“There’s nothing we can do at the moment, so best to let it go.”
I nod. “I know I’ve told you ten times already, but you look divine in that tux.” A smile finally creeps across my face. “If I didn’t think it would mess up my hair, I’d say we should sneak away for a minute.”
He shakes his head. “You’re incorrigible.” He leans in close, his lips hovering above mine. “Don’t ever change.” He seals his sweet command with a kiss that curls my toes.
“Okay, I guess I’d better get back before you distract me even further.”
His hand snags mine. “She’s going to be okay, firefly. Try not to worry too much.”
“Thanks, D,” I say softly, then head off in search of the bride.
Her three cousins, who make up the bridal party, are standing in the vestibule, chattering among themselves. I continue around the corner to the door leading to the church administrative building, where Isa was getting ready.
When I arrive at the room, it’s empty.
Did Cosimo come to get her? It’s not quite time for the ceremony, but he could have wanted a word with her.
I check the bathroom first, then head back to the main church. “Have you guys seen Isa?” I ask the group of bridesmaids.
“DiAngelo wanted to talk with her alone,” the eldest says, confusing me.
“What do you mean DiAngelo wanted to talk with her?” I was just talking to DiAngelo. He couldn’t have been in two places at once.
“Yeah, he said he needed a moment alone with her, so we left.” She stares at me like I’ve lost my marbles.
Hell, maybe I have.
“I went back to her room, and she’s not there. The bathroom was empty, too.”
They stare back at me blankly.
“Will you guys go look for her in the other building? I’ll make sure she isn’t over here.”
They nod and scurry off in a flurry of whispers. I don’t blame them. This feels a little off.
Could Isa have come to her senses and run? Maybe, but it doesn’t explain the odd part about DiAngelo.
I continue my search, double-checking the confessional and the transepts. I can’t imagine she could have snuck into the main sanctuary without being seen—a bride generally draws a lot of attention—but I want to be thorough.
Once I’ve walked the church, I head back to the other building. This time, the girls look much more frantic.
“We can’t find her anywhere.” The eldest wrings her hands together.
“Okay, you guys hang here in case she shows up. I’ll go tell the others.” I jog back to the church, which has started to fill with guests. I make a beeline straight for D, who is standing with Cosimo.
If she’s not with Cosimo…
“Something’s wrong,” I blurt in a rushed whisper. “Isa’s disappeared.”
“What do you mean, disappeared?” Cosimo demands.
“The other girls said DiAngelo came by to talk to her?—”
“I haven’t gone to see her.” He interrupts with a thunderous expression.
“I don’t know. That’s just what they told me. We’ve looked everywhere for her. She’s gone.”
“She swore she wanted this,” Cosimo says, his brows knitted in worry.
