Page 115 of My Favorite Kidnapper

“Dante, you gave me a place to call home. You gave me your heart, the greatest gift of all. You make me safe, loved, and seen. I promise to love you forever, and I look forward to our life together.” I tried to blink away my tears, but they kept coming. He smiled and wiped my cheek.

“You didn’t say anything about making me cakes,” he said with a grin.

I knew what he was doing. “I thought that was a given.”

“I’d rather you vowed it in church. Made it official.”

“This isn’t church, Dante. It’s your brother’s sunroom.”

He shrugged. “Still…”

I tried not to giggle. “I promise to make you lots of cakes.”

He raised a quizzical eyebrow. “Anytime I want?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

“Dante,” the minister prompted, sounding impatient.

It was then I saw it. His eyes were bright. He was making light, but his emotions were high. He was struggling to contain himself. He cleared his throat.

“You made me whole, Little Bee. I love you.” He folded his hands and nodded.

The minister looked startled. “Is that all?” he whispered.

“Oh.” Dante smiled. “Brianna, love of my life, you look stunning. That dress is spectacular.”

I tried not to smile as the family tittered.

Dante leaned forward, dropping his voice, but everyone heard him.

“As gorgeous as it is on, I can hardly wait to see how it looks in a pile of lace beside our bed. If we make it that far.”

He stood back, proud and unashamed. The minister looked as if he was going to swallow his tongue. Paolo barked out a laugh then covered his mouth when Amanda elbowed him. Carolina giggled and Allan smiled. Even Richard guffawed. I rolled my eyes.

“Forgive him,” I said. “At his advanced age, he gets his words mixed up. Speaks out in inappropriate moments.”

Dante lifted his eyebrow in warning.

“I love him desperately, but I hope he can keep up. I’d hate to have to trade him in for a better-behaved, younger, more…robust model.”

Dante growled and did exactly what I knew he would do. He swept me into his arms in front of everyone and kissed me until I was breathless. Then he stood me upright and waved his hand. “Proceed.”

The minister looked confused. “I didn’t say to kiss your bride.”

I blinked and smiled. “And he’s impatient.”

Dante laughed, throwing his head back in amusement. “I prefer your words, Little Bee. I’m more about showing than speaking.” He winked.

I smiled because I didn’t care. I knew he’d whisper his words of love in private. Show me his devotion. That was how he worked.

He lifted my hands and kissed them. He glanced at the minister. “Now?”

The minister had clearly given up. “You are now husband and wife. You may—”

Dante cut him off and kissed me again, cupping my face and smiling. “My wife.”