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“So?”
“It’s not just that. I bring him nothing but trouble.”
“Is that what he said?”
No. He actually said I changed his life and gave him the courage to live, to hope for a future. But what if instead of giving him a bright future, I bring him doom? If Jim finds out I’m married, he might hurt Antonio. Kill him, even.
“What if Antonio gets hurt because of me?”
“So in order to protect him, you won’t marry him?” Sally asks.
When she puts it like that, it doesn’t sound like such a good idea. I shrug.
“He wants to marry you to protect you. You won’t marry him to protect him. My, that’s an impasse. And a tragedy.”
Sally lets out a deep sigh.
“There’s nothing more tragic than two people who want to be together but can’t just because one of them isn’t willing to take a risk.” She looks into my eyes. “You want my advice? Here it is. Marriage is about taking a leap. In your and Antonio’s case, maybe it’s a bigger leap than most. Nonetheless, both of you have to take that step forward. At the same time.”
A step forward? Isn’t that what I was trying to take?
“Antonio has already taken a step forward, it seems,” Sally adds. “What about you, Triss?”
That is the question, isn’t it? Am I brave enough to take the leap? Do I want to?
Sally places her hand over mine. “What do you want, Triss?”
“To be happy,” I answer. “Without anyone getting hurt.”
“Isn’t that what everyone wants?” She lets out a breath. “Unfortunately, joy and pain exist side by side. But take the joy. If you can’t escape the pain, you might as well take the joy. Then when the pain comes, both of you can survive it. If you don’t, it will still be worth it.”
Does she mean that if Antonio and I both die, at least we’ll die happy instead of dying without having lived? I guess that does sound nice.
Sally squeezes my hand. “Do you think marrying Antonio will make you happy?”
I don’t answer. But yes, I think it will. I’ve been happier these days I’ve spent with him than I’ve ever been in my life.
“I think you have your answer.” Sally pushes me out of the bed. “Now, go tell Antonio.”
My eyebrows arch. Now?
“Oh, and tell him I can’t wait to plan your wedding.”
~
Maybe Sally should have been a wedding planner, I think as Antonio and I enter the venue for our reception.
Even though she had less than a week to plan, the Barn looks beautiful. There are orchids on the walls. The tables are covered in white lace with glass vases filled with yellow daisies in the middle. The stage in front has been decked with flowers as well. A loveseat with heart shaped pillows serves as its main attraction.
“She did an amazing job, didn’t she?” Antonio speaks out my thoughts before I can.
I answer with a smile as I look at him. He’s wearing a suit again, slightly different from the one he wore to Paul and Marianne’s wedding but still a perfect fit. If I may say so, he looks even more handsome this afternoon. Then again, I’m biased because I’m his wife.
As for me, I’m wearing a simple white dress with a tulle skirt that rustles and sweeps the ground as I walk. The lace sleeves cover my arms up to my wrists but leave my shoulders bare.
“Have I told you that you look stunning?” Antonio whispers in my ear.
“Shut up,” I scold him even as I blush.
He grins.
“Congratulations to Summerset’s newest couple.” Bernie comes forward to greet us as we approach him. “And I have to say you two look splendid.”
“Thank you,” Antonio responds.
I simply nod. I still don’t like him, but I guess I’ll have to try and get along with him from now on.
“Welcome to the family,” Diane tells me as she presses a small parcel into my palm. “And as I told you before, I do hope you will enjoy staying here.”
I give her a quick hug. “Thank you, Diane.”
We continue making our way to the stage but after a few steps, Ned stands in our way.
“Look at you,” he tells Antonio. “Married.”
“You should try it,” Antonio answers. “Maybe it will do you some good.”
Ned snorts. “I’ve already got all the good I need. And speaking of good, I hope you two have an amazing time tonight.”
He winks at me. My cheeks catch fire.
“Ned,” Antonio warns.
He ignores his friend and gives me a hug. “Congratulations.” Then he whispers in my ear. “As long as you don’t break my buddy’s heart, I got your back.”
That’s his own warning, I guess. It’s fine. I should be glad, actually. Even though he’s Maggie’s brother and Maggie isn’t here – I bet she’s sulking somewhere – he’s supporting Antonio’s decision.
