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“What’s holding everyone up?” Aunt Lottie strutted into the room. “Oh, did Cesar make you cry?”

“She’s ready,” Kelly singsonged. “Uncle Cesar’s children are four for four and married already. When will you be the mama of the bride or groom?”

“Tell me about it,” Lottie grumbled. “I’m the one who loves to plan these things. Maybe I should stop.”

My aunt continued her lament. “What is it about your kids, Cesar? By the time Bianca gets married again to Sandro, three of your children would have been married twice to the same person.”

Everyone laughed because it was true. Renz married Liz twice. Matteo and Sera divorced before getting married again. And now, me and Sandro.

Suddenly, I was eager to see my husband.

On our way out of the house, I caught my reflection in the full-length mirror. My face was glowing, and Kelly was really a genius with makeup. One wouldn’t imagine I’d been sobbing half an hour ago.

“Quite a difference.” Renz appeared behind me. He was one of the groomsmen.

“I don’t look like the bride of Dracula anymore?” I teased.

“You look like the princess of fairy tales.” His eyes gleamed as he crooked his elbow. “Shall we, sis?”

Oh my God. My heart was bursting with giddiness, and despite the voluminous skirts of my wedding dress, I’d never felt more lighthearted in my life.

Full circle.

Renz led me to the waiting limo.

Dad slid in beside me and we exchanged looks of contentment and happiness.

When we arrived at the church, the crowd was a blur of golden yellow. I was eager to reach the top of the steps and Dad had to slow me down.

Finally, at the entrance to the cathedral, the man at the end of the aisle commanded all my focus and the air pumping in my lungs. Sandro cut an imposing figure in his tuxedo. Even with the length of the church between us, I could feel the heat, his yearning, and his impatience. We hadn’t seen each other for twenty-four hours. He was still worried that my dad would whisk me away to parts unknown, so much so that he texted me constantly. And that was saying something because Sandro hated texting.

The bridal march started, and I made my way tohim. The world receded to just us. And as I moved closer, I could see all the love emanating from his eyes, drawing me to him, and I couldn’t wait to start our life together.

His eyes locked with Dad’s as the priest asked who would give me away.

I didn’t know why I held my breath. I think Sandro did, too.

But when Dad said, “I do,” I breathed easily again. He put my hand into Sandro’s and said, “Take care of her.” Then he leaned in closer. “Or I’ll make you disappear.” I was sure Dad worded his threat mildly for the priest’s benefit.

Sandro emitted a brief chuckle. “I will, and I expect nothing less.”

I rolled my eyes, but did I expect anything different from the two most important men in my life?

Sandro led me to the altar, and we exchanged vows in front of friends and family. I married the man I’d loved for most of my life for the second time.

And when he kissed me?

It exceeded my dreams.

Two years later

Sandro

“You’re so beautiful when you come.” I had Bianca up against the headboard, giving her a third orgasm. I would have given her more, but she begged for my cock.

And she knew every time she saidplease, I was a goner.

I powered in for one final thrust before I emptied inside her.