Page 112 of Destino

“Yes, Bella. I’ll visit New York. We’ll work it out.”

Mira felt the pressure in her chest lessen. She had to admit love this time wasn’t as stifling to her as it was with Kei. The passion between them was real.

“Andiamo.” He took her hand and led her from the bathroom. She barely had time to grab her faux emerald beaded clutch purse. They left in his chauffeured Mercedes limo. Sitting next to him, he kept running his hand over the soft feel of her skirt pushing the hem up so he could touch her inner thigh. She wore garter stockings, and when he discovered them, the lovely blue of his irises melted to a darker lustful color. Mira teased him with a wink and offered no resistance to his exploration, as she was used to him feeling her whenever they were alone. She listened as he spoke in Italian on the car phone installed in the back of the limo. Again she mentally vowed to learn Italian. The drive south of Sorrento wasn’t long. The chapel, according to Giovanni, was over five hundred years old. Regal and beautiful, she stared up at it in wonder.

Dominic walked down the front steps of the church when they left their cars. Men were everywhere. When Mira looked at Dominic, she found a dull sadness reflected in his brown eyes. Maybe it was her head, because she knew of his love for his surrogate sister, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that the day would be a difficult one for him. He gave her a curt nod and addressed Giovanni. “Everyone’s inside Boss, I’ll hang back to make sure we have no trouble.”

“Nonsense Domi. It’s our girl. Our sister is marrying and you will be at my side to see her married.” Giovanni released Mira’s hand to kiss both of Dominic’s cheeks and embrace him in a brotherly fashion.

“If it’s okay with you, I'd rather make sure no one disturbs the service. It’s equally important, no?”

Giovanni frowned. Mira cleared her throat and ran her hand down his back. “We should get inside. You need to see Catalina before she walks down the aisle.”

Giovanni hesitated. “Something wrong I should know?”

“No, Gio. It’s her day, and I want it to be perfect.” Dominic forced a smile.

Giovanni patted his shoulder. He captured Mira’s hand and led her up the steps.

“You will join me up front.” Giovanni said to her as the doors opened and every face in the chapel turned to look upon them. There had to be over six to eight hundred people gathered. She froze. He pulled her hand, and she found the strength to walk inside. Catalina’s words surfaced. This was a commitment he too was making by walking her down the purple, carpeted aisle in front of his people. There was no turning back.

Mira spoke without moving her mouth. “Are you sure?”

“Of you?” he glanced to her. “One hundred percent.” He winked.

He led her to the front row, kissed her cheeks and then turned and headed back up the aisle. She exchanged a look with Fabiana who sat next to Lorenzo. Mira winced inwardly at the fading bruises to Lorenzo’s face. The organist softly played a hymn. Mira noticed Fabiana had chosen to wear the yellow pleated sundress she’d bought on their shopping spree in Como. She specifically picked out a teal blue strapless dress she designed for her last year for her to wear to the wedding. Fabiana tossed her red hair and winked at her. Mira rolled her eyes in mock disgust and chuckled to herself. She loved her best friend so much.

The organist changed to the traditional tune and Mira’s head lifted to see the priest appear from the front of the church draped in a long white robe with a gold cross stitched on either side of his lapel, holding a bible. He was followed by two other priests. The side door opened and Franco followed by his groomsmen appeared in single file formation. The wedding began without delay. She turned in her seat to watch the flower girls followed by the bridesmaids as the organist switched to a lovely melody. Mira nervously awaited the vision she’d seen this morning. Catalina was the most beautiful bride she’s ever dressed. The priest instructed for all to rise, and Mira moved a little forward to get a better view.

Giovanni appeared with his sister on his arm. Catalina’s veil completely shielded her face from view but, even covered, she captivated all in attendance. Mira beamed with pride at how beautiful the gown was that carved out the bride’s tiny waist, with the sparsely beaded corset and belled out skirt draping off her hips. The skirt wasn’t too poufy and the soft flowing material caused it to glide behind her in a long train that carried the same pattern. Mira had stitched delicate diamond cut patterns that could only be seen when the light caught it with each step she took. The dress, done in a satin silk blend from the hip down, gave her the elegant appearance of royalty.

When Giovanni delivered Catalina to the altar and put her hand in Franco’s, Mira swore from her close proximity that his eyes watered. The priest read from the bible, blessing the passing of Catalina to her new husband, and Giovanni took a seat at Mira’s side.

Franco lifted Catalina’s veil, smiling into his bride’s eyes. He held her hand leading her to the altar, kneeling in front of the nuptial bench to begin the matrimony sacrament. Mira took Giovanni’s hand as the ceremony progressed, and he looked over at her, smiling warmly. In the midst of the vows being exchanged before her, she digested her role as his woman.

Chapter Fourteen

Blue roses.

They were everywhere. Mira stepped off the veranda onto the grass, awestruck by the festive floral display.SignoraClara and her wedding crew had set up the reception in the back of the villa just beyond the pool. She’d taken painstaking measures to ensure the Battaglia grounds were that out of a storybook.

The party planners erected a huge reception area made out of white, baby blue and yellow ribbons that crisscrossed each other several feet in the air connecting to the four pillared post, which outlined the dining area. The pillars themselves were adorned with ivy vines that housed the magnificent blue roses. The ribbon roof shielded the guests from the warm Italian sun, beaming over the blessed union. It was quite imaginative shading. The event was more enjoyable for outside weather. Underneath the makeshift roof were tables covered in white linen tablecloths trimmed in yellow and blue. The centerpieces on each were magnificent blue roses sprinkled with yellow flowers and baby’s breath. The roses were what enchanted Mira most.

Several other guests greeted her politely and Mira smiled in response, trying to remember the introductions that Giovanni had made earlier. She wondered where her prince was. Standing amongst all this beauty, she craved his touch and soft whispers that told of the love they shared.

Twirling the stem of a rose between her fingers she looked back over her shoulder toward the upper level of the house. Her gaze located him staring at her from the second level balcony. The man named Flavio was at his side. He turned and continued whatever conversation they were having.

“There you are,” Fabiana said from behind her.

“You just had to wear that dress.” Mira chuckled.

“Lorenzo loves me in it.” Fabiana laughed.

Mira cut her eyes to the heavens. “Whatever.”

“Speaking of my handsome beau, have you seen him?”

“Not since you two left. Didn’t you ride back to the house together?”

---