Page 193 of Arturo's Temptation

One year later…

Today wasthe day Arturo and I had been waiting for… our wedding day. We’d decided to wait until Valencia had turned one and we could enjoy the day with her toddling around. We never knew having a child would be like it was, the joy and happiness she brought to everyone was something I couldn't describe. There wasn’t a single person who met her that didn’t fall in love with her. And it was safe to say that Theo had taken Arturo’s words on the day we arrived home pretty seriously, protecting her with all he had. It was pretty damn adorable.

Arturo was the most incredible father, from the moment Valencia could crawl she followed him everywhere. No matter how much he denied it, in my eyes he was the perfect dad. He’d taught himself how to style her hair, helped her take her first steps, helped soothe her during teething, the list was endless.

I stood by the window dressed head to toe in white, looking down on our family garden. It wouldn’t be everyone’s choiceand I knew most guests were expecting a fancier venue, but this is the way Arturo and I wanted to say our vows and officially become one another’s. I caught a glimpse of him, laughing and joking with Josh and Jay. He looked so relaxed, so calm and at ease surrounded by endless lilac and white flowers.

The past year had been a hard one for him. He never visited his mother, he couldn’t bring himself to. He couldn’t stand there and pretend everything would be okay, hoping that she’d remember him and the way they once were, because he wasn’t sure she ever would. He put all his energy into standing beside me, and being the best man he could be for me and our daughter.

I glanced down at my stomach, my hand splayed gently across it.I felt the butterflies kicking in as giddy excitement filled me.

What do you say little one, is today the day we tell your daddy about you?

“Bella, are you ready?” My mother asked from outside the door.

“Yeah, come on in.” The door opened to reveal my parents. My father stood with a proud smile while my mother had tears streaming down her face. “Ma, your makeup.”

“Oh, fuck the makeup.” she managed between hitched breaths. “Lorenzo, look at our baby.”

“You look stunning, Bells.” My father smiled, holding his arm out to me.

“Let’s go and get you married.” My mother dabbed at her eyes before handing me my bouquet.

With the help of my father we made our descent down the stairs. My mother was met by Luca who looked so damn handsome in his three-piece suit. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen him that smart.

“You took your time. Theo’s out there trying to calm poor Arturo down.” Luca laughed, receiving an eye roll from me.From what I saw prior to this conversation, if Arturo was any more relaxed he’d have been laying down.

Alongside Josh and Jay, Arturo had asked Theo to be one of his best men, and Theo was taking his role very seriously, much to the guys’ amusement.

“Geez. Theo’s a bossy little thing, I’ll tell you that much.” Andre joined the four of us with Valencia in his arms.

“There’s my little princess,” I smiled, seeing Valencia’s eyes light up the second she saw me.

“Mama,” she said, gripping onto her uncle's neck.

“We’re all ready for you, Bella.” Andre said, turning his attention to me. “You look beautiful, Bells.”

“Sure you want to do this?” I knew my father was kidding but his jokes weren’t warranted today.

“I’m sure,” I breathed, smoothing down my dress. “I’m ready to become his wife.”

“Alright, but I’ve got a car in the garage and a full tank of gas. Just say the word.” He jibbed, knocking his shoulder softly into mine. “Just kidding.”

The music drifted into the foyer as I took my father’s arm tightly, not wanting to fall on my way down the aisle. We entered the garden through the double doors, and it was at that moment I spotted Arturo as he turned to face me. The second our eyes met everyone else faded away, and it was just me and him. It felt as if we’d been waiting forever for this moment and now it was finally here. I would finally become Mrs Isabella Carmella Ramos, and I didn’t feel nervous. I didn’t feel anything other than pure excitement.

“Bells…? I take back everything I said before.” I looked at my father, a small frown marring my forehead.

“Take back what, Papa?”

“Arturo’s a good one…” his lip turned up into a soft smile, making my heart soar with delight.

“Wow, Pa, that sounded like a compliment,” I teased, a soft giggle leaving my lips.

“Maybe just a little one.” He pressed a kiss to my temple, a tear falling down his cheek. “I’m proud of you, Bella, and the woman you’ve become.”

“I love you, Pa.” I murmured against his suit jacket.

“I love you, too, my little diamond.”

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