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Before I can reply, I hear the sound of running footsteps before Theresa bursts in, followed by Axel.
"Oh, my god! We're on time, aren’t we?" She runs up to Elsa and hugs her.
Axel rubs his chin. "I had a devil of a time asking her to slow down; woman rushes around like she’s not pregnant."
She ignores him and peers into Elsa’s face. "You are okay, though? He’s not forcing you to do this against your will, right? If you don’t want to go through with it, I can ask Axel to intervene."
Her voice is loud enough that I can hear everything. Clearly, she intended me to. I open my mouth to protest, when Elsa shakes her head. Her lips curve into a small smile which is, nevertheless, genuine. "It’s fine, really. I want to go through with this. And I’m actually thankful that it’s happening so suddenly; gives me less time to stress about it."
"Hmph." Theresa firms her lips. "Whatever the case, just so you know, you have the next few days off from the flower shop."
Elsa stares up at her. "Are you sure?"
"Of course I’m sure, " she scoffs. "You’re getting married. You’ll need a little time to get your head around everything. And hopefully, have a bit of a honeymoon. You sure you don’t want to get hold of a dress, at least?" She steps back and takes in what Elsa is wearing. "You sure you want to get married in that?"
"Absolutely." Elsa pats her shoulder, then steps back. "Thanks for inviting Theresa. It means a lot to have her here," she whispers to me.
I want to deny it, but sadly, she’s right. Clearly, I’ve become soft in my old age, or pussy-whipped before I’ve even gotten married. Despite the fact that it was last minute, I knew Elsa would appreciate having her friend with her as she gets married.
Elsa shuffles her feet, tugs on her—my jacket, which looks much better on her than it does on me. It also comes to mid-thigh, and the dress she’s wearing below it complements the jacket, so it seems like they’re part of the same ensemble. With her flushed cheeks and blonde hair that falls softly about her face, she looks every inch an angel.
I blink.Dio santo,I'll be serenading her next. Why is it that every minute I spend in her presence seems to tie me more firmly to her? And nothing will be as permanent as the step I’m about to take. Marriage. I’ll be married to her, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, through ups and downs, for the rest of my life.Che cazzo, that seems permanent. Maybe too permanent.
I guess I make a noise because Massimo nudges me. "You okay,fratello?"
I swallow. "Why wouldn’t I be?"
"Seems like you suddenly realized what you’re getting into."
I roll my shoulders, trying to ease the tension in my muscles. "Can you ask him to hurry up?Stronzodoesn’t seem to know his head from his ass. And he’s supposed to be the mayor?"
"Sure thing. Anything for you on your wedding day. And by the way, I made sure he’s been briefed with your full names, et cetera, et cetera. All the information he needs to marry the two of you. You’re welcome." Massimo smirks, then leans forward and claps a hand on the mayor’s shoulder.
The man jumps. He has to tilt his head all the way back to meet Massimo’s gaze.
"Chop, chop, we don’t have all night," Massimo drawls.
Heavy footsteps announce the arrival of Luca. "Someone told me there’s a wedding taking place here?"
I groan. That’s all I need—my wedding turning into a circus, similar to how it was when first Michael, then Christian, and Axel, got married. How the hell did Luca find out about it, anyway? I shoot Adrian a scowl. He raises his hands as if to say he didn’t have a choice.Bastardo!
Naturally, within moments, Michael prowls in, with Karma in tow. They're followed by Christian and Aurora.
"Didn’t think you could sneak off and get married without my knowing, did you?" Michael smirks.
"Sorry,fratello.You get the entire family turning up to your wedding, just like those of us before you." Christian chuckles.
"Anyone else missing? Did you invite the strangers on the road, as well?" I scowl at Adrian.
"Now that you mention it…" Adrian’s brow wrinkles.
I glare at him and he chuckles. "I had to informla famiglia,else they never would’ve forgiven me."
Both Karma and Aurora walk toward Elsa. Karma’s face is dominated by a huge smile. She hugs Elsa, then takes a step back. Aurora touches Elsa’s shoulder. "If you need anything…" she murmurs.
"I’m good," Elsa reassures her. Her features are pale though.
My fingers tingle to wrap my arm around her and reassure her. Instead, I face the mayor, who’s watching the proceedings with a dazed look on his face.
