Page 59 of Marrying a Prince

“You’ll make a beautiful queen,” her dad said as he stepped up next to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

The wedding planner rushed into the room and waved at them. “It is time to go,” she said in a strong Italian accent.

Marianna nodded as she gathered up her skirts and followed her parents from the room. Thankfully, she’d convinced Leo to have a small wedding in the castle and a big public spectacle for the reception. She was already nervous about making public appearances and feared what she might do if all eyes were on her.

Plus, she wanted this to be small. Just those she loved.

Thankfully, Leo agreed, which Marianna was grateful for now more than ever. She walked down the hall and stopped at the stairs her gaze landing on Leo, who was standing at the bottom, talking to his dad. When his dad motioned toward Marianna, Leo turned his attention to her, and his jaw dropped slightly.

Butterflies erupted in her stomach as she took him in as well. He was wearing a black tuxedo with a blue sash across his chest. His dark hair was slicked back. He looked fantastic.

She could feel his gaze roam over her, and when it made its way back to hers, he winked. She couldn’t help but smile. If she were honest with herself, she couldn’t wait until this whole wedding was over and they were on their honeymoon. Private time between just them. Loving each other. It sounded amazing.

“Ready?” the wedding planner asked.

Marianna nodded and started down the stairs. When she got to the bottom, Leo reached out and Marianna placed her hand in his. She could tell that he was fighting the urge to pull her close. She grinned up at him as he held their hands up and began to lead her into the living room toward an arch covered in ivy.

"Stop smiling at me," he whispered as he leaned closer to her. Apparently, this was a very serious tradition in Caro and smiling was frowned upon.

Marianna nodded and straightened her expression, hoping she could fight the urge to smile—or, heaven forbid, giggle.

When they reached the archway, Leo bowed to the pastor standing underneath it. The next thirty minutes were filled with scriptures, a song, and their vows in Italian. Marianna struggled but got hers out. She felt jittery when a crown was placed on her head. It was like every dream she'd had when she was a kid was coming true.

When they finished, the pastor smiled at them and motioned for them to stand. He said something in Italian, which Marianna hoped meant kiss the bride.

Leo leaned forward and Marianna's heart picked up speed. They were finally man and wife. After he gently kissed her, he tipped his forehead forward and met hers. He smiled at her.

"Marianna DeLuca, I love you. Spend your life with me?"

She nodded. "Definitely."

"Decisamente," he corrected.

"Decisamente," she said, then wrapped her arms around him and kissed him again. This time, she didn't let him pull back until she was good and ready. He was hers and she was his. There was nothing else that she wanted in her life than to be here in this moment, loving Leo.

The End

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