Mama Hen studied me for a moment, then patted my hand. “Can I get ya anything else, hon?”
Shaking my head and plastering on the best smile I could muster, I said, “No, but thank you so much.”
Mama Hen walked away, fussing over the other women. Klara came over and sat with me, grabbing the flute I sat down and taking a sip. “Not long now. How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine. You look wonderful. Thank you for being here.”
Klara put the champagne down and grabbed my hands. “I wouldn’t miss it. Are you sure you’re alright?”
Nodding, I smiled. “I knew this day would come. I just didn’t know it would be so–”
“Rushed?” she asked. “Andnothinglike you. Who picked out that dress?”
Shrugging, I said, “It had to have been Niko or Papa. Oh well. It’s all fine.” I pulled one hand from hers to grab the drinkand finish it off. “Okay. Let’s get this dress on.”
“Wait. I have something for you.”
My hands shook as we exchanged vows. I wasn’t sure if it was how little I’d eaten, the champagne that kept being served to me every time I turned, or him.
He could pass as one of father’s men in his perfectly fitting tuxedo, clean shaven, and that dark hair swept back perfectly. It clearly had product in it, but it didn’t look greasy or crunchy. Some men put way too much gel, but not him. I wondered if it was soft. I wondered the same about his full lips as I stared at them while he pushed a band onto my ring finger. As he recited his vows I heard him, but it wasn’t registering. I doubted he was Catholic, but of course Papa would arrange his only daughter to be properly wed in the Church.
“Katarina,” the priest said. Looking over, he smiled and continued, “Please repeat after me.”
Nodding, I looked back toward the hulking man with piercing blue eyes. “I, Katarina, take thee Hawk. Wait.” I whispered, “I need your real name.”
He grinned. “That is my real name. I’ll fill you in later.”
A few chuckles came from the pews. There weren’t many people there, but a small and quick wedding to Papa was not what a normal person would consider small. Many of them were his associates and their wives, then of course those who came with Hawk. Since his party was so small, Papa’s associates sat on both sides.
Clearing my throat, I went on. “I, Katarina, take theeHawk to be my lawfully wedded husband. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, until death do us part.” Turning, I grabbed the band provided to Klara for him, then turned back.
Still shaking, I pushed the ring onto his finger. He took my hands, giving them both a gentle squeeze. I gazed into his eyes, almost in a trance, as the priest finished.
“I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride,” the priest said.
Hawk only let go of one hand, the other grabbing the veil and lifting it over my head. His gaze was heated, intense. Cupping my jaw, he leaned in and my lips naturally parted for him.
When his met mine, a spark ignited. My mind blocked all other noise or presence. My eyes squeezed shut as his soft but strong lips caressed mine. His tongue pushed inside, but it was quick. He tasted of whiskey but the smell of cigarette smoke was present as well. My hand squeezed his and his thumb swept over my cheek. With one last soft peck, he pulled away and for just a second, my lips chased his.
But as sounds flooded back, clapping filling the cathedral, I remembered myself and straightened up. I was thankful for being raised to show no emotion. My stomach was flipping and my arm was practically vibrating from his touch.
We both turned, facing the small crowd of fifty or so people and Klara passed me my bouquet of dark red roses.
Hawk guided me down the aisle, arm in arm as the organ played. Klara and Niko were our only attendants. I assumed they were following us, but I was focused on smiling and makingit through the grand wooden doors.
Two men opened them as we approached. Once we walked from the cathedral, we took a left as another man waved us in that direction. We stopped near an exterior door, and I turned to see if Klara was coming.
His breath was warm on my neck as he leaned closer and quietly said, “You look beautiful.”
Looking over, I was again entranced by his light gaze. My dress had a low scoop neck, and I prayed he didn’t look down because I was certain my heart was about to jump from my chest.
“Hey,” Klara called.
My trance was broken and I looked over as Klara and Niko came over. Niko shook hands with Hawk, my husband. Klara hugged me. Then Niko hustled us outside to the limo waiting.
The ride back to our home wasn’t very long, and it was very quiet. Niko poured champagne for everyone, and he gave me a stern look after mine was gone in just three sips.
Most of the guests had made their way back. A tent had been set up outside with lovely white and maroon decorations, and everyone dined on steak, chicken, or lamb.
