Really, Tony? Do you think rubbing their noses in it is a good idea?
But the chorus of those saying they’d love to see it drowned out any qualms she might have.
In the media room, extra chairs had been brought in to accommodate those who didn’t get one of the comfy recliners. Tony and Marc worked out the mechanics of it all, and soon the Maroon Bells from last night showed on the big screen.
Tony looked so handsome in his uniform. He came to where she stood in the back of the room and wrapped his arm around her as he narrated. “We wanted to make our vows as the sun was setting.”
“You look so handsome in your uniform, A.J.” His mama sounded a little choked up, but she smiled as she watched.
“Carmella, you look stunning in that dress and jacket,” Angelina remarked.
“Thank you. We didn’t have much time to pull it together because we made the decision to do this on Saturday and the wedding was Monday. But I loved that I found that jacket and veil to go with my dress.”
“The red was a perfect choice,” her new sister added. “It pops against the snow.”
The words they spoke were fairly clear until that gust of wind came through and blew her veil into her face. At the same time, she noticed an orb of light almost dancing around her.
“Do you see that, Sis?” Marc asked.
“And look behind Tony!” Angelina shouted as she pointed. “There’s another one!”
Tears came to her eyes. The only explanation she had was that Gino and Papa Giardano had both been there with them, which meant they hadn’t really been without family after all.
“We didn’t show you our wedding video yet,” Marc began, “but the same thing happened when we spoke our vows at the altar in June. Only that time, the stationary orb was behind Angelina and the one near me was more animated.”
“Gino,” Mama whispered almost reverently. Carm glanced over at her mother whose gaze was glued to the screen. Papa patted her upper back in a comforting way, but he also was mesmerized.
Had Gino come in on the wind to tease her by blowing her veil into her face? Carmella blinked away the tears that sprang to her eyes.
“Seeing that Papa was there beside me makes the occasion even more special,” Tony whispered to her in a husky voice.
The rest of the video was a blur, difficult to see through her tears, but after it ended, another round of congratulations was made as family members exited the room.
“You did good, little brother,” Rafe said before turning toward her. “Welcome to the family, Carmella. If this brother of mine doesn’t stay in line, just let me know, and I’ll kick his—”
“As if it isn’t enough that her two brothers are going to come after me if I screw up?” Tony joked. “Geez!”
“She’s a special one. You may not deserve her, but we’re going to make sure you treat her right.”
After Rafe left, Tony leaned into her. “Don’t you worry, principessa. I know what I have is precious, and I’m not going to take you for granted or hurt you—ever.”
“I know, Tony,” she said as she glanced at Rafe’s retreating back. “You know how big brothers are.”
Mama G approached them with Paul and the streaks of tears on her cheeks were still evident. The two women hugged each other without a word at first then she hugged Tony.
Mama G stepped back to where Paul waited, and he wrapped his arms around her in a supportive gesture. Carm was happy she’d found love again.
“That was beautiful, A.J. and Carmella. Thank you for sharing it with us tonight so we didn’t have to try and imagine your wedding on our own. I loved the vows and the beauty of it all.” She turned to Carm. “And you were a beautiful bride. Elegant and classic.”
Carmella teared up again. “Thanks, Mama G.”
“We wanted everyone to see how special it was, Mama,” Tony said before turning to his bride of one day. “Carmella and I are excited to begin our married life right away. We didn’t want to waste any time.”
Mama G laughed as she patted Tony’s cheek. “Always my impetuous son.”
“I think he’s wearing off on me too,” Carm added.
Paul and Mama G returned to the party. After Sandro congratulated them in this receiving line of sorts, Carm’s parents approached. Carm held her breath, not sure what would happen next. But Mama seemed shaken as she held onto Papa.
Carm couldn’t stand the separation a second longer and took the few steps to wrap her arms around Mama and hug her tightly. “I’m sorry we couldn’t wait for a big wedding, Mama. I didn’t want to disappoint you, but—”
Mama pulled away and Carmella felt immediately bereft. “My darling, your wedding was beautiful—and I can see now how perfect it was for you two. I was being selfish.”
She understood? She forgave her?
“And now I know that Gino was there to represent the D’Alessios.” Mama’s voice cracked a little.
“And your papa was there to stand up with you, Tony,” Papa said.
Fresh tears welled in Carmella’s eyes, and she reached for Tony’s hand. “And you were both in our thoughts, as was Tony’s mama. Both sets of our parents have set strong examples for us, showing what a good marriage should be.”
“I hope you have many, many years together,” Mama said, “just like we have had.” She looked at her husband with so much love in her eyes.
Carmella had no doubt that she’d look at Tony in the same way after they’d been married for many more decades too.
They had forever together.
Epilogue: Six Months Later
Tony drove into the parking lot that had served as the staging area for the operation a year ago today. He’d timed it as close to the time of that incident as possible, wanting to be here exactly one year since the disastrous call had happened. Lieutenant had insisted he take today
