Page 110 of DeLucas After Dark

“Shut up. Just be happy I invited you.” I joked back. The three of us laughed in sync and it felt good.

The lights blinked, and I figured that was our cue. A woman in a sparkly dress stood off to the side of the officiant as the melody to “If I ain’t got you” by Alicia Keys was played without the words. Cara came first, and I noticed how she couldn’t keep her eyes off Tammaro. He was just as focused. Yolanda, Simone’s attorney, was next. Then her best friend Asia. Last but not least was Martina. When the song started over, the singer spoke into the microphone.

“Please rise for the bride.”

Amina walked in, dropping winter white roses as she came toward me. The singer dropped the first verse of the song as Simone stepped into the room. Her voice was powerful and fit the emotion coursing through me as I watched her come toward me. Escorted by her mother, she looked beautiful. Her dress was satin with a sweetheart neckline. Her chest, shoulders, and arms were covered in a very sheer lace. The satin material fit her like a second skin down to her thighs. Lace flowed from there to the ground and train. Her veil was also lace and hid her face from me. My fingers itched to take it off so I could see her fully.

Midway down the aisle, her father appeared. He stepped out and stood beside her, escorting her down the rest of the way. Understanding his presence now, I was choked up with emotions. He smiled brightly, with tears in his eyes. He touched her arm and Simone’s step paused as if she could feel him. I held my head up higher when she continued on. It was the perfect sight. Both of her parents bringing their daughter to me. I had to remember this moment, capturing it as best as I could since nobody else could see it this way. They’d think I was crazy if I told them otherwise. When she stood in front of me, her mother offered me Simone’s hands. I paused when Eddie got to his knees and kissed Simone’s stomach. He then stood next to his wife, and I held Simone’s hands inside mine.

While the last of the song was sung, I stood looking down at Simone. Then we turned toward the officiant while he did his thing. I massaged her hands through the satin gloves she wore, lace on the underside all the way to her fingertips.

“Now we’ll hear vows from the couple.”

Fuck! I knew I’d forgotten to do something. I’d written mine down but left it in my bag.

“Beni, I only wanted to take a minute to remind you of how far we’ve come. From the perfect bet to standing here today, I’ve always been drawn to you. Your take charge demeanor led us to our first argument, but you never gave up on me. Persistent, you pursued me religiously. Thank you for that, because it’s the best gift you’ve ever given me. Your ability to always show up for me, even when I fought you. I’ve known that I could count on you to always be here. To always fight for us. It’s what I’ve always needed. A partner, somebody who won’t let me give up. Someone who helps me rise to my full potential every day. You take what you dish out, allowing me to love you back in the ways that lift you up as well. Our styles work so well together in perfect harmony, that’s how I know that today was premeditated. We were destined to stand here today as man and woman because our hearts already knew the way. I love you and love the way that you love me back. Thank you for being you, Beast. I truly needed you in my life.”

I wiped the tear that managed to break free. Shit. I sniffed and then cleared my throat.

“I don’t know if I can beat that.”

The crowd laughed as I heard more sniffling out there. I saw movement and watched as her father came to stand next to me.

“Speak from the heart, son.”

Son … it was the second time he’d called me that.

“Speaking of destiny…” I started. “It was your scent for me. It reminded me of my favorite woman in the world. I know that’s a tall order, but you shined through. Making it yours, replacing the memories of the only other woman I’ve ever loved as strong. I noticed that the same fierceness that I once used to send her away was directed to you. Old wounds never healed, you smoothed your love over them like the best healing balm. Teaching me to trust, love, and even to respect you in a way that I didn’t know existed. You’ve surrendered to me in some of the sweetest ways, showing me that it’s safe to be vulnerable here…” I moved my hands back and forth between us, “with you and no one else. Firefly, nobody brightens a room the way you do. Your energy is unmatched, and it draws me to you even when I hate it. It’s impossible to compete with. That’s how I knew that our forever was already here. With or without rings and a license, you were already my wife. My soulmate. You’re right, baby, we were already written in the stars.” Unable to help myself, I pulled her in for a kiss, marking this moment as ours. I didn’t need somebody else to pronounce us as man and wife. We fucking were.

“That’s it, son. Claim what’s yours.”

I chuckled against her lips, and she smiled back, understanding too.

“If anybody has a reason why these two shouldn’t be wed–”

My brothers stepped forward, guards too, and challenged the crowd. Cheers sounded through the room as her bridesmaids joined the ranks. Her father stood in line as well, and it solidified my decision.

“Before he pronounces us as man and wife, can we take a moment to thank our angels for helping to make sure this was possible?” I said to the room. Everybody hung their heads and was silenced. “Anna DeLuca, Tommaso DeLuca, and most importantly … Edward Flowers.” I nodded to him as Simone gasped. “Without his sacrifices, today wouldn’t have been possible. I know he’s here. They’re all lending us their strength and being supportive of this day. Thank you.”

“Amen!” somebody side from the back.

“Thank you, Beast.” Simone sniffed some more, and I kissed her cheek.

We turned back to the officiant. “Let’s pronounce them man and wife. I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Beniamino Tommaso DeLuca. You may kiss your–”

I didn’t need his permission. I kissed Simone, gathering all the love I felt for her, and I channeled it to her lips, pouring it into her soul.

Whistles sounded, and I pulled her even closer. Her arms circled my neck, and I felt more complete than I could have imagined.

Mine.

And that was the best Christmas gift I could ask for.

SIMONE

Beni was gone from me for twenty-six days in Italy. He was making that up to me in aces. A twenty-six-day honeymoon with no destination in mind. We followed our whims and traveled to wherever felt good. My favorite was his home in Italy. It was where his parents wed.

He’d left Massimo in charge, and I’d left Cara to keep the club going. We knew it was the right decision when it took us so long to think about our life back home. We were lying in bed together when I felt a flutter across my stomach.

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