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“What?” I mutter.
“The rings, stronzo,” he says under his breath.
My head snaps toward the altar, where I find the officiant waiting for me.
Shit.
I quickly pull the rings from my pocket and hand them to Leo. He clasps my shoulder, grinning as he glances between Charlotte and me. “Don’t worry, brother. Your time’s coming.”
He gives my shoulder one last squeeze before turning back to Scarlett, the woman responsible for turning his whole world upside down.
“With this ring,” Leo begins. “I give you my heart, my soul, and the rest of my days.”
Tears spill down Scarlett’s cheeks as he slides the ring onto her finger. She picks up Leo’s wedding band, her hand trembling. “With this ring…” She pauses, brushing away her tears with a shaky laugh. “I give you all of me. Every single part. For the rest of our lives.” Carefully, she slides the ring onto Leo’s finger.
The officiant grins, looking between them. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss…again.”
Leo doesn’t hesitate to slide an arm around Scarlett’s waist and draw her against him before his mouth claims hers. She melts into his embrace, holding on to him as if he’s anchoring her to the here and now.
The room erupts into applause once more.
After they head back down the aisle, completely wrapped up in each other, I don’t wait another second before heading straight for my girls.
Charlotte holds Clara against her hip, and I press a kiss to Clara’s forehead before sliding a hand around Charlotte’s neck and pressing my lips to hers.
I pull back and meet her eyes, getting lost in the vibrant green that shimmers beneath the lights.
“Everything okay?” she asks, her palm resting on my chest.
My thumb brushes across her pulse point, noting the steady beat that mimics my own. “Everything’s perfect.”
I intertwine my fingers with Charlotte’s and lead us into the reception, where we’re transported into a whimsical fairy tale. White and pink roses wind through vines along the walls. Candles in hanging lanterns cast a warm glow. Towers of champagne glasses stand in every corner of the room. Tables hold antique gold place settings, with an array of beautiful flowers at the center.
You’d have no idea that we’re currently standing in the New York Public Library.
“It’s so beautiful.” Charlotte’s eyes roam around the space, taking it all in.
“You did a great job helping Scarlett with the flowers,” I tell her.
She shakes her head, a slight flush spreading over her cheeks. “It was nothing.”
A server appears before us with a tray of champagne. “Champagne?” he asks.
I shake my head. “We’d like a bottle of—”
“Actually.” Charlotte presses her palm to my chest and glances up at me. “I’ll have one, please.” She takes the glass from the server, who dips his chin and moves to the next guest.
I watch her take a sip without hesitation, the bubbles floating to the top of the glass. “Are you sure?”
She nods, her lips curving up into a beautiful smile. “I’ve realized that when I’m by your side, nothing scares me.”
My damn heart skips a beat, my chest filling with so much love for this woman. Leaning in, I press a kiss to her temple. “I will always protect you, Fiorellina.”
Clara stretches her arms toward me. “Dada.”
I scoop her into my arms and brush the tip of my nose against hers. “Hi, little one.” She erupts into laughter, producing a smile on my face.
“She was so well behaved during the ceremony,” Charlotte says, smoothing a hand down Clara’s dress.