Page 62 of Luca
“We’ll keep her safe,” Luca said. “Forever.”
ChapterTwenty-Six
MARGARET
Istared at my gown in the mirror.
The dress was beautiful. It belonged to Luca’s grandmother and Nonno said he hoped one day his Penelope would wear it. When he handed it to me, it was with hope in his eyes and despite the farce Luca and I were cooking, I couldn’t say no.
It meant a lot to him. And somehow it meant a lot to me to give Nonno that simple little thing. Luca and I were getting married in the same church as his grandparents. Then we’d have the reception back at Nonno’s place. Just like he had it with his Nonna way back when.
My hands were splayed against my pregnant belly. The dress was flared from the bodice in an empire waist design with long sleeves, a low-cut back, and a train that flared out behind me. The fabric was soft and the dress fit me perfectly, as if it was designed for me.
Or maybe Nonna was pregnant too when they got married, I mused.
“You look gorgeous. Just like our sister should.” Aiden’s deep voice came from behind me.
My eyes caught the reflection of my brothers and Áine standing at the door that separated this room from the church. I blinked. They were still there.
“Beautiful.” The twins concurred. “But then, she’s always been beautiful.”
Slowly, I turned, the rustle of the wedding dress following my movement, to find them standing at the doorway.
My family. My brothers were always it for me. And when Uncle married, Áine joined our circle effortlessly.
It wasn’t my parents. It wasn’t even my uncle. It was always my brothers.
My bottom lip trembled. It wasn’t until this very moment that I realized what bothered me all day. The idea of doing this without people I loved.
And here they were.
“What- How-” I couldn’t form a question.
“You didn’t think I'd let you marry Luca King without seeing you first and making sure this was of your own free will.”
A breath left me and tears burned the back of my eyes.
“Luca DiMauro,” I murmured.
When they all gave me a blank stare, I clarified. “He’s changed his name to Luca DiMauro.”
A shaky smile formed on my lips. I actually loved that he’d be a DiMauro. And he’d give my baby her last name too. She wouldn’t be connected to the man who killed my da. She’d be a DiMauro. It felt like a fresh start.
“And yes, I’m doing this of my own free will,” I said.
Áine rushed over to me. “Luca called Cassio. That rascal just told us he was getting married, but not to whom. Then demanded we have our passports ready and board a plane.”
My throat squeezed and I blinked hard, keeping those traitorous, hormonal tears away. Her hands came around me and hugged me.
“I missed you so much,” she murmured. “And your brothers are right. You look beautiful,” she said in a soft voice.
She smiled, then took a step back and my three brothers sandwiched me between them. They hugged me tightly.
“You didn’t stick to the plan, little sister,” Aiden reprimanded, but there was no real scolding in his voice.
“He even asked our help to find you,” Tyran grumbled. “We had to kick his ass and then start the search. What kind of Irishman sends his sister to Italy?”
“She was supposed to go to Northern Italy,” Aiden grumbled. “Not in the heart of the Italian mafiosos.”
