Page 59 of Sins of Bliss

It doesn’t seem to bother Vincenza, though, so I don’t allow it to bother me.

“The rings,” the monsignor says under his breath. Reaching into the pocket where I stowed the box Sully handed me, I turn it toward my wife so she may see her ring.

She gasps as the lid opens, revealing a four carat pear cut pink diamond set on a white gold band, with a halo of diamonds surrounding it. Behind it rests two white gold bands—a diamond band for her to wear when she prefers a simple ring, and a brushed band for myself.

Taking all three from the box, I hand them to the monsignor.

Resting them flat on his palm, he looks down at them. “Lord, bless these rings so that those who may wear them abide in peace and in your will, may remain faithful to one another, and may always live in mutual charity. Through Christ our Lord.”

“Amen,” echoes through the church as more guests join in for this blessing. I repeat them, and Vinnie follows as she grins, watching as the monsignor sprinkles our rings with holy water.

Handing me Vinnie’s rings, he passes mine to her.

Positioning the band at the tip of my ring finger, she gazes lovingly into my eyes as she says, “Sylvester Lucchetti, receive this ring as a sign of my everlasting love and fidelity.”

She pushes the ring up my finger until it reaches the base.

“Vincenza Mae Paladino,” I begin, raising my voice slightly so all can hear as I align both rings to slide on her. “Receive these rings as a sign of my everlasting love and fidelity.”

Making the sign of the cross, the monsignor closes. “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Now, let us invoke God’s blessing upon this bride and groom, and may favor with his help those on whom he has bestowed with the Sacrament of Matrimony. In the sight of God and these witnesses, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Sylvester, you may now kiss your bride!”

I don’t wait another second before I close the distance between us and kiss my wife. Cupping the back of her head, I tilt her back, dipping her deeply as our mouths move together in perfect synchronicity. I want to ravish her, but our sins have already amassed in this blissful union, so I keep it as tame as I possibly can.

Too soon, I right her and break our kiss, but I never take my eyes off her. The monsignor then gives his final words to us and the attendees. “Go in peace to glorify the Lord with your life.”

All around, guests resound, “Thanks be to God.”

Leaning forward, I kiss her softly again before I angle my body and scoop her into a bridal carry. She laughs as I start down the aisle, heading straight for the doors.

“We’re supposed to walk down the aisle together as husband and wife,” she scolds in a playful tone, wrapping her arms around my neck.

“I have waited far too long to have you in my arms again, Vincenza. This is me making up for lost time. You may never walk again, amore mio.”

Nuzzling into me, she kisses the tender spot on my neck. “I love you, Sly Lucchetti.”

“Ti amo, moglie mia.”

I love you, my wife.

Chapter 21

Vinnie

“Vincenza! Vincenza, stop!” my father’s voice echoes through the church as Sly carries me into the foyer. My stomach lurches hearing him call meVincenzaand notSunshine, like he has since I was a child.

Over Sly’s shoulder, I see a look I’ve never seen on my father’s face before—one of disbelief, anger, and rage.

“It is your decision, piccola ladra,” Sly tells me. His pace slows, but he continues walking toward the tall oak doors that lead outside.

I don’t want to stop and face my father, but I know it’s the right thing to do. I can’t imagine what is going on in his head—there is so much he doesn’t know, and considering all that transpired in the last thirty minutes, I know we need to talk. “We should talk to him.”

“Of course.” Sly sets me down carefully, allowing me to find my footing beneath the elaborate skirt of my gown. Reaching down, he laces his fingers in mine.

His touch is reassuring and whispers the unspoken promise of solidarity.

My father comes to an abrupt stop in front of us, his face red and angry as his eyes dart between me and Sly and down toour connected hands. A true moment of realization hits, carving along every feature of his face. I can’t help but feel a wave of guilt slam into me, my heart sinking as the way he sees his daughter shifts before my very eyes.

“Vincenza?”

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