“And we all know he’s never going to hurt me.”
“I know. Just don’t spoil all of my fun, Harls. Come on, let’s get out of here. I’m dying for some R&R.”
“Me too. It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since I was last there.”
I might have had a terrible year, but my life starts today. Martin is locked up in a psychiatric ward. I hope he stays there for a long time. I won’t let him take any more from me. Not now, and not ever.
Epilogue
Giovani
“Come on, bro. You must have memorised those vows by now. You’ve been staring at them for the past two hours.” Lucca pulls the paper from my hands.
“I don’t want to screw this up. I know it’s only family and a few of our friends from here, but it means a lot to me that Harleigh knows how much I love her.” I sigh.
“And if she doesn’t know that by now, she never will. Come on. We need to make our way to the conference suite.”
I nod, stand up, and leave my office. Harleigh will be here in the next ten minutes, and I don’t want to be late.
I walk through the hotel and the wedding balloons are dotted around the lobby. Harleigh doesn’t want to close off the bar today, she just wants everyone to have fun. I can’t argue with her. I’d hang the moon and stars for her if I could. Today is all about her, the love we share, and two families coming together as one.
We walk into the conference suite that we’ve only ever used once for a wedding reception. It’s all set out beautifully. My staff and Lucca have done us proud in my absence.
“Wedding planning might be your speciality, bro,” I tease.
“Yeah, not likely to happen again.” Lucca punches my arm.
I look around the room eagerly. My mum and dad are talking to Harleigh’s mum. Everyone has been getting on well since we came together three days ago. For two families that have never met before, you wouldn’t be able to tell. Even my dad and Lucca have been on their best behaviour, and I hope that’s one bridge that lasts.
The soft harp music starts to play through the speakers. It’s soft and delicate; exactly how I see Harleigh.
Everyone starts to take their seats and Lucca and I are standing up front waiting for Harleigh to make her appearance. I would have been quite happy to marry Harleigh in Scotland, but she was adamant that wasn’t happening until she could come back to Bulgaria and we could marry where it all began for us. I could see her point. Scotland holds so many dark memories for her, but here, it’s a happy place.
Lucca nudges me in the ribs and points to the back of the room. Harleigh is there holding onto her dad’s arm. She’s dressed in a smart white strapless dress. She looks like an elegant princess with her hair all pinned up. She looks like an angel.
My angel.
I take in a few deep breaths to steady my racing heart. Rodger walks Harleigh to me and passes me her hand. I accept it without a second thought. I can’t wait to be Mr and Mrs Russi. I never thought I’d say that, but Harleigh changed everything for me. She made me want the two point four kids and a white picket fence.
“Are you ready for this, beautiful?”
She turns and winks at me. “I’ve never been more ready, Gio. You and me together is the only thing that makes sense. I can’t wait to live this life with you. I love you.”
“I love you too, beautiful.”
And if this is only the beginning, I can’t wait to see what life has in store for us, because I can guarantee that we’ll still be living this lifestyle when we’re grey and old.
Our holiday romance has turned into a tidal romance, mixed with many emotions, but now our love will only ever blossom and grow as we move forward. Nothing will ever pull us apart again.
