Page 50 of Unruly Protector
“Behave and we might sneak out after we’ve made our rounds, greeted everyone and disappear after they made their toast,” Rina whispers and shifts to greet Flora who walks straight toward us.
“Clemente, Caterina.I haven’t had a chance to really thank you,” Flora says as she pulls Rina into a hug.
I don’t have the time to brace myself before her arms are around me to give me a hug too.
Her eyes start to water and her voice is filled with emotion when she says, “I know Beck must have talked to you by now, but I can’t help but let you guys know how thankful we all are.Oh, and the unprompted trip to Italy was divine.Your uncle’s hospitality was endless and the food and surroundings...we’re going back someday soon.”
“Just say the word and we will join you.It’s been awhile since I’ve been there and with the recent events, I’d say we are due for a few days of relaxation.We could label it as our honeymoon.”I pull Rina close after I spilled those words and place a kiss on the top of her head.She instantly leans against me.
Flora shoots us a warm look.“Sounds like a plan, you two deserve it.Though Beck and I won’t be able to go within the next few weeks.I missed Oink too much.But, yes, soon enough.”
“I wouldn’t want to leave Rocco alone right away either,” Rina agrees.
The two fall into easy chitchat and I take my time to glance around the room filled with people.Members of the Famiglia, friends, family.There’s laughter and friendliness and within this moment they are all celebrating the joys of life and the gratitude of finding the one person you want to spend the rest of your life with.
The last two weddings were arranged ones and yet they instantly grew into ones where love evolved them into so much more.All the more reason to celebrate.Though, this celebration is solely focused on Donya and Arturo.I feel in some way this should be a moment for both me and Rina.
The quick ending to our marriage where everyone needed to be rushed out of the church, along with the cancellation of the reception; she missed out of this part of our wedding day.Even if she never mentioned a single thing, I know deep down I owe her a first dance in the middle of a filled ballroom.And that’s exactly what I plan to give her.
We make our round through the room and talk to most of the guests, including Sofia.Even if she’s nineteen years old, we placed her with a family of one of our soldiers.Losing both parents and what she went through is a lot for a young girl, and we needed to make sure she received the necessary support to guide her through everything.
We enjoy good food and drinks until the moment comes for the first dance.Rina’s eyes water and she doesn’t expect to be pulled to her feet by me.Confusion hits but both Arturo and Donya are in on this and the four of us move toward the large dance floor in the middle of the ballroom.
The boss and the underboss, both recently married, and both fell in love with the one person who was able to sink underneath our skin and grabbed hold of both our hearts.I can’t imagine a life without her.
She enriches my life in a way where everything is brighter, more colorful, tasty, thrilling.She puts the life in living and fills my lungs with the air I need to keep functioning.And I hope we get to enjoy days like this—holding her close and swaying to the music surrounded by friends and happiness—for many years to come.
EPILOGUE
Eight years later
Some more loving
— CATERINA —
“Where’s mommy?”Clementeasks in a tone I know very well.
