Everything I ever believed about Gianni Velona has been a lie. Benny pumped me full of them. I was a violin, and he played me perfectly. I loved him so fiercely once, but now my feelings are muddled. He pulled me off the streets and gave me a home. A chance, a future. For that, I’m still grateful. He made me strong. He built me up. And now it’s my turn to do the same. I place my hands on my basketball-sized belly and gaze into the mirror. I’ll make her strong. I’ll build her up. I’ll make sure she flies. It’s my oath.
“Miss Stevie?” Frederick knocks on the bedroom door. “It’s almost time. Are you ready?” He peeks his head in and sucks in a breath as I turn in my diamond-white, floor-length slip dress.
“You look ravishing, my dear.” He enters the room and takes my hands. Frederick has become like family in the short time I’ve been here. Catering to my every need like he lives for it. But my favorite times are when we just talk. He’s so paternal, thoughtful, and funny when he tones down the butler role.
“Thank you.” I actually blush, feeling beyond feminine draped in the shiny material with a crown of fresh flowers sitting on my head.
“Master Benjamin’s heart is going to stop when he sees you. Mine almost did.”
“Frederick, if you’re trying to flatter me, it’s working.”
“That’s exactly what I’m trying to do. I have seen many brides, but you are by far the most beautiful.”
“I’m eight-and-a-half-months pregnant. That statement might be a stretch.”
“I don’t stretch. It’s the truth.” Frederick picks up my bouquet. “The minister is here, and the sun is getting ready to set.”
“Then let’s not keep our guests waiting.” I take the simple spray of white and light pink roses and link my arm with Frederick’s. We walk through the grand house and out to the backyard, where a canopy is decorated in sheer white linen and blush roses. Beyond the manicured lawn, the sprawling ocean crashes against the shoreline. The air is fragrant with a mix of fresh flowers and sea salt, and the sky is just beginning to turn a beautiful shade of magenta.
I take a deep breath when my bare feet touch the warm, soft grass.
“Frederick.” I stop him from walking.
“Miss Stevie, is everything alright?”
“It’s fine.” I smile up at him. “I just wanted . . . I just wanted to say thank you. For walking me down the aisle. It means so much.”
Frederick beams, his creased face brightening with adoration.
“I never had a daughter, Miss Stevie. The pleasure is all mine.” He kisses my hand. “Now, if I don’t get you down that aisle, Master Benjamin is going to come up here and throw you over his shoulder. I would very much appreciate him not stealing my moment away.”
“I would never let him do that. Besides I’m way too heavy for him to throw around.” I rub my protruding stomach.
Frederick nods, and we begin our descent down the green pathway lined by lanterns.
Happiness is not a farce. That’s the last thought I have right before Baz steps into view. I have to remember to breathe as I drink him in. His hair is pulled back in a tight knot, and he’s dressed decadently in a crisp, white button-down shirt, navy blue pin-striped vest, and matching pants. He’s the embodiment of a prince.My prince. Rough, edgy, masculine, beautiful. My perfect match.
We’re far from perfect people, but we’re definitely perfect for each other.
Frederick gives me away to Baz, with Gianni, Gianna, RJ, Bull, Gun, and Desmond all watching.
I hand my bouquet to Frederick as I step in front of Baz. As soon as my hands are free, he steals my wrists and pins them against his chest.
“Beautiful isn’t a strong enough word to describe how you look,” he whispers in my ear, “You are making me the happiest man on the planet today. I love you.”
Baz has the ability to tap into my emotions like no other man. I am a sinner and a saint and a fool for him. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I lo—” I try to whisper back, but the minister starts. “Dearly beloved . . .”
I don’t hear half of the ceremony as I swim in the amorous depths of Baz’s green eyes. He holds my hands to his chest the whole time. Only when it’s time to exchange the rings does his grip loosen.
“With this ring, I thee wed.” He slides a thin diamond-encrusted band onto my finger.
“With this ring, I thee wed.” I do the same with a black titanium band. As soon as the ring is securely on his finger, he pulls me back, repositioning his tight hold on my wrists against his chest.
“Do you think I’m going to run?” I giggle.
“Not at all. I just want you close.”
