Chapter 9
Francesca
The ceremony went off without a hitch. Or—at least any more hitches.
There was more crying, though.
By Carlo and Giselle.
And everyone else present.
But they were good, happy tears.
After the priest pronounced them man and wife—everyone cheered and followed Carlo and the new Mrs. Sovrano outside. Carlo had arranged for a company to come in and set up tables and chairs outside under their huge gazebo. The caterers stood at the food tables and assisted whoever needed help.
Nick and Stefan gave a couple of short speeches. Eve toasted the bride and groom.
Luckily, I didn't have to do anything like that. My job was making sure Dani had a good time, which was easy. She was the happiest child I'd ever met.
And she was fully enamored with her nonna. And vice versa.
It was cute.
After the caterers brought out a magnificent cake—and after Giselle and Carlo did the cheesiest thing and smushed cake in each other's faces—and after we all laughed, especially Dani—things wound down.
Anna left.
The nannies took the kids next door and put them to bed.
So, it was just the six of us.
“How are you feeling, Mrs. Sovrano?” I asked my new sister-in-law.
She giggled, Carlo's arm around her, holding on tight. “I'm good, Mrs. Sovrano. How are you?” We grinned like fools at each other and laughed.
“No, fair. My last name doesn't match.” Eve crossed her arms and fake-pouted. Nick gave her a tsk and a scowl. Then we all laughed.
“The next wedding will be bigger. I promise. We'll book the best of the best. And have whatever you want,” Carlo said, and kissed Giselle.
“Why would I want another wedding when this one was perfect?” she asked him quietly, as she gazed at her new husband adoringly.
“But, you wanted—” Carlo started explaining, but Giselle cut him off.
“I wanted something magical, Carlo. And thanks to all of you, that's exactly what I got.”
Carlo's mouth hung open. “Are you—sure?”
Giselle laughed quietly and touched his cheek. “Yes, I'm sure. Really sure. Now that I have your wedding band on my finger, I can take you for everything you have. My mission is complete.”
Carlo laughed.
Hard.
And then he kissed his new wife.
Hard.
Until Giselle whispered, “Take me upstairs, husband.”
Carlo whispered back, “Okay, wife.”