“Tell me,” he said, his hand still outstretched, “when.”
I took his hand and entwined our fingers. “Today, Mariano Fausti. Today, or I will die as well. There is no me without you.”
He hauled me to my feet, bringing me close to his chest, as we held each other close, the sun illuminating the world around us, on what would be our wedding day.
October 11th.
Directly after breakfast…
Atta and I ran into town for coffees. I had invited her to come along with me. After our stop at The Main Bean, I pulled mycuginainto a bridal shop. She browsed around, and after a minute, took a seat while I continued to scan the racks. When she met me, she handed me a note. It had two words written on it.
Be vigil.
My eyes had been constantly scanning the area, even the roads. Rattler and his brothers were known to speed in front of someone, cut them off, then slam on the brakes.
Remo and another solider had accompanied us in separate vehicles. One drove in front, and one drove behind us. If the roads leading to the ranch had not been only two lanes, I had a feeling cars would have taken the left and right of us, boxing us in.
Always protecting.
I nodded to mycugina, then put the situation out of my mind and continued scanning the racks. I had noticed a gown not long ago in the window. The sun had been setting, and the cream color had caught my eye.
Atta squeezed my arm. “What are we doing in here, Sis? I have everything I need.”
I pushed a few heavy dresses to the side. “You are all set.”
She studied my face, and after she realized…she put a hand to mine, stopping me. “Tell me right now, Sistine Evita…are you getting married?”
I could not help the grin that came to my face. “Do you mind?”
She screamed quietly, pulling me in for a crushing hug. I held her back. “Of course I don’t mind! We could even do a double wedding!”
I laughed. “We are getting married today, Atta.”
“Today?” she breathed.
I nodded. “Today…we cannot wait.”
She pulled me in for another hug. “I understand,” she whispered. “I totally understand.” She set me away from her and looked into my eyes, waving a hand in front of her face, like she was trying not to cry. “Today, then. We have so much to do! While you continue here, I’ll make a few calls.”
“Atta,” I said, stopping her.
She wiped the tears from her eyes.
“This wedding is for us only. It will be small. Given the circumstances in Italy…”
“Can I come?” Her face transformed. She was going to fight me if I told her no.
“Yes,” I whispered. “Mariano is inviting Angelo. Our witnesses.”
She set her phone over her heart. “I’m truly honored.”
“Me, as well,” I whispered, “to have you there.”
“We sure have been through a lot together, haven’t we?”
My eyes burned. “We have.”
In a breath, we went for each other again, hugging, remembering that night and how awful it was, and lookingforward to the future. I laughed a little, thinking of how we were marrying cousins—Fausti cousins. I was about to point this out to Atta when two strong arms wrapped around us. The smell of strong floral perfume drifted in the air around us, almost in a cloud.
