The older Lombardi simply smiled, and began to remove his own ring as well.
Cesare immediately began to protest. “Papi, no…”
“Yes, Cesare.” Papa Lombardi insisted solemnly. “They belong together. Wherever they go.”
Cesare swallowed thickly, blinking at the dust in the cathedral. Surely that was the reason for the tickle in the back of his throat. He cleared his throat and nodded, reaching out to squeeze his father's arm in silent thanks.
His father smiled at him, pride and satisfaction suffusing across his features.
“You’re a good boy.” Papa Lombardi gently patted Cesare’s cheek. “Be good to this one, and you’ll be a good man.”
Cesare nodded again, unable to speak; even so, the silent promise made to his father was given with the same gravity as the vows he was making with the priest.
Papa Lombardi nodded in approval, patting Cesare’s face once more. The old mobster nodded to Sabrina with a twinkle in his eye, and returned to his seat.
Minutes later, Cesare Renaldo Lombardi III and Sabrina Marchand Hamilton were officially man and wife.
???
When they left the church, Cesare was both pleased and relieved to see the ever familiar sight of Monty, waiting in front of the Lincoln Town Car.
“Congratulations, Boss.” Monty nodded with a grin.
Cesare shook the man's hand, nodding in approval when Monty extended a beautiful boquet of fresh white roses to Sabrina. Much to Sabrina's delight, the aromatic scent wafted gently around them.
“I wish you every happiness, ma'am.” The driver inclined his head to her in a rather old-school gentlemanly way, and smoothly opened the door with a flourish.
Sabrina beamed, thanking Monty for his thoughtfullness as she slid carefully into the backseat of the car.
Cesare turned to Monty, leaning in to avoid being overheard by any passersby.
“Did you get the message to Vinnie?” Cesare asked.
“I did, boss.” Monty nodded.
“How did he take it?” Cesare asked, brows furrowed.
“He sends his congratulations. He said he won't be joining you tonight; he doesn't wish to take the spotlight from anyone. But he appreciates the invitation, and is available to meet tomorrow. You can send a representative; his only stipulation is it needs to be one of your brothers.”
Cesare grunted with a nod. “Arrange it with Dante, would you, Monty?”
“Of course, Boss.” Monty nodded.
On their way back to the house, Sabrina called her sister, visibly dissapointed when Brooke didn't answer. The redhead frowned, muttering her frustration with undisclosed military locations, operational security, and unreliable cell service.Reluctant to delay the news any further, Sabrina sent Brooke a photo of her and Cesare, and another of their rings.
Eva Lombardi's ring, while slightly loose, shone beautifully on Sabrina's hand, and would be easy to resize.
Cesare held Sabrina's hand in his, as he ran his finger back and forth over the diamonds absentmindedly.
His father, Cesare Lombardi thesecond, had won this ring for his young wife at a craps table in Jersey City, when their family had still been penniless. Now, Cesare's own wife wore it as a private chauffeur drove them to the family estate.
While the ring represented the love Cesare had seen between his parents, volatile as it had been, it also served as yet another reminder of how much his father had accomplished; how big the shoes were that Cesare needed to fill.
They video-called Marie together. Cesare grinned in satisfaction at Marie’s audible excitement and Sabrina’s flushedbut happy glances his way. His bride was pleased. A little nervous, and adorably shy when she looked his way, but visibly happy.
They called Walter St. John next. The man had been gruff as usual, but hadn’t threatened to kill Cesare immediately and Cesare considered this a win. Walter repeated over and over that things were looking good with the work exchange program, and that Sabrina didn’t need to return until she wanted to.
Cesare stiffened at the reminder that Sabrina had come to Philly to visit, not to stay. But they were married now, and he’d be damned if she thought going back to Maine without him was an option. She was never going to spend another night outside of his bed.
