Page 86 of Savage Vows

Bella pops her head into the dressing room. “Oh God. It’s gorgeous. And so are you.”

I give a quarter turn and look at the dress from another angle.

“We’ll take it,” Bella announces.

When she makes a decision, she’s unstoppable. Then again, she has a timeline to meet.

“Shoes! She’s going to need shoes, as well.”

I look down. The black heels I’m wearing with my slacks would definitely be awful with the dress.

Before we can finish our coffees, Bella and I are on our way back to the hospital.

The moment I enter the waiting room again, Matteo’s eyes find me. In relief, he drags a hand through his hair.

I hurry to his side, wondering how I could have possibly thought of refusing to spend the rest of my life with him.

“I’d like you to see my father with me.”

Since only immediate family had been allowed in the room yesterday his request catches me off guard.

“I want him to know we’re doing what’s right by the family.”

Makes sense. “Of course, Matteo.”

Outside the room, he pulls me aside and outlines what I can expect to see when we enter.

“Ready?”

Hoping so, I take his hand.

The Don is unconscious, attached to equipment, but still, my first look at him shocks me.

On Sunday, he’d been vibrant and powerful, an older, more distinguished version of Matteo.

Except for the steady rhythm of monitors, the ICU room is hushed. Matteo places his palm against my back, offering me support, even though he’s the one who needs it.

Gina is sitting in a chair that’s dragged as close to the bed as possible, and she’s pale. She holds his hand and speaks to her husband as if he can hear every word. “Matteo’s back, and Alessia is with him.”

She beckons us closer.

“We’re getting married today,” Matteo tells his father.

“I’ll be the wife he needs,” I promise.

His closed eyelids flutter, and I tell myself that he understands and is happy.

We stay for a couple of minutes, visiting with Gina, making sure she’s taking care of herself before we leave.

In the hallway, Matteo and I hold on to one another. The Don’s condition has shocked me, and I suspect it’s through strength and determination alone that Matteo is still standing.

Less than an hour later, Matteo and I are in a vehicle, headed to one of the oldest churches in Houston. With its Romanesque-inspired design, the place is beautiful.

We’re driven around to a back entrance, and Nico and Bella meet us. She’s holding the garment bag that’s protecting my dress and shoes.

A priest greets us, and he’s introduced to me as Father Thomas. He tells me he’s delighted to meet me, but he wishes the circumstances were different. Then he asks after the Don as he invites us into an office-type space where a woman is waiting.

“Your marriage certificate,” she says.