Page 18 of Reign Of Triumph
“Watch your back, Eros. He’s getting poised to strike,” Nero murmurs quietly.
“Let him,” I whisper back.
Serafina
The bridal shop has too much to choose from. It’s overwhelming. And how can it be that all the gowns look similar on the hanger? Beads, crystal, tulle…so much tulle. This is where Bianca would be helpful. She has an eye for fashion, but even more so, she has a knack for picking outfits that make me look pretty.
Mom has chosen half a dozen gowns for me to try on. Monica is quietly along for the ride, but I urge her to choose a couple too. After all, this is supposed to be fun, and Monica has been amazing at coming by almost daily, keeping Mom company, and assisting with the planning. I’ve noticed my future mother-in-law isn’t the type to push her opinions, but waits until asked. But every now and then, I see a sadness come over her.
This must be difficult for Monica. She’ll never plan her daughter’s wedding. I’ll bet she had all sorts of ideas for Miranda’s wedding. What’s more, Miranda won’t see her brother married either.
In that moment, I pull Monica aside. “I’m very grateful for all you’re doing. Mom and I would never be ready without you.”
She pats my hand. “It’s a pleasure, bella. I want you and Eros to have the most beautiful day,” she says with a sweet smile.
“I hope I’m not overstepping, but I wanted to ask a favor.” I bite my lip, suddenly worried that I might insult her, when I’m truly trying to show my respect for her family.
“Anything. What can I do?” she urges.
“First, be honest and tell me to mind my own business if you think I’m being, uh…forward.”
Monica frowns. “Come on now, out with it.”
“We have loved ones who will not be with us on our special day. I’d like to honor them in some way. I was thinking that if Miranda had a favorite flower, or…I don’t know what exactly, but I’d like to have her with us that day, in some way. Eros adored his sister. I think it would be nice.” Monica remains quiet, and I begin to ramble. “It’s like Dad not being there. There will be no father-daughter dance, no boutonniere for the father of the bride. I know it sounds silly, but I always imagined my father walking me down the aisle. Silly girl dreams, I know.”
She stops me right there, cupping my cheeks with her hands. “You are genuinely an extraordinary young woman. My daughter loved butterflies and dragonflies,” she says with tears in her eyes.
“Okay. Butterflies and dragonflies it is.”
The door of the shop chimes, and seeing that this is a private appointment, we all turn to the door to find Eros standing at the entrance, with Bianca, Anita, and Alia. Bianca looks tired, but has a wonderful smile on her face. Anita pulls out of her mother’s grip and races toward me, throwing her arms around my waist.
“I missed you so much, Zia,” Anita says.
“Me too, peanut.” I look at Eros and Alia hanging on his hip.
“Down, please,” Alia says.
“Sure, princess,” Eros responds, and Alia giggles.
“You’re silly, Zio Eros.” She then comes to me for her hug. “Zio Eros said that Anita and me are going to be flower girls,” she tells me with a grin. She’s adorable with her two front teeth missing.
“We get to pick our dresses,” Anita adds.
“Well, we should get started,” I say. They spot their grandmother and go give her a hug. Mom takes them over to the dresses so Bianca and I can have a moment alone.
We meet halfway, and I pull her in for a hug.
“I’m so sorry. Giusto’s so angry. He wouldn’t let me—” She sobs.
“Don’t you dare apologize. You are not responsible for his actions,” I insist, squeezing her even tighter. She’s lost more weight. This isn’t good.
“I’ll leave you ladies to enjoy your day. Giusto will be gone for the week. In that time, you’ll be spending your time with Serafina to help with the wedding plans. And I’m sure sleepovers are necessary. Alia has already let me know she’s packing her teddy bear,” Eros says, catching our attention. His lips curve into a sexy grin, “She’s willing to share Mosh with me. I’d say that’s pretty high praise for a four-year-old.”
I giggle. “Wow! You just became her hero. I think I got to hold Mosh twice.”
Bianca turns to Eros. “Thank you for today. This is good for the girls and for me too.”
“You’re welcome. Serafina was upset, and as I promised her, I will do all I can to make her happy.” Eros looks at me. “What do I get for my reward, gioia mia?” he asks with a gleam in his eye.
