Page 4 of Little Dark Deeds
CHAPTER 3
It was just about timefor me to step through the doorway leading to the sweeping gardens of the Luciana family estate, where friends and family were waiting for the upcoming nuptials to begin.My niece, Lark, was standing a few feet in front of me in a puffy, taupe dress, her long, blond locks swept into a loose braid that dangled over her shoulder.In her hand was a basket of white rose petals.And ever since she arrived, she’d been counting down the hours until it was time for her to scatter them.
Lark looked over at my sister, Phoebe, eyes beaming as she said, “Mommy, is it my turn yet?”
Phoebe nodded, and Lark turned toward me, smiling as she reached into the basket and descended the stairs leading to the back of the estate.
Then it was Luka’s turn.
Attaching a ring inside a velvet box of my Samoyed’s collar that morning had been met with a fair amount of resistance, but in the end, he allowed it.Leash in hand, my aunt coaxed him out the door.
Moments later, the crowd went quiet.
The sound of rustling was heard, followed by a trumpet bellowing out the first few bars of Louis Armstrong’s “La Vie en Rose,” a song Giovanni and I had chosen for this magical moment.Translated, the song’s title meant “life in pink,” to aspire to see the beauty in each day together.
My mother leaned in close, kissing me on the cheek.
“Are you ready, dear?”she asked.
“I am.”
We made our way to the lawn, and I paused, taking in the smiling faces of all those who’d gathered for our special day.We strolled by aisle after aisle, and as we neared the area the ceremony was to take place, my focus shifted from the guests tohim—the one man who’d always made everything seem right.With him, I felt safe, and loved, and seen.And most of all free.Free to become the woman I wanted to be, despite my shortcomings.
As I looked into his eyes, a tear rolled down his cheek.He didn’t acknowledge it, made no attempt to wipe it away.His attention was fixed on me and me alone.
My mother gave him a wink, slipping her arm out of mine as I took my place in front of him.He stood a moment, then took my hands in his, leaning toward me as he whispered, “You’re an absolute vision, my darling.”
I felt the heat rising in my cheeks, and I smiled, squeezing his hands as we turned toward the officiant, Silas Crowe, a man who’d been a close friend and confidant of mine for many years.Most days, he dressed like a laidback, surfer in board shorts, T-shirt, flip-flops, and his trademark messy, sun-bleached hair.Today, he looked like a different man in crisp, coffee-colored linen pants and a cream-colored button-up shirt, his untamed hair twisted into a tight, sleek bun.
Silas looked at both of us and said, “Are you two ready to get your wedding on?”
We nodded, and he turned his attention toward our guests.
“Welcome friends, family, and loved ones,” he said.“Please be seated.”
I scanned the audience, taking in the smiles on every face, and felt a wave of love drifting through the warm summer air.
“Thank you for taking the time to gather on this charming summer evening to share in this special day with Georgiana and Giovanni,” Silas said.“I’ve known Georgiana for several years now, ever since she was hired as a police officer for San Luis Obispo County in California.We’ve been lucky enough to work together on many cases over the years, Georgiana as a detective, and me as the county coroner.What started off as two associates working together to bring cases to a close, has now turned into a lifelong friendship.”
He paused, thumbing at Giovanni, adding, “I’ll never forget the first time Georgiana told me about the new man in her life.I recall thinking to myself, ‘Who is this guy,’ and ‘Why was she so cryptic when I ask about his family?’”
Silas laughed as did many in the crowd, but a few of the older gentlemen on Giovanni’s side of the family crossed their arms, eyes narrowing at Silas like they questioned what he would say next.
I wasn’t worried.
Silas had a talent for bringing people together.
Today would be no exception.
“I’ll admit I’ve always been protective of Georgiana, wanting nothing but the best for her,” Silas said.“About a year after they started dating, Giovanni bought a house in Cambria, and he suggested they move in together.I remember asking her if she loved him.She didn’t hesitate before telling me she did, and then she said something that shocked me.She admitted she’d loved him for years, ever since their college days.”
A piercing whistle rang out from the crowd, followed by clapping and cheers.Giovanni said nothing but tipped his head toward our feisty, rambunctious crowd.
Silas grinned, waiting for the audience to calm before he continued.
“As I was saying, the more I listened to Georgiana talk about Giovanni that day, the more confident I was that Giovanni wasn’t just some man from her past.He was the man of her future.It’s been my privilege to get to know him, a man I consider among the most trustworthy, stand-up people I’ve ever met.And Georgiana, or ‘Gigi’ as I often call you, I’m going to tell you and everyone else something most of you don’t know, something Giovanni gave me permission to say today.”
I braced myself, anticipating what was to come.
