Page 111 of To Have and To Hold

“Celeste and Reina.”

My eyes opened wide. “Oh my God. What if Nicolas recognizes them?”

“He won’t. I hardly recognize them. They won’t stay past the ceremony, but they wanted to see you and Em wed.”

I nibbled my lip. “Maybe it’s better my family isn’t here.”

“You won’t even spot them in the crowd. I just wanted you to know.”

“I’m glad you got them in.”

Everyone else had cleared out of the room, claiming it was time to be seated. Liliana squeezed my hand. “Do you want me to stay up here with you?”

As I debated, the bedroom door opened. I saw Horace open the door a millisecond before Mom, Noemi, Aunt Giulia, Marisa, Aria, and Cenzi came rushing in.

My mother cried, lifting her hands to her face. “You’re so beautiful, Izzy.”

I tried to blink away the tears as my sister and cousins attacked me with hugs. I held tight to Noemi and whispered, “Is Papà here?”

She nodded. “He wants to walk you down the aisle.”

My gaze went to my mother’s. “Tell him yes. I want him to walk me.”

Mom nodded and hurried from the room.

Liliana waved.

“Wait,” I called to her. “Everyone, this is my best friend out here. This is Liliana.”

Noemi, Marisa, Aria, and Vincenza all said, “Hi.”

One by one, I introduced each family member to Liliana.

“I’ve missed you,” Noemi said. “And now you’re not coming home.”

“I’ll come home if Papà and Mom will welcome Em.”

“We will.”

We all turned to the deep voice.

“Girls, let me talk to Isabella.”

I smiled as Horace peeked in. “I’m good.”

He nodded.

Once we were alone, Papà came toward me. “You’re beautiful, Isabella. I’m sorry.” He shook his head. “For what I said.” His nostrils flared. “For so many things. The capo told me years ago that I was wrong about them.”

“The cartel?”

“Yes. Dante told me. I didn’t believe them.” He cupped my cheek. “I believe you. I can’t promise miracles, but I’ll try. You and whomever you love are welcome in our home.”

“You’re making me cry,” I said as we hugged.

He framed my cheeks and rubbed his thumb under my eyes. “No more crying. After the ceremony, I hope Emiliano and I can try again.”

“You can, Papà. Emiliano is a good man.”

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