Page 152 of Flawed

Zara's face hardens. I've seen that expression over the years, and it reminds me of Luca every time.

Pina gives her a challenging stare.

Zara glances at me then refocuses on Pina. She sighs, claiming, "I'll try."

Pina smiles big then adds, "Do better than try. It's my wedding day."

Zara groans then nods. "Okay. You win." She turns to me. "You look nice, Mom."

I blink hard. "Thanks, sweetie. So do you."

"I'm here," the seamstress sings, arriving with the wedding gown.

Within minutes, Pina's wearing it.

"Wow! You look amazing," I state, studying the sleeveless, form-fitting, white, Italian-lace gown. My eyes fill with tears again.

"No crying!" the makeup artist orders, then steps in front of me and dabs under my eyelids.

Pina's face lights up, and I'm so happy for my friend. If anyone deserves a happy ending, it's her.

Ashley, the wedding coordinator, comes in and claps. "Oh my gosh, you look gorgeous!" she screeches.

"Thanks," Pina replies, then looks at me and rolls her eyes. She's not a fan of the wedding planner's personality, but she claimed she's the best in New York.

"Time to move, or we'll be late," Ashley announces.

"Isn't it good to be fashionably late?" Zara asks.

Ashley answers, "Yes, but the priest is old. Let's make sure we get this wedding done before he keels over."

"Is he sick?" I ask with concern.

She shakes her head. "No. But I don't put it past him to keel over and die during the vows."

Pina once again rolls her eyes.

"Chop chop," Ashley orders.

The wedding party follows her to the makeshift church. There are so many people in attendance there wasn't room at any church in New York. So Angelo had the priest agree to do the ceremony here, and a replica of the Marinos' church was created, just on a larger scale.

The music starts, and the bridesmaids all saunter down the aisle. Zara is in front of me, and when she gets halfway down the aisle, Ashley orders me to go.

I move toward the front, and when I get closer, Luca appears. He's the last groomsman, standing next to Gianni. Flames burn in his eyes, and my knees almost give out.

Damn him for giving me that look.

I take my place next to Zara and wait for Pina to arrive.

The music changes to the traditional wedding song, and everyone stands. Pina gets to the front. Her father lifts her veil, kisses her cheek, then says something in Tristano's ear. He chuckles then takes Pina's hand and kisses it. He leads her toward the priest, and she hands me her bouquet.

It's a full Catholic mass. It takes over an hour, and I spend too many minutes peeking at Luca. He catches me often, and when it's time for the vows, he pins his gaze on me.

The room disappears. All I see is him. And as Pina and Tristano profess their lifelong commitment to each other, it chokes me up.

If only Luca and I could start all over.

We can't though.

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