chairs dotted the lush green manicured lawns, and striped umbrellas were placed over chairs, giving the entire setting an informal atmosphere. It was what the bride had requested, and the high-priced Italian wedding planners had been horrified at first but had grudgingly admitted that the ‘young American’ had the right idea.

Helicopters hovered at a discreet distance, having been warned by the PR department of the firm to keep their distance. But this was big news. Former playboy Giorgio was finally tying the knot and to an ordinary American who was not really a stunning beauty, not like the man was accustomed to.

Not only that, but the facts about their original meeting had somehow been leaked to the press, which made it more of an intriguing love story. Former lovers of the playboy were mystified and more than a little resentful that this – this American woman had scooped in and in a matter of weeks had taken Giorgio away from them.

‘And there was not anything special about her, too.’ They whispered behind their hands. What was even more baffling was her open friendliness. Whenever she was out with Giorgio, she would smile and extend a friendly hand in greeting. They wondered if she knew he had slept with half of the female population.

But there was no doubt that Giogio was hooked. He was attentive and adoring towards her, unlike his normal behavior. They were used to him being courteous and flirtatious, but never like this. He was not far from her.

They would separate for a little bit and then he would find her. He was always touching her, his gaze lingering. He would splay his fingers over her swollen abdomen in a possessive gesture as if telling the world that both woman and baby belonged to him.

They were photographed every time they stepped out of the Palazzo and even Alfredo seemed to approve of her. The future father-in-law could be seen bending a fatherly gaze on her each time.

Now standing on the lush green lawn and looking heartbreakingly handsome in a dashing midnight blue sportsjacket over tailored tan trousers and a pearl pink inside shirt. His glossy black hair was immaculately cut and styled and his beard precise.

He had never looked more handsome and more unavailable. In a few short minutes, he would be even more so.

The famous soprano, hired for the occasion started singing, indicating that the bride was on her way. The guests rose to their feet in perfectly orchestrated accord and turned towards the arch that had been placed at the edge of the garden, bedecked with flowers, and climbing vines.

And she was stunning and simply radiant.

Even her harshest critique who had secretly dismissed her American good looks as being just that, could not fault the facts. And it was that Juliana Antoinette Campbell was an incredibly beautiful bride and an ecstatically happy one as well.

Nor could they ignore the look of adoration on the groom’s handsome face. Or the fact that he impatiently went to retrieve his bride from her brother.

The ceremony was short and sweet, with the vows ringing with an authenticity that left the guests with no doubt about the love between the two people. Most notably was the groom’s proprietary hand over the bride’s swollen abdomen or the passionate kiss that sealed their status as husband and wife.

The reception was brimming with laughter, the food, liquor, especially the wine shipped over from the privately owned vineyard, seemed never ending. Celebrities included the upper echelon of society, several royalties and a mixture of ‘common’ people made for an odd combination.

The groom’s speech was simple and heartfelt.

“Before I met my bride,” he smiled at the woman seated at his right and took her hand in his. “My lifestyle was a never-ending series of parties and frivolities. I convinced myself that I was happy, that this was the life, and I wanted nothing more.

When I came flying around that corner, I never dreamed in a million years that I was flying to meet my destiny. That knocking her off that bike would be a new beginning for me.” His hand tightened on hers and he had to clear his throat to dislodge the lump. Tearing his eyes off her radiant face, he gave his attention to his enraptured audience.

“I never dreamed that this woman, this wonderful human being would be the catalyst in my life.” He drew her up and turned her to face him. “I cannot adequately express how much I adore you, Amore Mio. Luce dei miei occhi.” He ended huskily before pulling her into his arms for a long and embarrassingly passionate kiss.

*****

It took some adjustment. Their honeymoon started in Switzerland where the Russo’s owned a fabulous chalet and from there, they went to Spain and then France. In two weeks, they were back in Rome, with her husband mindful of her advanced pregnancy.

As the delivery day drew near, decorating the nursery became a priority. Her brother was gone, leaving a few days after they came back and missing him was surprisingly acute, something her very observant husband noticed immediately.

“Would you like us to go and visit?” He asked her quietly, one night they were inside their suite after an exhausting dinner party which had left her feeling bone weary.

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