Epilogue
FRANCISCO
Ihaven’t been able to track down Carlo Andretti, even though it’s been three months.
To be fair, I have been kind of busy. For all I know, he fled the country like a coward, but that doesn’t mean I won’t find the rat eventually.
I have men stationed outside his frequent hangouts or anywhere else he could be, but that’s not what’s important today.
Marlena and I are going to have a proper wedding, not like the shotgun variety we had in Italy.
I want everyone in my organization to know that I’m officially married.
That means all the aunts and uncles, cousins, step cousins, capos and lieutenants in my army.
I gave Marlena my grandmother’s ring the night we finally made love in my bed, now she wears it as her official wedding ring.
The one I gave her in Italy is beautiful, but it doesn’t have the same family history.
Now she wears that one occasionally on her right hand, as a flashy object when we go to parties.
I look in the mirror one more time. I’m dressed in my tuxedo, waiting to walk down the aisle.
We’re doing it right this time, at my home, with an official priest rather than Marlena’s cousin.
This isn’t a legal ceremony. We’re already legally joined.
This is for my people, to show anyone out there what going after Marlena means as part of my family, but it also feels like so much more than that.
Giovanni comes to see me, bringing a bottle of champagne.
“I don’t want to drink beforehand,” I say, waving him off.
“Just one glass,” he insists.
I allow him to pour a glass and taste it. “Italian?” I guess.
“Of course,” he says. “Only the good stuff for your big day.”
We toast to my new life, my new bride, and all the challenges and triumphs that will bring. Marlena is perfect. She has enough spirit to keep me on my toes, but loves me and defers to me most of the time. I haven’t felt this way since Frankie’s mother, and it shows.
“You look great,” Giovanni says sincerely.
“Any news about Andretti?” I ask.
“Still none,” Giovanni reports. “But Marlena’s brother has come out of hiding.”
“Really?” I ask, surprised. I don’t want to be uncharitable, but I have mixed feelings about Brandon. He occupies a lot of real estate in Marlena’s mind.
“I guess he thought his sister’s wedding was too important to pass up,” Giovanni continues.
“Maybe this will draw Andretti out,” I suppose.
“I hope not,” Giovanni says. “I’d prefer the ceremony to go off without a hitch.”
“Me too,” I confirm, sipping my drink.
“The mayor called,” Giovanni informs me. “He sends his regrets.”
I shake my head. After the wind turbine deal fell apart, my relationship with the mayor has never been the same.
He knows he got on my bad side and is avoiding me.
I’ll have to take care of that sooner or later, but for the moment, I’m enjoying his anxiety.
I can’t decide whether it’s worth the millions I would have made on that deal, but having the mayor jumping at shadows is certainly a good thing.
I found another way to launder my money that’s equally as good. I’ve got a guy in crypto now who’s worth his weight in gold. It all worked out for the best in the end, but the mayor doesn’t need to know that.
I take one more look at the man in the mirror before walking downstairs and out into the backyard.
There are chairs set up in perfect rows, each one filled with a friend or a family member.
Carmine is there, along with his wife, to represent Marlena’s family.
Luca and a few of his friends stuck around to see me tie the knot.
Everyone who is anyone in the city wanted a ticket, except the mayor, of course.
This celebration is a show of strength as much as it is a declaration of love.
Luca grabs my arm before anyone else can.
“Cisco,” he begins.
“I can’t tell you how much it means to me to have you here,” I say. I’m overwhelmed with emotion, and I don’t care who knows.
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about,” Luca says. “I’m thinking about making my stay here a little more permanent.”
“I’d appreciate that,” I reply.
“So you’ll help me get situated?” he asks. Having Luca here in the States and on my side can only bring good things if we combine our efforts.
“Of course,” I agree. “No problem.”
Luca pats me on the back, and I take my spot at the front of the crowd with the priest. I nod to the kid with the soundtrack, and he starts the wedding march. For a moment, there’s nothing but music. And then Marlena makes her appearance.
She’s wearing a princess gown with a bell skirt and a low bodice. There are pearls and lace covering her neckline. I think about how difficult it’s going to be to get her out of that thing, and wince. Giovanni catches me and winks, taking his spot as the best man beside me.
Marlena’s brother is walking her down the aisle.
No matter what I think of him, I’m glad for her sake that he’s here.
I know that his gesture will make things special for her, and maybe I can grab a minute of his time once this is all over to talk about Andretti.
I know Brandon wants to be out on his own, but I’d be happier if he would let me protect him.
From a purely selfish point of view, knowing that Brandon is safe would take a load off Marlena’s shoulders.
But that’s something to deal with at a later date. Right now, it’s all about us.
Brandon hands his sister off with a tight smile.
I don’t even notice; I’ve got eyes only for Marlena.
The priest says his bit, and there’s no one in the crowd who would dare to stand in our way.
When the verdict is handed down, and I’m allowed to kiss my bride, I go in fierce.
I don’t care who’s watching. I want everyone to know that this woman is mine.
She seems surprised that I’m being so affectionate in front of the whole world, but she doesn’t object. We kiss passionately for a full minute before breaking apart.
A cheer goes up through the crowd. People get to their feet, clapping and carrying on. I walk Marlena back down the aisle before she turns to toss her bouquet. Someone catches it, and I don’t even know who.
We sneak upstairs to get changed before the reception. I take the opportunity to get her alone, figuring, why wait for the wedding night? No one will fault us for being a few minutes late. They’ve got an open bar and plenty of people to talk to.
I was right when I supposed that it would take a while to get her out of her wedding dress. The damned thing has so many buttons, my fingers are numb when I finally get to the bottom. But the reward is worth it.
She’s wearing white garters and high heels that make her look like a fucking knockout.
I take her into my arms and carry her to the bed.
We’re finally married, legally, officially, there’s no going back now.
She’s all mine. My wife. And now it’s time to show she made the right choice.
I go down on my beautiful wife like a starving man, her cries of delight echoing in my ears like music.
THE END
The Forbidden Mafia Prince, Corello Crime Family Book #2 coming soon…