Epilogue
EPILOGUE
Six months later
Genoa, Wisconsin
What seemed, at first, like an easy transition of power took longer than expected. Some of the older members of Christopher’s organization were not too willing to take orders from someone so young. Under his grandfather’s guidance, Joseph spent many long hours meeting and working with his new crew to learn and understand every aspect of their businesses. He was quick on his feet and up to every challenge including another fight from a capo who thought he should have been next in line.
Joseph easily won but instead of ending his life, asked for his loyalty instead. The man agreed.
“You looked breathtaking.” Layla dabbed at the edges of her eyes. “I don’t want to cry or they’d have to redo my makeup.”
“Then don’t cry.” Angelina pulled her mother into a hug.
“I’m so glad everyone agreed to another wedding.”
“How could we not? It crushed me not having any family there the first time. Plus, being forced to marry isn’t really romantic. Although, I did love the dress and the groom.”
It was a total surprise when Joseph proposed to her again. Her heart was in her throat thinking about the time he got down on one knee again to declare his undying love and devotion. They’d been back and forth to Europe several times. It seemed like they had one foot in both places. Living in Italy permanently seemed a bit lonely at times but slowly she was feeling more at home. Having a private jet at her disposal meant home was always a few hours away.
Her line with Madison’s Fashions was an overwhelming success, even more so with all the silks and laces from Christopher’s texture company. The orders were through the roof. Joseph, like all men in the family, never expected their women to work unless they wanted to. Designing was not work for her but a passion. Improving the lives of the women who worked and lived in their territory was also a priority. With the success of her line, she was doing just that.
Joseph had made it a priority to find the locations housing the woman Sergei and Lucario had abducted, but Lucario was not to be found. After hearing what Megan had been forced to do, Gabriel made it his goal in life to end the man in the most painful way imaginable. Gabriel had a very violent imagination.
“I can’t believe this is the dress I made for you.” Madison adjusted the small black top hat and veil. The hat and fingerless gloves were the only addition to the bridal assembly. They’d decided to get married around Halloween. Her family should be glad she didn’t want to do a night of the living dead theme.
The stylist had pulled her hair up in back with long wavy strands flowing down the back and framing her face. She wanted Megan to enjoy every part of the day otherwise she’d have asked for her help. Her bridal bouquet was also goth with red roses, black ribbons, and iridescent feathers.
“It’s time to go.” Ellenore entered the room. She’d become another mother figure and her main ‘go to’ with things while in Italy. “You’re even more stunning than the first time you got hitched.”
Her father entered the room, his size making the crowded room even smaller. “Do I need to tell the groom the wedding is off?”
“Not in this lifetime. I’ll marry him every year if he wants.” Angelina picked up her flowers.
“I’m speechless.” He took her hands in his. His eyes misted. “You look so much like your mother.”
“We will meet you downstairs.” Layla waved a tissue in front of her eyes to prevent a watershed and ushered everyone out of the room.
“When we decided to keep you two apart as teenagers it wasn’t that we didn’t want you two to be together. It was because we knew if it were meant to be, you would find your way back and become one. You mother and I had a similar relationship.”
“And we did find each other.”
“Yes, you did. My dear.” He hugged her to his chest.
The tight grip he held around her waist put pressure on her veil and pulled her hair, yet she wouldn’t have it any other way. There were tears in his eyes when he released her. Seeing this brave, oversized man brought to tears with love threatened a waterworks of her own.
“Hey, none of that. Only smiles on your happy day.” He cupped her cheek.
“They’re happy tears.”
“I know they are my angel. Let’s go get you married for the last time.”
“Yes, let’s.” She tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. He led her to cellos and violins serenading them as they walked the long hallway to the outdoors.
They were being married outside at Joseph’s childhood home. The large front lawn was filled with black fabric wooden folding chairs draped with red ribbons. As she approached the beginning of the aisle, the music changed to a wedding march.
Layla and Madison were escorted to their seats. Once the parents and grandparents were seated, the attendants started down the aisle. Her sister, Erica, went first. Followed by Isabella, two more of her cousins, Carabella, then Megan. The bridesmaids wore red with accents of black.
Megan had blossomed and glowed in the past months. Only her eyes still held traces of what she’d been through. Gabriel still followed her every move but had yet to stake a claim. He was most likely waiting for her to make the first move.
Bella was now a well-known model in Europe. She stood tall and elegant in her gown glaring at Dante, who’d made it his goal in life to keep her out of trouble.
Waiting her turn, Angelina took in the attending families. Sure, it looked like an Adam’s family reunion, but this was who her family was. They dealt in death and destruction if their will was not followed. Yet, the men who’d killed for them would also die for them.
Gabriel was one of the groomsmen, his gaze never leaving Megan. She needed a sponsor to stay in the states, and he’d offered to take her in. Whether Megan would agree was yet to be known.
Dante was best man. He’d hinted that Bella was burning the candle at both ends keeping up with the fast-paced lifestyle of a model. The man was concerned she would soon be a pile of ashes if she weren’t careful. Despite her heavy makeup, dark circles under eyes and her pale complexion were obvious and concerning. She’d brushed it off as jet lag.
“Are you ready?” Arlo whispered. She nodded and gazed up at him with a smile.
As soon as Joseph came into view, all others blurred. He was her focus, her reason for living. It was like it was her sweet sixteen again only there was nothing sweet about them this time. Yet, they were perfect for each other.
He, the blood son and she, his dark angel. Soon they would rule a kingdom. It wasn’t the one they expected but one they were destined to oversee.
Reaching the altar, Joseph stepped down to greet her. He shook Arlo hand, he took her in his, and guided her to the priest.
The ceremony was a blur of repeating the correct words and going through the motions. Yet, one thing stood out more than any other. Joseph’s words.
“I give you my heart, my body, my soul. Whether we ultimately end up in heaven or hell, I will follow you wherever you go.” He placed a new ring on her finger. This one felt final. Right. It would never leave her finger as long as there was life in her body. Their kiss was also a promise of delights to come when the evening was done.
Later, after the food was eaten, the cake cut, and the dancing began, Angelina relaxed in the arms of her forever husband as they swayed back and forth. The decorations were something out of a dream. White lights brightened the dark space, with candles and red roses on every table.
Christopher and Ellenore sat together and if her eyes didn’t deceive her, she could swear they were holding hands under the table. Sammy Nicoli and his wife were also in attendance.
Surrounded by family and friends both new and old the whole day felt complete. What would they do without them? Hopefully, they’d never have to find out.
“Everything okay, my bride?” Joseph cupped her cheek, concern shadowing in his eyes.
“Just thinking about the others.” She nodded at some of the members of the wedding party. Mostly at where Grabiel and Dante observed the women who had taken over their lives.
“They’ll have to find their way, just like we did. We were always meant to be together and what will be for them is out of our control.”
“I want everyone to be as happy as we are.”
“A don’t think anyone could ever be as happy as I am with you. You are my light, my dark, my everything.”
“And you are mine.” She rested her head on his shoulder as they danced to the last song.
They’d grown up in the mafia world. But now the environment had shifted. There was a new generation rising under the guidance of their fathers. As Angelina studied the faces and body language of her cousins and younger friends, there were a variety of courtships in the works.
Relationships which might be toxic or what the doctor ordered. Young men and women who were on the rise in their lives and careers and others teetering on the edge of potential disaster. With Joseph by her side, they’d be ready to handle anything.
Together they’d already weathered many battles and come out the winners. The rest of the family would have to make and fight their way to the top as well. Their parents had set the goal posts high and expected them to give it their all. This world valued strength and hard work.
“Come, my Angel. It’s time to say our farewells and go home.” Joseph entwined his fingers with hers.
“I still don’t know where that is.” It seemed like they’d been living out of suitcases for the past six months.
“I do.” He kissed her palm. “It’s wherever you are. Whether in heaven or hell, this lifetime or the next. My home will always be where you are.”
As she gazed up into his loving brown eyes, it hit her. It was true. After years of trying to find herself, there was no need to look any further. Next to this man was the only place she wanted to me. She’d found her forever home.
The End