Page 31 of Sin and Seduction

“Because you brought Dante back to us. Something we thought we’d never see. If anyone has a thank you to give, it’s to you, Esmeralda,” Camila says, and this time I don’t swallow my tears.

Instead, I let a few fall in comfort in front of my new family.

13

Esmeralda

“So,what are you thinking in regards to dates?” Camila asks me, her accent thick.

I shrug in response. To be honest, since he and I are already married, I haven’t really given much thought to a date. Especially with our new move and my graduation coming up, along with the death of my mother, setting a date has yet to be on my list of top priorities.

“Maybe after we settle in at the San Francisco house? I graduate in a month, so I’d like to get that out of the way first,” I say as I finish my coffee.

Camila and everyone give me a strange look, one of uncertainty actually and it puzzles me.

“Will that be a problem?” I ask, and Camila sighs.

“The anniversary of my husband’s death is in a month. I usually take a trip to Italy to honor him; that was our favorite place to vacation in the summer. Paolo has a house for us there we would stay at…” Camila says distantly, instantly making me feel awkward.

“I understand completely,” I say, touching her hand. “I am in no rush for a date. We can always wait until the fall. It will give us more time to plan,” I say, and she frowns.

“I was actually thinking...since it’s such a sad time for many of us right now, why not have it in a week?” she says casually, and I try not to spit out my coffee.

A week?!

“Camila, I would hate for that to be such short notice for you to—”

“Nonsense, event planning is second nature to me, as you can see. Plus, all of our guests are here and in town. We can have it at the house and have everyone there. It’s quite perfect, actually,” she says, and I have to fan myself because I am growing hotter with anxiety by the second.

Plan a wedding in a week? What about Ricky and his family?

“Camila, I really appreciate the offer, but my best friend and his family won’t be able to come in that short of a time frame, and I have to have them there—”

“I already contacted Ricky. He and his parents are packed and ready. Their flight comes in two days,” Gabriela interrupts, and I turn to look at her.

These people really have the power to do anything.

“What about a dress?” I ask and Camila smiles.

“Marianne will be here tomorrow and has options on the way. I also have a few white designer gowns that you can choose from. I’m sorry, I know it isn’t enough time to find your dream dress, but we will make you look like a princess. You won’t have to lift a finger,” Camila says, and I sit and process everything that was just thrown at me.

Just as I am about to speak, Dante walks in, looking so amazingly handsome in his three-piece suit that my heart skips a beat. He takes one look at my face and frowns.

“What’s wrong, mi ciela?” he asks as he stops by my side, his hand resting on my shoulder.

“We were just telling Emmie about the wedding plans,” Camila says, and Dante nods.

“You were aware?” I ask him, and he nods in response.

“I wanted them to run it by you before we decided on anything.”

“Ricky and Marianne are already coming. I think it's already been decided,” I say, and he touches my face.

“Nothing is decided until my bride says,” he says darkly, and I sigh.

I mean, if we have it now, I’ll have more time to settle in the new house and get ready for graduation. That leaves the entire summer and fall for me to actually get my restaurant plans in order. They’re willing to take care of everything. I’m already married. It makes sense to do it now. Plus, since the first time meeting Dante’s mother, she actually looks...happy right now. I can’t start our relationship off on the wrong foot.

“A week it is,” I say as Dante kisses my cheek, his smell intoxicating as always.

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