Page 81 of The Veiling

“You would have killed him, I’m sure.” Suddenly, she became quiet and thoughtful, staring off into the distance.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” She sighed. “Now, I just wish we could move the wedding up.”

“I thought you didn’t want to be pregnant in the wedding?”

She shook her head. “I didn’t, but the more I think about it, I wonder why I even care, you know?” She glanced down, then back up again. “I often visualized my wedding to you as this traditional big show wedding because I thought that’s what you wanted.”

I chuckled. “Not in the least, bella. I would marry you right in this spot right now if I could.”

“With the media, I fear they’ll be all over our garden with helicopters and drones.”

“Possible.” I stopped, twisting to her. “What do you truly want, amore?”

“What doyouwant?”

“I want you to be my wife and I don’t care how it happens as long as it’s you.”

“I would love just something small with your family and our close friends. Maybe a beach wedding?”

“The beach?”

She nodded. “Maybe when we go to your parents’ place, we can perhaps ask about hosting it there sometime after our visit? I know it would excite your mom to no end.”

When I opened my mouth to respond, Joseph’s voice came through my earpiece. I had put it back in after dinner.Stop.

I froze.

Sensing the danger, Isabelle halted next to me with her cup to her lips, mid-sip.

Suddenly, a man came out from behind the bushes with a light pointed at us.

Joseph and Noah surrounded us, shielding us as best as they could.

“Get them to the car, now,” Joseph ordered.

“Wait!” The guy called out as we sped in the other direction.

“Isabelle, are you okay?” Noah asked after accidentally knocking her drink out of her hand, causing it to fall to the ground. The lid came off and the remaining coffee splattered everywhere.

She stopped, growling, “Enough!”

We all halted instantly.

She twirled around, marching toward the man with the cellphone. “Who are you?!”

“I was just trying to apologize.” He shook his head with his palms facing us. “I’m so sorry. I was out for a run,” he gestured to his attire, “as you can see, and I had to pee really bad. I didn’t mean to scare anyone. I was using this as my flashlight.”

Isabelle respired.

“Mr. Greco, please accept my apology. I didn’t even know it was you guys passing by at first. And Miss, I’m sorry for my rudeness.”

“I-it’s okay.” She was trembling.

The man bowed his head, tucking his phone away and took off jogging in the opposite direction. Isabelle turned to me, panic-stricken. “I know I’ll be able to relax soon, but right now, it’s still all too fresh.”

“Give it time, bella.” I draped my arm around her shoulder, pulled her tight against me, and pressed my lips to the top of her head.

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