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I’ve had some conversations with Bruno, too. Not just about Francesca and what happened to her, but also about my future as part of the family, and his distrust in me. I’m now realizing Bruno was putting me through a test of sorts to ensure I was ready for my role as one of his sons.
Bruno told me I passed his test, and I’m thrilled because now I finally feel like a part of the Bernardi family.
But more important than all those business matters... two weeks back, we found out Francesca was pregnant.
I shouldn’t be surprised since we had sex so many times without protection. I thought I wasn’t ready to be a father, but learning Francesca is pregnant has changed everything for me.
My whole life, I’ve been plagued by memories of my father and how badly he messed up my life. I was afraid I’d turn out to be as bad as him, or maybe even worse. But everything changed now that Francesca’s pregnant. I see myself in a role I never expected, and I’m excited to find what the future holds for us, especially with a baby on the way.
But there are more important things to worry about now.
I bite my lip, watching the aisle where Francesca will walk down any second.
Our wedding is small, with only my brothers and father here to celebrate with us. Santino is acting as my best man, standing by my side and offering me reassuring glances every time I worry about the future. And then, a split second later, the chapel doors open and Francesca walks in, a vision in white.
She looks so strikingly beautiful it makes my breath catch in my throat.
Her white dress is simple but elegant in beautiful ivory silk. She’s wearing a veil and her hair is pinned up with pearl clips. My smile stretches as she walks closer to me, and once she’s in front of the altar, I pull back her veil and look deep into her beautiful gray eyes.
“Are you ready?” I whisper.
“I’m ready.”
“You look more beautiful than ever.”
She smiles shyly, a sweet blush coloring her cheeks.
The priest who’s there with us makes quick work of the ceremony. I was relieved to find out Francesca wasn’t into weddings. This small, intimate ceremony is perfect for us.
Especially since Francesca renounced her family days after leaving the University.
I didn’t pressure her to do that; it was her decision. Still, I was surprised how vehement she was about cutting off all her ties with her parents. They were pissed, especially after finding out she was marrying me. They both probably saw our marriage to make their way back into the mafia world. But I’ll be damned before I help those two. Francesca’s father almost cost me my wife.
“You may now kiss the bride.”
I grin at Francesca. I lean over and capture her mouth in a deep kiss, leaving nothing to the imagination. Santino groans beside me, but I don’t give a damn. The world needs to know how I feel about my bride.
Our kiss is sweet and filled with spice, and we walk down the aisle together now with our hands clasped.
Outside the chapel, there’s a car waiting for us. As is tradition, we’re showered with rice and Francesca giggles at the feeling of grains getting everywhere. Before she can react, I pull her up into my arms and get in the car with her.
Since I’m extra careful and don’t want her flying, we’ll be spending our honeymoon at our family’s lake house. I’m excited to show her all the ways I can make her happy there. I’m going to spend the rest of my life proving my love to Francesca Esposito. Well, I suppose it’s Bernardi now. Just like me.
In the car, she faces me with her pretty blushing lips and lightly parted lips. “That was incredible... I can’t believe we’re finally together after all this time.”
“Me either,” I grin. “You’ve made me the happiest man in the world.”
“And I’m the happiest woman.” Her hand rests protectively on her tiny belly. “And this is the luckiest baby.”
“Isn’t that right?” I grin. Bruno was so thrilled about having another baby in the family he’s been showering us in gifts ever since he found out we were expecting. “But more importantly, toy...”
My use of her old nickname makes Francesca flush an even deeper shade of pink.
“Are you ready for our wedding night?”
“More than ready,” she nods eagerly, a wicked little smile lighting up her face. “Promise to make it a night I’ll never forget?”
“Oh, I promise,” I grin darkly. “The moment we’re back at the house, you’ll find out what I have in store for you... And I think you’re going to love it.”
“Well, then I’m excited,” she grins while I kiss her deeply.
A sweet little moan escapes her lips, driving me wild. I can’t get enough of her. Francesca has quickly become not only the reason I live, but the one good thing in my life I can always count on. I still feel like a fool for pushing her away for so long, but I can’t change that now. All I can do is ensure she’s happy and safe by my side, where she belongs.
