Page 26 of The Runaway Bride

Saturday

Sitting in my bedroom, I’mlooking at myself in the large mirror over the dresser, where a beautiful brideis looking back at me. I never realized I would, or could look so stunning. Iknew I would eventually marry Nico, and he has been lessmafiarythan Ithought he’d be. I giggle at my own thoughts of him being less Mafia in mymind. I had expected a hard, cold man, yet he is anything but that. He has beenvery considerate from the start. I have to admit after that kiss I’m not averseto marrying him anymore as he made my toes curl.

Tia has been giving Bruno thestink-eye every time she has seen him because she wanted to wear a whitepantsuit, and he wouldn’t hear of it. He wants a bride, a real one, with a longwhite dress, veil and the rest of it. I giggled when she stamped on his foot infrustration, which had him hopping from one foot to the other while cursingunder his breath.

Thinking of Tia seems to have hermaterialize. The door flies open and she rushes in, all dressed up in herwedding dress. Her veil, however, is askew and I swallow the giggle that crawlsup my throat as she curses, pushes me to the left and takes a seat next to me,all the while straightening the veil clip on top of her head.

“This is all your fault, you knowthat, don’t you, Elli? If you were not promised to the fricking boss of thislot, we would have been able to live our lives as we were.”

“Yeah, but we would have beenworking with Pesto Pete forever, washing dishes, getting wrinkles and agingfast.” I keep a straight face after my comment while running a shiny lip gelover my lips.

Sitting calmly now, Tia looks atme in the mirror while reaching out and holding my hand. “We are going to bealright, aren’t we?”

This is the first time I’ve seenTia show nerves of any kind. I squeeze her hand and smile softly. “Yeah, we aregoing to be just fine. We are going to rule this family. You and I are going tomake sure the women are put in their place, support them if needed, or anythingelse when needed. We can do this together. We are sisters by different mothersand fathers, after all.”

“Yeah, we are. You know I have togo live in that mansion, so I’ll not be with you physically on a daily basis?”

“Yeah, but we have phones. We canmeet up at your place, mine, or go out. We call them luncheons, or some otherthing.” I know all the ways the women of this world work, but they’ve not metTia yet, and that’s going to be a shock, especially when she has the Don’s wifein her corner.

“Do you want to walk down toBruno with me and Alex? You can hold one of his arms and I can hold the other.We are sisters, so that is his job now, and we don’t want him taking me, thenturning around and running back to get you, like you are leftover luggage.”

Tia giggles at the last of mycomment, but smiles. “Yes, if he wouldn’t mind doing that.”

“Of course I won’t mind doingthat. I gained an extra sister, but you know, don’t cause me as much trouble asmy first sister has,” Alex appeared surprising both of us, but he’s grinningand holds his arms out for us to take one each.

Walking down a red carpetsprinkled with rose petals, both myself and Tia hold on to Alex tightly. Anarch has been built which has roses twining around it. Under the arch are theminister, Bruno and Nico, who is wearing a look of love as he is looking at me.Love? Maybe in time.

The wedding doesn’t take long andthe only people attending are Yasmine along with the house staff, and the mademen that are probably soldiers on mine and Tia’s side of the aisle. TheConsigliere and the Capos are all sitting on the other side of the aisle.

I notice this when the weddingand vows have been said, and we have turned to walk back to the mansion and thereception that is being held. Turning to Tia, I give her a huge smile when thevows have been completed, and the kiss given. Tia’s face is as red as alobster, and I’m not sure if it is with embarrassment or shock from the kiss.

Nico

I am delighted that the wedding went with no hitches, and the imageof gunfire and chaos that was mentioned previously didn’t happen.

When Elli walked toward me, next to Alex, she was the onlyone I could see. She was and is beautiful, and when she smiles, it lights upher entire face. I know that I am already more than half in love with thiswoman. She, I admit, is sassy, but has a heart as large as a lioness. I countmyself very lucky to have her. I can’t wait for our lives to begin.

At the reception I danced for hours with my wife, giving herand only her my attention. Aeron is making sure everything runs smoothly, andBruno! Well, he disappeared with his wife over an hour ago. Taking her to theirhome where I’m sure they’ll bebusyfor at least a few days. KnowingBruno, he will not allow Tia out of the bedroom until he’s well and trulyclaimed her. There will be no question about her being onboard fully with themarriage after he’s finished persuading her.

Taking Elli’s hand, I lead her out of the reception room andup the stairs, where I pick her up and carry her to our bedroom. Kicking openthe door, I walk inside and slowly lower her onto her feet. “Wife, it’s time toget to business.”

Blushing furiously, Elli gives me a heated look in returnbefore turning for me to undo the hundreds of buttons running down the back ofthe dress.

We get busy and stay busy for two days, and I only answerany calls that I class as important, or answer the door when Aeron knocks.

“What’s wrong?” I ask Aeron as I keep the door pulled behindme so he cannot see Elli sleeping.

“Your Uncle Edwardo has died. We just got word. Your cousinis taking over, and he’s holding a peaceful hand out toward you. Do you want togo to the funeral?”

“No. Respond and say thank you for the information, but wewon’t be attending the funeral as we have our own celebrations happening atthis time,” I respond. “From this point, I have no inclination to remain incontact. But, I won’t be preparing for any war towards them either. I am happyfor my cousin to rule his territory, and hope he will have a good life.”

“I’ll deal with this, Nico. Congratulations again on yourwedding.”

Hearing Elli stirring behind me in the bedroom I give Aerona nod, and turn back to my wife. I love thinking that as it has such a ring toit. ‘My Wife.’

The week after our wedding, I walk into the large warehouse,which is filled to the brim with all my made men. From Underboss to the lowestof Soldier. Holding my hand at the base of Elli’s back as we take our place infront of everyone.

“Vincholetti men, meet my wife, Elliana Vincholetti. Youwill address her as Mrs. Vincholetti or Donna, unless given permissionotherwise. She is not to be disrespected in any form at any time. All wiveswill be addressed by my wife and the Underboss’s wife, Tia Floro.”

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