Page 60 of Third Degree

When I saw the white structure in the back, I couldn’t help the smile that formed.

Today it looked gaudy—very similar to my first wedding where the guests were wearing their best dressed, there were far too many flowers, far too much champagne, and way too many Made men hiding their weapons in tuxes.

“Shit. This is a big wedding.” Julian whistled.

“Ugh. This is going to get me so fucked,” Alex grumbled.

“Quit your complaining. This is for Papa.” Julian pushed him ahead, and we all went to the little guesthouse at the back of the property, where Ricardo was already waiting for us.

“Our men are in the back and ready the moment she walks down. We have more than them since they didn’t expect this, but with the amount of family that are wedding guests, it may be an even fight.” Ricardo acknowledged me, “Also, you look good in your suit, Marchetti.” He pulled me into a hug.

I grinned. “You too, old man.”

Ricardo laughed, and honestly, I needed it for my nerves.

“What do you have there, Papa?” Alex asked, gesturing to the coat I had brought.

“It’s Gianna’s. She left it at Julian’s wedding.”

Alex and Julian shared a look and then broke into laughter.

“What?” I was baffled by what they thought was so funny.

“Papa…” Julian rolled and then continued laughing.

“You sound like a lovesick puppy,” Alex finished his sentence and laughed so hard he held his stomach.

“Va fanculo(Fuck you).” Ricardo joined in on their laughter.

“Eh, so what? Nothing wrong with being in love with a woman for years.” They rolled their eyes as Julian’s friend Christian walked into the guesthouse.

“We are all good to go.” He looked between the boys. “You look good, Mr. Marchetti.” He went to shake my hand, and then I pulled him in for a hug.

“Call me Elio. You are like family.”

He nodded, and Alex and Julian both agreed.

“Just to clarify, Papa, you will be at the front. Ricardo, you are officiating, so we don’t have to worry about anyone being confused until she walks down the aisle,” Alex explained.

I nodded. “Yeah, you’ll be to the side of me. You can hold the coat, too.”

“Papa! Getting married again! How do you feel?” Julian came over and embraced me, his excitement palpable.

“We’re happy for you, you know. We love Mama, but we understand that it’s time,” Alex whispered, his voice filled with sincerity.

“Thank you, boys. I love your mother, and I always will. Gianna is different. She is just…” I trailed off, struggling to find the right words.

“The other half of your soul,” Julian finished my sentence.

A small smile graced my lips as I realized he understood exactly what I meant.

“It’s go time,” Ricardo declared and ushered us out to the garden where I was to stand with my back turned away from where her father was.

Christian nodded to us and walked to the back, holding the security detail in their places around the property. It wasn’t uncommon at these types of events to have security from both sides of the family. We had planted a few more guards than would normally be present, and with the hustle and commotion of the wedding, no one noticed anything.

Alex grabbed the coat from me, and as I followed them out the door, I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket.

I pulled it out and saw that Gianna had texted me. I read the message quickly and realized how broken she was by this. Fuck. I couldn’t get to her fast enough. I couldn’t wait to get down the aisle and to the front, needing to heal her heart and make sure this decision brought her solace. Hoping that she would understand why I had to keep this from her.

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