Page 23 of The Devil's Demise

“Oh, no!” Jade’s face twists with a scowl as she peers up at me with a coy smile, then turns her attention to her son. “I don’t know where in the world I put those things.” She looks behind her, under the fluffy pillow in my bedroom.

Robby laughs, not buying it at all, glancing up at Aida who zips up her lips. “Come on, Mom! I know you have them!” He grabs her black handbag and opens it as she laughs, attempting to take it back but fails.

“Ha!” He yanks out two ring boxes. “I knew it!”

Her eyes enlarge, her features melting with joy. “Completely forgot that was there.”

“Ha. Ha.” He narrows his gaze.

“Get over here, you.” She tugs him to her, kissing the top of his head. “You look very dashing in your tux.”

He fixes his bowtie, tipping up his chin. “Dad said I look even better than he does.” Pulling away, he stands up tall. “And considering how good he looks, that’s saying a lot.” He even imitates Enzo’s voice, which cracks us all up.

Jade rolls her eyes with a smile tugging. “That does sound like him now, doesn’t it?”

“Damn, if that’s not Enzo, I don’t know what is,” Chiara throws in with a snicker. He’s growing on her more and more though, even while she doesn’t quite want to admit it.

With a small knock, Janet enters the room, donning a long black gown, her strawberry-blonde hair pinned up in a tight bun. “It’s time, ladies.” She smiles and my pulse ticks up, my breath leaving in a whoosh.

Jade gets to her feet, holding Robby’s hand as she sets to go.

“Thank you again for playing the piano for us. I feel so bad you’re not an actual bridesmaid,” I say.

She tilts her head to the side. “I love to play, and playing for you all, it’s a gift.” Her eyes water. “For someone who never thought she’d play again . . .” She places her free hand on her chest, her long French nails biting into her chest. “I’ll see you girls out there.” Together with Janet and Robby, she walks out the door.

“I can’t believe I’m wearing pink,” Chiara sneers. “What has become of me?”

“You’ve become domesticated,” Aida jokes.

Chiara scoffs. “Not in this lifetime.”

Our soft giggles swell into the emptiness of the room until we set to go, making it down the corridor, the sound of a soft melody echoing closer. I could listen to Jade play all day long.

As we near the glass doors, leading out into the yard, I find Robby waiting there, along with the guys.

“You look great,” Enzo tells me, getting Dom and Matteo to nod in agreement.

“Thanks, guys.” My chest rolls with a deep breath just as one of the guards we still employ opens the doors.

A grinning Matteo hooks an arm through Aida’s, whispering something in her ear before marching down the aisle. Then it’s Chiara’s turn, both Dom and Enzo walking out with her.

I kneel before Robby. “You ready?” I ask, placing a hand on his shoulder.

He slaps a huge smile onto his face. “I promise to bring the rings down safely.”

“I have no doubt.” I wink, getting to my feet, and with another excited look my way, he proceeds, as all eyes are on him—all thirty of them.

My boss, Kerry, and a few friends from work are here, along with some of Dante’s employees and business associates. After I texted Kerry, letting her know I won’t be able to return to my residency position, I called her again after my uncles were dead, and I begged her to meet me. I wanted to explain everything, to get another chance. She was hesitant at first, but then she invited me to her office.

Of course, I didn’t tell her the entire truth, just bits I could share. At first, she refused to give me another chance, but I kept trying. I called. I emailed. I showed up, again and again. She’s always been tough, but compassionate, and I was hoping to find that side of her. Once I did, she gave me my position back, but I had to start all over again, which was fine by me. All I ever wanted was to become a doctor, to live a life I had chosen for myself. Now I have it all.

The music changes as Jade plays “Come Away with Me” by Norah Jones, and it’s finally my turn. I can’t wait to see him, to touch him. My stomach is literally flipping.

Tightening both hands around the bouquet of lilies, I start through the doorway with a single step, until the warmth of the sun hits my face.

Everyone rises, but they quickly melt away as soon as I see him, a hand falling around his mouth, emotions etched within his eyes as they fasten to mine.

With a shaky breath, I continue toward him until I’m near enough to find his love for me shining brighter in his gaze.

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