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Juliana and I smiled at each other because, this time, we did both want this wholeheartedly.
I replied, “I have,” and Juliana said, “I have.”
“Are you prepared, as you follow the path of marriage, to love and honor each other for as long as you both shall live? And are you prepared to accept children lovingly from God and to bring them up according to the law of Christ and his church?”
I replied, “I am.”
Juliana looked at me with love in her eyes and said, “I am.” We couldn’t wait to meet our first child, although we knew that we might have to prepare Mr. F for it first.
Since my proposal to Juliana, he had stopped nipping at my ankles so much. Maybe he could sense that everyone was calmer and happier, and it was rubbing off on him too. He definitely preferred females and kids—Juliana, Debi and Danio were his clear favorites.
Father Ugolino asked us to join our right hands. I turned to Juliana to make my vows to her. “I, Marco, take you, Juliana, to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.”
Then it was Juliana’s turn. “I, Juliana, take you, Marco, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.”
I felt my heart beat faster as I heard her finally say these words willingly.
Father Ugolino asked for the rings, which we had removed before the service. Juliana had wanted the rings blessed by the priest.
I took Juliana’s band and slid it onto her finger. “Juliana, receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Juliana then took my wedding band, and I held out my hand to her. “Marco, receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
When Father Ugolino announced that I could kiss my wife, I didn’t hesitate. However, Mr. F sounded a loud bark, whether in protest or celebration I wasn’t sure. We all laughed. This was how a wedding day should be: full of family and full of laughter.
I had never imagined that my wedding day would be like this. Now that I had found Juliana and found love, I wasn’t going to let them go. Juliana gave me more than love—she gave me happiness and a sense of completeness.
JULIANA
We got back to the mansion in the early evening.
Marco and Alessio had planned a cookout in the garden. When we got back home, we all helped to carry the food outside. I kept the same dress on—it was simple and easy to wear, and I didn’t feel the need to change out of it.
The guys grilled chicken, steak, and burgers and had prepared a potato salad, homemade coleslaw, and a green salad with sundried tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil.
I was getting spoiled by all the good food the guys cooked and I definitely felt inadequate when I thought about my non-existent cooking skills. I had already looked into taking some cooking classes so that I could do my fair share of making dinners.
While the guys stood around the grill, I sat and talked with Anni.
“When I watched Marco with Clara in the church earlier,” I said, “I could tell that he’s going to be a wonderful father in the same way Lorenzo is. And that thought has made me even more excited about the baby growing inside of me.”
“I’m so happy that things have worked out for the two of you,” she replied. “There aren’t many women who could handle Marco, but I think you’re perfect for each other.”
I looked over Anni’s outfit and admired her pale pink vintage 1960s dress, which she wore with bright orange ballet flats that had pink bows at the front.
“I’ll soon have to start to think about getting some bigger clothes. Some things are starting to feel tight,” I said as I ran my hand over my stomach. “But I haven’t really seen many maternity clothes that I like.”
“I make some of my own clothes, and I often customize clothing and shoes that I’ve bought,” commented Anni. “I could help you make some maternity clothes if you like?”
Before I could answer, Marco interrupted. “No offense, Anni, but I don’t want my wife taking any weird fashion tips from you—I like the way she dresses just fine.”
“No offense, Marco, but I think your wife is capable of thinking for herself,” Anni shot back at him, making me grin. I loved the way she stood up for herself.
When the food was ready, the whole family ate outside, and the food was delicious as we chatted with each other and enjoyed the last of the sun. After we had eaten, I went over to Alessio to thank him for the cookout. “Thanks for all your cooking today. I really enjoyed it.”
“No problem. I’m glad to see you and Marco happy.” And he genuinely seemed to mean it.
After the cookout, we stayed outside talking and laughing. I had begun to see Marco’s siblings as my family now. Chicago was my home.
