“Taken care of, and this is about saying our vows before God more than the law.”
Then there’s no rush to discuss the legalities of which last name I’ll use. I push it to the side, not wanting to ruin this perfect day.
“When does my family land?”
“Your mom is meeting you at the dress shop, and your brothers and father are already back at the hotel.”
“What about your father?”
“He’s at the hotel too.”
I’m speechless. Somehow while we’ve been gone, our fathers have avoided killing each other and kept the truce in place without our having to step in the middle and remind them of their promise. It’s like a modern-day miracle.
Leo places his hands on the sides of my face and stares at me. “I love you, Daphne. I want this day to be perfect. I want you to remember it always.”
“I will.” I rest my forehead against his lips, loving the way his hands feel on me and riding high on cloud nine.
My mother squeals as soon as we walk in the front door of the quaint little dress shop near the café. She rushes toward me with her arms open. I run to her, forgetting about Leo for a second because I’ve missed my mom more than anyone this month.
“Mama,” I say, holding her so tight both of us can barely breathe.
“Baby, I’ve missed you so much.” She buries her face in my hair like she used to do when I was a little girl. “You look so happy.”
“I am,” I whisper in her ear and squeeze her one more time before finally letting go.
“Mrs. Gallo,” Leo says as he stands behind me.
My mother pushes me out of the way and tackle-hugs the man, practically knocking him over. “I’m a hugger,” she tells him like he hasn’t figured that one out yet.
“Well, good thing for you, I like to be hugged.” He laughs and peers at me over my mother’s head because she’s a good foot shorter than him.
“It’s so nice to see you again.” She backs away and touches his chest. “And for such a happy occasion no less.”
I swear she’s kneading his pecs, totally feeling him up. Leo doesn’t seem to mind. He’s standing still, letting her touch him. “I’m just glad Daphne said yes.”
“That would’ve been awkward.” My mother glances over her shoulder at me. “Has she been taking it easy?” she whispers.
“I can hear you.”
“Oh.” She starts to laugh.
I pull my mother away from Leo’s chest. “I’ve been taking it easy. Leo’s made sure of it.”
“We better get started. We don’t have much time, and you have a lot of dresses to try on.”
“She could wear a bag, and she’d be beautiful,” Leo tells my mother before he kisses my cheek. “Spare no expense,bella. Buy anything you want.”
My mother starts to clap. “A man after my own heart,” she says, staring at Leo like he’s Prince Charming. “Now, go. You can’t see the dress.” She shoos him toward the door.
“Have fun, ladies,” Leo tells us before he leaves us alone.
“Tell me he has some major flaw.”
“Ma.” I give her a look.
“What? I may be old, but I’m sure as hell not dead.”
“Soon, we’ll be picking out your dress,” I remind her, wondering what the hell happened to their wedding plans.
