“Aren’t you worried about getting the police involved?”
“I’m Enzo Bianchi. I’ve dealt with a lot of shit in my life. This is one more thing I’ll deal with. You don’t need to worry, Gianna. I’ve got this. I just want you to be happy.” His eyes flick over to Will. “So keep my sister happy.” He motions Francesca to follow him out of the room, leaving me and Will alone.
“So, we’re going to be married,” I say, my heart beating fast.
“I want this, Gianna. I don’t want you to think I don’t. There’s no one else I want in this world. Trust me. You came into my life when I wasn’t expecting it. I never knew I could feel these things again. But I want to make you proud. I want to make my mom proud.”
“I’m sure she is. You fought for me like no one ever has before. I really do love you, Will.”
“I love you too, baby. I’m never letting you go.”
I give him a tender, gentle kiss. “And I’m never letting you go either.”
A few months go by to allow Will time to heal from his gunshot wound to the stomach. It hit him a lot harder than his arm andshoulder wounds did. In that time, we spend every day together, living in Enzo’s house for both of our safety while Will recovers.
We talk for hours, learning everything there is to know about each other. I never knew I could love this man more but I do.
When Will is fully healed, it’s time for our wedding.
I’m standing before the full length mirror in my bedroom in the wedding dress I chose for myself. No one else’s.
Kira, Enzo’s wife, joins me in the room. “Are you ready for this?”
“I am. I’ve never been more ready for anything in my entire life.”
She offers me a kind smile. “I’m so happy for you, Gianna. I know you didn’t have it easy. But I’m glad you finally found your place in this world.”
At Will’s side. Nothing could be sweeter.
Kira takes my hand and we walk down stairs together. The wedding is being held in Enzo’s backyard. For safety reasons as well as I just wanted my wedding somewhere in a comforting place with family. It’s a small wedding. Just a handful of guests. But I didn’t want a splashy large wedding where I felt on display. I just wanted to feel happy.
Enzo approaches us, giving Kira a warm smile before turning to me. “Are you ready?”
“I am,” I say without hesitation. Unlike when I agreed to marry Nico, this time I am one hundred percent on board to marry Will. There’s no doubt in my mind.
Enzo takes my arm while Kira gives me a smile and heads out the back door to join the other guests.
“I can’t believe I’m letting you go,” he says. “I’ve protected you all my life and now it’s not going to be me anymore.”
“Will has done a great job of protecting me so far. He’ll continue to do so.”
“I believe it. Are you happy?”
“I’m so happy.”
“Then that’s all that matters. Let’s do this.” He pushes the back door open and we step into the garden. The tile-lined path leads to a simple archway where Will waits for me. Chairs decorate each side of the aisle with Kira and my aunt in attendance. A few of Enzo’s co-workers are here. Will said he didn’t have anyone to invite. His mom is gone and he didn’t really have any friends.
Well, I can be his new family. I’ll make him proud like he’s made me proud.
My hold on Enzo’s arm is relaxed. No nerves fill me. I’m too happy right now to worry about anything else.
We reach the end of the aisle and Enzo places my hand into Will’s, right where it belongs.
The officiant begins the wedding. “We are gathered here today…”
I focus only on Will’s face and my love for him. His eyes are soft and light. The pure happiness on his face only fills me with more love.
“Do you, Gianna Bianchi, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
