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This is a nice break from wedding planning. The big day is coming up so fast.

Thinking of Trino’s big arms wrapped around me makes me feel like I’m floating on a cloud. Not even this tank on my back that once felt like three hundred pounds is weighing me down. Ironically, all the working out Diamond and Ruby made me do has made this easier. I’m not a weakly stick that fell off a tree anymore.

Thanks, girlies.

My mind is drifting to the first dance I’ve been forcing Trino to practice with me. He grunts whenever I pull him, but he doesn’t resist. He’s changed since he rescued me. Not only the declaration of love, but the way he finds little nooks throughout his day to give me a squeeze, it means everything.

I find myself smiling as I bite down on this breathing regulator. My dad’s free. He’s going to be at my wedding. Myrealwedding.

After a few laps back and forth, Gil points up for me to follow him. When I break water and pull out that awful thing that kept me alive underwater, we’re both smiling.

“What the hell!” he says.

“What?”

“It’s like you’re a different person under there.”

I smile at him, feeling all giddy that I conquered yet another fear.

“You should’ve been a stripper from the beginning.”

Whack!

“Ow!” I hold my hand because I hit a metal part of his suit by accident.

He laughs. “You’re still a goof, though.”

My smile turns into a playful frown, before I stuff the mouthpiece back in and pretend to flail like I’m drowning.

This turned out to be a fun day.

I’m happy to be alive.

Chapter 30

Cipriana

I’m sitting on our new couch thatIpicked out. Trino grunted and groaned the whole way, saying something about unnecessary colors. Maybe he was referring to that vibrant toucan painting I had him hang on the wall, but I can’t remember.The point is, our home isn’t a droll OCD mobster’s abode anymore. It’sCaprified.

He hates when I say that.

And I love annoying him.

Can’t help that I’m back to my old self now that the threat of the mafia isn’t looming over me. My dad is in the other room, helping me go through the invites for the wedding. Seeing his chubby frame walk about my kitchen brings a warmth to my heart I never thought I’d feel again.

Then it nearly seizes when I remember Trino cuffing me to the cabinets and gagging me hard last night.

Oh my… did I leave our toys out?

I hop off the couch and scurry into the kitchen. Smelling the cappuccino my dad’s brewing puts me into a momentary trance – like one of those cartoon animals smelling pie in the kitchen – but I snap out of it and scan the countertops.

“Everything okay, hun?” Dad looks at me with a curious eye.

Oh thank God. Trino cleaned up for me.

I put a hand to my chest. “Fine, Daddy.”

My wires are all crossed saying the word ‘daddy’ now. The hell is wrong with me? I’m not questioningwhymy wires are crossed. I’m questioningwhyI was turned on by calling Trino Daddy.Ugh, I belong in an asylum.