She laughs, and the sound is music to my ears. “I didn’t know I had such a big family.”
“They come out of the woodwork for a wedding,” Luca quips.
It’s a short drive to Carmine’s restaurant. They’ve closed the place down to regular customers so we can celebrate in peace. Inside, the place is full of partygoers. I hardly recognize most of them, though I’m sure they’re all related.
Wine is flowing freely. Carmine’s sister-in-law has been cooking all day, and the place is warm from the ovens. I can smell the gravy from a mile away. That slow cooked tomato sauce with all its spices brings me home.
There are some dishes laid out on the counter buffet style, and family members are helping themselves. Marlena is still in her wedding dress, so she goes into the office with Carmine’s wife to change.
I help myself to a bit of bread dipped in garlic oil. It’s so simple and delicious, it beats the socks off anything you can get inAmerica. Carmine comes up behind me, placing a hand on my shoulder.
“Beautiful ceremony,” I tell him.
“It’s not often I get to officiate for family,” he says.
“How often do you get to officiate at all?” I ask him.
“Not often,” he admits. “But it’s an honor when it happens.”
Marlena reappears wearing one of the dresses I purchased for her. It seems like ages ago when we wandered the city looking for a new wardrobe. I try not to laugh when I think about the scene she caused at the airport. Who would have guessed that just a short week later, we would be wed?
I toast her with my wineglass as she selects one for herself. We circle the room, talking to everyone. Marlena is much more interested in learning about how she’s related to each and every one of them than she is in talking to me. That’s okay. We have a lifetime to get to know each other, starting with the wedding night.
I guide Marlena to a table away from everyone so we can take a break from mingling. She’s happy to follow my lead, which is a good sign. Sitting down opposite me, she gives me a satisfied smile. It warms my heart to know that she’s accepted me as her husband, not just because I’m offering to save her life, but because she genuinely cares.
“Thank you,” she says.
“For what?” I ask.
“For all of this,” she responds.
“I think this is largely Carmine’s doing,” I reply.
“Yes, but I never would have met Carmine if it wasn’t for you,” she argues. “I never even knew I had a family, and I sure as hell wouldn’t have been able to come here to meet them.”
“I’m glad you approve,” I say.
“This whole thing feels like a dream,” she admits.
“That’s good, right?” I guess.
“It’s good,” she confirms. She pauses, and a shadow passes across her face. “What do you think this means for Brandon?”
“I let Giovanni know we’re married,” I report. “He’ll pass the word around the city. It won’t be long before Andretti’s aware that any harm that comes to your brother will mean war. I doubt he’ll be interested in taking on both of our families.”
“I hope so,” she replies.
I reach across the table, covering one of her hands with my own. “Don’t worry. We’ll find him.”
She smiles bravely, just as Carmine’s wife finds us hiding out.
“Come meet my sister,” Carmine’s wife demands.
Marlena looks at me as if to ask if it’s okay. I appreciate the gesture, so I nod my approval. I find myself increasingly comfortable with my new wife. She’s fitting into my world as if she’s always been there.
“I’ll be right back,” Marlena promises, getting up from her seat.
“Take your time,” I tell her. “I’m in no hurry.”
