Page 94 of Lodged

Karina laughs harder than everyone else, and we all join her.

“Don’t worry, Isa, I know my husband’s worth. Your secret is safe with me.”

We all laugh some more, and once we’ve all calmed down, Penny approaches me.

“I decided to give you ‘something new.’” She takes a black velvet box from her purse and opens it, and when I see what’s inside, I gasp.

“Penny, this is beautiful but I could never accept it.”

It’s a very fancy-looking tennis bracelet.

“Of course, you can,” she says in her no-nonsense tone and makes quick work of putting it on my wrist. “I make a lot of money thanks to your soon-to-be husband. This is just a little something to show my appreciation. I’m so happy he met you.” She holds my wrist as she fights back tears. “Ugh, this is why I don’t like weddings—everyone crying because their happy,” she says, pretending to gag, and another round of laughter fills the room.

Rain hands me a tissue to wipe my tears, and I murmur my thanks.

“I have your ‘something borrowed,’ dear. Your grandfather gave me these earrings on our wedding day.” I hold Granny’s hands in mine and kiss her forehead. She pats my cheeks, and I put the earrings on—simple solitaire diamonds, the perfect touch to complete my look together. The tears start to flow again. At this point, I think I’m going to have to get my makeup redone.

There’s a knock on the door, and River peeks inside.

“What are you doing? What if we were naked?” Rain asks, pulling River into the room and quickly locking the door. River rolls his eyes, but when he sees me, he freezes.

“Ruin, you look…” His voice breaks, and I immediately go to hug my brother.

“Are you ready? Everyone is waiting,” he says, and I nod without hesitation. Rain fixes my makeup and then opens the door. One by one, my bridesmaids, Mama, and Granny leave the room, each of them blowing me kisses or waving goodbye. Ismile, and once River and I are alone, I hook my arm through his.

“Thank you for walking me down the aisle,” I tell him as I grab my bouquet and leave the room.

“Wouldn’t miss it. It’s an honor, Ru,” he replies, his voice thick with emotion.

We walk in a comfortable silence, making sure I don’t trip down the stairs with the train of my dress. Once we make it to the main doors, River looks at me, and when I nod at him, he signals the wedding planner, and she opens the doors for us.

It’s a beautiful summer day, a soft breeze swaying the green leaves on the trees. Our guests are seated on the lawn in front of the Biltmore house. When River and I step outside, the music begins, and everyone stands and turns around. We have over two hundred guests, but the only person I see is Gio. He’s standing tall, a beautiful smile on his lips. He’s wearing a dark blue suit, which compliments his eyes perfectly.

River and I start walking slowly toward the fountain, where Gio and the priest are standing on a small stage. River shakes Gio’s hand and kisses me on my cheek. When it’s just Gio and me standing in front of the priest, we smile at each other and say with our eyes what only our hearts know.

Epilogue

Gio Bianchi

I’m a married man. It’s crazy to think this time last year, I thought my life was over and that I had found love just to lose her a couple of months after. Life has been an avalanche of emotions since I met Ruin, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Everything we’ve gone through has led us to this moment, and seeing her now laughing and enjoying herself as she chats with our friends and family is everything I have ever wanted.

“The man of the hour.” River comes to greet me, and we shake hands as we do a half-man hug.

“Thank you so much again for walking Ruin down the aisle. I know it meant the world to her.” River smiles instead of replying. He’s a stoic man, but today, everyone has had their feelings on their sleeves, including the oldest of the MacAllisters. His eyes were shining as he gave me Ruin’s hand on the altar.

“You know there’s very little I wouldn’t do for my siblings. I have never seen my sister this happy; I should be the one thanking you.” I know the feeling; there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for my siblings, but now that they have found their partners, I would be lying if I didn’t say I feel my duty is over. Of course, I’ll always love them and be there for them when they need me, but my number one priority is the family I’m creating with the redhead who has a matching wedding band.

“No need to thank me. I just hope you can maybe start breathing a little easier now? Look, I understand the urge to help your siblings, but they are adults. You have to trust them.”

River stays quiet, impassive for a couple of beats, and I wonder if I overstepped my boundaries, but then he stuns me with a humorless laugh. “I know, Gio. I know I need to start living my life, but the truth is, I don’t know how. I don’t know where to look. All I know is in Azalea Creek and the orchard.” He shrugs as he drifts off and gets lost in thought. A heavy silence falls upon us, and before I can break it, River changes topics.

“Ruin told me your naturalization ceremony is coming up. Congratulations are in order. Do we need to throw you a party?”

An easy laugh breaks free from my chest, and River joins in.

“Thank you. And no need to throw a party. Being an American citizen is an honor, and I’m glad I don’t need to worry about renewing my green card ever again.”

“What are you two doing over here?” Ruin comes behind me and wraps her arms around my waist.

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