34. Amelia
Chapter 34
Amelia
I take a deep breath as the car pulls up to the small church.
My heart races, yet I know it’s only excitement coursing through my veins.
It’s been two days since I’ve seen West, and the anticipation of our reunion on our wedding day has me jittery.
I got to know my newfound family in those two days. My god, I love every single one of them–and there’s quite a few.
My hands tighten around the beautiful smelling bouquet in my hand as the quaint church comes into view. It’s more beautiful than I imagined. More beautiful than Catherine and Arabella made me believe.
The car stops outside the wooden door.
Lilies of the valley flowers adorn the entrance. Their sweet scent wafting through the open car window.
“It’s beautiful,” I whisper.
Sunlight glints off the stained-glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the stone facade.
“It’s perfect for you,” Luca says as the door opens.
I playfully press myself against his body. “You’re so sweet.”
Gabe laughs. “You’re forgetting he’s accused of being the Boston Psycho. Killed eight men, according to the newspapers.”
My eyes widen as I stare at Luca.
“I’m innocent.”
“Said every assassin,” I quip.
Luca chuckles. “I’m innocent of the eight the prosecutor is trying me for. I only kill people who deserve it.”
I have to think about that. These cousins of mine are trained assassins, and I asked them to give me away without a thought. But they gave me my life back. They also got me the answers I craved and returned my inheritance.
After killing Vincenzo and his men, I begged them to tell me the truth about everything Vincenzo had said before I turned up at the warehouse.
I wanted to hear everything.
Vincenzo laughed at the way my parents begged for my life, but they’d accepted their fate. My parents only cared about me. I found that hard to hear, but my parents did everything in their lives protecting me. I know they would have done that until their dying breaths.
I suppose they did.
Regarding my inheritance, Vincenzo refused to tell me where my money was. In the end, it didn’t matter. It turns out my family knew exactly where to find it. And all eight million, two hundred and fifty thousand dollars was returned to me.
I’m not Westley Davenport rich, but I’m rich enough to help those who still live on the streets. I'm happy West helps me.
“You ready, Ames?” Gabe’s voice breaks through my reverie.
I turn to face him.
He and Luca both look dashing in their tuxedos. Yet, Luca, ever the rebel, fidgets with his bowtie, a scowl on his face.
Luca grunts, now tugging at his white shirt. “Remind me again why I agreed to wear this bow tie?”
Gabe chuckles, straightening his own tie. “Because you love Ames, and you know she’d kick your ass if you showed up in jeans.”
“I’d have been more comfortable in black,” Luca grumbles.
“See it as a change because—” Gabe has a mischievous glint in his eye as he smiles at me. “The way you’re going, you’ll get to wear orange soon, and permanently.”
Luca scowls.
I can’t help but laugh at their banter, feeling some of my nervousness dissipate. These two men have a way of putting me at ease, even in the most stressful situations.
“Alright, boys,” I say, shimmying to the car door. “Let’s do this before my fiancé decides my family are crazy and tries to make a run for it.”
As I step out of the car, the reality of the moment hits me. I’m about to marry West, the man who’s stood by me through thick and thin. The man who’s shown me what true love and partnership really mean.
I take a deep breath, smoothing my hands over the silky fabric of my wedding dress. It’s a dream come true, an ivory masterpiece that feels like liquid against my skin.
The bodice hugs my curves. The intricate lace detailing cascades down to the full skirt that pools around my feet. Delicate beadwork catches the sunlight, making me shimmer with every movement.
My fingers trail along the gossamer-thin veil as it falls on my shoulders. Its edges are adorned with tiny pearls and I can’t help but marvel at how it complements the dress so beautifully.
Matching silk shoes with a pearlescent sheen peek out from beneath the hem of my gown. They’re comfortable yet elegant, perfect for dancing the night away with my future husband.
But it’s the tiara nestled in my carefully styled hair that truly takes my breath away. The delicate silver filigree with blue diamonds is a Morelli heirloom. I sobbed when I was asked if I would like to wear it. I can hardly believe I’m wearing something so exquisite and something priceless to my family.
“You look stunning,” Gabe says, his voice filled with an emotion I don't normally hear in his voice.
I turn to face my cousins, feeling a rush of gratitude for their presence on this day.
“Thank you,” I whisper, fighting back happy tears that threaten to ruin my makeup.
Luca steps forward, offering his arm. “Ready to become Mrs. Davenport?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
“Then let’s get you married to a billionaire,” Gabe says.
“It’s real,” I say, a touch of insecurity hitting me at his words.
Gabe smiles. “I know, but he’s still a billionaire.”
Oh Shit. I’m marrying a billionaire.
As we reach the church doors, I take one last deep breath, savoring the moment.
Then the doors open and I step toward my new life with West.
I scan the lavish room, still in awe of the grandeur surrounding us. West’s family home in the Hamptons is a sight to behold, and the reception is nothing short of spectacular.
Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the crowd. Their light dancing off the champagne flutes and silverware.
I can’t help but chuckle as I watch the eclectic mix of guests.
On one side, there’s a group of stern-faced politicians engaged in what looks like a heated debate.
On the other side is my family, their dangerous personas concealed beneath designer suits.
I smile. The juxtaposition is almost comical.
“What’s so funny?” West whispers in my ear, his arm wrapped around my waist. Like he will never let me go.
I lean into him, relishing his warmth. “Just admiring our guest list. I never thought I’d see the day when the mafia and politicians would mingle.”
He follows my gaze and smirks. “It’s quite the circus, isn’t it? But as long as you’re happy, I don’t care if we invited the entire underworld.”
I turn to face him, my heart swelling with love. “I am happy. Happier than I’ve ever been.”
His brow furrows as he looks behind me.
I follow West’s gaze across the room, curious about what’s caught his attention. Arabella, his gorgeous sister, is chatting with a group of men I recognize.
“Who’s that talking to Ari?” West asks, his voice tight.
I squeeze his hand. “My family.”
We weave through the crowd, stopping to greet guests along the way. As we approach, Arabella’s laughter rings out, clear and bright.
“West! Amelia!” she calls, waving us over. “Come meet some of our new family members.”
West’s jaw clenches, but he plasters on a smile. “Care to introduce us, Ari?”
Arabella’s eyes sparkle with mischief. “Of course, big brother.” She gestures to a young man with striking features. “This is Rafe, Luca’s younger brother.”
Rafe nods, his intense gaze fixed on Arabella. West stiffens beside me. I squeeze his hand to reassure him.
“And over there.” Arabella points to two men standing nearby. “The one with the beard is Romeo Morelli. He owns a sex club.” She wiggles her eyebrows suggestively.
I stifle a laugh as West’s eyes widen in shock.
“The other one, with the long hair, that’s Marco Morelli,” Arabella says.
“Junior,” I add. “You’ve met my entire family, and know their names.” Surprise coating my words.
“There’s more. Rafe told—”
She keeps rattling off names as Dom, Henry, and Sam join us.
I notice West isn’t paying attention anymore. His eyes are locked on Rafe, whose gaze is firmly on my new sister-in-law.
I nudge him gently. “Are you okay?”
He blinks and gives a nod to Dom, and I suspect he’s just ordered him to get her away. “Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just...when did Ari grow up?”
“She’s my age, West. She’s not a little girl anymore.”
“Come on, Dimples, show me how you dance,” Dom says to Arabella.
I follow West’s gaze back to Arabella as Dom takes her hand.
If I was West, I’d be more worried about the way she looks at Dom, not my cousins.
Dom now has her full attention. They’re standing close, heads bent together, oblivious to the world around them. It’s clear there’s a spark between them.
“She’s my little sister,” West says.
“She is, but she’s still not a little girl anymore, West,” I breathe. “She’s a grown woman.”
He sighs, running a hand through his hair. “I know, I know. It’s just hard to see sometimes.”
West’s eyes soften, and he presses a gentle kiss to my forehead. “Come on,” he says, taking my hand. “Let’s get some air.”
We weave through the crowd. Where we perfect our smiles at the well-wishers as we make our way to the French doors. Outside, the cool evening air is a welcome respite from the warmth of the ballroom.
West leads me down a winding path where fairy lights twinkle in the trees above us. And the sound of waves crashes against the shore.
“It’s beautiful out here,” I murmur, taking in the manicured gardens.
“Not as beautiful as you,” West replies, pulling me close.
I roll my eyes playfully. “Smooth talker.”
He chuckles, the sound rumbling through his chest. “Only for you, princess.”
I wrap my arm around his waist as we walk in comfortable silence for a few moments. Enjoying each other’s company as I inhale. The sea breeze carries the scent of salt.
I lean into West’s body, savoring the peaceful moment away from the bustling reception.
“It’s been crazy, hasn’t it?” The events of the past few months flash through my mind. From the fear, the uncertainty, to the joy. It all led to this moment, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
“Perfectly crazy, and I have something for you.” West reaches into his inside jacket pocket.
My heart skips a beat. “Another present? West, you’ve already given me so much.”
He produces a beautifully wrapped package, about the size of a paperback book. “This one’s special. Open it.”
With trembling fingers, I peel back the wrapping paper asl I reveal a leather-bound album. Its cover is embossed with beautiful designs.
“What is this?” I whisper, running my fingers over the soft leather. Almost scared to look inside.
“Open it.”
I lift the cover, and tears immediately spring to my eyes. Staring back at me is a photograph of my parents on their wedding day, young and radiant with love.
“How...how did you get this?” I choke out, unable to tear my eyes away from the image.
“Your family helped,” West explains, his voice soft. “And my father...he pulled some strings. We wanted to help you reconnect with your roots, preserve your family’s memory.”
I flip through the pages; each one a treasure trove of memories I thought were lost forever. There are photos of my parents when they were young, even some when they were children. There are candid shots of family gatherings, and even a few of me as a baby.
“West, this is...I can’t even begin to thank you,” I manage, swallowing a lump in my throat, overwhelmed by emotion.
He wraps his arm around me, pulling me close. “There’s more at home. We found quite a collection, including video footage.”
Tears coat my eyes.
As I continue to look through the album, I stumble upon a photo that makes my heart stop. It’s a picture of me as a young girl, possibly four years old. I’m standing next to another child with familiar features.
“Is that...Sofia?” I ask. “We look so alike.”
West nods. “We think this might have been taken just before your family decided to stay in Italy while the others left.”
I trace the outline of our faces. “I can’t believe you found this. I didn’t even know this picture existed.”
I clutch the album to my chest, overwhelmed by emotion. “West, this is...it’s the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. You keep surprising me, over and over.” My voice cracks as I speak as I wipe a stray tear from my cheek.
West pulls me into a tight embrace, his muscular arms enveloping me in his warmth.
“You deserve it all, princess,” he murmurs into my hair. “I’d move mountains for you if I could.”
I lean back, gazing into his eyes. The love I see reflected there takes my breath away.
How did I get so lucky?
“Thank you,” I whisper, reaching up to cup his face. “For everything. For believing in me, for standing by me, and for giving me a family again.”
West leans down, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. “You’re my family now, Amelia. You and I, we’re in this together.”
I nod, unable to form words past the lump in my throat.
We stand there for a moment, looking out at the sea with the album pressed under my arm like a precious treasure. “I don’t cry when I see the ocean anymore.”
“Because you know they are with you.”
“They are.” I touch my heart with his free hand. “I feel them.”
We stand together for five more minutes before West pulls back with a sigh. “As much as I’d love to stay here with you all night, we should head back inside. We need to party with our guests before I have you all to myself.”
A mischievous glint appears in his eye as heat creep up my cheeks. “Mr. Davenport, are you implying something?”
He grins, that cocky smile that never fails to make my heart race. “Maybe. You’ll just have to wait and see, Mrs. Davenport.”
The sound of my new name sends a thrill through me. I’m Mrs. Davenport now. Amelia Davenport. It has a nice ring to it.
“Lead the way, husband,” I say, linking my arm through his.
“Let’s go, wife.”
I giggle as we make our way back to the reception.
With the album tucked safely under my arm; I lean into West’s powerful frame. And I can’t help but feel a sense of completeness I’ve never experienced before. With West by my side and my newfound family surrounding us, I know we can face anything that comes our way.
The sound of laughter and music grows louder as we approach the ballroom. Just before we step inside, I pause, tugging gently on West’s arm.
“What is it, princess?” he asks, concern flickers across his features.
I take a deep breath, my free hand unconsciously moving to rest on my stomach. The gesture doesn’t go unnoticed by West.
“Are you okay, Amelia?”
I shake my head, a small smile playing on my lips. “All the talk of babies during sex. I just wondered...” I trail off, searching for the right words.
West’s hand covers mine on my stomach, his touch gentle and reassuring. “We’re going to make it happen.”
I look up into his eyes, seeing all the love and promise of our future reflected there. “I want a family with you. I want to fill our home with laughter and love, to create fresh memories to add to this album.”
West’s face breaks into a radiant smile, and he pulls me close, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “I want that too, princess. More than anything.”
I take a deep breath, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. “You know, for the longest time, I thought I’d lost everything. My parents, my identity, my chance at happiness. But now...” I pause, my hand still pressed against my stomach, West’s larger one covering it. “Now I realize that everything I’ve been through has led me here, to this moment, with you.”
I look up at West, my eyes shining with unshed tears of joy. “We’re not just starting a new chapter, West. We’re writing an entirely new book. And I can’t wait to fill every page with you.”
West’s eyes glisten as he leans down to capture my lips in a tender kiss. As we break apart, he rests his forehead against mine. “Me too, Amelia Davenport,” he whispers. “Me too.”