CHAPTER 36
TRACY
For what seemed like the hundredth time in the last twenty minutes, Tracy checked herself in the mirror. She couldn't have been more pleased with her look. Tammy had saved her with the gorgeous, Grecian gown that she’d given her. Tracy placed her hair in a loose bun. She couldn't bear to hide the gown’s beautiful gold collar. The way the soft fabric flowed freely and loosely down her body accentuated her pending motherhood. For the first time, Tracy could see the beauty in her changing form. Francis appeared behind her in the mirror. He was tall with strong, wide shoulders, and Tracy was proud to display the fact that she was carrying his baby.
“Sei bellissima,” Francis complimented. “So beautiful.”
He slipped his arms around her waist and caressed her belly. If Francis was not extremely happy about the baby, he was the best actor in the world. Oscar-worthy, in fact.
“Thanks, honey. You’re looking pretty damn hot yourself.”
“Grazie, bella.”
Francis turned her into his arms and kissed her forehead. He pulled her close and wrapped his big arms around her.
“Could a man be luckier?” he whispered.
“I don't know about a man, but I’m feeling pretty lucky.”
“Ughh, I wish that I could hold you forever, but we have to go down to dinner,” Francis groaned.
Minutes later, they were entering the dining room. Again, the room was exquisite. Since Tammy’s guest list for the wedding was so small, Tracy didn't know why they didn't just have their reception in the dining room instead of the large ballroom. Then again, all of her guests hadn't arrived, and apparently, the Savelli family was quite large.
Francis tucked her arm under his and led her across the room. Once he had reached his target, he released Tracy’s arm and kneeled to allow his tiny mother to caress his cheek. She had to have been no taller than five feet. How on earth could a woman so tiny produce a giant like Francis, or the tall Francis lookalike standing next to her? He had to be Vincenzo, Francis’ baby brother.
After the sweet greeting, he stood and kissed his brother’s cheek and followed up with a light slap to his handsome face. Francis turned to the beautiful woman with short, black hair. She was more Tracy’s height. She smiled brightly, happy to see Francis, and opened her arms wide. Francis took the woman in her arms and gave her a bear hug. He whispered something in Italian before releasing her. He turned to her escort and held out his hand. The men shook and greeted in Italian. Francis stepped back and placed his hand on the small of Tracy’s back, and Tracy was grateful because she was so nervous that she could feel her knees shaking.
Francis said a few words, and when Tracy heard her name, she assumed that she was being introduced. When he was done, he turned to Tracy.
“Bella, this is my brother, Vin, my sister, Teresa, and her husband, Carlo.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Tracy greeted with a smile.
Vincenzo stepped forward and kissed Tracy’s cheek, catching her off guard.
“A pleasure to meet you as well.”
He spoke with a strong Italian accent that made Francis sound almost American. It was amazing how much Vincenzo looked like his big brother, but there were some subtle differences. He was leaner and his hair fell on his shoulders.
Teresa pushed her younger brother to the side and hugged Tracy.
“It’s so nice to meet you. Having a sister will make me very happy.”
“Me too,” Tracy responded as she hugged Francis’ sister.
Teresa stepped back and gestured to her husband. “My husband, Carlo,” she introduced.
“Carlo, hello,” Tracy greeted with a nod. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Carlo smiled and simply nodded in return.
“He does not speak English,” Teresa informed.
Francis stepped forward and placed his hand on his mother’s shoulder.
“And…this is my mamma, Rosa,” he announced.
Tracy smiled as Francis’ mom approached. She gently placed her hand on Tracy’s belly and her eyes filled with unshed tears. Rosa Savelli was obviously ready for grandchildren.
“Bambina,” she declared in a shaky voice.
Tracy couldn't help but smile. Without turning around, she knew that Francis was frowning. Rosa placed her hands on both sides of Tammy’s face and looked into her eyes.
“You are very beautiful. You are a beautiful mother, and now Vito will make you a beautiful wife.”
Tracy almost stopped breathing. Francis’ mom had intentions on pushing her down the aisle. Hell, she’d just come to terms with becoming a mother.
“Mamma, that’s enough. Let’s just get your nipote married for now,” Francis scolded playfully. “And stop calling my son a girl.”
Everyone that spoke English laughed at his comments. When Teresa translated the conversation to Carlo, he chuckled as well. Francis had successfully broken the ice, and for the next half hour, they settled into a delightfully comfortable conversation.
