Page 126 of Chris

“Well, she doesn’t know what she’s missing out on,” Haven said, laughing as she grabbed a piece of cheese from the tray before popping it into her mouth. “Just saying.”

They were still laughing when the stylist came back into the room, followed by Cara, and little Maria who was already dressed up to the nines in her pretty flower girl gown. She danced over to her mother, doing a little twirl at Cara’s urging who beamed.

Already a proud grandmother. Or, that’s what Cara said when Maria asked if she could call her Nonny.

“She wanted to show you her dress,” Cara explained.

“Little early to put that on.”

Cara shrugged. “I’ll bribe it off her with something.”

Valeria shook her head. “Well, if it works.”

“Do you like my dress, Mamá?” Maria asked.

Valeria leaned down to kiss her smiling princess. “Love it.”

“Come on, now,” Ginevra muttered, rubbing circles into the side of her swell. Cara didn’t miss it, a concerned frown growing when her attention turned on the woman. Ginevra was quick to explain, “The baby won’t relax—the cheese didn’t agree with her, I guess. I think I’ll find Corrado and let him calm her down.”

“Not Alessio?”

Ginevra laughed. “No, he makes her dance.”

“Ah,” Valeria replied, “well, we’re okay. We’ve got lots of time.”

“Thanks.”

Ginevra was quick to slip out of the hotel room. Valeria didn’t worry because Ginny would find Corrado soon enough, undoubtedly. Their entire wedding party had the whole room block booked for the weekend at the tucked away, private villa-styled bed-and-breakfast. It was one of the few things she wanted. A small wedding. The people she cared about the most.

And the man of her dreams.

Valeria had him.

“Mamá, it’s not raining,” Maria said, climbing up in her mother’s lap to sit. “I checked.”

Valeria laughed.

Yes.

Her one worry for today.

Canadian weather was tricky.

“That’s great,” she said, kissing Maria’s cheek. “It’s a beautiful day to get married.”

Cara nodded.

Haven, too.

“It is,” they echoed.

Haven made quick work of smoothing out the lace train of Valeria’s wedding gown. She held tight to the bouquet of white roses in her hands, staring at the double doors still closed in front. Almost time.

“Now?” Maria asked, bouncing on the spot.

Ginevra laughed. “Not yet.”

Haven came to stand in front of Valeria, and for a moment, the rest of the surrounding distractions seemed to disappear. “You okay?”