Page 323 of Mafia Kings: Valentino

I looked at Dario. “Do you I have your permission?”

He gave me the same half-smile. “Yes. But I think you need someoneelse’spermission, as well.”

He gestured with his head towards the altar…

Where Isabella stood with Ludavica.

He was absolutely right.

I ran up the steps towing Caterina behind me.

“Isabella,” I said, “I know this was supposed to be your wedding day, but can we – ”

“Yes,” she said with a huge smile. “Yes, of course!”

Caterina cried out with happiness. “Thank you!”

Isabella laughed and hugged her, and so did Ludavica.

Suddenly, another voice spoke up. “This ishighlyirregular.”

We all turned to see the priest, who had come out of hiding. He lookedpissed.

“I suppose it is,” Dario said as he walked slowly towards the altar. “What would it take to make it happen?”

“I was hired by Don Vicari,” the priest said haughtily. “If I were to do this for you, I would risk his displeasure.”

Dario nodded as he reached into his pocket.

“And as you know,” the priest continued, “he is a proud and dangerous man – ”

Dario pulled out a huge wad of bills and started counting them off.

The priest trailed off as he stared at the money.

Dario held out half his bankroll – around 10,000 euros – and raised his eyebrows. “Will that do?”

“…that will suffice,” the priest muttered as he grabbed the bills and stuffed them into his robes.

Dario pocketed what remained of his money.

“Alright, everyone,” the priest announced, “please take your seats.”

“Um… Valentino?” Massimo spoke up hesitantly.

“Yeah?”

“Could I, uh… would it be possible to…”

“Spit it out,” I said jokingly.

Massimo looked bashful. “Could we make it a double wedding?”

Out in the audience, Lucia squealed. “What?!”

“I mean – would you like that?” Massimo asked her.

“YES!” she shouted back happily.

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