Page 17 of Fierce Vows

Chapter Six

Best.Wedding.Ever

Willow

“Are you nervous?”Iask Suzan while she stands in front of the floor-length mirror, staring at her reflection.

“I’m not sure what I am,” she replies honestly.“I never imagined myself getting married.”

In the past few days I have come to enjoy Suzan’s presence.She is down to earth and brutally honest even when she should, perhaps, be holding back.I know that many people, including the other wives, treat me differently.News of my display at Armand’s funeral has travelled rather quickly, and people fear the Don’s mad wife.I can’t say I don’t enjoy the new title.But Suzan treats me like any other woman she may know.I’m nothing special in her mind, and I quite enjoy that status as well.

But if they thought me mad before, I can’t wait to hear what they say after today.

“Marriage is a tricky thing,” I say with a smile.“On my wedding day, I wore black.It was one of the single worst days of my life until it wasn’t.”

“Rafe adores you,” she scoffs.

“He does now,” I correct.“But Armand Gallo purchased me as a bride for his son without his knowledge.Suffice to say, he was not impressed by his father’s choice for quite some time.”

“Damn,” she says lowly.

“You can be happy with Eduardo.Either as a couple that learn to respect and care for one another, or by whatever arrangement you see fit.”

“And love?”

“That is out of my hands.You will be taken care of financially and you won’t be beaten.Beyond that...”I shrug.

A knock sounds at the door and I know that we have to get moving.Checking Suzan over one last time, I make sure that she is immaculate and that everyone’s eyes will be on her and the groom.

Opening the door, I gesture for her to walk out first.She makes her way through the monstrosity we call home in Cyprus until she reaches the French doors where Rafe waits for her.He offers her his elbow where she places her hand before he leads her down the makeshift aisle.I take a moment to appreciate how beautiful everything looks.Suzan and I worked hard to give her a beautiful wedding.

A red carpet is rolled across the lawn between the perfectly placed chairs on either side.Everywhere the eye can see we have white and light pink roses in various arrangements.A white gazebo stands at the front where Eduardo is waiting patiently beside the priest.

The guests all turn to stare as their Don leads the bride to her groom.

I don’t stick around for the ceremony.I have other duties to fulfil.

“If you ever ask me to joint another living being, I will quit,” Luca says as I walk into the kitchen.

“Don’t act like you didn’t enjoy it,” I say with a smile as I take in the gift bags aligned in rows across the counter.

“You’re the devil,” he grumbles.

I press a kiss to his cheek to soothe his anger even though I know it isn’t really necessary.

“You know they deserved what they got.”

“I do,” he nods.“But it would have been nice to have some help.”

“Next time...”I start, but he cuts me off with a glare.Holding my hands in the air in a sign of surrender I giggle.“I’ll get someone else.”

“Damn straight.My arms hurt, and all my blades are dull.”

“Just help me get them to the tables and you can rest or sharpen your blades or whatever else takes your fancy.”

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