Page 112 of His Two Hidden Masks

“These young lovers can’t wait to stand before Cupid and profess their love for each other. What a celebration!”

Three. Four We took the stairs off the catwalk two at a time. I spotted Lissa in the crowd jumping and waving at us. Five. Six.

We reached Lissa, a vision in silver and blue. “You’re late. Bella, sign!” She held a piece of paper on Leo’s back and pointed to the signature line. I signed my name.

“And here,” she said. I signed again.

Seven. Eight. Lissa sprinted and delivered the certificate to a man dressed as a guardian angel. A quartet of musicians dressed as Greek gods and goddesses began to play.

“We did it,” I gasped. “We made it.” I looked around. “Leo?”

He was gone. Lissa rushed back with flushed cheeks. Her long blonde hair braided and wrapped around her head like a Contessa. Her silver mask was back in place.

“I can’t find Leo,” I said, seized with panic. “And where is Roberto?”

“It’s okay,” Lissa said. “The license was filed in time. Now you just need to say ‘I do.’ I see him.” She pointed toward the front of the crowd. Roberto wore a black hooded cape. A gold mask covered most of his face.

“Go,” Lissa said, nudging me toward him. “Leo and I will find you after.”

This was really happening. On shaking legs, I made my way through the crowd, careful to watch my step as I navigated theuneven stairs. I concentrated on not falling and kept Roberto in my sights. Taller than most of the crowd, he guided me forward like a landmark.

“Welcome, lovers!” A man wearing a red suit, white vest, and fullfaced silver mask greeted the crowd with a booming voice. He spun in a circle showing off his wings and wiggling his backside.

“I am Cupid, your guide. You are here tonight to wed, am I right?” He jumped in the air and kicked his legs as if he were made of air. “If you aren’t, best to step away. The marital magic of Cupid is impossible to bend or break. Watch out, or you may end up married to your neighbor.”

I lifted the hem of my dress and edged my way closer to Roberto. A bride stepped on my skirt, forcing me to tug myself free. She stood totally oblivious, mesmerized by Cupid and holding the hand of her groom.

“Now for all of you that have registered, this union will be blessed by the Pope himself.” He paused. “I’m kidding. No Pope. I am your guide tonight. And lovers, before we go any farther, please take the hand of your beloved.”

The crowd calmed and gaps opened up as couples moved together. A path opened up that lead me straight to Roberto. “Hey,” I said. “I didn’t think I was going to make it.”

“Lovers, face your beloved!” Cupid shouted. The musicians began a slow beat of a drum, reminiscent of a battle song.

I faced Roberto. Cape on, he lowered his head as if in prayer. I imagined he was nervous. I didn’t know what to do with my hands so I held them in front of my waist as if I holding an invisible bouquet. I closed my eyes.

I was about to marry Roberto Bianco. I didn’t feel the anxiety I’d felt in the church six months ago. I knew my purpose I understood the stakes. I did not love him, but at least I knew why I was here.

“Do you lovers promise to love each other, to fuck and make love to each other until your bodies ache and your souls transcend this mortal plane?”

“Yes!” the crowd roared.

Well, this was not exactly the marriage vow I’d been expecting.

“It’s fine,” I whispered to Roberto, feeling embarrassed for us both. “We know what we are doing.”

He nodded. His head lowered.

“Say ‘I do,’ you dirty, gorgeous creatures.” Cupid danced. Behind him a group of women dressed as cherubs lit torches. The steady beat of the drums erupted into chaos as the band broke out into song.

“I, Cupid, the king of love, the father of sex, and the harbinger of orgasms pronounce you all lovers and lovers. You are bound together by the holy light of Eros and the binding light of Italian law. You are married. now go forth and love. Go forth and fuck. Go forth and party because Eros commands it.” Cupid spun on his toes. “And do make sure you pick up your marriage certificate at the end of the line.”

Couples kissed and cheered. Some leapt into each other’s arms. A few stood perfectly still, holding each other, sobbing. It was more moving than I expected.

“Let’s go,” I said to Roberto. We were first in line for paperwork. Roberto scanned the table and picked up our certificate. I texted Lissa.

It’s done. Call the lawyers.

A few steps behind Roberto, I followed him into the Dodge’s Palace. We were officially husband and wife.

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