CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
MY WEDDING
BIANCA
I smoothed my hand down the embroidered shimmering wedding gown gracing my body.
“For a computer geek I clean up nice, don’t I?”
Tori placed her hands on my bare shoulders. “You do, B.”
She took a step back and observed her appearance in the figure-hugging lavender bridesmaid dress. Her blonde locks cascaded in loose curls resembling ocean waves, making her look absolutely stunning.
Meanwhile, my hair was styled in a low bun with soft waves on one side, reminiscent of the glamorous 1920s era.
Simone also went for a subtle look, with soft pink wavy hair. Asia's honey blonde braids were elegantly pulled into a braided bun on the side of her forehead. Together, we looked radiant and beautiful.
My makeup was full-on glam, with smoky eyes, perfectly shaped eyebrows, and a pop of lavender on my lips.
I was more than ready to marry the love of my life. After receiving something borrowed and something blue from my mother and future mother-in-law, my bridal party and I made our way to the chapel. My father waited off to the side, dressed in a tan suit and navy tie. He cleaned up nicely; although he always wore dress clothes to church, it was rare for me to see him in a full suit. As we walked towards the sanctuary doors, I nodded at Brock who stood along the back wall looking serious as ever. But I understood that was just part of his job.
Dad held up my hand. “You look beautiful, Bianca.”
A smile curled my lips. “Thanks Dad.”
He pulled me into a hug.
Stepping back, he sniffled.
“Dad, what’s wrong?”
“It’s not every day my little girl gets married.” His smile withered. “To a wealthy man with mafia ties,” he gritted out.
My lips parted. I peeked over my shoulder to see who was in earshot. Laurena was having a hushed conversation with my mother and my bridesmaids.
Brock pretended not to eavesdrop.
“Brock, we need extra time,” I said.
“No problem.” He tapped his earbud and muttered something.
“Bianca, why didn’t you tell me you were marrying into the mafia?” Dad asked.
My heart raced in my chest. “I figured you wouldn’t give Callum your blessing.”
His jaw ticked. “I was told you were in your fair share of trouble, and he’d taken care of some things on your behalf.”
“Yes, Dad he did. I didn’t want to do this here.”
I blew out a breath. “I was blackmailed by a high-profile basketball player. His uncle works. I mean he worked at Jacquel’s company.” I smirked.
“The asshole said if I wanted my brother to keep his internship, I needed to perform sexual favors for him...” I curled my fists to control the anger. My tight grip on the bouquet felt like I’d snap the stems.
My dad’s face twisted into a scowl.
“...and his two friends,” I added.
My dad stumbled backward. “I’ll fucking kill them,” he growled.
I glanced over my shoulder again. This time smiling at my wedding party. “Give us a moment.”
Tori smiled and nodded.
Turning back to my father, I said, “Get it together, Dad.”
He grunted.
“I performed the favors because Jacquel made it out the hood. He had to stay where he was. There was no way I’d let anyone ruin what he worked so hard for.”
He cupped my face. “They defiled my daughter. You should’ve come to me. We would’ve figured it out.”
I blinked back the tears, stepping out of his hold. “No Dad. I couldn’t let you go to prison. You were the main breadwinner for our family. We were already poor. I carried the weight of the abuse for our family.”
Tears welled in his eyes.
I continued. “One night the girls and I were at the club. Callum was there and noticed my tense interaction with the three assholes. He asked me about it, and I lied. He didn’t like the way they manhandled me. So he took matters into his own hands. Callum helped me to take back my voice.” I inched closer to my father. “Together my man and I removed them from existence.”
Dad’s eyes grew in size. “What?”
“Yes,” I chuckled. “They can’t hurt me anymore. Callum doesn’t play when it comes to me. He will take care of anyone who looks like they’ll hurt me.” I exhaled.
“So yes, I know my fiancé’s mother is Pitucco royalty. And she’s a total badass.” I shrugged.
“I’m no saint either. I’ve worked for Daryl since I was a kid.” I narrowed my eyes. “You know what Daryl did.”
His thick dark brows lowered. “Did?”
“Yes, did. He’s no more. Tori’s father’s returning. She’ll rule the South Side at his side. We are the new law of the South Side.”
I lifted my chin, defiance gleaming in my eyes. “Me and my girls are badasses, Dad. We’re done taking crap from anyone.”
He let out a heavy sigh. “I failed at keeping you out of the fast life.”
“Dad, you and Mom did your best. You can lecture us until you’re blue in the face about not doing drugs or selling them. Doesn’t mean we’ll listen.”
His brows lifted. “You’re doing drugs?”
I smirked. “I smoke weed from time to time. We don’t sniff powder or smoke rocks.”
He exhaled in relief. “Good.” He held up a hand, his tone firm. “But let’s be clear—I’m not saying selling is okay.”
A wide grin curled my lips. “I know, Dad.”
He grabbed my hand and squeezed. “You’re a grown-up. I see now if I hadn’t given my blessing, you would’ve still married him.”
“A man like him who believes the sun rises and sets in my eyes doesn’t come around every day. I’ve dated guys off and on over the years. There wasn’t a man who made me feel special the way Callum does. He’s my forever,” I gushed.
A smile lifted Dad’s cheeks. “Let’s get you down the aisle.”
I glanced to my left. “Brock, we’re ready.”
He tapped the earpiece again. “The bridal party is ready.”
Music bellowed from the chapel.
I tugged my veil over my face.
The mothers walked down the aisle first followed by my bridesmaids.
Hooking an arm through Dad’s, we slowly walked down the aisle to the tune ‘Here comes the bride.’
My mouth fell open at the sight of Callum. He was dressed in a white tuxedo with tails, a matching bow tie, and a lavender-stitched pocket square peeking out from his pocket. On top of his golden curls sat a white top hat. He looked gorgeous. Who needed a reception when I could just take my man to a private room and do all sorts of naughty things to him?
As Callum approached us, his tongue glided over his lips in anticipation.
My father stared intensely at Callum. "You better take good care of my daughter, and keep her safe, Mr. Mafia."
Callum raised his eyebrows in surprise. "I didn't feel it was appropriate to mention this on the day I asked for your daughter's hand in marriage."
“Is that right?” Dad tsked.
“Yes. Was I supposed to tell you my cousin is the alleged mafia boss of the Pitucco crime family. And that Marco Esposito, my boss, is also a part of the five most lethal crime families in New Jersey.”
My father's frown deepened.
“Dad, remember you said it’s my life,” I reminded.
“I know,” he grunted.
Dad met Callum’s gaze. “It will take me a while to get past the fact that my daughter is marrying into the mafia.” Dad glanced at me, then Callum again.
“I want to thank you for taking care of the pond scum that hurt my little girl.”
“It was my pleasure, Mr. Landry.” Callum’s eyes landed on me. “I’d kill anyone for your daughter, sir.”
Dad patted Callum’s arm. “I believe you. Callum, I give you my daughter’s hand in marriage.”
My father placed my hand in Callum’s.
My soon-to-be husband had a charming smile on his face as he led me up the single step onto the stage.
The officiant began the ceremony.
Callum held my hands as he stared into my eyes. It felt like we were the only people in the chapel.
Halfway through, the officiant posed the quintessential question, "Does anyone object to this union? Speak now, or forever hold your peace."
Suddenly, I felt a strong urge to scan the faces of our guests, particularly my father's. I half-expected him to stand up and shout "hell no!"
But then, I caught sight of a woman sitting behind Laurena in a tight gold dress with a black veil covering her face. My mind was racing - what was going on?
Callum squeezed my hands. Why I didn’t know. Maybe for reassurance or comfort.
The woman rose from her seat and spoke up. "I object."
My blood began to simmer with anger. This couldn't be real.
She pulled back her veil, revealing her face in all its radiant beauty. Her porcelain skin glowed, mesmerizing me.
“Callum is mine," she said with a sweet smile directed at me.
I was at a loss for words; how could this have happened?