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Settling on flower arrangements was easy once Donny’s presence didn’t infuriate me. His friends showed some pretty convincing evidence of Marco’s tendencies. Enough for me to lean fully in the other direction. Whether he really killed the whore… I’ll never know.
Donny triples his efforts with me. He makes me feel like a queen leading up to our special day. Since I adored his note to my mother so much, he’s written me more. Flowers came by the pound, and I have more designer dresses than I know what to do with.
He set up a front in Manhattan to take meetings. Even has me sit on a throne beside him as people beg for his money, or a favor, or a job. He’s a good boss. Reasonable. Level. Asks his lady for advice and doesn’t dismiss it. If nothing else, we really do belong together.
xxx
The night before the wedding comes in a blink. I pat my belly down in my sleek black dress to make sure no bump is showing. Thankfully, it just looks like I had one too many slices of pizza the night before – nothing alarming. Just a little comfort weight from being happy with my king.
The rehearsal dinner is at Bianco on the Water in Brooklyn. Floor-to-ceiling windows show the Williamsburg bridge and city skyline like it’s right in front of me. The lights make it almost magical, and the smiling faces gleam when I arrive. The whole bridal party and immediate family members are there toasting to our future. Sure, there’s a few kiss-asses and power-grabbers. But tonight, I don’t see it. They’re just people enjoying a celebration, telling stories.
I glance at my bridal party – most of whom consist of Valentino family wives and girlfriends, and one friend I had on the Rigiano side years ago. My aunts and uncles who’ve finally put their distaste aside for the once sewage-level family are there. It’s amazing what time passage can do, especially when business is booming.
“You look stunning, Ellie. Like out of a magazine incredible,” Rosie says. She’s the one from the old days. We reconnected once family tensions calmed, and I’m glad we did. She feels like home.
“Here, I brought you some champagne.” She hands me the glass and clinks it immediately. Her eyeshadow is a tad too much, and she may have gained a pound or two, but it all adds to her character. “I can’t wait for tomorrow. The flower wall alone must be worth more than my life.”
“Shut up,” I say under a smirk.
“Wish I got a handsome boss,” she whispers. “I’m stuck with this schmuck. I had to sew the button on his pants after he popped it.”
“Oh, oh, oh. What’s going on over here?” Michael Russo saunters over with a martini in hand. He’s big, burly, and round, like a lovable teddy bear. “My lady causing trouble?”
“Relax, James Bond,” she says, patting his belly. “Just my usual shit-talking.” They kiss – they’re adorable in the weirdest way.
“You’re the best, sweetheart. What was it this time? Hey, Ellie, did she tell you I melted one of my suit buttons trying to iron?”
“You, iron?” I say in shock.
“Yeah, well. I was in the dog house ’cause I forgot to pick up Bella from school. So, had to do my own dapperin’ up. How’d I do?” He spins for me.
“You clean up nice, Michael. I’m impressed.”
“Good!” Rosie says. “Now you can iron all your own clothes.”
“Sweetheart. Hunnie bee. Darling bear.” He inches up to her beggingly. “Don’t do it to me.”
I laugh at them. “You two are ridiculous.”
My eyes flick to Donny, who stands taller than a group of his closest guys. His grey eyes find mine, and his wink sends tingles all the way through my whole body. He’s such a fucking boss. It drives me crazy. And he’s mine. It fills my heart being able to think that without a wave of guilt threatening to swallow me up.
My face scrunches when he excuses himself from his group of friends and heads toward the DJ – who’s been playing light music all night.
The speakers kick up when Donny grabs the microphone. “Ahem.” He taps the mic to get everyone’s attention. “Welcome, welcome. I want to thank everyone for getting through the church rehearsal. I’m shocked the place didn’t burn down when Sal walked through.”
Everyone laughs, and I can’t help but chuckle.
“Me too,” Sal calls back.
“Listen, everyone. It’s a pleasure to be one-half of the joining of two families. It’s my life’s honor.” He puts a fist to his chest, and everyone raises a glass to him. “So, tomorrow’s the big day, and my stunning wife-to-be assures me she won’t run away to Italy.”
A few more chuckles.
“But seriously. I have an announcement I’d like to share with all of you, my closest friends and family.”
My face grows hot. He better not…
I’m hoping he makes eye contact with me so he can see the daggers in my eyes. We didn’t talk about announcing the baby. It’s taboo! My grandmother would kill me, and my mom would roll in her grave.
