Chapter 14
CHAPTER 14
One week later, her father’s voice echoed up the stairs. “Delivery for you, sweetheart.”
She made her way down, smiling back at him as he placed the vase down on the table. Two dozen red roses gleamed in the sunlight, the ruby soft petals opened in full bloom. She lowered her nose to the bouquet and drew in a deep breath. The sweet scent reminded her of everything she’d once longed for and finally had.
“Going to read the card?” he asked teasingly.
She plucked the small cream envelope from the holder, already knowing what it said.
Presto.
Yes , she thought to herself. Soon.
“Are you ready?”
She nodded at her father and followed him outside. The walk down the path was symbolic of the home she’d left and returned to, leading her to the future. The sun shone bright and hot in a cloudless blue sky. The vines and red barns shimmered in the distance against the backdrop of the mountains. A hawk lazily circled above, dipping gracefully, then rising back in flight. Her high heeled Louboutins tapped over the pavement until she reached the high archway and paused in the doorway.
Her gaze lifted and met his. Time slowed. Stopped. Then pushed forward as it always did, bringing her closer. The music rose in the air but every step toward him was at her own pace and her own choice.
Her father kissed her cheek and stepped away. She tilted her chin up and stared at the man she loved. A beautiful smile curved his lips and gleamed in his eyes. She repeated the words with everything she was. He repeated them back with the ring of truth and reverence in his voice.
And then he kissed her like it was the first time, and to Caterina, it was.
The first kiss for the beginning of their lives together as man and wife.
They danced and ate and spoke with guests until the sun hovered in warning. She looked for Rip but he was talking to a large group, so she grabbed a glass of champagne and slipped away.
She walked toward the highest hill which overlooked the winery. Ignoring the pristine white of her dress, she settled on the grass, kicked off her shoes, and watched the glowing orange disk sink slowly over the horizon. The rosy glow of sherbet pinks blended together in a perfect canvas. She sat in silence, soaking in the beauty around her, until she heard him draw near.
She turned to him. He sat beside her on the grass. The elegant cut of his tuxedo emphasized his broad chest and shoulders, moving with each graceful step like a welcoming lover. Jaw cleanly shaven, hair neatly slicked back, he cut an impressive figure. The grin that curved his lips was devastatingly masculine and caused her body to hum. “You look beautiful today.”
His gaze traveled over the body-hugging lace of her dress, sweeping over the skin laid bare by the strapless top, the vulnerable nape of her neck exposed by her intricate updo. The naked male satisfaction in her appearance was all too obvious. She smiled back at him with pure joy. “So do you. Tuxedos should be illegal for you to wear. Way too sexy.”
“You’re my wife.”
Her heart softened. “And you’re my husband.”
The gold band around his finger glinted in the dying sun. He stared out at the valley for a while before he spoke. “When I was young, I never dreamed I could love anyone the way I love you. But more importantly, I never believed someone could love me just as much. Thank you, Caterina. For trusting me with your heart.”
Tears stung her eyes. This brooding, strong, defiant man had a heart so big he humbled her. She reached out and took his hand, leaning against his warm strength. “You’re my home now, Ripley Savage. And I’ll never leave.”
They stared out over the valley that belonged to both of them. The vines swayed in the warm breeze and the music drifted in the air, filled with laughter and chatter and celebration.
They sat together, hands entwined, watching the sun set.