Chapter 61
Chapter Sixty-One
The small group of men at Leonardo's house laughed at Enzo’s joke about Alex finally convincing Aria to marry him.
“Hey, brother, I’ve waited a long time for this day. I’ve got no shame when it comes to this woman,” Alex said as shoved his friend.
“Well, we couldn’t be more thrilled for you, man,” Adrian said, Santo and Leonardo agreeing.
“You’re a lucky man, Alex but so is she,” Santo said as he shook Alex’s hand.
“Thanks, Santo. Means a lot.”
Santo, Enzo and Adrian left the room saying they needed to check on something. Alex knew that was code for ‘heading to grab a drink’.
“Son, I need a little help with this tie,” Leonardo said, walking toward Alex with the tie in his hand.
As Alex worked on it, he said, “I wish she was here, Papa.”
“Me too, son. Me too. Your Mama would have loved to see you so happy,” Leonardo answered.
“I can’t get over that she knew Aria meant something to me back then.”
Chuckling, he answered, “Nothing much got past her.” Twisting his arm to check his watch, Leonardo asked, “It’s about that time. Are you ready, my son?”
“Yes, I am. I'm nervous, but I'll be fine once I can see her. She’s all I need.”
“You’re both so lucky to have found one another, Alex. It’s a beautiful story to share with your kids and grandkids one day,” Leonardo said as he held Alex by his shoulders.
“Yes, you’re so right. When I gave up on having her in my life back in school, I never could have imagined today. I know that this was bigger than just Aria, and I don’t know if it’s God or Mama or both. All I know is that I’ll never take this for granted.”
Nodding his head Leonardo said, “Now that sounds just like your Mama. I’ll see you downstairs, son.”
“Thank you, Papa,” Alex said softly as he turned to the mirror, his mind filled with joy and anticipation.
Aria had requested that they have the wedding in the early evening so they could watch the sunset after the ceremony.
A dance floor was placed nearby, and Alex planned for a DJ to help them party later that evening.
He couldn't wait to get his bride on the dance floor.
He had called in a lot of favors to give Aria the wedding she deserved.
Ten minutes later, the men were ready, and they headed to the garden. Alex straightened his tie a few times, trying not to fidget.
Enzo slapped him on the back saying, “Don’t be nervous, man. She loves you.”
Alex nodded and took a deep breath.
This is really happening. Today I marry the woman I’ve loved all my life.
The guests were arriving, gathering in the backyard where the chairs were set up under a white canopy.
Alex had made arrangements for a car to pick up Aria and her group from her house. Looking at his watch, he knew they would be there very soon.
Bringing the scarf to his nose, Alex took a deep inhale before pocketing his treasure. He took his place at the front of the guests while Adrian and Enzo walked to the house to wait for the girls. Leonardo gave Alex one last nod and a smile before sitting down.
Alex rubbed his hands together, shuffling from one foot to the other. He wished she were there already. He was ready for their forever to start.