I nod, too afraid to speak. This is it, the moment I’ve been waiting for my entire life. Though I wasn’t one to fantasize too much about my wedding, what girl doesn’t wonder when and how and who she’ll eventually tie the knot with? My knees feel weak, and it’s a struggle to remain upright. I force myself to put one foot in front of the other. This has to happen. I have to be brave and see it through. I can’t back out now because Brandon’s life is on the line.
Daniela walks me all the way to the chapel doors. She gives me a pat on the shoulder before slipping inside to take her place with the rest of the guests. I’m on my own with no one to walk me down the aisle.
I draw a deep breath. It’s game time. There’s no way out but through. I push my way inside and am shocked by the number of people in attendance. I thought this would be a small ceremony with only a handful of Carmine’s closest friends. But it looks like he invited the whole village.
I center my gaze on the altar. Francisco is standing there, and the moment our eyes meet, all my insecurities fly out the window. This is where I’m meant to be. His career path doesn’t matter, nor do my father’s crimes. There’s more to this marriage than a simple arrangement, and that’s obvious. He looks proud of me, and proud of himself for bringing me to this place. I give him a brave smile and begin my walk.
The organ begins playing by an older woman who is either a member of the church or a member of the family. Next to Francisco, there is a man who looks familiar. He’s obviously a relative, but someone I haven’t met before.
Carmine stands at the altar, dressed in a jet black business suit. He’s officiating the ceremony, but he’s not a priest. I put one foot in front of the other, concentrating on my walk. We haven’t practiced this. Unlike most weddings, there wasn’t a lot of fanfare beforehand. But I trust myself enough to move at the right pace, to keep my eyes focused ahead and to hold my bouquet in sweaty hands.
My heart is pounding by the time I cross the room. Francisco loops one hand beneath my elbow, steadying me. I give him a grateful nod before turning to my cousin.
“Friends, family,” Carmine begins. “We are gathered here today to witness the joining of these two people.”
I feel like there’s cotton between my ears. I’m hot and uncomfortable in the dress. I can hardly believe that this is my wedding day, that I’m standing on the threshold of a new life. I couldn’t ask for a better partner. I know Francisco will do everything within his power to keep both Brandon and me safe. This is the jumping-off point, and with Francisco by my side, I’m ready to take the plunge.
“Do you, Francisco, take this woman to be your wife?” Carmine asks.
I resurface from my daydreams just in time for the main event.
“I do,” Francisco answers.
“And do you, Marlena, take this man to be your husband?” Carmine continues.
“I do,” I say boldly. There’s no hesitation in my voice. The time for second-guesses has passed.
“Then with the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife,” Carmine concludes. “You may kiss the bride.”
Francisco slips his hand behind my back to hold me still as he plants a kiss on my lips. It’s gentle and in no way reminiscent of our heated exchange on the patio days ago. But still, a jolt of electricity courses through my veins. I wonder what it will be like to make love as husband and wife. Will it be as exciting as it was before? Or will some of the magic be torn away?
My heart skips a beat, and I know that our marital bed will be every bit as seductive as our pregame show. Daniela comes up with a glass vase and sets it on the floor beside us. Francisco steps on it, breaking it into a dozen glittering pieces. He motions for me to do the same, and I comply. I’m worried about hurting myself, but the glass is thin, and my shoes are strong.
A cheer sweeps over the crowd. Everyone is happy on our behalf. I clutch my bouquet as if it’s a life raft as we walk back down the aisle as husband and wife.
CHAPTER 32
FRANCISCO
We’re not traveling in a limo in the old country. It’s funny how accustomed I’ve gotten to driving in style. This time, we’re ushered into the backseat of my cousin Luca’s town car. Luca hops behind the wheel, playing the chauffeur.
“Luca, this is Marlena,” I introduce them. “Marlena, this is Luca, my cousin.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Marlena says softly.
I know this has been a big day for her, and so I scan her face looking for signs of stress. Though she seems subdued, I don’t see any cause for alarm. She meets my gaze with delight in her eyes, something I didn’t think was possible.
Here, I thought she was just marrying me to protect her brother, but I can see that’s not the whole reason. She genuinely cares for me. You can’t fake that kind of thing. I hope that means we’ve got a lifetime of mutual affection ahead of us. As long as I can take care of Andretti, and as long as she remains safe by my side, this marriage will be blessed.
I squeeze her hand. “You doing all right?” I ask.
“Yes,” she says simply.
I want to reassure her that the hard part is done. Now all that’s left is for us to enjoy our evening in the company of friends and family. She seems distant, but I let that slide. She’s probably wrestling with her own demons the same way I’m wrestling with mine.
“We’re going to Bella’s,” Luca announces.
“Luca is representing my family,” I tell Marlena. “Everyone else comes from your side.”
