Page 45 of Under the Influence
Chryseis giggles from his teasing. Soft fingers squeezing mine in genuinehappiness.
"Instead, do you both pledge to inspire each other's dreams…acknowledge each other's fears…celebrate each other’s successes…support each other, especially in times of failure…indulge each other's irrationalities,and–"
She points to me with that request. Making Father Martin laugh this time. Both of them know me too damnwell.
"And, keep only the two of you in this relationship. Faithful in your thoughts, in your hearts and in the maritalbed."
I point to her on this one. “Bed is a relative termBooks."
Wide eyes meet mine. Horrified I would talk about fucking her in front of the minister. But fuck she’s sexy when she’s naked and sprawled over…well hell across everything. I have to make sure we’re clear on what we’re agreeingto.
“Gio?”
Father Martin leans toward me, urging an answer. That I’ve never been happier to give. "Ido."
“Chryseis?”
"Ido."
Her unconditional agreement comes through. Her voice. Her smile. Her gaze. All of them absolutely and completely accepting my commitment to her and confirming hers tome.
“Then by the powers invested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss yourbride.”
Fuck yes I will. I sit next to her. Face to face. So I don’t miss a damn thing in her expression. Humbled to really have her. For her to be mine. To be my future. "I love you Mrs.Trivoli."
She smiles against my lips. “Merry Christmas, Mr.Trivoli.”
Igrin at my husband,fighting to keep the laughter bubbling in my throat from escaping with the intensity of his stare. Zeroed in on the glass of ginger ale sitting next to my place setting. Deliberating what message, if any, I'm sending him with my choice of drink during our belated Christmas / New Year'scelebration.
That's only a little bitlate.
Just like Iam.
My heart swirls in my chest again. From the hope growing within me and the joy surrounding us. When Gio proposed, he said he wanted me at his table. Now he has me. We have each other. Along with the people welove.
Tucker, my parents, and Sheena flank both sides, talking and laughing with each other and to Gio. Well, except for Sheena of course. The only one besides Tucker who knows the entire story behind our break up, she holds back. Reserved. Tentative. Cautious. Forcing him to earn her trust again. Which I love about her and hate for him. Yet he remains good-natured about her reluctance as well as her reticence. A man like him always respects loyalty. Especially tome.
Although her outrage must have waned during the past two weeks for her to be here. Or, maybe her willingness to join us for dinner stems from her blossoming feelings for the other man in our lives. With her flushed cheeks and bright smile, I think her concern over Tucker is more than professional obligation from her nursing training. He seems to be just as taken. Only grumbling a little from her diligent attention to hisrecuperation.
I catch Gio's gaze and nod toward our friends murmuring together, oblivious to the rest of us. Gio watches for a few seconds, a deep frown lining his forehead before he shakes his head. Rolling his eyes at the improbability of my suggestion. I hold back my smile. We'll see, my husband. We'll justsee.
"Sweetie, what time is your doctor's appointment on Tuesday? Dad and I want to go with you and see what the orthopedist has to say about yourprogress."
Grateful my parents' forgiveness came much easier than my friend's. More focused on my health and the attack rather than my elopement. "I can't remember Mom. Let mecheck."
Twisting out of my seat, I hobble down the hallway toward the den to grab my phone. Feels good to stretch my leg after sitting with my ankle propped up for so long. Stepping from the tile to the carpet, my boot catches on the thick pile, and I palm the wall to catch my balance again. I'm as guilty as Tucker is of forgetting that we're still limited in our mobility. That recovery is slow and tedious, regardless of how much we resist theprocess.
"What the fuck are you doing? You know I would have got it foryou."
Gio's reprimand pounds with his quick steps behind me. His words harsher than his tone. Guilt warms my cheeks. Always so concerned over me, I should have known better than give him another reason to worry. Anxiety stiffening his body as he scans me for distress. "I know. I'msorry."
"Are youokay?"
Welcoming his protective hand around my waist, I gaze up at him. Excited to give him his Christmas gift. No longer able to hold this secret alone. "Just a little tipsy, Iguess."
Skepticism pools in his expression. Suspicion tilting his head from my reason. "But you haven't beendrinking."
I grasp his collar, tugging him down to me. Brushing my lips over his. "I know but I'm under the influence of this crazy...sexy...sweet...mobsterwho–"
