Page 86 of Borrowed Bride

“Hi,” she whispers as the officiate begins his greeting.

“Hi,” I whisper back.

“Nervous?” she asks.

Something about her presence instantly calms all nerves inside me, and I slowly shake my head. “Not in the slightest.”

She nods and reaches out for my hand, which I grip tightly in my own. The officiate speaks smoothly and carries us through the ceremony with a tailored speech about how we met, with slight adjustments, and the importance of our union.

Then it gets to the vows and at Gianna’s request, we wrote our own.

I go first.

“Gianna. When I met you, I was something of a knucklehead. I had one vision and one goal, and I was certain I knew what life was going to turn out like. I was planning every detail and I was in control. It felt like the world was made for me. Andthen, suddenly, you were in my life and business tangled with pleasure. Before I knew it, all that control I thought I had was just an illusion because you were dismantling everything. And I’m so glad you did. Suddenly, all I could think about was you. How to make you happy, how to make you smile at me in the way that made your eyes crinkle. I was falling for you so fast and just as I realized it, life split us apart. But I knew we were fated to be together because not a single part of me was willing to let you go in death, and I don’t ever plan to in life. You’ve given me a beautiful daughter and are soon to give me another, and I can’t express how you’ve guided me onto a brighter path in life. Just know that I love you, from the bottom of my heart, and from this day forth I will do everything I can to make sure you are loved, protected, and cared for until the end of our days. Days that we will spend together.”

By the time I finish, I’m crying and I don’t even try to hide it. I can’t. It’s too raw and honest but I need her to know, I need everyone to know how much I love her.

“Marco,” Gianna says, and her voice cracks as she fights to control her emotions. “When you found me, I was a penniless thief. It was fun, in its own way, because I tried to steal from people who deserved it, and boy, when I saw you, you really looked like you deserved it.”

A soft murmur of laughter rises up.

“But then, somehow, you took me from that and placed me right into a life that I was certain I’d have to act through. And instead, I fell for you. What I was pretending to be real became something I was desperateto bereal. And then I was having your baby and suddenly I had this new strength to protect what was mine, this little family that we were growing. We haven’t had the smoothest of starts, and so much has gone down that I don’t think I’d even recognize myself from all those years ago. But I do know one constant, and it’s that my love for you hasnever faltered. It’s been the source of my turmoil when people were telling me different things, and the source of my strength in bringing this family together. Because you’ve given me what I thought I could never have; a home and a family and a future. So thank you. I love you.”

By the time she finishes, her voice trembles violently, and she sniffles constantly as the officiant quickly asks us to exchange rings. We do so as smoothly as we both can, and then he says the words that finally break the hold.

“Now I pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride.”

I sweep Gianna up in my arms and throw the veil back, revealing her beautiful face. Her mascara runs and her eyes sparkle as she looks at me and laughs, then winds her arms around my neck and shoulders.

“Hi,” she whispers.

“Hi.”

I kiss her as the people around us rise with cheers and clapping, but it’s all background to the surge of love that bursts through me like a firework. I cuddle Gianna to me as tightly as I dare, kissing her repeatedly as she clutches at me.

This is true happiness.

“I love you.”

“You’re married!”Emilia cheers a few hours later as by some stroke of luck, she wheels herself into the reception party. Normally I’d be annoyed at her for being so careless with her health but tonight I don’t care, I’m just happy to have her here.

“Are you proud?” I ask as she takes my hand to examine the ring.

“So proud. I never thought I’d see the day. It almost seems too normal for someone like you.”

“Thanks sis. How are you feeling?”

She prods my side. “I’m fine. Tonight is not about me. Now, where is your beautiful bride?”

“She’s right over…” I scan the sea of dancing people and spot Gianna a few feet away engaged in animated conversation with Tara. She’s changed into a blue dress the same shade as her roses and my shirt, and it’s much easier for her to move about in. “There. Gianna!”

Gianna looks up immediately, one hand on her belly, and waves at me. Her eyes widen when she spots Emilia. She quickly departs from Tara, who scoops up Freya and begins spinning her around to the music as Gianna hurries over.

“Emilia! Oh my God! What are you doing here?” Gianna clutches at Emilia’s hands and kisses her cheek, then clasps my hand and threads our fingers together.

“I couldn’t pass up on the chance to see the happy couple,” Emilia says with a smile. “And I wanted to give you something.”

Gianna and I exchange a curious look. “What is it?” she asks.

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