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I shake my head no. I have no reason to believe I'm pregnant just yet. My period isn't due for another few days, and I haven't noticed anything off. It's too early to tell. But I already know that answer just won't do when it comes to convincing Papa. "I will see a doctor once we're married."
"Of course," he nods. "Ask him to put you on some fertility medication so you can conceive as soon as possible. I mean it, Nicoletta. You will not let me down now."
I find myself nodding meekly. Why does this always happen? I'm so eager to impress Papa and make him love me, I'll agree to practically anything. "Of course, Papa."
I feel like a breeding mare, but there's nothing I can do to fight it. Papa eyes my stomach critically, as if I’d be showing already. "Keep your mind on the prize, Nicoletta. We need a baby, and fast."
"Yes, Papa," I mutter as he proudly nods at me.
"I'll leave you now, and see you in the chapel. One last thing." He approaches me. His eyes bore into mine and I know whatever he wants to tell me is serious. "Under no circumstances will you reveal the truth to Ryder. Do you understand?"
"The truth?" I ask before my cheeks flush even harder. Of course, Papa's worried I'll tell Ryder what he... what we did. But I have no intention of doing that. I already know if I did, Ryder would never look at me the same way again. And I can't bear the thought of him hating me, so I'll keep my mouth shut and the truth to myself. "Don't worry, Papa. Ryder will never find out. I have as much to lose as you do."
"That better be the truth," he grumbles, spearing me with his gaze until finally taking a step back. "Alright, Nicoletta. See you at the wedding. Be a good girl."
He leaves the room and I finally take the deep breath I've been holding the whole time he was in here. I'm so afraid of my papa, it makes me feel odd. A girl shouldn't be this scared of her parent. And yet I have no choice.
With a resolute look, I meet my gaze in the gilded mirror above my vanity. I look like the perfect untouched bride. Only Ryder will know the truth.
This is the last act of my game, and once it's over and done with, I'll finally be able to move on. All that's left is to say I do.
* * *
The organ music plays as I stand in front of the double doors leading into the chapel. With a deep breath, I tightly hold onto my bouquet and the doors open for me. Two little girls pick up my train while a third scatters rose petals as we walk. I keep my gaze trained on the ground, my vision blurred by an expensive veil as I begin walking down the aisle.
This should be the happiest day of my life, but instead I'm plagued with worries. But once I raise my eyes to Ryder standing in front of the altar, everything changes.
This is the man I love. There's no doubt about that in my mind. Ryder Bernardi and I belong together, and I'm done fighting my instincts when it comes to our future. It's only just beginning.
He grins darkly at me as I slowly walk up to him. Once I'm there, he carefully folds back the veil and smirks at my made-up face.
"Prettiest princess in the world," he mutters in my ear, the words barely audible as the priest begins to speak. I can't fight the smile off my face.
Italian weddings are long, but I barely notice the minutes ticking by. Ryder's eyes are locked on mine and we stare at one another as the priest continues speaking in a mix of English and Italian. This is what love feels like. This is my future, right here, in front of me. And I couldn't be happier.
Ryder reaches out for me, his fingers gently tugging on the blonde strands of hair escaping my updo. He grins as the curl bounces back and I keep looking at him, imagining my life alongside this man who wants me just as badly as I want him. I can't believe this is happening – can't believe we're actually getting married. After all the hurdles and obstacles life threw our way, I couldn't be more thrilled to finally stand here alongside the man that means the most to me in the entire world.
"Now," the priest continues, raising his voice. "Now is the last time to say something if you believe these two shouldn't be together. It's either now, or you hold your peace – for ever."
My heart tightens in my chest. I'd forgotten about this part of the wedding, and now I'm terrified someone's going to object to our marriage. But as I look at the people in the pews before us, all I see are happy smiles and expectant looks. Bruno seems pleased, nudging Papa who is also smiling ear-to-ear. Ryder's best man, his brother Julian, seems amused by the whole thing. Nobody else says a word.
