Page 99 of To Have and To Hold

Valentina entered as I took the last bite of the sourdough toast drowning in butter, dressed as if she had plans. “Good morning.”

I swallowed. “Good morning.”

She scanned my dress. “You look pretty in Camila’s dress.”

“Um, thank you. I have clothes at Mia’s house.”

“We’ll send for your things later today. When you’re done eating, Miguel is going to drive us to a bridal boutique in Del Mar. Catalina and I looked there for her wedding dress. They had some beautiful off-the-rack dresses.”

I blinked. “We’re going to get a wedding dress?”

“Of course. If we had more time, we could have one made. But with the ceremony tomorrow, I’m afraid we’ll have to see what we can find. I calledSatin Serenadeand spoke with the owner. She’s thrilledto fit you in. The earlier the better as they will most likely also need to make some alterations.”

Satin Serenade in Del Mar.

I took a deep breath. “Didel Patr?nlift the lockdown?”

Valentina waved her hand at me. “Miguel will be with us. It’s a private boutique, by appointment only.”

“I don’t need a bridal gown. I’m already married.”

Valentina sighed. “This is your choice, but if you don’t mind some advice from an old lady…?”

“You’re not old.”

“An older lady.”

I nodded.

She sat at the tall stool at my side. “Weddings are for a lot of reasons. The couple is far down the list. After last night, you and Em are wed. Father Gallo said he’d bring the license over today. Tomorrow’s ceremony is about the Luciano famiglia and the Roríguez cartel.” She shook her head. “I know about both families because both of my daughters now have Luciano as their last name. I’ve become familiar with your famiglia. Weddings bring two families together. I spoke to Mia who spoke to your mother.” She smiled. “Your family will be here tomorrow. A wedding gown will help your parents understand that you are a married woman.”

My mind was stuck on the fact that my family was coming. “My parents and siblings are coming?”

“And others, I believe.”

“Okay. Who else will be here?”

“As many asel Patr?nwill allow.” She winked. “We have Mia on our side, so don’t worry.” She tapped the counter of the island. “Let me know when you’re done eating and we’ll go.”

After finishing the breakfast, I made my way up to our bedroom. The bed I stripped was made. I flipped back the blankets and smiled at another set of black sheets. In the bathroom, Em’s clothes that he’d left in the shower were gone. Fresh towels replaced the ones we’d used. As I turned to the vanity and opened the medicine cabinet, I thought about the toothbrush I left at the apartments.

Running my tongue over my teeth, I decided that after what Em and I did last night, using his toothbrush wasn’t as weird as it sounded. As I rinsed, my phone rang. The name on the screen readYour Husband.

I smiled, wondering when he’d changed his name.

I answered, “Hi, husband.”

“Hey, wife. I’m over at Jano’s. Mia is collecting your things. She also mentioned you were going dress shopping with Mom.”

“It was news to me too.”

“Lockdown.”

“I told her. She said that bodyguard you mentioned named Miguel would be with us.”

Em paused. “There is too much happening to argue with Mom.”

My forehead creased with concern. “What’s happening?”

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