Page 63 of Queens and Monsters

“No. Arianna and Francesca did.” She stood straighter. “It’s a long story. What’s important is that it is repaired and well, I won’t be wearing it again.”

“What about Ariadna Gia?”

“Rei won’t cut it off of you,” Catalina said. “If she’s interested in forty years when her father allows her to marry, we can worry about it then.”

Forty years.

That may be wishful thinking.

I took the dress from Catalina and stood before the full-length mirror. Holding the beautiful dress up to myself, I asked, “Do you think it will fit?”

Camila dropped her dresses on my bed. “Probably better than any of mine. You have boobs.”

The room filled with laughter.

It was hard to believe that hours ago I’d been roofied and now…I sighed. “I’d like to try it on.”

“May I help with your hair?” Camila asked. “I love the color and curls.”

Swallowing, I tilted my head. “I know it may be weird, since you two were supposed to wed, but would you stand up with me, be my matron of honor?”

A giant smile came to her lips. “Yes, and I’ll wear one of the dresses I brought. What color should I wear?”

Closer to midnight, Dario knocked on the door. I turned, wearing Catalina’s dress, my hair pulled up with pearl combs, and my makeup hiding the earlier paleness. My gaze met his. His eyes shone as he scanned me up and down. “You’re beautiful, Jasmine.”

I noticed he’d changed into a fresh suit, and his face was freshly shaved. “Thank you.”

“Is the priest here?” Catalina asked. Sometime while I was getting my makeup done, she’d slipped out, only to return in a cocktail dress.

“Waiting downstairs. I pulled a few strings. The license arrived via courier a few minutes ago. The only thing missing from this wedding is the bride.” Dario offered me his arm.

“Oh, let us go down ahead,” Catalina said, tugging Camila’s hand.

Dario covered my hand resting on his arm. “If I could do it over, I’d do so many things differently with you.”

I shook my head. “You gave me a life I never would have had.”

“I gave more than that. I was just never brave enough to say it.” Moving his arm, he wrapped my shoulders in an embrace. “You have my love.”

Sniffling, I looked up at him. “Don’t make me ruin this makeup.”

With his lips pressed together, he nodded. “It has taken Catalina to make me understand, but Jasmine, you’ve had my love since the afternoon we met.”

“You’ve had mine too.”

He kissed my cheek. “Your groom is waiting.”

Chapter

Twenty-Two

Reinaldo

Istood between the priest and Dante near the floor-to-ceiling windows. Missouri’s dark sky caused the panes to reflect like giant mirrors. Contessa had rearranged some of the furniture, creating a mini aisle, with two chairs on each side. Catalina sat on one side. The groom’s side was empty.

My heart ached for my mother. She was sentimental about things like weddings.Mí padrewas too busy to care. I’d talked to him after receiving the capo’s blessing, and he told me to get my new bride to Bella.

Transfixed, I couldn’t look away. Once again, my eyes were glued to the staircase.

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