Page 85 of Promise Maker

“Sì,” I say in a nearwhisper. My heart is ready.

Taking my hand, Domenico tows me into the hallwayand outside to where his family’s waiting.

Mr. Martelli kisses both my cheeks before I getinto the SUV with Domenico. Then we drive to the little chapel on the hill,where a cameraman takes our picture as we leave the car.

Security guards are pacing out front. Uponentering the chapel, I notice more inside, where the priest is already waiting.

So is Mariella andPaoletta.

Both giggle and bounce in place.

The rest of the family takes a spot upfront.

Domenico leads me to the altar, and Francescacollects my bouquet before I stand facing the man I’m about to marry.

There’s a buzzing beneath my skin—a rush ofexcitement and nervousness.

My god. I’m seriously going to do this.

Domenico squeezes my hands soothingly as if tryingto calm me.

The priest begins, uttering words in Italianbefore asking for rings.

“I forgot about that,” I gasp, eyes wide.

“It’s all right,” Domenico assures me, twisting tohis father.

Mr. Martelli reaches a platinum silver band to hisson, and Domenico hands it to me.

Then I watch as he slips a little pouch from hispocket and reveals a gorgeous ring with an octagon-shaped diamond in thecenter, dark ruby stones wrapping around the band. I notice the name Martelliembedded on the inside in elegant cursive.

Fuck.

It’s such a beautiful wedding ring, and it’s mine.

He selected it for me.

As I peer up into his enchanting dark sepia eyes,an unsteady breath escapes me from the surge of emotions within my body.

No further deliberating is necessary.

I genuinely want this.

I want to be with Domenico.

“Solari Brigham,” the priest says, jolting meback. “Do you take Domenico Martelli as your husband? Do you swear to love andhonor him? In sickness and health, for better or worse, for all the days ofyour life?”

Swallowing, I bob and say firmly, “I do.”

Domenico smiles in his delight.

I slide the platinum band onto his finger.

When the priest repeats the same questions to him,he looks deeply into my eyes and answers, “Lovoglio.I do.” Then he places the gorgeous ring on my finger.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

That was fast.

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