“Ticklish! Ticklish, you barbarian. I have to go help Tati get ready.”
Reluctantly, I let go and she slips into the little dressing room as I join Lucca, who’s straightening his cuffs in the hallway mirror. “How do you feel brother, nervous? Do you need a drink?” I pull a silver flask out of my jacket. “I think this is under my responsibilities as the best man.”
He grins. “I don’t. This feels… it feels really good. Right. Just us four.”
“I have to agree,” I said, “we’ll both have to do all the pageantry and bullshit for our families, but this is just for you. It’s perfect, in fact.”
MlleArchambeau, the little lady who’s been fluttering around the chapel, placing flower arrangements and lighting candles bustles up to us.“Messieurs, si vous le vouliez,gentlemen if you would? It is time to take your places at the altar.”
Nodding respectfully to the priest as Lucca kisses the ring on his hand, I turn to watch the back of the chapel. I know that my first glimpse of my Mariya is going to take my breath away. She is stunning in that dress.
The music begins,MlleArchambeau handling the organ with a delicate touch, and the doors open in the back. Mariya is first, winking at me with a little blush. She’s beautiful, glowing in the candlelight and I suddenly wish that we were the ones getting married tonight. She never signed the legal papers that would dissolve our engagement. I’ve had her engagement ring in a velvet box in my closet at the Academy all year, waiting for herto ask me to slip it on her finger. I’d brought it on this trip, intending to propose to her properly.
Tatiana follows her, clutching her bouquet of white peonies and roses, smiling and laughing a little. Taking a look at Lucca, I see why. He’s wearing a huge smile, his eyes a little misty. When she reaches him and he takes her hands, the connection between them is palpable. Mariya is quickly wiping her damp eyes, and I know she sees it too.
The service is simple, the priest has kindly shortened the service and when they’re ready to recite the vows, Tati hands her bouquet to Mariya and I pull the rings from my pocket to give to Lucca.
Their vows are simple, too.
“My beloved Tatiana, you are everything I admire and respect in this world. Courageous, honorable, loyal. There is nothing you won’t do for the people you care about, and I feel so lucky to be the man you love,” Lucca says, his voice choked with emotion. One day, I’m going to give him so much shit for that. He takes her hand, gently slipping the rings on her finger.
“Lucca,” Tati says softly, her voice shaking, “our first meeting was as I was being pounded into a paste in the Academy gym. Not exactly a meet-cute.” He chuckles softly. “But you took care of me that day, and you’ve protected me every day since. You helped me find myself again after I thought I’d lost everything. I will love you forever.” I blink rapidly. It must be all the dust in here.
“Now my friends, let us turn to the Lord and pray that He will bless with His grace this woman, Tatiana, now married in Christ to this man, Lucca, and unite in love this couple He has joined in this holy bond…” murmurs the priest.
I’ve been watching Mariya’s beautiful face, glowing with happiness for our friends and it takes a moment to realize Lucca and Tatiana are kissing, laughing joyfully, and kissing again.
“Congratulations, brother.” I grip his arm, “You were always meant for each other.”
Tati’s hugging Mariya and whispering something and she stiffens, leaning back to look at Tati, a little shocked, and then she looks at me like everything suddenly makes sense.
“The same is true of you and Mariya,” Lucca whispers. Reaching into his coat pocket, he holds up the velvet ring box I’d hidden back at the penthouse.
“Where the hell did you find that? Sorry, Father- how did you know where it was?” I snatch it out of his hand.
Lucca chuckles. “Effective hiding places are not your strength,fratello,brother. Maybe this is the time?”
“This is your wedding!” I shake my head, “I’m not going to take away from your moment.”
Hugging me tightly, he says, “Don’t you get it? This is the only thing that could make this night better for Tati and me.”
Looking down at the ring box, I realize that he’s right.
Epilogue Two
In which we ask, “Is this really happening?”
Ride or Die - Foster the People
Mariya…
Those sneaky little…
Tatiana is beaming at me and I’m opening and closing my mouth, trying to think of something to say.
“Didn’t you wonder why I insisted you wear this dress?” she whispered. “I knew you would love it.”
“I do, you brat,” I gasp, “but this is your wedding. I can’t-”
