83. Chapter Eighty-Three
Chapter Eighty-Three
Mateo
M ari dips her fingers into the holy water, crossing herself before slipping her hand back into mine.
This is it.
The day I’ve waited a lifetime for.
The deep contentment filling my chest defies words.
I never imagined my wedding would be so low key, yet I wouldn’t want it any other way. While I’d give anything for Tiero and Ella to be here, this is perfect.
Mariella and I complete each other. Our love is grand, vast, and filling every corner of my world. But this moment? This moment is just for us.
I breathe steadily as we step into the vestibule. Sunlight filters through stained glass, casting a kaleidoscope of hues on the stone. The air smells of candle wax, incense, flowers, and holds the lingering hope of generations of whispered prayers.
I slow my steps, wanting to take it all in fully.
Mari glances up at me, studying my face before giving my fingers a reassuring squeeze.
Too soon, we reach the altar. Father Josef stands waiting, settled despite having flown in from Sicily this morning. I asked the local priest, Father Alessandro, who chats quietly with the gray-haired organist, to perform the ceremony since this is his church. But I wanted Father Josef here too. As la famiglia’s priest, his presence is a valuable link to our heritage.
“Signor De Marco,” Father Josef greets, then nods at my bride. “Mariella.”
A small, knowing smile tugs at his lips. “A happy occasion. Though rather sudden?”
“Not at all,” I say, turning to Mari with a smile. “It’s been a long time coming.”
She bites her lip, her cheeks flushing the softest pink, a color I haven’t seen on her nearly enough lately. I missed it.
“Ready then?” Father Josef asks.
“Never more so.” I look only at Mari.
But she hesitates.
“Actually…” Her voice is quiet, uncertain.
I frown. “What is it?”
She leans in, her breath warm against my skin.
“I always dreamed of walking down the aisle… to you .”
The blush deepens as she confesses it. My heart stutters before racing ahead. My smile widens.
“I want to make all your dreams come true, dolcezza ,” I murmur. “And this one is easy.” I press a kiss to her temple. “Go, then.”
Her eyes shimmer with glee as she turns and hurries down the aisle toward the large wooden doors. Just before reaching them, she slips into a small alcove.
Father Josef’s brow furrows. “Umm.”
I ignore him and motion to Father Alessandro to join us and order the organist to play.
A heartbeat later, the rich chords of the organ swell through the church.
The music vibrates through my chest, and I close my eyes for a moment. The steady rhythm calms the excitement buzzing under my skin, but I’m still impatient.
My fingers twitch at my sides, itching to have Mari’s hand back in mine, eager to slip the ring on her finger, one that declares to the entire world who she belongs to.
And then, without warning, unease is settling in.
Not about marrying Mari, nothing could shake my belief in her or in us, but about everything else.
I’ve never been one to worry. I never had to. That was Tiero’s burden.
Now, though, with me in charge, the pressure hits.
What if someone leaks out it was Mariella’s father who shot Tiero and who’s been undermining us for years?
What if they learn I hid the truth and spared his family’s life? My wife’s life?
There could be mutiny. Everyone would see me as weak.
I want to usher in a new era, but our culture clings to tradition. It will take time and persistence. Do I have that?
I adjust my tie, and Father Josef smiles. He probably thinks I’m nervous waiting for my bride.
I tune him out and focus on the end of the aisle, where Mari will appear any moment.
What’s taking her so long? She’s not having second thoughts, is she?
I take another deep breath, banishing any worries to the back of my mind. Only one thing matters in this instant, making Mari my wife.
I need her to be mine, fully, until death do us part.
Let’s hope it won’t be as soon as I fear.
I lean my head back, my eyes taking in the domed ceiling with its intricate paintings. But it’s like I’m looking through it, toward the sky.
Mamma ? Papà ? Are you here with me?
A sense of calm descends over me. It might be my imagination, or it might be real. Either way, I’d like to believe it’s my parents rejoicing with me over having found my One and making it official.
All thoughts flee when Mari finally steps into view.
She’s standing at the end of the aisle, clutching the bouquet of roses she picked from the garden this morning. My heart stops. She is so fucking beautiful.
On the way here, we stopped at a bridal boutique. A wave of my black Amex got Mari anything she wanted. The dress she picked highlights everything beautiful about her. It’s ivory-cream lace, floor-length, and understated, much like the one she once sketched.
I lay my palm against my chest, trying to rein in my racing heart as I watch her slowly walk toward me.She’s taking my breath away.
To think I’ve been waiting for her all my life, only to have her right under my nose for years. I was so fucking blind.
But I see her now. All of her.
And she’s shining brightly, like a goddess.
My goddess.
I’ll worship her, protect her, and make damn sure she’s happy every single day for the rest of my life.