Epilogue
“I’m too nervous,” Gina confided to Zio Rafe.
“What you wrote down is just a roadmap. Just say what’s in your heart, honey.”
His arm around her back almost made her feel better. She hadn’t shown him or anyone else what she’d written over the last week. That would spoil the surprise for everyone. And she liked surprises.
“But if you’d rather have me recite the words and you repeat them, that’ll be fine.”
“Oh no! That would ruin everything.”
Zio Rafe smiled. “Well, remember, sometimes our nerves can get the best of us, especially for something so important. But everyone there loves you and you can’t say the wrong thing.”
“Why don’t you hold the paper for me, and if I forget something, I can ask for help.”
Rafe smiled. “You are one smart little lady. That’s the perfect solution.”
“Just don’t peek unless I ask.”
“Scout’s honor.” He crossed his heart then held up his hand with three fingers pointed upward in a Boy Scout salute.
Gina handed the paper to him, and he opened the black Bible on the table to put it inside. She saw another paper there too. Those must be his notes. Mama said it was always good to have a backup plan.
Gina would talk with the rest of Mama J’s kids later but wanted Rafe to be first because he was the oldest. “Can I ask you something?”
“Anything.” He was straightening his tie as he looked in the mirror.
She swallowed. “Do you like being my zio, Rafe?”
Gina waited for his answer. His eyes opened wider. “Of course I do! You’re one of the best things to come along in a long time.”
“But you also have Nicholas and Cheyenne.”
He leaned closer to her ear. “Yeah, but it’s hard to do stuff with them like what we can do. They’re still so little. But I love all three of you the same. That’s the cool thing about love. You don’t have to divide it up. It multiplies with everyone you share it with.”
“That’s what Papi and Papa tell me all the time.”
“Then it has to be true.” Rafe wrapped her in a hug and whispered in her ear, “Honey, you’ve brightened up our lives so much by being a part of our family.” Rafe’s voice sounded like he had a frog in his throat.
“I’m so glad Papi and Papa brought me into this family.”
Then she remembered the speech she planned to give. Gina took in a deep breath and let it out in a whoosh.
A knock at the door interrupted before she could get anxious again. She turned to see Papa standing there. He glanced from her to Zio Rafe, looking a little confused. “Hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
Rafe let her go and stood up again. “Yeah, you are, Bro, but come in anyway.”
“Mind if I have a few minutes with Gina? I have something to give her before the ceremony.” He pulled a little box out of his tux’s deep coat pocket.
“A present? But I’m not the one getting married.”
“I’ll leave you two alone while I check in on…the others.” Zio Rafe walked out the door, but Gina’s gaze remained zeroed in on the box.
She loved surprises and couldn’t guess what it could be. Papa sat down and motioned for her to come to him. She didn’t want to wrinkle her junior groomsmaid dress, so she didn’t climb on to his lap.
“Baby, I got something special for you to wear today.” He handed her the box.
“Can I open it now?”
“Absolutely.”
Duh. You have to open it if you’re going to wear it, silly.
Gina ripped off the curly ribbons and tore the paper away to reveal a white box. She opened it to find a necklace chain with the silver head of a giraffe hanging on it. “It’s beautiful!”
Gina thought of Mama instantly. Papa helped her carefully remove the delicate chain from the cardboard tabs. “Gina, this isn’t just a pretty necklace.” He pointed to the top of the giraffe’s head. “Papi put some of your mama’s ashes from the urn in your bedroom in here, but he kept some in the urn too. I asked him if I could put some into this keepsake that you could wear today and whenever you want.
Gina looked at the necklace again. “Mama’s ashes are in here?” It was so small, she wondered how they did that.
Papa nodded. “I knew the necklace alone would make you think of your mama, but I wanted you to feel Michelle’s presence today at the ceremony in an even stronger way.”
Gina put her hands around the back of his neck and pulled him down for a kiss on his cheek. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’ll wear it always.”
Papa Franco wrapped her in a bear hug. No longer concerned about wrinkling her dress, Gina hugged him back.
After a few moments, she pulled away. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
She’d been wondering about this for a long time. “Do you ever feel Mama around you—my mama?”
He smiled. “Almost every day.”
He did? “You do!?”
He nodded. “Pretty much anytime I’m with you, because I know she’s always with you.”
Gina didn’t feel Mama all the time, but Mama definitely was here today.
She wrapped her arms around his neck again. “I love you, Papa.” The words came out without thinking. She didn’t want to spoil her surprise for later, but just had to say the words now because of the special present he’d given her and what he’d just said.
“Love you too, Baby, and I always will.”
Rico heard the violinist playing some of Franco’s favorite Italian string music.
“Stop fidgeting,” Angie chastised as she might a child as she attached the boutonniere to his lapel. Rico couldn’t help it. In less than half an hour, he’d be committing himself to Franco for the rest of his life. How could he stay calm?
“If you think he’s fidgeting now,” Aunt Sophia said from her observation point next to Gina, “you should have seen him as a kid.”
Rico drew a deep breath. Despite almost throwing everything away last year after discovering Franco was Gina’s bio dad, Rico had no regrets or second thoughts about the vows he would make today.
Just let me be the husband Franco deserves.
Rico had certainly won the husband lottery. Franco literally was the man of his dreams.
“That’s my cue,” Angie said as she patted him on the shoulder. He wasn’t even aware of the change in music selections. “Now, are you ready to do this, Rico?”
“Never readier.”
Angie smiled then blinked rapidly.
“Baby, don’t you start bawling now, or I’ll be a basket case by the time I walk down the aisle.”
“I’m sorry. I’m just so happy for you, Rico.”
“Can you believe this day ever came?”
“Well, we’ve all been pretty busy for months getting all the details right. So I’ll have to say I’m glad it’s here. Not sure how much longer I could keep up the pace.”
“Well, from what I’ve seen, everything is perfect. Thanks, Angie, for overseeing everything.”
“Are you kidding? It’s what I live for!”
Rico gave her a kiss on the cheek and whispered, “We’re about to legally become brother and sister now.”
Angie pushed herself away with a hand to his chest and gave him a hard stare. “Make no mistake, Rico, you’ve been my brother since I was a freshman in high school. We have a bond that’s stronger than a lot of blood relatives have.”
“True. Thanks for being here for me, through thick and thin. And for giving me the kick I needed to get my head out of my ass last year. I can’t imagine my life without that other brother of yours.”
Angie waved her hands rapidly in front of her eyes. “If you make my mascara run, I’ll give you another kick.”
Rico took her by the upper arms and turned her toward the door. “Go! They’re waiting for you!”
“See you out there soon!”
“I’ll be watching over the railing before it’s our turn.” He and Franco had been sequestered at opposite ends of the Midwest Steel & Ironworks building behind thick black curtains and hadn’t seen each other all day. They’d chosen this venue for their wedding because it was the building where Papa Giardano got his first job in the pipe-fitting business. Franco thought it would help him feel connected to his papa, and Rico agreed. Mama J cried when she first came inside, then laughed out loud when she described how vastly different it had been all those decades ago.
Glancing across the venue, Rico wondered if Franco was peeking in his direction as well? He couldn’t believe they were finally doing this! The past year had been a whirlwind of activity starting with finding a place to live—they loved Aurora and had just closed two weeks ago on a house with a big yard and plenty of beds and baths. Gina loved her new school and had already made several close friends. But Becky and her moms were frequent guests of theirs and were even talking about moving to the area themselves.
Lastly, daVinci’s II thrived. Rico had liked Aurora so much, he’d chosen to open his new business there as well. Franco still had to commute to and from downtown for work, but Rico was ecstatic not to have to spend so much time sitting in traffic.
While their wedding at Mile High Station in the historic Ironworks building was thoroughly elegant and modern, they’d chosen to hold on to some traditional ceremonial aspects as well. Not as far as the processional, though. They were making up their own rules there.
Glancing at the arched backdrop in front of the brick bar, Rafe awaited them, ready to perform the ceremony. He was certainly getting a lot of mileage out of that online minister’s certificate of his.
Hearing the music begin to signal the first participant in the processional to start down the aisle, Rico parted the curtain wide enough to watch unencumbered. Wearing emerald green, Dakota, doing double duty as a groomsmaid, herded a toddling Cheyenne down the aisle in her violet dress, helping as the seventeen-month-old scattered rose petals. Mostly, Dakota seemed to be pulling petals out of Chey’s little cherub mouth, because that kid put everything in her mouth. Had Gina been that bad? He couldn’t remember.
Following them was Nick wearing the tiniest black tux Rico had ever seen and carrying a blue, ruffled pillow. His mama, Carmella, in a deep red dress, corralled him. The boy had only started walking two months ago, a little later than Chey, and propelled himself forward in fits, starts, and the occasional lurch.
Rico marveled at being fortunate enough to have become a part of this amazing—and growing—family. They’d been through thick and thin over the years, and yet everyone still loved and supported each other.
How did I get to be so blessed?
The music changed to Phil Collins’s “You’ll Be in My Heart” as Marc and Aunt Sophia came from opposite ends to meet in the center of the room behind the seating area. They then walked down the aisle side by side, Marc’s hand propelling her forward seamlessly in her wheelchair. She’d been a hoot at the reception last night, spinning around on the dance floor with whoever would give her a whirl. Having her travel to Denver for this special day meant the world to him.
Gina had chosen the rainbow color indigo blue for his aunt to wear. Representing Rico’s mama, the mother of the groom in an Italian wedding always wore blue, a tradition both Mama J and Aunt Sophia insisted upon.
I know you’re here with me, Mama.
He’d felt her around him all day.
Bet you never thought the day would come when your gay son could go before family and friends and get legally married.
The idea hadn’t even been a pipe dream when Mama passed away.
Minutes later, Mama J came into view from under the mezzanine on Franco’s side in her stunning azure-blue dress. At the center aisle, Tony met her with a smile, crooked his arm, and guided her down the aisle to her front-row seat.
Time for Angie and Matteo, the two special family members they’d chosen to stand up for them and witness the signing of their marriage certificate. Angie rocked the tangerine color Gina had chosen for her. The photos to be taken later with everyone lined up to show the rainbow effect would be incredible. Gina intended to be front and center in her yellow gown. She’d admitted unabashedly she’d chosen that color because she wanted everyone to see her.
He couldn’t wait to see all the photos. Megan Wilson had come to him at breakfast this morning somewhat distraught that every photo she’d taken last night at the rehearsal and dinner afterward had been ruined by blobs of white light. She’d shown him what she meant, and he’d smiled. There were any number of orbs, each representing one of those who were here from the other side.
“Don’t erase a single orb,” he assured her. “Our loved ones just wanted to make sure we knew they were with us.”
Oh, it was almost time for him and Franco! They’d rehearsed it yesterday, so he knew exactly on which beat of music he should start across the mezzanine toward the staircase on his side.
As he came out from behind the curtain, his eyes went straight to where he expected to see Franco. Nothing at first.
Don’t miss your cue, man.
And there he was. All of the men had worn black tuxes, no tails, and were in sharp contrast to the rainbow of colors worn by the women and Gina. The man ought to dress in a tux more often.
Damn, he’s hot.
And mine.
But Rico couldn’t wait to get him out of his clothes at his earliest opportunity. They’d been running ragged lately and hadn’t had much of a chance to be alone, let alone have any intimate moments together.
Before leaving on their honeymoon in Sicily, they’d be staying in the Beatles Suite at the posh Brown Palace and Spa in downtown Denver for two nights. He’d ordered a number of Beatles T-shirts for them to wear as they recovered from the nonstop activity getting them to this point, but Rico anticipated plenty of time to catch up for lost time in bed—naked.
Franco grinned at him, as if he’d intercepted that thought from across the room. Surely Franco was fantasizing about undressing him later, too.
They walked with slow determination across the expanse of the back of the room, each smiling at the other, until they reached the center aisle between the seats. Just when Rico might have naturally walked into Franco’s arms to kiss him, Gina stepped between them and smiled.
At twelve, she’d grown into a poised young woman ready to take on whatever life tossed her way.
Watch out, world!
“You’re so beautiful, Sweetie,” Rico told her. He hadn’t seen her in her gown until now.
“That dress is stunning,” Franco added.
“And you two are very handsome.”
As if she’d received silent stage direction from offstage, though, she grew serious. Was she trying to remember what they’d practiced last night? Taking each man by the hand, one on either side of her, the three of them started down the aisle together. She held her head high and kept her gaze on Rafe.
Once they reached the front, Angie motioned Gina to join her aunts, and Rico and Franco took their places before Rafe.
“Welcome, family and friends!” Rafe’s voice boomed out over the wedding party and their guests. “At the request of our couple of honor, we encourage you to remain present in the moment and enjoy today’s celebration without the distraction of technology. Please turn off or silence cellphones and put down your cameras during the ceremony. Our talented photographer, Megan”—he pointed toward the woman who was fast becoming the family’s official photographer—“will capture these moments for you. Rico and Franco will share copies at a later date. Thank you.”
Rafe paused briefly as the room quieted down. Then he turned his attention to Rico and Franco. “Today, Rico and Franco, we gather to celebrate the love you two have discovered for each other—finally.” A titter went through the crowd and Rico smiled, wanting to say it was Rafe’s lug of a brother who took so long, but kept that to himself.
“We are here to support you both as you continue on life’s journey as a married couple. You’ll find as you undertake this commitment that it takes learning and practicing daily to acquire the skills you’ll need to achieve wedded bliss.”
The scent of Franco’s aftershave wafted toward Rico as fans circulated the air, and his thoughts turned to the moment he’d be able to kiss, dance with, and go to bed with his husband.
My husband!
He couldn’t wait to get Franco alone tonight.
Focus!
Sounded as though his mama was trying to get his attention during those times when his mind had wandered in church as a boy.
“As you join yourselves in marriage, there’s a vast, unknown future stretching out before you. Your lives, and Gina’s, will blend together as you extend the bonds with your family and closest friends.”
Rico smiled, thinking of Aunt Sophia, seated in the front row. While she was his closest remaining adult relative, Rico would now legally become part of the Giardano family. Not that he’d needed a piece of paper to tell him he belonged to them already.
“None of us here can tell you what is the most perfect love or happiest marriage, because each couple has to navigate those waters for themselves, in their own way. But, as you embark on this great adventure, with the examples of loved ones who are succeeding at it all around you, we know you will prevail.”
Rafe motioned for the two men to face one another before saying to those gathered, “Rico and Franco would like to express in words their feelings and promises to one another before making their formal vows,” Rafe said. “Rico, you may begin whenever you’re ready.”
Rico had struggled to find the words that could sufficiently express what he felt, because his heart was so full. Mere words could never convey the depth of his feelings. Last night in the bar at the hotel, after everyone else had gone to bed, Rico had shared with Angie what he’d written, and she’d cried.
But then Angie had cried at the drop of a hat all week, so that might not mean anything.
When Rico’s throat threatened to close up, he turned his head aside and cleared his throat loudly. Several guests chuckled at his nervousness. Rico had never been at a loss for words before in his life—until today.
Ready to proceed, he took his soon-to-be-hubby’s hands in his, squeezed them, and began. Franco smiled at him, returning the pressure on his hands for support.
“Franco, I promise to bring lots of excitement into our marriage, whether you’re ready for it or not.”
Franco and others chuckled, including Angie and Rafe, which helped Rico relax a little more.
“I promise I will need you, but not out of weakness. I will want you, but not for anything lacking in my life. I promise I will find ways to say how much I love you, with and without words. I promise to overlook small faults, but not let them grow into unmanageable ones, either. And I promise to help us build a happy family life together by finding ways to make you and Gina happy every single day.”
Rico’s words nearly robbed Franco of the ability to breathe. He took a deep breath and tried to deliver his own pre-vow sentiments.
“Rico, you impressed me the first time I met you in high school. I was just too…blind to see you were oh so right for me. But after being with you this past year and getting to know the man you’ve become over the years, I’ve seen what incredible feats you are capable of. Most especially, how you are able to achieve them without stepping on or belittling anyone else. That takes a special man, and that you want to have me join you in this journey through life is an amazing gift.”
Franco drew a short breath and blew it out before continuing. “I love you, Rico, not only for who you are, but also for who I am when I’m with you. For what you’ve made of yourself, but also for what you are helping me make of myself.
“I promise to always be the foundation you need to pursue every dream you want in life. I promise to laugh more often.” Rico grinned at that one. Yeah, Franco could be a little on the serious side too often. “I promise to pull together all our resources during hard times. I promise to work to be my best, most authentic self every day.”
Rafe smiled at each of his statements, but that last one most of all. It had taken him a lot of wasted years to come to accept himself for who he had always been—a good and decent man who loved strongly and forever.
After a moment’s pause, Rafe continued. “May I remind you that speaking your vows to each other is one thing, but nothing will be more challenging than living them day by day. Promises you made to each other today will need to be renewed tomorrow, and the next day, and the next, for every single day stretching out before you. As your big brother, not your officiant, you’ll have to answer to me if you don’t make this your life’s work.”
Rafe, who’d been a brother to both of them, had nothing to worry about.
But Franco also made a commitment to himself to remember to reread the promises he’d spoken moments ago every single day.
“Now, time for your formal vows.”
They met each other’s gaze again and Franco squeezed Rico’s hands. His face radiated love and happiness.
I’ll do all in my power to keep that look on your face the rest of your life, boi.
“Rico, repeat after me.” Rafe read the formal vows they’d chosen, stopping for Rico to repeat each line:
In the presence of our family and friends
I, Rico Donati, choose you, Franco Giardano
To be my husband
To have and to hold from this day forward
For better or worse
For richer or poorer
In sickness and in health
In joy and in sorrow
To love and to cherish
And to remain faithful to you alone
All of our remaining days.
This is my solemn vow.
Franco had to clear his throat as well before he could speak those same vows to Rico. His heart filled with intense emotion. He’d kept himself closed off for so long he couldn’t stop the tears from welling in his eyes. But he made sure his voice was strong and confident as he spoke his vows.
He’d never been more certain about any promises he’d ever made in his life.
“Now, Rico and Franco will exchange rings as a symbol of their love for each other,” Rafe said.
Angelina and Matteo moved closer. Angelina extended her hand, and Rico picked up the ring. Taking Franco’s left hand, his touch grounded him in the moment.
“Franco, this ring is a token of my love for and devotion to you. Let it be a daily reminder that I am always by your side, and I will always be a faithful husband to you.” He slipped the ring up to his second knuckle and then wiggled it until it settled into the place it belonged and where it would stay.
Franco took the ring from Matteo’s hand and took Rico’s hand, which shook with pent-up energy.
“Rico, this ring is a token of my love and devotion to you. Let it be a daily reminder that I am always by your side and will remain faithful and true to you always.”
“Franco and Rico, Rafe began again, “we have heard your promises and vows today. We recognize and respect the covenant you’ve made to one another and before each of us and God as your witnesses. Therefore, by the power vested in me by the State of Colorado and by both of you, it is my honor to declare you married. Together in life…for life.
Rafe paused and grinned at them both before adding, “Now, it’s time to further seal this union with a kiss.”
Franco didn’t need to be told twice. He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around Rico’s waist as he tilted his head to meet Rico’s warm lips for their first of many kisses as a married couple.
Franco didn’t want this moment to end.
We did it! We’re married!
“Okay, boys, break it up until tonight. Right now, I have someone who wants to say something.” Rafe’s words sent a laugh among the guests, and Franco reluctantly moved out of his husband’s embrace, but smiled at Rico as he took his hand.
My husband.
Would he ever get used to saying and thinking those words?
“Gina, would you come forward to stand between Rico and Franco?” Rafe asked.
Nothing had been rehearsed last night, so Franco had no clue what she was about to say. They both turned to watch a solemn Gina do as Rafe instructed. When she stood a few feet from them, Franco reached out to squeeze her chilly hand and smile at her with encouragement. Why so nervous? When Rico placed a hand on her shoulder in comfort and support, Franco did the same then took Rico’s hand in his other, forming a circle.
They’d strengthened their family bond a hundredfold today, if that were even possible.
The necklace Franco had given her earlier captured the sparkling reflection of the lights from the chandeliers. Gina reached up to touch the giraffe, as if she’d felt something. Was it Michelle’s way of letting them know she was here and approved of this marriage? Then she looked up at Rafe, who raised his eyebrows as if asking a silent question, but she shook her head and pulled out a crumpled and many-times-refolded piece of paper.
“Just speak from the heart, honey,” Rafe encouraged her.
She gave him a brief nod, swallowed hard, and met Rico’s gaze. “Papi, I’m the luckiest girl who ever lived. Not only do I have you to love me,”—she turned to Franco—“but I have Papa too.”
This kid was about to slay him, of that Franco had no doubt.
She swallowed again nervously as she placed her right hand over the necklace as if to gain additional comfort and support. “Papi, I loved you since I was born, even before you started taking care of me after Mama went to Heaven. You were always so much fun. Even when I was a baby, Mama said you had me giggling all the time and took me to the zoo and other fun places whenever I wanted to go.”
She drew a breath, glanced at her paper, and then met Rico’s gaze again. “But that’s not what I love most about you, Papi. You hold me when I’m sad. You make sure I have everything I need to be happy, even though you don’t have to.”
“Sweetie, I will always be there for you,” Rico vowed to her. His voice shook, and he placed a kiss on Gina’s cheek, giving her a warm hug besides.
“I know, but I just want you to know that I love you so much.” Her chin began quivering, and Franco fought the urge to wrap his arm around her and pull her close but didn’t want to interrupt. Instead, he squeezed her shoulder encouragingly. “You’ve always been like a papa to me my whole life. I’m so glad you’re my Papi.”
Tears streamed down Rico’s cheeks, and Franco moved closer to place an arm around his new husband as well as around his daughter, tightening the circle of love the three of them had formed nearly two years ago.
“You’ve earned that title, Baby,” he said to Rico.
Both men smiled at Gina.
Gina released Rico and turned to Franco. “Papa, I haven’t known you as long, but I know you helped make me and I can’t think of anyone I would rather have as my Papa. You help me with math homework. You gave me Mama J, Angie, and the rest of your family to have as my own. I am so glad you’re my Papa.”
Her face swam before his eyes as he blinked rapidly to clear his vision. She’d gutted him, but not for the reason he’d expected.
Franco drew a deep breath and tried to formulate words in his head but remained speechless a moment longer. Finally, he began, “Gina…” He cleared his throat to remove the gravel that had settled there. “Nothing has made me happier than being your papa, sweet girl.”
“Thank you both for helping me get through losing Mama and for making my life better than I ever imagined it could be when Mama was so sick.” Gina now had tears on her cheeks too as she pulled them closer. Their heads mere inches apart, Gina whispered only for their ears, “Should we tell them what we did this week?”
Rico and Franco both chuckled. They’d planned to make the announcement at the reception, but clearly Gina couldn’t wait.
“Why don’t you do the honors?” Rico asked. “After all, you’re doing such a great job, Sweetie.”
She nodded, and they moved to either side of their daughter as she spoke to their family and friends. “Everybody, this week, Papi, Papa, and I went to the courthouse and a judge signed a paper that makes me their daughter. I already felt like their daughter, but this makes it official.”
Everyone in the room clapped and cheered the announcement. Rico and Franco each hugged her and told her what a great job she’d done sharing the news.
“Beautifully said, Gina,” Rafe said. Realizing the ceremony wasn’t entirely over, they kept Gina between them as the three of them faced him again for his closing remarks.
“May the love which has brought the three of you together continue to grow and enrich your lives. May you continue to meet with courage any problems that may arise to challenge you. May your family connection always be one of love and trust. May you lean on those present today in good times and in bad ones. And may the happiness you share today be with you always.” Rafe paused then added, “Now, if the three of you will stand and turn to face your family and friends.”
They did so with Gina in front of them. With Franco’s right arm wrapped around Rico’s waist, he pulled him closer while placing his left hand on Gina’s shoulder. Rico mirrored the position and smiled at Franco before turning to the crowd.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Rafe began, “may I be the first to present to you this newly dedicated family of three—Rico Donati, Franco Giardano, and their daughter, Gina Donati-Giardano. Please take the flag that was placed on your seat earlier and wave it with pride, support, and love for all of them.”
A sea of rainbow flags fluttered above the crowd, making Franco’s already raw eyes sting.
Love is love, through and through!
Not only am I about to continue the rest of my life with the man and daughter I love, but I’m truly complete now.
Husband. Papa. Whole.