I’d always wanted to give Mirabella a stable, happy home. There was a time when I feared all she’d know was danger. But now, with Adriano, she’s flourishing, surrounded by love and security.
The morning air fills with the scent of flowers as I stand before the full-length mirror.
My wedding dress, ivory satin with delicate lace detailing, hugs my figure before flaring at my hips.
I remember dreaming of his moment and then giving up the dream when Lorenzo threatened to kill me.
It’s surreal to be living a moment I once thought impossible.
Valentina bustles in, radiant in her matron of honor gown. "No crying yet, Eva! You'll ruin your makeup and Adriano will have to marry a raccoon." She fusses with my veil. Then she gives me a pointed stare. I’m worried she’s going to give me the same warning Alessandro did. “When we thought you died, something died with Adriano. Thank you for bringing him back to life.”
I can’t help it, tears flow again.
She shakes her head. “Goodness.” But she gives me a tissue and a hug. “Don’t live in the past, Eva. Today is about your future."
A knock at the door reveals Katerina, Luca's wife, balancing a baby girl, Alessia, on her hip while her son, Enzo, stands with a pillow holding wedding rings.
“Look how handsome you are, Enzo,” Valentina coos.
“Where’s Matty?” Katerina asks her.
“Cristian is showing him off.”
“I hear there’s a fairy here,” Katerina says, her gaze going to Mirabella. Mirabella has never had a family. Now she has aunts and uncles and cousins. She loves it, except she’s still shy. She hides behind me.
“Say hello, Mirabella.” I gently prod her. “Why don’t you show them your wings?”
She turns quickly to show her wings and then hides again behind me.
These children, the next generation of Dantes, will grow up differently from their parents. Still privileged, still protected, but perhaps with fewer shadows. At least that’s what I plan for Mirabella, and in the short time I’ve gotten to know my soon-to-be sisters-in-law, they hope the same for their children too.
"It's time." Cristian appears in the doorway, a chubby boy in his arms. He hands the child to Valentina and then offers me his arm. "Alessandro sends his regards. He's keeping your groom from pacing a hole through the floor."
I float down the aisle on Cristian's arm, barely registering the gathered family members and allies. All I see is Adriano waiting for me beneath an arch of white roses, looking devastatingly handsome in his custom suit.
Mirabella precedes me, solemnly dropping rose petals until she spots her father. She breaks protocol, rushing to him with a squeal. “Daddy, look at my wings!”
He laughs, picking her up. “My own little fairy Mirabella.”
“And look at Mommy.”
His gaze catches mine. “I am. She’s the most beautiful woman in the world.”
He sets Mirabella down just as I reach him.
He takes my hands and looks at me like the sun rises and sets by me.
It’s a heady feeling that I love but also know carries a responsibility.
I can’t ever do anything again that makes him doubt me.
I’d never forgive myself.
When the priest finally says Adriano can kiss the bride, he wraps me in his arms, his lips firm and true against mine.
And then we’re announced… Mr. and Mrs. Adriano Dante.
It’s a dream come true.
