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When the fire had taken down the barn they'd been planning to use for the weddings, Dom had been worried about how Natalie and Sofia would handle the loss. They'd spent months making it perfect, just to have it go up in flames… All that was left was the concrete slab overlooking the terraced vineyards.
But instead of panicking or delaying, these women had rallied. They had actually moved up the date, while juggling new babies and maternity leaves. They had adjusted expectations and come up with a new plan that made Dom proud to call them all Valentis. Sofia and Natalie had pulled together a joint outdoor ceremony, at the vineyard, on the slab, fire be damned.
Good work, on time, under budget.
It made him smile. He set down his beer, practically untouched, and let himself out the double doors that would eventually be the main entrance to the winery. He'd just go check and make sure the space was all set.
Hands tucked in his pockets, Dom circled around the property and climbed the slightly graded path that took him to that slab.
Frankie had constructed an open frame where the barn had been, leaving the roof and sides open to the view of the charred landscape as requested. Enzo and Adrian had pitched in, laying a fresh gravel path and hanging fairy lights and Edison bulbs to create a starry ceiling.
The large marble countertop that Frankie had salvaged from the rubble of the event space sat all cleaned and shiny atop two carpenter's horses as a makeshift altar. A central aisle was flanked by rows of white chairs that were filling with family and friends to celebrate this double wedding.
His children wanted their weddings to be a symbol of new beginnings and new births, like a phoenix rising from the ashes. They planned to come back next year and recreate their wedding photos with a very different backdrop.
They had also reached an agreement with the network to film it as a two-hour special that would run as a telethon for the California Fire Foundation's relief efforts. He knew Jake had been instrumental in making that happen.
Trina was helping check the camera setup, and Winston, Rico, Seth and Nick were helping people get seated. Everything was perfect, down to the sun just beginning to sink into the western sky in front of them.
"Dom? Dom!" Jo's voice cut through the chatter. He turned and saw her standing on the deck behind the house, calling to him.
His partner, his wife, still had the power to make his heart want to beat out of his chest. He was a blessed man indeed.
"Dom, it's time! Get up here."
He climbed the stairs and found all of the ladies had moved to the kitchen, ready to go. Daisy bounced beside Dom and grabbed his hand, distracting him from his melancholic thoughts.
“Come on, Nonno, we gotta go smile and throw flowers.” The seven-year-old tugged him forward, gossamer fairy wings fluttering behind her as she skipped toward the florist who handed Daisy her basket of rose petals.
Frankie carried a gorgeous but heavy bouquet of blush tea roses, coral dahlias, and pale green and blue succulents. Natalie and Sofia stood side by side in their gorgeous and unique gowns, each holding a bouquet that matched their personalities. Enzo's florist friend had worked wonders given the newly shortened time frame. Sofia’s rosé bouquet was perfectly balanced with bright pops of darker pink and burgundy, while Natalie’s was more whimsical and dreamy with champagne roses and an asymmetrical drape. Even Dom could see that the flowers were perfect for each woman who carried them and ideal for the vineyard wedding theme. He made a mental note to send the florist a tip.
Both brides were beaming. They had such bright futures ahead. He couldn't help but think back over his own marriage. It hadn't been all sunshine and roses, but in the seasons when it bloomed, it was a paradise worth every sacrifice.
He wanted that for them, the challenges and the triumphs. A life lived in love.
The music that had been playing in the background stopped.
“That’s our cue, everyone.” Jo bustled toward Dom. She wiped away the tear he hadn't realized was running down his cheek. "You okay?"
He nodded, incapable of words. She tucked herself into his arms. He sucked in a shuddering breath, trying to get himself under control.
“It’s okay, babe.”
“It is. It really is.” He squeezed her tight. “Thank you for everything.”
"Don’t get us started again. Sentimental watering pot,” Jo teased, a tender smile creasing her cheeks. She ran a hand down Dom’s cheek and kissed him.
“Ewwww, Moooooom! My eyes!” Frankie gagged and covered her eyes like she had when she was ten and thoroughly embarrassed by parental displays of affection.
Dom chuckled. It felt so normal. Finally.
“Go line up smart-ass, and take Daisy with you.” Jo led Dom over to the brides who each tucked a hand into his elbow for their walk down the aisle.
Once everyone was arranged, Jo ducked out to take her seat, and Pachelbel’s "Canon in D" began to play.
Showtime.
Dom cleared his throat again. "Ladies, this is a privilege. I'm so proud of both of you. Let's go get married."
