“You know I always have your back. All right, everyone," Gabby interjects, wiping away her own tears. "Let's get this show on the road. We have a wedding to attend."
As we share this moment, the door to the bridal suite opens, and my father steps inside. Although his presence is unexpected, the warmth in his eyes reassures me. He has always been my rock, the one person who understood me better than anyone else.
Doctors say he has fully recovered, and I was so happy to hear that. What girl doesn’t dream of her father walking her down the aisle? It almost didn’t happen for me. And had that been the case, I know without a doubt, I wouldn’t be here.
"Wow," he breathes, taking in the scene before him. "My baby girl is all grown up."
"Daddy," I say, extricating myself from Gabby's embrace and walking towards him. "You are a bit early."
"I wanted to see my baby," he replies, his voice tender. "I wanted to be part of this special moment for as long as I could before my little girl..." His voice trails off, tinged with emotions.
"Thank you," I tell him, reaching up to kiss him on the cheek and wipe a few tears that have escaped in silence. "It means more to me than you could ever know."
He smiles down at me, his eyes filled with love and admiration.
"You look breathtaking, sweetheart," he says, admiring my gown.
"Thank you, Daddy," I say. "I couldn't have done it without everyone's help."
"Of course not," he agrees, his gaze sweeping over my friends and family gathered in the room. "But it's your beauty, both inside and out, that makes this moment truly special."
My chest tightens with emotion, and I struggle to hold back tears.
"I love you so much, Daddy," I whisper, reaching out to hug him tightly.
"I love you too, Mia," he murmurs into my hair. "And I'm so proud of the woman you've become."
As we cling to each other, I feel his strength and resolve flowing into me like a balm for my troubled soul. The doubts and fears that have plagued me since my engagement to Dario seem to fade into insignificance.
I step back and look at my dad in his dapper tuxedo, complete with a red cummerbund and matching bow tie. He stands tall, his chest puffed out and his shoulders back—my dashing, invincible protector, the man who has always shielded me.
“Don’t you look handsome, Dad?” I remark, straightening out his bowtie.
“What, this old thing?” He struts around like a proud peacock, giving us a laugh.
“Oh, I think we need a picture of the three of you for the socials, Mia,” Gabby gushes. She takes her phone from the table where it lays, and my parents and I arrange ourselves for the impromptu photoshoot.
Once we’re done, Gabby and I take a few selfies to upload later. I even take one with Carmela so I can treasure this moment and she can document her journey from Italy to Chicago. After the wedding, while Dario deals with city council matters, Gabby and I will show Carmela around the city, taking her to my new studio and the community center.
"Absolutely stunning," a deep voice interjects, breaking the silence.
Startled, I whirl around to find Dario standing in the doorway. His eyes lock onto mine, an intensity burning behind them, leaving me exposed and vulnerable.
“Dario, what are you doing here?" Mom asks sharply. “You know it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding.”
"Si, shouldn't you be waiting at the altar?" Carmela chimes in, her tone equally disapproving.
But Dario doesn't waver, his eyes never leaving mine.
"I need to speak with Mia," he insists, his voice firm but gentle.
"Can't it wait until after the ceremony?" Gabby suggests, voicing the unease lingering like a thin veil.
"Please? I need to talk to her for just a moment," Dario pleads, desperation seeping into his tone.
My stomach flips and flops at the thought of this moment not happening now because he, too, feels the deal that was made with me as the pawn is now null and void.
"Give us a moment," I say quietly, unable to resist the pull in his eyes.