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“We could watch a movie.” She shrugs. “I think this TV has every streaming service known to man.”
“Sure, but something we’ve seen before. I don’t have the brain power to process a new movie today,” I laugh.
“Oh, why? Is something big happening today or something?” My baby sister nudges my arm with laughter of her own. “Speaking of, I want to give you your gift now. I have a gift for you and Joey to open together later, but this is just for you.” She goes to her suitcase and pulls out an envelope. “Happy wedding day!” she squeals excitedly.
“Oh, God. What did you do?” I eye her suspiciously as I take the envelope from her outstretched hand.
“Open it and see.”
I tear open the card to find a mini novella written inside, but it’s the cardstock insert that catches my attention. I pull the recipe card out and hold it up. Written at the top in my sister’s fancy handwriting is “Savannah’s Famous Beer Cheese Dip.”
“Are you serious?!” My voice hits octaves I didn’t know it could. “I can’t believe it!”
“I know I swore I’d take it to my grave, but today is about all of your dreams coming true, and it needed something special.” Savannah grabs my hands. “I love you Kelsey Nicole, and I’m so incredibly happy for you.”
“I love you too. And I promise, I’ll still come into the pub once a week, despite now having this recipe.” I hug Savannah, squeezing her tightly.
“You better. You might be my big sister, but that won’t stop me from kicking your ass.”
I observe my hair and makeup once more in the mirror. I opted for a half-up, half-down style with ringlet curls throughout my hair. The bridal shop included a tiara and veil with my dress, so I had the stylist weave them into my hair so they didn’t come out.
The woman who did my makeup opted for natural tones to accentuate the green in my eyes. My dress accentuates every single one of my curves, in the most flattering way possible. I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve ever looked better than I do right now.
Lucia, our wedding planner, came by about five minutes ago to let me know the guys were setting up and they would be coming to get me shortly.
“You look like a princess, Kels. Joey is going to be blown away when he sees you.” Savannah looks me over with tears in her eyes. Since our parents couldn’t be here, she’s walking me down the aisle.
“Signorina Kelsey?” Lucia’s voice follows her knock on the door. “They’re ready for you.”
“Alright, big sister — you ready?” Savannah offers me her arm with a huge smile.
“I’ve been ready,” I sigh happily. You’d think I’d be nervous, but I’ve never felt more at ease and confident in my choice.
Lucia hands me a bouquet of white orchids, and I can’t resist the urge to breathe in their amazing aroma. She guides us down the hall and pushes open the double doors that lead out to the garden where the ceremony has been set up and my heart stops.
A path of purple orchid petals leads to Joey and Frankie, standing in the gazebo, decked to the nines. Surrounding them are a display of white twinkle lights with white orchids woven throughout. The sun is starting to descend in the sky, creating a beautiful blend of purple, orange and pink in the sky. I commit the sight to memory, knowing that no photo would ever do it justice.
When my eyes meet Joey’s, I see his beaming smile that’s likely matching mine — he’s as much in awe of me as I am of him. I love the way he looks in jeans and a t-shirt, or even in his mechanic uniform. But the way that man fills out that Armani suit has my thighs clenching together.
The string quartet that’s currently seated off to the left of the altar starts playing a violin cover of “Love Story,” and tears prick my eyes. I should’ve known he’d ask them to play this song as I walked down the aisle.
“Can I just say that I both love and hate that this has become your guys’ theme song?” Savannah whispers in my ear as we walk down the aisle. I can’t help but let out a small laugh, which I think was her goal to stop the tears that continue to build. I’ve never seen or experienced something so beautiful in my life.
When we make it to the altar, I hand my flowers to Savannah and take Joey’s hands. I have to resist the urge to kiss him before the ceremony even starts.
I think for a second he’s going to throw caution to the wind, but instead he leans into my ear. “Beautiful does not even come close to describing how you look right now, Kelsey.” He lays a gentle kiss on my cheek and looks to the officiant to start the ceremony.
Chapter 62
The sight of Kelsey walking down the aisle to me took my breath away. The most dressed-up I’m used to seeing her is a blouse and skirt at school, or a casual dress when we’ve gone out for date night. But tonight she looks like a princess — no, a queen. And not just any queen, my queen — the one I’ve waited eighteen years for.
Giovanni — who, as it turns out, is an ordained minister — turns to me after he finishes his introductory words. “Joseph, it is time to recite your vows to Kelsey.”
I take a deep breath in and out. I had written and rehearsed my vows so many times. But now that she’s standing here in front of me, looking like fucking royalty, I feel the urge to just speak from the heart.
“Kelsey, I’ve been convinced since we met eighteen years ago that you were my guardian angel. You saved me in more ways than you could ever realize. I wouldn’t be half the man I am today if it wasn’t for your grace, patience and loving heart. You often ask me how the boy you tutored back then turned into the man I am today. It’s because of you, Angel — it’s always been you. I love you more than life itself, and I promise to spend the rest of my life showing you how much you mean to me.”
Kelsey brushes the tears away from her eyes and sniffles before Giovanni turns to her.
