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"There's one room," Philippe tells Cecile and me. "A room you might not have seen as yet."
We stroll through the gardens to the right, and Philippe opens a door leading to the grand hall of the Accardo Estate. "This way, guests can have a choice of wandering the gardens and the ballroom. We'll have bars, catering and music both indoors and outdoors," Philippe explains. "No one has to feel restricted."
I enter the grand hall and gasp when Philippe flicks on the lights. Chandeliers overhead, dripping with crystals, illuminate ornate murals and marble floors that gleam like black ice. Our footsteps echo off the vaulted ceilings, the acoustics designed to carry voices through the cavernous space.
"Magnifico," I breathe, craning my neck to take it all in. “This 15th-century room is reserved for family events only,” Philippe explains.
"Nothing but the best for our engagement, my love." Philippe's eyes shine with pride at my awe.
Our wedding planner, Cecile, clicks ahead on tall heels, gesturing to the high ceilings. "The engagement ceremony can be held here in the grand hall while you float in the sky by an invisible rope, giving everyone a glimpse at the stunning bride-to-be, and then move to the west veranda and gardens for the afterparty. The views there are enchanting."
I imagine standing hand in hand with Philippe, exchanging rings.
"What do you think,cara mia?" Philippe asks, studying my face.
I squeeze his arm, smiling up at him. "It's perfect. I can't wait to become your wife right here."
Philippe grins, pulling me in for a deep kiss. Cecile politely averts her eyes.
"Then it's decided,” Philippe caresses my cheek, we'll host our engagement at the Accardo Estate."
I lean into him, his solid strength surrounding me. In this ornate hall, with Philippe at my side, I feel like royalty. And in his arms is exactly where I belong.
“Now,” the wedding planner interrupts. “The florist should be here soon.”
An hour later, I take a deep breath as the florist steps away to prepare samples. There's something I need to discuss with Philippe.
"Philippe, I was hoping we could talk about the guest list," I begin tentatively.
He raises an eyebrow. "Of course, my love. We'll invite all of our closest friends and family to celebrate with us."
I fidget with the silk flower in my hand. "Well, there's someone I'd appreciate to have there. Someone who's been an important part of my life."
Philippe's eyes darken slightly. He knows who I mean.
"Martin has always looked out for me," I explain. "He took me in when I had nothing. I wouldn't feel right if he wasn't included."
Philippe is silent for a moment. I know his history with Martin is complicated. But I see the conflict in his eyes soften.
"Tatiana," he says gently, "I understand. Your caring heart is one of the things I love most about you."
He brushes his thumb over my cheek. "If Martin is that important to you, then of course we'll invite him. All I want is your happiness,Tesoro."
Relief washes over me. I throw my arms around him. "Thank you, Philippe. It means the world to me that you understand."
He smiles, kissing the top of my head.
Chapter 41
Philippe
The joyous sounds of celebration fill the grand hall. Guests mingle, and glasses clink as smiles and laughter ripple through the crowd. This day marks the official announcement of my engagement to Tatiana, and the atmosphere is one of delight.
I smooth my hands over my crisp white shirt, adjusting my cufflinks for the umpteenth time as I wait at the bottom of the grand staircase. The chandeliers above sparkle with a thousand crystal droplets.
The men, dressed in impeccably tailored tuxedos, seem a mere backdrop for the women in resplendent gowns that cascade like waterfalls of silk and satin.
The soft strains of a violin weave through the murmurs of conversation. Beyond the crowd, I catch glimpses of acrobatssuspended in golden cages, their limbs juxtaposed in ways that make people gasp.
