I’m sure he doesn’t, so I giggle, but Alessio looks at me as if he meant it. Does he really? Well, if that’s the case, I’m happy that the priest will perform the ceremony for them as well.
We sit down, but the priest remains standing. Niksha walks over with Val, and they join hands.
My mouth drops, and I swing my head to Alessio, who curses. “You’re the third man.”
Niksha nods. “I’m the first, actually.”
“You should’ve asked for my blessing.”
“I didn’t plan to fall for her.”
“What would you have said?” Val asks quietly without turning.
Alessio looks at me. Holds my gaze. I’m not sure what he needs from me, but whatever it is, I’ll give it to him. I hope he’ll enjoy his holiday season and welcome his sister’s decision. “If Niksha is good enough to be your close friend, then he must be good enough to be your sister’s husband.”
He nods. “Better the devil I know.”
I smile.
“Proceed, then. Ask me for my blessing.”
He’s not going to make it easy on them.
“Alessio.” Niksha faces him. “Do I have your blessing to marry your sister?”
When Alessio doesn’t answer, Val says, “If he’s married, he can’t accept the undercover assignment.”
Alessio purses his lips. “Are you the father of the twins?”
Niksha shakes his head. “No. I’m the one she wants to marry.”
“And you’ll make Valerina your priority?”
Niksha smiles. “She’s always been my priority.”
Alessio turns to Mike. “Did you know about this?”
“No, but sometimes I would catch Val looking at him and wonder.”
Alessio ponders all this. “Leo, do you remember the rings your great-grandparents wore? The ones in my safe?” When Leo nods, Alessio says, “Fetch them for your aunt.”
The evening ended in three weddings. One ring borrowed. One ring new. One ring old. There was blue and probably a penny in someone’s shoe.
FIFTY-FIVE
WHERE I TELL HIM THE BIG NEWS
After the dinner, we lounge on the couches in a large, airy modern living space with an old chimney and a silver-and-blue decorated Christmas tree. My head rests in Alessio’s lap, and he absentmindedly twirls my hair around his finger while conversing with Mike about different businesses they’re investing in. Niksha listens but doesn’t comment.
Troy’s upstairs with her baby, and Val took Prescott and Leo into Leo’s room, where they will make a bed for Prescott. Originally, Val prepared a room next to Leo’s for Prescott, but the boys want to have a “sleepover” since Leo’s never had one before and Prescott has been to two of them, which, at their age, makes Prescott an expert.
I swallow down a yawn, but Alessio catches me rubbing my eyes.
“Tired?”
“No, no, I’m fine.” I sit up, but the yawn wins, and I cover my mouth.
Alessio stands and offers me a hand.
