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The food steadily disappears, and Mom hasn’t quit talking to Val. But as time passes, I can feel my wife finally start to relax.
CHAPTER49
Val
A dishof tiramisu is set in front of me, and my mouth waters, even though my stomach has been twisted in knots all night.
My fingers close around the spoon, but before I can scoop up some of the sweet dessert, another utensil clinks against a glass elsewhere in the room.
I’ve seen plenty of movies about weddings, so I assume someone is going to shout for me and Dominic to kiss, but instead of one voice, the entire restaurant breaks out singing the “Happy Birthday” song.
And my throat closes.
They’ve done too much already.
Wanting to hide but unable to look away, my eyes rove around the room, seeing all the smiling faces as they sing to me.
To me.
How is this real?
The final verse is sung, and then a man finishes with “and many more” in the deepest bass voice I’ve ever heard.
I don’t know what to say.
Or do.
So I just keep the tight smile plastered to my face as I try to think of what a normal person would do in this situation.
But as soon as they’re done, everyone breaks out into applause before turning back to their desserts.
The large body next to me shifts. “Happy birthday.” Dom’s voice settles across my skin as he sets a gift in front of me.
It’s wrapped in white and yellow polka-dot paper and is the size of a book.
I glance at him, and he dips his chin. “Open it.”
As soon as I pick it up, I can tell it’s a picture frame.
I look back up at Dom, and his expression is… hesitant.
My hands are unsteady as I start to rip the paper.
The back of the frame is exposed first. And I wait until the paper is completely off before I flip it over.
And…
And…
My heart squeezes so hard a tear slips from the corner of my eye.
It’s us. Standing together in front of a Vegas altar. We’re both dressed all in black, and I have Dominic’s suit jacket draped around my shoulders.
I’m pressed into his side, but we’re turned toward each other. And the look on my face…
I release the frame with one hand so I can press my fingertips to my lips, hoping to stop them from moving.
The look on my face as I gaze up at Dominic is pure adoration.
