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In the back of my head, I fear our enemies will use this day against us. Rival families, feds, cops, cartel. But then I remember there’s a whole army here to protect us.
Let me have this day, I pray internally and savor the moment. I glance at my dad, who squeezes my hand lovingly.
We stop before the altar, and Donny steps down to shake my father’s hand. I nearly die inside when my father pulls him in for a hug. Never in a million years…
They break the embrace, and my father kisses my hand before giving it to Donny.
As soon as our hands touch, there’s electricity, reaffirming that we’re meant for each other.
Repeating the priest’s words are a blur. All I’m doing the whole time is staring into Donny’s steel eyes as he promises everything to me.
“And now, Donovan, you may read your vows,” the priest says.
I smile at him as he unfolds a note from his inside pocket – which reminds me of my mother’s tombstone, and all the things he’s done for me to pull me out of my depression.
“Ellie Rose Rigiano, today is a special day. Today I put my busy schedule aside and stop the world from spinning so I can look only at you and tell you… for the rest of my days, I vow to give you my best self. I vow to provide for you, our families, and hopefully soon, some little ones running around. No pressure.”
The crowd chuckles, and aws.
“Since the moment I laid eyes on you, I was stuck in a daze that no one could pull me out of. Though I wish my parents and my brothers were here to witness the happiness I found, I know they’re rooting for us somewhere in heaven. If they could see how beautiful you are, Ellie, they’d understand why I’ve turned into such a sap.”
More reactions echo throughout the room.
“Long rides, screaming fights, lavish dates, and rescuing one another from our own despair. That’s me and you, Ellie. I wouldn’t have it any other way… with anyone else. I love you, Ellie. I do.”
The audience claps wildly.
I sniff back tears that have been threatening to spill over all day.
“Ellie, you may read your vows,” the priest says with a smile.
“Donny. Donny, Donny, Donny.” I sigh, and the audience chuckles. “Where do I even begin with you? You’re a man who can perform miracles. You brought two of the most at-odds families together, against everything. You visited my dad even though he probably spat on you for the first ten visits.” I look over to my dad with a smirk, who smiles, mouthing ‘it’s true.’ I turn back to Donny. “And you persevered anyway. I went to visit my mother’s grave, and what do I find? A letter from you asking—” Tears overwhelm me and I hunch over, only for Donny to grasp both my hands. I nod, telling him silently I’ll be okay. “A letter from you asking for my hand in marriage… and for my dad not to strangle you if he finds out.”
Crying in the audience turns into heartfelt giggles.
“You have protected me, and courted me like a king would court a queen. I have no business sipping on champagne overlooking the city – but you gave me that, and I appreciate it all. I want you to know one thing, Donny. I don’t need any of it. Not the cars, the houses, or the bougie dates. I’d eat off the floor and drink tainted water… as long as I’m with you.”
“Worth every moment,” Donny says, and he almost kisses me right then and there.
The priest calls for the rings, and I barely get the words out. “With this ring, I thee wed…” And when the priest says, “You may now kiss the bride,” Donny pulls me into his arms like we are the only ones there.
Chapter 29
Donny
It’s our one-year anniversary, and how much fun our wedding was, and how amazing Ellie looked in her dress, is on my mind. Sal making an ass of himself on the dancefloor, all the cousins following along. My tux pants ripped when everyone decided to lift me in the air.
I laugh to myself thinking about how I almost fell, and grasping for Ellie while we were being thrown up and down.
The old timers were satisfied with the abundance and quality of food, especially the Shadow – who’s turned out to be the closest thing I’ve ever had to a real father.
I stop by the flower shop on the way home from overseeing a fresh capture in the safe house. My mind is occupied with getting revenge on the Lucrazis for taking out one of my men. But I put the grief aside. I promised Ellie I wouldn’t do the dirty work anymore. Still, that doesn’t mean I can’t dole a few punches here and there. It keeps the killer in me at bay, after all.
At each red light on the way home, I scribble in a card. I’ve made a habit of writing personal notes to her ever since it helped drag her out of a deep depression before the wedding.
That feels like a lifetime ago.
Now I can’t wait to kiss my son when I get home. Nico Ronaldo Valentino. He’s handsome. An ode to the old ways, an honor to Ellie’s father, and a perfect mix of the two of us. I earn for him now, and my queen.
