Page 36 of His to Have
“Much better.” Rita nodded, satisfied that the hierarchy was being respected.
“And the flowers?” Nonna Donatelli, Teo’s grandmother interjected, her Italian accent carrying a soothing cadence that softened her words. She folded her hands gracefully, fixing the planner with an expectant look. “We decided on calla lilies, yes?”
“Actually,” I interjected, cutting the planner off before she could answer, “I was thinking peonies instead.”
The planner blinked at me, her smile frozen in place as if she hadn’t heard me right. “Oh, but calla lilies are customary in all Donatelli family weddings, dear,” she said, her tone polite on the surface but laced with condescension. Her gaze flicked to Nonna, clearly seeking backup.
I returned her smile, calm and collected. “I understand the tradition, and calla lilies are lovely. But peonies hold a special meaning for me, and I’d like them included instead.” My tone was even.
I was doing my best to not lose my shit with this lady. She’d been testing me all week, slyly pushing back on nearly every decision I made. When I mentioned liking ivory, champagne, and white as a color scheme, she insisted that those colors were too bland. Then she boldly suggested an intense palette ofburgundy and blush instead; arguing that they would make a more memorable impression. Her constant challenges seemed less about aesthetics and more about undermining my authority. It was apparent that she had strong ties to all of the families. Her insistence on overriding my choices felt like a power play. Being the wife of a high-ranking mafia man herself, it was evident that she disliked outsiders and wanted to control the situation. Today was the final straw. She would either fall in line or find someone else’s wedding to plan.
She hesitated for a moment as she considered my wishes as if it were up to her. Her pen hovered over her notepad before making notes to change the flowers. “Of course, Miss Reed.”
Her lips were tight, like it killed her to honor my wishes. Then the woman went on to say, “But given the significance of the Donatelli traditions, I assumed you’d want to honor them fully, especially since this is such a... monumental event.”
The emphasis onmonumentalfelt like a subtle jab, like she was reminding me that I should feel privileged to be associated with any of the Northern families.
My jaw tightened and my eyes narrowed. “I respect and honor family traditions,” I replied, my words clipped, “but this isn’ttheirwedding. It’s mine.”
The smile on her face wavered for only a split second before she looked at Teo’s mother and grandmother for backup. When no one said a word, she continued, “Of course this is your wedding, but—“
“But nothing,” I interrupted, my voice sharp enough to make her pause. “Your only answer should be, ‘Of course, Ayanna or Ms. Reed’. Anything after that is unacceptable. I feel like you’re having trouble understanding who’s really in charge here, so let me make it clear. Me... I am.” I pointed to my chest, emphasizing my words. “If I say peonies, you order peonies. If I say duck walk across the garden in heels and tie a big-ass ribbon around everymaple tree, you’ll do that too. If that’s a problem, let me know now so I can find someone who actually understands how to do their job.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Sophia suppressing a grin, her hand coming up to cover her mouth. Nonna let out a soft chuckle, leaning back in her chair, while Rita sat there like a proud mother. It wasn’t that I didn’t respect traditions, because I deeply valued them. However, it was important for me to express my individuality and have a wedding that truly reflected my own values. My mother carried peonies on her wedding day, and so would I.
There was no way I was going to let some random event planner tell me what I could or couldn’t have atmywedding. I looked at her, my eyes unwavering, daring her to try me.
The longer I stared, and no one came to her defense, the more the color drained from her face. Finally, she stammered, “No problem at all, Miss Reed.” Her pen shook slightly as she made a note. “Peonies it is.”
The silence that followed was deafening, and I could feel all eyes on me. Nonna broke it with a soft smile, her hand reaching out to rest lightly on mine. “Bella,why peonies?” The term of endearment settled over me, warm and unexpected.
I turned to her, my tone softening. “They remind me of my mother’s wedding,” I explained. “She carried them down the aisle. It’s a way to honor her and my father’s marriage.”
While I didn’t agree with everything my parents did, their love always stood the test of time. They had their ups and downs, but their partnership was something to admire. Their unwavering support for each other gave me hope and strength. Carrying peonies down the aisle felt like a meaningful way to honor the legacy they built—a legacy I respected and hoped to continue in my own marriage.
Nonna’s eyes flashed with approval. “Peonies it will be,bella.I admire your fire—it will serve you well in this family.” She patted my hand before sitting back in her chair. “It’s a beautiful choice for a beautiful bride.”
The look she delivered to the planner dared her to take any more liberties with my vision. A slight nod from Nonna seemed to seal the decision, leaving no room for further debate. While Lidia was clearly taken aback by Nonna’s support, she wisely kept her mouth shut this time.
After the tension had passed, we were able to make several more decisions. Considering the wedding and reception would take place right here on the Donatelli compound, most of the preparations were straightforward. As we finalized the last few details, a familiar voice bounced off the wall.
Several actually, but only one gave me butterflies. I didn’t even need to turn around to know it was him.
Teo strolled into the family room, followed by my brother and his friend Keem. He greeted his mother first with a hug and kiss on the cheek. He followed suit with his grandmother and sister. Finally, his gaze landed on me, and without hesitation, he made quick strides over to where I sat. He leaned down and placed a kiss on my lips.
It was far too casual and natural.
It was as if he’d done it a thousand times before, and by the way I fell right in line, you would think we had been a couple for a lot longer than a few weeks. If anyone in this room had questions about where we stood, they were promptly answered. The way he claimed me so effortlessly in front of his family was both astounding and intoxicating, leaving no room for ambiguity—or resistance.
“You snuck out this morning,” he murmured against my lips. His tone was low, meant only for my ears, but his amusementwas unmistakable. “You can’t hide from me forever,amore. When you’re done here, have Sophia bring you to me.”
I paused, swallowing hard as I nodded. “Sure.”
The truth was, I had been ducking him because I knew he was done playing games with my ass. The way he’d been applying pressure since I stepped foot into his home should be studied. He made sure to have breakfast with me every morning, then at night there was some form of quality time. Last night it was a walk through his garden. This morning, I thought I could sneak out and avoid him until later tonight, but of course, he had other plans. And now, sitting here with his lips barely brushing mine, I realized how pointless my little game of avoidance had been.
Straightening, he offered me a panty-wetting wink before turning his attention back to his family. I forced myself to refocus on the room. Bash was seated near Nonna and Rita, deep in conversation with the Donatelli women. I heard him tell them that our parents had just touched down and would be here shortly. The news hadn’t been surprising, since I knew they were arriving today.
A few feet away, Keem and Sophia were locked in a playful back-and-forth, her soft giggles filling the air. Judging by the grin on Keem’s face, he was thoroughly enjoying the banter.
