Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 111537 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 558(@200wpm)___ 446(@250wpm)___ 372(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 111537 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 558(@200wpm)___ 446(@250wpm)___ 372(@300wpm)
“Friends, family,” Carmine begins. “We are gathered here today to witness the joining of these two people.”
I feel like there’s cotton between my ears. I’m hot and uncomfortable in the dress. I can hardly believe that this is my wedding day, that I’m standing on the threshold of a new life. I couldn’t ask for a better partner. I know Francisco will do everything within his power to keep both Brandon and me safe. This is the jumping-off point, and with Francisco by my side, I’m ready to take the plunge.
“Do you, Francisco, take this woman to be your wife?” Carmine asks.
I resurface from my daydreams just in time for the main event.
“I do,” Francisco answers.
“And do you, Marlena, take this man to be your husband?” Carmine continues.
“I do,” I say boldly. There’s no hesitation in my voice. The time for second-guesses has passed.
“Then with the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife,” Carmine concludes. “You may kiss the bride.”
Francisco slips his hand behind my back to hold me still as he plants a kiss on my lips. It’s gentle and in no way reminiscent of our heated exchange on the patio days ago. But still, a jolt of electricity courses through my veins. I wonder what it will be like to make love as husband and wife. Will it be as exciting as it was before? Or will some of the magic be torn away?
My heart skips a beat, and I know that our marital bed will be every bit as seductive as our pregame show. Daniela comes up with a glass vase and sets it on the floor beside us. Francisco steps on it, breaking it into a dozen glittering pieces. He motions for me to do the same, and I comply. I’m worried about hurting myself, but the glass is thin, and my shoes are strong.
A cheer sweeps over the crowd. Everyone is happy on our behalf. I clutch my bouquet as if it’s a life raft as we walk back down the aisle as husband and wife.
CHAPTER 32
FRANCISCO
We’re not traveling in a limo in the old country. It’s funny how accustomed I’ve gotten to driving in style. This time, we’re ushered into the backseat of my cousin Luca’s town car. Luca hops behind the wheel, playing the chauffeur.
“Luca, this is Marlena,” I introduce them. “Marlena, this is Luca, my cousin.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Marlena says softly.
I know this has been a big day for her, and so I scan her face looking for signs of stress. Though she seems subdued, I don’t see any cause for alarm. She meets my gaze with delight in her eyes, something I didn’t think was possible.
Here, I thought she was just marrying me to protect her brother, but I can see that’s not the whole reason. She genuinely cares for me. You can’t fake that kind of thing. I hope that means we’ve got a lifetime of mutual affection ahead of us. As long as I can take care of Andretti, and as long as she remains safe by my side, this marriage will be blessed.
I squeeze her hand. “You doing all right?” I ask.
“Yes,” she says simply.
I want to reassure her that the hard part is done. Now all that’s left is for us to enjoy our evening in the company of friends and family. She seems distant, but I let that slide. She’s probably wrestling with her own demons the same way I’m wrestling with mine.
“We’re going to Bella’s,” Luca announces.
“Luca is representing my family,” I tell Marlena. “Everyone else comes from your side.”
She laughs, and the sound is music to my ears. “I didn’t know I had such a big family.”
“They come out of the woodwork for a wedding,” Luca quips.
It’s a short drive to Carmine’s restaurant. They’ve closed the place down to regular customers so we can celebrate in peace. Inside, the place is full of partygoers. I hardly recognize most of them, though I’m sure they’re all related.
Wine is flowing freely. Carmine’s sister-in-law has been cooking all day, and the place is warm from the ovens. I can smell the gravy from a mile away. That slow cooked tomato sauce with all its spices brings me home.
There are some dishes laid out on the counter buffet style, and family members are helping themselves. Marlena is still in her wedding dress, so she goes into the office with Carmine’s wife to change.
I help myself to a bit of bread dipped in garlic oil. It’s so simple and delicious, it beats the socks off anything you can get in America. Carmine comes up behind me, placing a hand on my shoulder.
“Beautiful ceremony,” I tell him.
“It’s not often I get to officiate for family,” he says.
“How often do you get to officiate at all?” I ask him.