Page 15 of Reign of Hope

“Four weeks! Dio Mio, that’s not possible,” Gina mutters, clearly beginning to panic. Anna and the others rally around.

“We’ll all help,” Anna offers, patting her hand. Anyone would think Gina was getting married instead of me. And for some unknown reason, I’m not nearly as freaked out as I should be.

NINE

Week One

ZANO

“Where’s Allegra?” I ask my father as I walk into our house. Normally, I can hear my mother and Allegra somewhere in the house, but today, I walk in to silence.

“Dress shopping. Your mother is on a strict schedule, and dress shopping is on today’s agenda,” Dad says, adding, “Enjoy the quiet.”

I chuckle. Dad has been a bear since Mom became wedding obsessed. She was the same when Elena got married, so this should come as no surprise. “Dad, you had to expect this.”

“Elena was our only daughter. I assumed the mother of the bride would be the one losing her mind when it came to you and Elio,” he says, looking to the heavens. “I’m being punished.”

I have to laugh. Dad is being melodramatic, and it’s hysterical. “You can hang in there for a little longer,” I encourage him.

“The restaurant is suffering. You know your mother is the heart and soul of it. It’s her sauces and pasta that people come back for. We’re running low on everything.” Dad throws his hands up in the air. “We might as well close down.”

“Let’s sit down tonight and see what they have planned. We’ll work it out.” I barely get the words out when Mom and Allegra come home, both loaded down with bags. Allegra looks like she’s had enough shopping to last her a lifetime, but Mom is talking a mile a minute about tomorrow’s adventure.

“Hold it, Ma. Can’t you see that Allegra is exhausted? I think she needs to take a day to unwind,” I tell my mother.

“But—”

“But nothing. The restaurant needs attention. Dad is losing his mind, and Allegra and I agreed on a simple, classy wedding. We have the church booked, we’re holding the reception at our restaurant, and Dad’s taking care of hiring extra servers and shutting it down for the day. There’s nothing that can’t wait another day,” I say, deciding to stop the madness now before Dad has a heart attack.

I glance over at Allegra, and she looks relieved. Mom drops her bags. “What about flowers, centerpieces, bonbonnières, the wedding cake? We still don’t know about the wedding party. There’s so much to do.”

I haven’t taken my eyes off Allegra, who is still carrying her bags. “Put the bags down,” I tell her, then shift my gaze to my parents. “Let’s sit down and talk this out.” I don’t wait for my parents but take the bags from Allegra and set them down. I take her hand, and we go to the living room to sit. Mom and Dad are right behind us.

“Did you find a dress?” I ask Allegra.

She nods. “Yes. It’s simple but nice.”

“That’s because she wouldn’t let me buy the more expensive one. You looked amazing in the other gown,” Mom butts in.

“It doesn’t make sense to spend so much money on a dress I’m only going to wear once,” Allegra says.

I’ll address that later, but what I really want to do is sort out our plans. “Elio is my best man. That’s a done deal. I suggest Victorio give you away. He’s your closest relative, and he would be offended if he wasn’t chosen. I know you don’t know anyone, but Elena will be your sister-in-law, and I’m sure she’d be happy if you chose her to be your matron of honor.”

Allegra perks up. “I think that’s a great idea.”

“That’s done, then. Flowers. What kind do you want?” I ask Allegra.

“Roses are classic. Maybe in cream and lavender?” she says, looking at my mother. With my finger under her chin, I turn her head back to me.

“What do you want?”

“Roses,” she whispers.

“Fine, we’ll call a florist and get it done. Next?” I ask, wanting to get through this list that my mother has accumulated.

“Gift favors,” Mom says. “I was thinking?—”

“No, Ma. I’m picking this one.” I turn to my father. “You still have that guy you know with the expensive wines? The one who supplies our restaurant.”

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