Page 63 of Aldo

“I don’t mind at all. We don’t have to rush.”

I shook my head in amusement. “Listen to you, the voice of reason. I suddenly understand Luca’s need to fly Justine to Vegas. I want to marry you now. Today. I want our life to start now.”

“It has, Aldo. I’m not going anywhere. You can get all my stuff from the apartment. I’ll move in.”

“That’s great, but it isn’t enough. I want the world to know you’re mine.” I rolled my shoulders, unable to explain the need I was feeling.

She cupped my face. “Hey, I get it. But be patient. Roman is dealing with enough without you getting married the day after his brother. He needs you right now, and I’m right here.”

I huffed a sigh. “Fine. I’ll try. How big a wedding do you want?”

“Very small.”

“Here?”

She pursed her lips. “Is there a place in the hotel we could do it that isn’t massive? I’m talking a dozen people.”

“There is a suite on the top floor. All windows overlooking the Falls. It’s breathtaking. Used for a lot of small weddings. We could get married there. Do a lunch or dinner.” I frowned. “You don’t want the dancing and speeches and all that? The big dress and the music?”

She shook her head. “Oh, I want the dress. Something spectacular. But a few people, some champagne, and flowers. Pictures.” She paused. “A honeymoon?”

I laughed. “Roman will gift us a honeymoon—that’s his thing. Wherever we want to go.”

“Somewhere warm, with a beach where I can be alone with you.”

I grinned. “Done.”

I pulled up a calendar on my phone and showed it to her. “How about there?” I pointed to a date six weeks away. “You can get your dress, I’ll help Roman, and then we’ll get married.” I double-checked the internal database. “The room I’m thinking about is free on the Thursday. Or I can ask Judith to kick out the people⁠—”

She shook her head, interrupting me. “I don’t care the day of the week we get married, as long as I get to marry you.”

“I’ll get Maurice to block it and let Judith know.”

She beamed at me. “Perfect.”

I pulled her to my lap and kissed her. “Yeah, baby. Perfect.”

EPILOGUE - ALDO

Sun bounced off the Falls, the light reflecting and scattering across the room. I rolled my shoulders, tense and ready to jump out of my skin. Roman chuckled beside me. “She’s behind the doorway, Aldo. You’ll see her in a minute.”

A minute was too long. I had waited patiently for Luca to return from his honeymoon. For Roman to hand back the reins. For this day, this minute to arrive. I didn’t want to wait another sixty seconds.

I wanted Violet beside me so we could say our vows and be married.

The door opened, and Vi stepped into the room, robbing me of all my breath. She was stunning.

Her dress was ivory, molded to her body, leaving her shoulders and upper arms bare, the lace glittering with crystals. Sleeves started partway down her arms, circled tightly at her wrists. The dress hugged her waist and ended mid-thigh, showing off her sexy legs. A pouf of lace and tulle exploded from her hips into a long train that trailed behind her. I had to shut my eyes for a moment and lock down my body, wondering if asking her to show off her legs had been a good idea. My cock was doing its damned best to embarrass me, and I had a feeling an erection at the altar wasn’t the best look.

Roman clapped me on the shoulder. “You are one lucky bastard.”

Luckily, his voice cleared the lust, and I lifted my eyes back to my bride as she walked toward me. Her smile and the mischievous twinkle in her eye made me aware she knew exactly what I was thinking.

It was a small group around us. Roman, Nonna V, Luca, and Justine. Wanda and a couple of friends from the deli. A few close business acquaintances. Only twelve people—exactly what Vi wanted. I made sure there were flowers, lots of champagne, and I wore a tuxedo.

And cake. She’d asked for lots of cake. As far as I was concerned, if she agreed to marry me, she got anything she wanted.

But she was taking too damn long to reach me. When had the room become so big?