I know she’s right. It’s something I’ve regretted a few times since our wedding last year. Even though Matteo and I have other pictures of us, I’d have loved to have more traditional wedding pictures too. The ones you show everyone, the ones you hang on the wall and show your . . . kids, and your grandkids.
Kids.
Ourkids.
What will life be like once it’s not just the two of us?
Ally jabs her elbow into my side.
I sigh. “Fine, let’s go.”
It doesn’t take us long to get to the wedding venue, where Luna and Ally usher me into the suite to take a shower. The moment I’m out, the makeup artist, as well as the hairstylist, are ready to perform their magic.
I try to relax as much as I can, peeking out of one eye when something pokes the back of my head.
A glance in the mirror shows the hairstylist attaching a bunch of lace to my soft waves and Ally and Luna watching with huge smiles.
Last year, I wasn’t thinking too much about if others might feel left out if we got married without them. I had too much on my plate with Ally gone, having been half-kidnapped by Matteo—even though I wasn’t really resisting—plus Frederico sending threatening mail, and my father trying to get me back so he could sell me to the next wealthy guy.
After Matteo and I got married, and all threats were taken care of, I started to feel like maybe we should have at least attempted to set up something for people to join us. Which is why I agreed to this, even if Matteo couldn’t have cared less. He left it up to me and told me if I didn’t want to do it, he has enough info to blackmail not only my best friend, but also his sister.
My only stipulation was to keep the wedding small, with only the people I actually know and want to share this meaningful occasion with. Luna and Ally had a blast planning most of it, with the help of a wedding planner, and I’m grateful to have this memory with the people I care about most.
Luna and Ally help me into my dress, this time something a little more lavish, a sleeveless princess gown with a plunging V-neck, a beaded-lace bodice, and a ruffled tulle skirt. It’s fun and flirty and absolutely gorgeous.
Ally steps back first, glancing at me with shiny eyes.
I shake my head. “Hey, didn’t you hear the makeup artist? No crying allowed.”
“I’m pretty sure she was talking about you and not me.” She chuckles and wipes at her face. “You look beautiful, Gem.”
“Thank you.” I reach out and squeeze her hand.
Luna goes to the door and peeks outside before closing it again. “My dad’s here.”
I let out a long breath and press my hands to my stomach. The butterflies are wild and uninhibited, knowing this is special. Taking into account that Matteo’s dad, Giulio, is the one walking me down the aisle today isn’t helping either. He’s quickly become yet another Santarossa family member in my life who I value dearly. It still hurts to know what my family life, my relationship with my father could have been yet wasn’t, but I’ve been trying to focus on the future and the fact I do have all these amazing people in my life now.
Luna and Ally squeeze me one more time each before they leave the room. Giulio waits in the doorframe, an older version of his handsome son—all tan skin, dark eyes, and dark hair. Even though his is peppered with gray streaks. He’s a lot like Matteo, reserved around most people but the ones he’s close with.
“Sei assolutamente bellissima. My son is a lucky man.” He smiles widely and offers me his arm.
I close the distance between us to loop my hand around his elbow. “Thank you, I’m just as much of a lucky woman.”
“That’s why I like you so much. I’ve always wanted partners for my children who can acknowledge them for who they really are. My wife took great pride in raising our kids with a big heart and a smart mind. In the case of Luna, with a smart mouth too.”
I laugh at his comment, knowing how much Luna drives everyone nuts at times. But there’s never been a single doubt over how much Giulio loves his two children, or how much he adored his wife before she passed.
That’s what the ultimate goal of love and life is, to leave an imprint on your loved ones and to be cherished and adored long past your time.
Together, we walk onto the manicured rooftop garden where our friends—and most importantly, my handsome husband—wait for us. My heart soars as we celebrate our love surrounded by amazing views of Manhattan and the beautiful loft space inside.
* * *
Several hours later,Matteo’s hand wraps around my throat, and he presses me against our bedroom wall. “I asked, have you been a good girl today?”
The air vibrates in my windpipe when I push out, “Yes.”
His other hand goes under my short dress. As much as I loved my wedding gown, I wanted something less restrictive for the reception. I also wanted something that wasn’t white. The second I saw this short red number, I knew I had to have it.