She leans into my touch. "I know."
The click of glasses echoes through the greenhouse again, and I turn to see who is giving a speech. Vito stands slowly. He doesn't need to walk to the center. He simply looks around, his presence commanding silence.
"I've always believed in two things," he says. "Power... and love." The room quiets even further. "Power without love is destruction. Love without power is weakness. But when the two come together?" His eyes move between me and Gianna. "That's legacy."
He pauses.
"Today, I give my sister to a man who has earned her not just through bravery, but through sacrifice and unwavering commitment to protect what he values most." I blink, surprised by Vito's words. I never thought in a million years he would think about me like this. "And I give her willingly, not because I'm losing her, but because I'm gaining peace."
He raises his glass. "To power, love, and gaining new families."
And just like that, the entire greenhouse lifts their glasses, Irish and Italians alike, as one.
I pour the glass of champagne down my throat, and Gianna whispers in my ear. "I'll be right back."
As she stands, I hold her wrist gently. "Don't leave the greenhouse without supervision," I say, and she nods.
I put a slice of cake in my mouth, watching as she moves to Rina and another lady I don't recognize. I sigh and take another sip of the champagne, my eyes searching for James in the crowd before landing on Liam.
He signals with his eyes that he needs to speak to me. I stand from where I sit, crossing the greenhouse, greeting familiar faces before reaching Liam's side. He hands me another glass of champagne from a waiter passing by. I take it from him, and we toast before we both take a sip from it.
"Beautiful wedding. Amazing speeches here and there," Liam says, holding his glass.
I smile. "Why didn't you give a speech?" I ask, taking another sip, my eyes remaining on Gianna as she talks. She laughs at something the women say, and I catch myself smiling.
"I don't think you want me to make a speech," he says.
"You know what, I think you're right," I say with a chuckle. We both fall into comfortable silence, watching the party go by. I try not to bring it up, but it's been eating at me since that day.
"I know you said you'll handle it. I just need to know the updates on things," I ask. Liam downs the remaining champagne in his glass before turning to meet my gaze.
"This is a lovely night, Finn. Enjoy it. You've got peace, protect it. Because the next storm's already forming." From behind him, I see someone unfamiliar watching from the shadows. He isn't Italian, that's for sure. Then, he's Irish. I narrow my gaze at him, trying to work him out, but he keeps staring. It's odd.
"Do you know who that is?" I ask Liam, but when he turns to look at the person, he's gone.
"Who?" he asks, and I blink. Where did the person disappear to? He was just right there.
Liam taps my shoulder. "Enjoy your night, Finn. This place is crawling with security. Nothing is going to happen. I guarantee that."
I nod. I don't ask any more questions and decide to enjoy the night. Tomorrow can worry about itself.
I barely hear the music over Liam going on about security rotations. Something about two men posted near the greenhouse entrance and a possible reshuffle before the after-party. I nod, only half-listening, my eyes keep drifting across the room, looking for her.
"Look, I'm just saying," Liam continues, swirling the whiskey in his glass. "I didn't know Connor could give such an amazing speech. He's always so grumpy and angry."
Before I can respond, I feel a soft hand touch my arm. I turn, and there she is. She's changed out of her wedding dress. Her hair is loose now, her spaghetti strap, red dress, hugging her body perfectly. When did she leave the greenhouse to change? Her eyes sparkle with something mischievous, but warm. Like I'm the only thing in this room worth looking at.
"Can I dance with my husband?" she asks, eyes flicking between me and Liam with a smile that manages to be both innocent and commanding. I don't think I can get used to her calling me husband. It's the best feeling ever. Liam chuckles, stepping back instantly with his hand raised in surrender.
"My bad. He's all yours."
Gianna takes my hand, lacing her fingers with mine, and gently pulls me away from the small cluster of men. The music shifts, a slow, soft melody washing through the air like a memory.
We step onto the dance floor. Her arms circle my neck, mine around her waist, and we move gently to the rhythm, rocking slowly, like the world has finally caught its breath just for us.
"I still can't believe it," I whisper, brushing my thumb across the back of her hand. "You're my wife."
She smiles up at me. "You say that like it's a dream."
