Page 237 of Billion-Dollar Attitudes

My father, Giuseppe, came up behind me and placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "You look absolutely beautiful, my dear," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

I leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you, Papa. I love you."

"I love you too, sweetheart," he replied, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

As a groomsman, Chase, escorted Mum to her seat, then the elevator doors opened, signaling that it was time for me to make my entrance. My heart raced with anticipation, knowing that in just a few moments, I would be walking down that silken runner, hand in hand with my father, towards my future with Mitch.

With one last deep breath, I stepped out of the elevator, the doors closing behind me. Then, rearranging my train, I prepared for the most magical moment of my life.

The boardwalk held a special place in my heart, as it was the very spot where Mitch and I, albeit separately, had truly begun to fall in love. I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia as I stepped onto the wooden planks, the familiar sound of seagulls and the laughter of people in the distance transporting me back to those early days of our blossoming relationship.

With each step, I felt the warmth of the sun on my face and the gentle ocean breeze in my hair, and I knew without a doubt that this was where we were meant to be. As my father and I walked arm-in-arm toward Mitch, the love and joy in the air were palpable. I couldn't wait to join my life with him in this magical place that had played such a significant role in our love story.

As we reached the end of the boardwalk, the beautiful ceremony area came into view. White chairs adorned with lush green ivy and fragrant white roses that matched my bouquet lined either side of the aisle. At the same time, the soft sounds of the ensemble that had played at our engagement party filled the air. Family and friends beamed with happiness, their eyes shining with tears of joy.

Mitch stood at the altar, looking incredibly handsome in his tuxedo. His eyes locked onto mine, and I could see the love and adoration written all over his face. As my father and I made our way down the aisle, time seemed to slow down, allowing me to take in every detail of this unforgettable moment.

When we finally reached Mitch, my father gently lifted my veil and kissed me tenderly on the cheek before placing my hand in Mitch's. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver down my spine, and I felt a sense of peace and certainty envelop me. This was where I was meant to be and the man I was meant to spend the rest of my life with.

Angelo Ferrara, Mitch's attorney and a friend of the Russo family, officiated the ceremony. His voice carried across the beach as he spoke of love, commitment, and the beautiful journey Mitch and I were about to embark on together.

Mitch and I exchanged heartfelt vows. Each word was spoken with unwavering conviction and love. I gazed into his eyes, feeling the depth of our connection and the strength of our bond. As we prepared to slip our wedding bands onto each other's fingers, Mitch fumbled with the ring, nearly dropping it into the sand.

There was a collective gasp from our guests, followed by laughter, as Mitch skillfully caught the ring just in time. "Phew, that was a close one," he joked, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. We all laughed, and the atmosphere instantly took a lighter tone.

"With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," Angelo announced. "You may kiss the bride."

As Mitch leaned in to kiss me, the cheers and applause of our loved ones enveloped us. The salty ocean breeze mingled with the sweet scent of roses as our lips met, sealing our commitment to one another in a tender, loving embrace.

With the ceremony complete, it was time to celebrate the beginning of our new life together. As we walked hand in hand, greeting our guests, the sun dipped toward the horizon, casting a warm golden glow on the sand and the crashing waves.

The reception was magical, set up on the beach as the sun set. Tables draped in lilac linens and adorned with white roses and green ivy created an enchanting atmosphere. The soft melodies of the ensemble filled the air while laughter and conversation buzzed around us.

Our loved ones gathered around, their smiles infectious as they shared stories and caught up with one another. The surprise appearance of Courtney, who had flown in especially for the wedding, brought an additional burst of joy to the celebration. Her presence lifted everyone's spirits, especially Brad's, who was clearly elated to see her again.

As we all kicked off our shoes and let the warm sand embrace our toes, the reception took on a relaxed, carefree vibe. The delicious food catered by Bella Vita Restaurant left our taste buds dancing with delight.

The time came for the bouquet toss, and Courtney, with her impeccable timing, effortlessly caught it, much to everyone's amusement. "Looks like you're next, Court!" I teased as she flashed a cheeky grin and winked at Brad.

Later, as I sat down with my piece of wedding cake, Meagan leaned in and whispered, "I bet you're happy that Vera Wang gown has a little extra room for dessert, huh?" We both giggled, and I nodded in agreement, "Absolutely!”

The evening continued with heartfelt speeches and toasts, each warming our hearts and filling our eyes with tears of joy. Finally, we danced under the stars, the ocean waves providing the perfect backdrop for celebrating love and new beginnings.

As the reception drew to a close and the sky turned a deep shade of twilight, Papa stood up to make his second toast to us. Holding his glass high, he looked at Mitch and me with pride and love in his eyes. "To the beautiful bride and groom, may your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. May your life be filled with happiness, laughter, and endless adventures together."

The clink of glasses and cheers from our friends and family filled the air while Mitch and I embraced, feeling the love and support that surrounded us.

Our honeymoon to Hawaii beckoned, and for the first time in what felt like forever, we could travel without the need for security. Yet, we couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness as we kissed our sweet Ava on the cheek, leaving her in the capable hands of her grandparents, Pop and Momo.

With their warm smiles and reassuring nods, they promised to take good care of her while we embarked on our well-deserved honeymoon. As we waved our goodbyes and stepped into the waiting limo, we looked back at the beautiful beachside wedding and reception, knowing that this was just the beginning of our incredible journey together as husband and wife.

“I love you Mitch!”

“Back at ya. Now let’s get on to the fun stuff!”

Epilogue

Brad

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