Page 97 of Shiver

“Come on, assholes! It’s time to get dressed. If we’re late, Arielle and Aiyana will cut our nuts off!” Kas shouts to Rome and me, ushering us toward the groom’s dressing suite.

***

The instant Samara makes it outside with the rest of the bridal party, my eyes are glued to her.

Mateo nudges my shoulder, and I take it as my cue to peel my jaw up off the floor before they make their way over to us.

Samara looks like a fucking goddess. Her bronze skin is luminous, her cheekbones dusted in a light golden shimmer, and her lips painted in a brown gloss that makes them look like something I could eat. As does the rest of her.

She’s wearing a floor-length satin gown that matches the rest of the bridal party in cabernet. I called it “wine” the other day and nearly got my head bitten off, so I’m well-versed in this particular color now.

As she approaches me, a smile turns the corners of her lips, and my heart takes off at a sprint.

“Samara,” I say, at a loss for words. “You look— You lookstunning.”

“You clean up pretty well yourself,” she tells me, winding her arm through mine and leading us toward where the rest of the wedding party is waiting for Kat and Ale to have their first look.

“Hey, Luca,” Samara whispers beside me.

“Yeah, princess?” I ask.

“Can we talk later?”

That has my ears perking up and my stomach dropping to my toes.

This is it.Thisis how she’s decided to do it. She’s going to cut me off entirely, and when she’s gone, I’m not sure how I’ll live without her, but I will.

People always leave; she’s no different, and if I’m not what she wants, I’m not going to push the subject.

I clear my throat and finally answer her. “Yeah, princess. We can talk later.”

Chapter seventy-nine

Samara

Arlo trails down the aisle with her baby cousin in tow, haphazardly tossing flower petals all around as she tries to balance the two of them. It’s simultaneously the scariest and most adorable thing I’ve ever seen, but it’s clear that growing up in an athletic family has helped her out. She’s got Gia clutched against her like a running back with a football.

When she makes it to the end of the aisle, we all release a relieved breath, and Cecily takes Gia, settling her onto her lap. Arlo runs to stand between her moms, who are standing next to me as we watch Kat make her way down the aisle.

She looks flawless. Her gown is a lace, sleeveless sheath with a V-neckline that’s modest but still makes her breasts look phenomenal.

Truly, she’s gorgeous, and it’s no surprise to me when I look across the aisle to find not just Ale but the entire row of De Laurentiis men with tears in their eyes and Kas outright blowing his nose between sobs.

I want to laugh so badly, but the moment is too sweet for me to risk ruining. I’ve never been a part of a family like this, but the feeling of having so much love and support is a little intoxicating, and I can’t bring myself to laugh at these men.

Even Angelo, the quiet, dutiful father and co-leader of the family, is misty-eyed.

When Kat makes it to Ale, they embrace and take their places on two small stools placed in front of Gloria. She’s seated in her wheelchair, ready to officiate this wedding.

The next twenty minutes are filled with tears, swoon-worthy moments thanks to Alessandro, who I’m realizing has the tendency to be a walking green flag in every aspect of his life, and of course, a few laughs along the way, mostly courtesy of Gloria.

“I pronounce you husband and wife! You may now kiss the bride!” Gloria shouts excitedly at the couple.

Alessandro grips Kat’s waist, dragging her to him as he dips her low in his seat and gives her a kiss that has me blushing.

When they finally come up for air, they stand and dance down the aisle toward the reception area. Each pair from the wedding party heads out after them, and when it’s Luca’s and my turn, butterflies swarm in my stomach.

He wraps his arm around my waist, and the feel of it sears my skin.

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