Page 63 of His to Have
When he finally let me up for air, he said, “I’ve been waiting all day to do that.” Then grinned, stealing another quick kiss before pulling away slightly. “Come on. We still need to make our rounds. Thank our guests.”
This was the political part of the evening. The part where we weren't just newlyweds,but the Donatellis.
We approached the Ricci table first, where Don Ricci stood with his wife and a few family members. His expression was polite but measured as we approached.
“Don Donatelli,” he said formally, extending his hand to Teo. “Congratulations on your union. And on the promotion.”
“Grazie.” Teo accepted the handshake. “Thank you for honoring us with your presence.”
Don Ricci’s wife smiled at me, but there was something reserved about it. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. But I knew that this was likely the mask she presented to outsiders.
“The ceremony was... modern,” she said carefully. “Very different from the old traditions.”
“Times change, signora,” Teo replied smoothly and was followed by my, “We kept the traditions worth preserving. The others...” I smiled graciously, “well, some things are better left in the past where they belong.”
“Indeed,” Ricci agreed, though his tone was measured. “Wisdom lies in knowing which traditions strengthen us and which... no longer serve their purpose. But today is for celebration, no?”
He raised his champagne glass slightly before drinking the bubbly liquid. “To the union of two strong families. May yourpartnership bring prosperity and stability to all who depend on you.”
We both accepted their well wishes with pleasant smiles and nodded before making our way to the next group of guests. As we walked away from the Ricci table, I couldn’t help but giggle softly. “Did they just politely insult us?”
Teo’s mouth quirked in amusement. “Yeah, thosemotherfuckascan’t stand no one in the faction.”
“But they come to the wedding? Eat our food? Drink our booze?” I admonished, even though I fully understood why they were here. “And then the whole... ‘very different from the old traditions’ thing?” I mimicked Don Ricci’s wife, and scoffed.
Again he chuckled, not even phased slightly by their... shade. “They think we’ve strayed too far from the old ways. Too modern, too business-focused instead of honor-focused. In other words were to black.”
“But they’re here anyway.”
He shrugged. “They’re part of the ecosystem. We need each other, even if we don’t always agree. It’s all about respect.”
“Teo! Ayanna,” a semi-familiar voice called out from across the garden. I turned to see Stephanie weaving through the crowd with an equally attractive woman at her side.
I’d only met her once in her office. She was a bombshell wrapped in a power suit. Flawless skin. Perfect teeth. And a body some women had to pay for. Today, however, the power suit was replaced by an elegant silk dress and a pair of sexy pumps.
Her stride slowed as she reached us. “Congratulations, you two.” She leaned in and surprisingly pulled me into a hug,which I returned. “Girl, you look gorgeous.”
She turned her gaze to my husband, then gave him a hug as well. “You clean up pretty well, too. You remember my girlfriend Summer, right?” Her manicured hand sat right at the curve of the woman’s back.
He smiled, “Of course. It’s good to see you again.”
“You as well.”
“And this is his beautiful ass wife, Ayanna.” Stephanie gestured to me with a warm smile.
“Nice to meet you. The wedding was absolutely stunning. I can’t get over how perfect everything was. From the decorations to the music.” She glanced around, taking in the ambiance, before turning back to us. “To the bomb ass couple.”
We all chuckled and a real smile spread across my face.”Thank you. Seriously.”
She smiled and Stephanie continued, “We just wanted to come by and speak, gotta head out in a little bit. You know there’s no rest for the weary. Always fires to put out.” She rolled her eyes and Teo grinned, clearly amused by her dramatics.
“Well, we appreciate you Steph. Thank you all for coming.”
After a few more exchanges and promises to catch up soon, Stephanie and Summer waved goodbye and made their way back through the crowd. The next hour blurred together as we moved through the crowd. Teo’s hand never left my waist, guiding me from one group to the next with practiced ease.
“Congratulations, beautiful couple!”
“Wishing you both happiness!”
