***
Christy
“Mommy, you’re a princess,” Rosie sighs.
As I look in the mirror, I agree. Tony was explicit in his instructions to the dressmaker. I wasn’t certain anyone would be able to deliver on everything he wanted. She managed to nail it all in one beautiful dress.
Rosie gasps, and I turn to find Regina carrying a glittering diamond and emerald tiara. “Holy crap,” I exhale.
“I know, right? These Sabatini men. Apparently, a tiara is our wedding gift as a part of their tradition started with their grandmother. We’re going from being a mafia princess to being their queen.” Regina helps me put it on.
Do not cry, no crying today. I sternly order myself as I look in the mirror. It’s hard, though.
“Okay, Rosie. You get a tiara today too. This was your grandmother’s.” Regina bends down to put on a pretty elegant diamond tiara.
“Mommy, now I’m a princess!” Rosie exclaims as she runs to the mirror.
“Yes, you are.” I laugh at how happy she looks. “Okay, you’re going to be a big girl and go with Regina and—”
“Mom, I know. You only told me a hundred times already.” Rosie rolls her eyes.
What the hell did she just say to me? The entire room bursts into laughter.
“Let’s get going, Rosie, before Mommy decides Daddy was right about corporal punishment after all.” Alicia guides Rosie out of the room.
My phone rings. It’s Tony. “Hi, I leave in thirty seconds. Thank you for the tiara. I love you.”
His sigh of relief leaves me smiling so wide my face hurts. “I need you here, now.”
“I’m on my way. Five minutes,” I promise. Thank god, the hotel really is less than five minutes from the church.
I get downstairs as the limo carrying the rest of the bridal party pulls away for the church. The second limo is waiting, Vito is standing outside the driver’s door. He sees me, and the relief is clear on his face.
“You’re beautiful. Tony will be very happy.” Vito smiles as he opens the door for me.
“Thank you.”
In the quiet, alone for the first time today—it’s still there—the peace I normally felt when I was with Tony. At odd times over the last few days, it’s appeared when Tony wasn’t nearby. I thought it was a fluke. Now I know it’s going to stay with me, is now a part of me.
Even though I finally have peace when I’m not with Tony, I have no doubt this peace is only possible because I’m fully secure in the love he has for me. Tony was right; it didn’t matter how we came together. All that matters is we are together.
As I enter the church, I don’t mind I’m not walking with anyone down the aisle. Tony wasn’t happy I’m walking alone, he tried offering up Dominic or Luca and even Vito. I told him it was right I was walking alone; I was all alone until I met him and gave myself to him.
I’m poised in the doorway right as the music starts. Heat hits me, I look up right into Tony’s eyes. Beautiful, so beautiful. Joy has him glowing with the kind of radiance almost too bright to stare directly into. Only I couldn’t look away, even if I wanted to, and I don’t want to. Not when I feel the same way. I hear Rosie, but Tony is all I see.
As I get to him, the flowers I’m holding disappear, and my hands are in Tony’s. Strong, gentle, firm, his hold is everything he is. Time passes far too slowly until I’m finally in Tony’s arms and he kisses me sealing our vows.
Giving Rosie a kiss goodbye as Cora assures me, she’ll call if Rosie needs me. I’m pulled into Tony’s arms.
“One night without us, will prepare her for the week when we go away without her.” Tony whispers into my neck.
I turn, slipping my arms around his waist. “A week? I thought we were going to be gone for two weeks?”
“Hm, we are. I’m also aware two weeks away from us so soon will create nothing but misery for you and her. We’ll enjoy a week to ourselves, then Cora will fly out with Rosie.” His hands slide down to my ass then he’s sitting, pulling me into his lap. “I cannot wait to be inside you and truly seal our vows.”
“I love you for getting it and sharing our honeymoon with our daughter. I’m also very tired after a long day. This can’t be good for the baby.” I say loudly. From the corner of my eye, I see the table full of men nearby start talking to each other. My pregnancy was already a question with my glass full of apple juice all evening. I didn’t mind, being close to Tony while he was so happy was leaving me intoxicated in a much different way. I whisper in his ear. “I need you, dear husband.”
Tony shivers, I’m in his arms, and he walks me out of the ballroom without looking back. Cheers and whistles explode around us. Laughing, I hide my face in his neck.
“You can put me down now.” I tell him as he pushes the button for the elevator.
He shakes his head as the doors open. The elevator attendant smiles as he asks for our floor. Tony tells him, then looks down at me. “I don’t want to.”
I can’t stop from running a hand through his hair. Yes, it has more silver than black. I think it gives him an even more distinguished appearance. I’m so fucking lucky he loves me. “Thank you. For today, for everything, for you.”
Tony brings me up to him and kisses me hard. “Don’t say shit like that when I can’t do something about it. Two minutes and we’re in our room.”
The elevator attendant coughs as I laugh. Outside our door, I take the card from his inner pocket and unlock the door on his orders. He moves fast toward the bedroom. I don’t take anything in, as focused on getting
