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“And now his dream has come true.” Clara kisses my cheek, then takes her place at the front of the aisle.
The mariachi band stops playing. All eyes turn to me as I step forward alone, clutching a bouquet of red roses. For a moment the old grief threatens to overwhelm me, but then I meet Stefano’s gaze. His smile is radiant, full of promise, chasing away the shadows. He is my future now.
I stride down the aisle, heartbeat quickening with each step as I near the man I love. The man I’m going to marry.
When I reach him, Stefano extends his hand. I place mine in his, and together we turn to face the priest.
“Dearly beloved,” the priest begins, “we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Isabella Torres and Stefano Nitti...”
His voice fades into the background as I gaze into Stefano’s eyes. After so many months of struggle and sacrifice, we’ve finally made it to this moment.
Stefano squeezes my hand, his smile deepening. I know he’s thinking the same thing I am—that we’ve triumphed over everyone who ever doubted us or tried to tear us apart.
The priest clears his throat, and Stefano winks at me before turning his attention back to the ceremony. I do the same, but my gaze keeps drifting to Stefano’s profile, taking in the strong jaw and aquiline nose I know so well.
After what seems like both an eternity and no time at all, the priest says, “Stefano, do you take Isabella to be your lawfully wedded wife?”
“I do,” Stefano says promptly.
The priest turns to me. “Isabella, do you take Stefano to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
“I do.” The words slip out easily, a vow I’ve been ready to make for a long time.
“Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Stefano, you may kiss your bride.”
Stefano doesn’t hesitate. He pulls me into his arms and kisses me deeply while our friends and family cheer all around us.
When we break apart, breathless, Stefano whispers, “Ready to take on the world with me, Mrs. Nitti?”
“Always, Mr. Nitti,” I whisper back, and together we stride down the aisle and out into the bright sunshine.
The End
