Page 100 of A Seed Of Peril

I bent over and picked up my son, securing him to my hip for a more comfortable hold. He snuggled into my arm, gripping the fabric of my robe.

“I turned my back for one second,” Bianca said.

Laughing, I told her it was fine. I was going to be holding Vincenzo as I walked down the aisle anyhow, but I did need her or Katrina to at least keep him occupied for a little longer so I could get into my dress.

“Mommy?”

“Hmm?”

“I want to see the fish.”

The hotel lobby had an aquarium, and Vincenzo was mesmerized by the different breeds of fish in the tank.

“Mimi will take you to see them later, I promise, but for right now, you need to stay with her until we’re ready to go outside. Okay?”

“Okay, Mommy.”

I motioned for Bianca to take him, and luckily, he didn’t put up a fuss. Normally, he was my shadow back at home.

I walked back over to the wide, tall span of bay windows overlooking the garden and some of the beach surrounding the hotel, shaking some with anxiety. The more the clock ticked, the worse my nerves wrung in knots.

The hustle and bustle of the staff weren’t doing any favors.

My right hand shook as I brought it to my front. I released a steadied, drawn-out breath. I was grateful to have my mother-in-law accompany me down the aisle, but I would’ve rather had my father do it. Or my mother or Nadia. I swallowed the tears that began threatening me, shaking my head of those depressing thoughts.

Today was supposed to be the best day of my life, and I intended to let nothing and no one spoil it. Besides… I had yet to reveal my surprise.

Katrina entered the room and begged to take Vincenzo from who she also called Mimi now instead of just B. They went off into the hallway, leaving me and Bianca alone.

“Are you okay?” she pondered.

I nodded. “Just praying I don’t trip over my feet or send us both to the ground.”

She placed her hands on my shoulder, seeing right through what I said.

“What else, honey? You can tell me.”

I shook my head, worried if I let her into my head, I would end up ruining my makeup.

“Can I take a guess?” She touched my loose curls, tucking some of my hair behind my ear.

Knowing I would’ve felt better letting out my feelings instead of locking them in a box, I said, “I wish…” I swallowed the tears lodged in my throat. “I wish my parents could be here.”

“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay,” I lied, looking at her. “At least I have you.”

She wrapped me in her arms, resting her face on my shoulder. We both looked out the window.

“You and Vincenzo are the best thing that happened to my son, you know that?”

I smiled, silently agreeing.

“You’ve helped each other see so much of this world and yourselves. Whenever you talk about each other, the sparks are still there. I don’t think he ever would’ve found peace within himself if it weren’t for you.”

I laughed nervously. “You’re gonna make me cry.” She was dead on though.

Every word she spoke was how I felt about Dominic. If it weren’t for him, I had no idea where I’d be. What my life would’ve been like. We’ve helped each other grow and learn and open our hearts, breaking through our stone walls. Fighting our demons. I still got butterflies around him. His kisses or just his touch still electrified me down to my toes. We were each other’s rock and protector. He reminded me I wasn’t alone in this world and that I was deserving of love, just as he was. I showed him not everyone hated him, that beneath the surface of what was ingrained and taught was a man that still had a heart of gold. He just needed help rediscovering himself past the darkness.

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