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Her face twisted in confusion, and just as we walked by, I patted my tummy, and she connected the dots with a gasp.
Yes, the news was about to spread like wildfire, but Elio knew first, and that was all that mattered.
The tables were, as expected, spectacular. Light pink, yellow, and white roses with soft greenery burst from pear-shaped vases. Vintage pink candlesticks held white tapered candles, gold cutlery complemented the gold-trimmed fancy plates, and elegant place cards with a gold crown seal directed each guest to their appointed seat. Tiny salt and pepper shakers sat delicately next to the welcome card that rested on the center plate.
Welcome to Elio and Sienna’s wedding. We are so pleased you were able to join them in their celebration of two hearts joining as one.
These two met when they were just children, and against all odds they were able to break the rules and rewrite history. They’ve overcome many challenges and have tested one another on countless occasions, and still managed to hold on to each other through it all.
They call it the boomerang effect, but we call it true love.
Please turn this card over and write them something special to let them know you believe in true love, too.
Much love, Andrea and Piero Capri
A tear slipped down my cheek as I glanced over at Andrea. I held the card to my chest, and she blew me a kiss.
“Hello, everyone, and thank you for coming.” Piero stood tall at the end of our table and commanded the room for all to listen. “We're sorry my Mama wasn’t well enough to join us, but we'll make sure she sees all the pictures." I pictured her body as she spun in the wind. I wondered if she had time to think of what went wrong with Abramo before she belly-flopped into the water. I pictured her bones as they shattered against the rocks, her soul slowly sucked down through the gates of hell.
I tuned back just in time to see Piero give a wink as he held the guests under his spell. “So, please sit back, take those photos, and enjoy the evening like we all will.”
“Should we be nervous at how smooth he is at lying about his own mother’s death?” Wyatt said with a pretend scared face. “That was some straight up mafia shit, right there.”
“I think we should be concerned about the fact I was reliving her death with glee during his speech.” I winked, and he nodded with approval.
“Lord, this life suits you.”
“It really does, doesn’t it?”
He tapped his wine glass to my water glass and nodded at the table diagonally across from us.
“Stage four crazy hasn’t looked over here once.” He referred to Noemi, who had been a wallflower during the ceremony and now dinner. “Maybe we should poke the beast some?”
“Maybe for dessert.”
I let myself take in the moment, and my heart swelled to see all those who had come to celebrate our big day. When I caught Ugo’s gaze, he gave me a slight nod and made the motion of money by rubbing his fingers.
I smiled, as I knew he’d been working on settling some of the Coppola debt. I let go another level of stress that had been weighing me down as Donna. For months, Elio and I had been working hard to clear up the debts Rosa had incurred as Mikey. Thankfully, Niccola was about to gain access to some money Pippo had stashed away, and we could use it to begin the process of cleaning up Mikey’s mess. A lot of very powerful people wanted their money back, and they didn’t really care who paid it.
Vinni had been a huge help with one Cartel deal. The Castillo family were not someone I wanted to deal with, especially after receiving some not-so-nice photo threats if I didn’t pay up. As the Coppola Donna, I was responsible for it all, and I accepted that responsibility. With Elio’s help, a lot of connections had been smoothed over and deals made. Things were going to be all right.
“Is this on?” Niccola’s voice boomed over the speakers. “Yes.” He cringed at the volume then laughed with the crowd while he took a tight grip on the sides of the glass podium, “I felt it was only appropriate to come up here and say a few words about the happy couple. I remember when Elio first moved here. He was quiet and brooding, and of course that attracted woman from all over Italy.” He chuckled and rolled his eyes. “Naturally, he barely registered them, as his heart belonged to another.” He swooned at me, and I had to laugh. “Which, in turn, worked out well for Vinni and me.” He wiggled his eyebrows.
“Yeah, it did,” Vinni called out, making the place laugh harder.
I noticed Gain lean over Piero’s shoulder and whisper something that put a frown on his face.
“What’s going on?” I nudged Elio to look over at his father and saw something pass through the two of them.
“Nothing.” He squeezed my hand, but I stared him down. “It’s time to eat,” was all he’d say.
I let it go, but I did keep an eye on them while the waitstaff served our meal.
I glanced at Wyatt, who was watching Vinni, and it made my mind go.
“Hey, Wy, so, you know how it’s my wedding day?”
“Yes, I’ve already tucked away some memories of the day.”
