Epilogue
EPILOGUE
Niki - six months later
A pregnant Gabriella fussed with my veil, while Isabella ordered the staff around like a five-star general.
It was my wedding day.
Gio and Marko had proposed to me the day after the show. Stacks of magazines and newspapers had been delivered by one of Gio’s men, and we’d sat in bed reading the reviews while drinking coffee until they pulled me to my feet so they could get down on one knee.
I gazed down at the ring on my finger. The center held two diamonds, one black and one clear. The band was made up of smaller pink diamonds all the way around. Of course, I’d squealed and said yes.
Nonna shuffled in with a cup of freshly brewed cappuccino and handed it to me.
“Thank you, Nonna.”
She smiled and patted my shoulder lovingly. Gaby removed the veil stating it was now perfect and set it aside so it wouldn’t get ruined. I took a seat, and the ladies joined me.
Gaby slunk back and put her feet up. She was bulging, about ready to pop, while Vittoria sprouted a tiny baby bump as she was only four months pregnant. I looked at their swelling bellies feeling a little rush of jealousy. I wanted a baby, a living combination of Marko, Gio, and myself, and had been off birth control for months now.
I’d chosen to get married at the Vitale mansion in an outdoor ceremony. Their property rivaled anything you could find in Tuscany, and this allowed me the Italian wedding of my dreams right here in my home city.
For proximity purposes, the pool house had been outfitted for me and my bridesmaids. The magazine photos I’d hung up on the walls in my teens were still there, reminders of how far I’d come as a person, and proof that dreams really do come true.
“It’s almost time Nicolette,” Isabella stated. “And the girls and I have gifts.”
“Something borrowed…” Vittoria went first, showing me a gorgeous black garter before sliding it up my left leg and placing it mid-thigh.
“Something blue…” Gabriella went next and placed a second garter beneath the first. I giggled; I’d need two so they could each tug one off with their teeth.
“And something old,” Isabella finished, holding out a small box. I carefully pulled back the lid and looked inside. It was a Vitale signet breast pin, the one that Luciano had always worn on his lapel at family gatherings.
“Seriously, are you sure?”
Tears threatened to fall and Vittoria's friend, Gia, who had helped with hair and makeup threatened to end me if I messed up her hard work. We all burst into laughter at her threat.
“He was as proud of you as he was of his sons and would want to be a part of your special day. He always knew this day would come.”
“I wished I’d met him.” Vittoria sighed. “Romeo tells the best stories about him.”
“Gaetano as well. He says that in many ways Luciano was the only person who really understood him.”
“And that is why he is lucky to have you,” Isabella said, planting a kiss on Gaby’s cheek. “Now, it’s time to get this lady to the altar.”
The music began as we made our way out from the safety of the pool house. Tall partition walls stood between us, and the gathering so no one would catch a glimpse before they should.
I peeked out and saw Marko and Gio standing in wait at the end of the aisle. Tony stood at Gio’s side as best man and Almando stood at Marko’s side. They looked like sexy Italian models from a runway show in Milan.
I turned away before they could see me and Isabella placed the pin in the center of my dress, a division between the two sides.
Romeo arrived behind the curtain, his usual steely gaze gone. I’d asked him to walk me down the aisle and he’d agreed without hesitation. “Are you ready to officially join the family?”
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.
“You look beautiful, Niki, and I love seeing my father’s legacy on your dress. He loved you like a daughter.”
I hadn't even begun my trip down the aisle and was already a teary, happy mess. Gia scooted by us and sat down next to Simo in the front row. The wedding march began and Vittoria, resplendent in a Vera Wang lilac gown, marched down the aisle like a queen.
Next went Gaby, being as graceful as her eight and a half months of pregnancy allowed. She was stunning in an off the shoulder, deep-purple Versace. Then it was our turn. Romeo must have felt the tremors of nervous anticipation that were assaulting me and held my arm firmly in his.
“Don’t worry sis.” He winked. “I got this.”
I beamed up at him. Then the music changed, and we were moving. My eyes roved constantly between Gio, whose gaze had become predatory when he saw me, and Marko who eyed me hungrily.
When we reached the stage, Romeo pulled back my veil and kissed me on the cheek. “Go get 'em, sister,” he whispered.
It took all my control to not laugh out loud. Leave it to Romeo to suddenly develop a sense of humor on my wedding day.
Vittoria and Gabriella stood on the opposite side of the platform, both of them radiant. I could feel their support and felt myself lucky to be marrying into a family where I had two new sisters who I already absolutely adored.
Gio and Marko, who had moved to stand on either side of me, repeated after the priest, and then it was my turn. My mouth was suddenly dry, and I was more nervous here than I’d been on opening night.
But I knew there were no critics here and no one would dare deny Gio and Marko what was theirs. I took a deep breath and let go of the past, repeating my words in a loud, clear voice.
The men slid the ring on my finger together and a huge cheer went up from the guests. They took their time, each kissing me to seal the deal before we were pronounced men and wife. When we turned back in unison all I saw was the future. A bright rosy one filled with hope, and with my sexy demon and the boy next door by my side.
The End