Those are all reasons why she can and should turn and walk away from me. My heart races as I don’t know if she’s thinking the same things. She could be bolting right now.
Then the music cues. I stand unseeing until Oni and my father appear. My breath whooshes from my lips.
She looks gorgeous. Her dress is classic but elegant in a modern Oni way. All the sheer lace and intricate details make her look like a living doll.
My throat gets tight. I didn’t know I would feel like this. My heart swells, knowing she did choose me.
When Pop hands her off to me, I feel like a kid on Christmas. She stands before me, looking up at me through her veil. With shaking hands, I lift the veil.
It’s like I’m sucker punched. The wind is knocked out of me. It takes everything in me to keep standing.
That smile is like life to me. I brush the back of my fingers against my cheek. As her big brown eyes search my face, I swallow hard as it’s all I can do to keep the tears from falling.
“You look … I can’t find the right words. I love you so much,” I say as I cup the side of her face.
“You look amazing. I love you too.”
I press my forehead to hers. “Are you ready?”
“Yes, I’m ready.”
“You sure? There’s no turning back after this.”
“I have nowhere else I want to be. I’m ready, Mr. Gallo. Let’s do this and get you the world.”
I grin and nod. “Let’s go, baby.”
Everything moves in a blur as we make our way through the ceremony. I half hear everything as I get lost in Oni’s eyes. When I’m told I can kiss the bride, I capture her lips and nearly eat her face.
“Hello, Mrs. Gallo,” I croon as I rub my nose against the tip of hers.
“Hello, my husband.”
“Say it again.”
“My husband.”
“Fuck, I must be crazy. I married a car thief,” I tease.
“I married the future don. So who’s really crazy here?”
I growl and take her lips. “It’s too late to change your mind now.”
“Who said anything about changing my mind? You’re stuck with me.”
“Wouldn’t want it any other way.” I nip at her lips.
“Okay, youse two. We have a reception to get to,” my father croons.
Oni and I laugh and turn to face the crowd. I glance around at all the people here for us. It’s insane how much support we’re being shown.
They have all accepted Oni into our world. Nothing can ruin this day for me. Nothing.
Oni
I standat the top of the church stairs with my mom. My face hurts from smiling so much. Today has been perfect.
I’m finally married to Rico. Someone needs to pinch me because I still can’t believe it. I look down the stairs to where the guys dragged Rico for pictures. He looks as happy as I feel.
