Page 114 of Mafia King: Matteo
“He will be. This is really nice. A happy occasion for a change.”
“True. Niccoló is still a mess. I made him bail out of a match so he wouldn’t have a bruised face for the wedding pictures.”
“Good call.”
“Have you met the rest of the family?”
“Yes, they seem nice.”
“There you are, sister.” Bianca breezes in, looking gorgeous in her bridesmaid dress.
I hug her and then sit in front of the vanity as the crew takes over to transform me.
“How is Italy?”
“I’ve been in Switzerland mostly. Until this issue with Moretti is over, I’m not returning to Sicily.”
“I don’t blame you,” I reply. “I’m worried about everyone. And Lucinda has to remain in hiding until the situation is taken care of,” I add.
“What’s with the gloomy faces?” Penny says as she announces her arrival.
“Thank you for coming, Penny.”
“My pleasure. I’m happy to be here. I’m also relieved we finished the project so I can take a holiday,”
“You and me both,” I reply. I smile at her through the vanity mirror.
Bianca hands me a mimosa. “You’ll need a few of these.”
“I’ve been on vacation for a week. I might be developing a drinking problem. Between the alcohol, the water, and my sexy husband-to-be, I’m spoiled.”
“Enjoy it. You deserve it,” Bianca says, sipping her drink. “I know my brother isn’t always easy to live with.”
“He’s great. And you know it,” I reply.
An hour later, I’m standing inside the house with Izzy at my side. Penny and Bianca walk down the aisle of sand to the canopy where Matteo, Gio, and Niccoló wait.
The wedding march plays, and Izzy walks. It’s my turn. My hands sweat as I hold the flower bouquet too tight.
I must be crazy for entering into a marriage with the Don, but I love him too much to walk away. We’re in this together. My gown is radiant; the tiny pearls and beads sparkle under the Florida sun. I walk, and the enormity of the event hits me. My eyes tear up.
My father is gone. My mother is a wreck and doesn’t leave the house. I push it aside for now. Today is my day.
Alexsei slides his arm through mine.
“You have a good man.”
“I know. I’m lucky.”
“You are. Never take each other for granted. It all goes by so fast.”
“I know,” I reply, choking back tears. I use the back of my hand to wipe away the water, threatening to ruin my makeup.
“Let’s get you married,” he says as we walk.
Alexsei kissed my forehead and put my hand into Matteo’s. He looked so handsome in a black tux as we stood in the shade together and turned to the priest. It’s unconventional, but when has my life ever been normal?
We say our “I dos” and slip rings on each other’s fingers. Matteo kisses me and makes it known I’m his. We turn and take in the family and friends before us. There are congressmen, business owners, men and women I don’t know, and others I’m sure I’ll come to know. Matteo’s family seems nice. I’ve met his uncles, and I’m relieved they weren’t implicated in his father’s death.
