Earlier this morning, I got an email from the Don. He said that he would be back in Italy just in time for the wedding. I don't know what came over me, but all I knew was that I didn't want the wedding to just be a spectacle. Grace and I sharing our vows isn’t going to be a source of entertainment for anyone else.
I want a private ceremony with just the two of us and a witness.
Because for me, this is so much more than a contract.
I help her out of the car. She stares at the cathedral as I place the veil comb over her intricately braided bun. She looks so stunning that my breath catches in my throat.
"What?" She looks up at me.
The morning light falls on her skin, making her look like an angel.
"You look ethereal, Grace,” I tell her.
The bells begin to toll. She glances up at the cathedral, where the Gothic spires graze the sky. When I take her delicate hand in mine, she glances down at our joined hands.
"We're doing this," she says.
"We're doing this," I repeat.
I lead her toward the entrance. The moment we step inside, we’re transported into another time and place.
Light from the stained glass windows catches on Grace's white dress, covering her in a mosaic of ruby, emerald, and sapphire. The high vaulted ceilings feel big enough to contain everything I feel for this girl. The candles and incense fill the space with sweet smoke.
Like all holy places, there's a sacred energy here. Thousands of people have come here before me with hopes and dreams of their own. Thousands of couples have declared their love for each other in front of family and friends.
All of the church pews are empty, except for one. Enzo turns to look at us as we approach. He presses his lips together, but he knows better than to protest now.
We stop in front of the priest. Enzo found him earlier this morning, and we're lucky that he agreed to officiate the ceremony.
Grace and I stand before each other.
Every time I look at her, I feel like I can see all the way down to her soul. And it's the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
The priest begins the ceremony.
Grace looks nervous to be standing here before me.
Maybe in another life, we could have done things the normal way. Maybe I could have had the chance to court her. Maybe she would have had the chance to develop affection for me.
But in this life, we’re bound together by unfortunate circumstances and a contract.
"Dante Mancini, accetti questa donna come tua legittima sposa?”the priest asks.Do you take this woman as your lawful wife?
"Lo accetto,"I say.I do.
The priest turns his attention to Grace now.
"Grace Thorne, accetti quest’uomo come tuo legittimo marito?”he asks.
She stares at me for a moment, so much unspoken turmoil written on her face. She closes her eyes.
"Lo accetto," she says.
I slip the gold band on her trembling finger, finally claiming her as mine.
Her uncertainty and fear should make me pause. But I must have sold my soul a long time ago because all I feel is possessiveness blazing through my chest. I tug her closer toward me and lift her against my body. Her face is inches from mine. The black of her pupils explode from the proximity.
I thread my fingers into her hair and kiss her.
