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After Sophia hugged us both and insisted I wear the wedding dress to our renewal ceremony, we went back to our apartment.
I needed my wedding ring, and Daniel wanted to change out his cufflinks for a pair that Marlin had left him. He has kept them close since his father’s death and was wearing them the night we first exchanged vows. It was only fitting that I helped him put them on tonight.
Then, we made a quick stop at a flower boutique owned by Sophia’s sister-in-law, Athena. Sophia had called ahead to tell Athena what we needed for our last minute ceremony. By the time we arrived, two bouquets were waiting for us.
I’m holding tightly to mine. It’s a simple bunch of white carnations tied with a white ribbon. Daniel is cradling the other in his lap.
“I want to make every wish you’ve ever had come true.” He smiles. “Make a list of them, and I’ll make them reality.”
I laugh. “I think you’ve already done that.”
He kisses me softly. “You’ll come up with more.”
As the driver turns the corner, Daniel leans forward to pat his shoulder. “Thanks again for taking time out of your night to do this for us.”
The driver has been an employee of Modica for years. I’ve been with Dominick when he’s driven us around the city. He’s a kind man who agreed without question when Daniel asked him to pick us up at Howerton House.
“Of course, sir,” he offers with a smile in the rearview mirror. “Congratulations seem to be in order.”
“They are,” Daniel affirms. “This beautiful woman has agreed to be my wife for a second time.”
I squeeze my husband’s hand. “I can’t believe we’re getting married again.”
“Believe it, Lawton.” He kisses my hand. “What I can’t believe is all the Calvettis in the five boroughs think they’ve gathered to surprise you for your birthday.”
I laugh. “They’ll be the ones who are surprised when we turn the birthday party into a second wedding.”
“I’ll need a minute with your dad before we start,” he says. “I want Louis to know how much I love you, Gina. How I’ll honor you every single fucking day until I die.”
“My dad will be so happy,” I whisper. “I need a minute, too.”
His gaze drops to the bouquet in his lap. “She’ll be over the moon when you ask her to be your maid of honor.”
A single tear wells in the corner of my eye. “She’s the right choice. She’s the only choice. I can’t wait to have her standing next to me when I marry you again.”
* * *
Surprising one Calvettiis a monumental task. Surprising almost all of them is a feat unknown to anyone until this very moment.
Daniel took the lead as we entered the restaurant my grandmother has owned for decades. I was a step behind with my beautiful bouquet of carnations nestled in the cradle of my right arm.
A united scream of “surprise!” was instantly followed by a collective gasp when I came into view.
“Gina?” My mom comes at me with tears streaming down her face. “What’s going on?”
I hug her tightly before I wipe the tears from my cheeks. Wanting to be sure that my dad can see me, I take a step to the left and sign the most important words I ever have to my parents and my entire family, as I say them loud enough that I know everyone can hear me. “Daniel and I got married in Las Vegas. We want to renew our vows tonight in front of all of you.”
So many voices chime in that I can’t differentiate one from another. Overwhelmed, I reach for my husband’s hand as Dominick pushes through the crowd to get to us.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” He glances over his shoulder to where Marti is standing with her hands covering her mouth. “You two got married in Vegas? When we were all there together?”
I take the lead and nod. “Before he died, Marlin made a wish that we would.”
“And the shots we had convinced us it was the right move,” Daniel adds. “It was reckless and spontaneous, Dominick, but dammit if it wasn’t the best decision I’ve ever made.”
I glance at my husband to see a broad smile on his face. “Me too.”
Dominick takes us both in his arms for a hug. “I’m so fucking happy right now. Why couldn’t I see before now that you belong together?”
