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Roberta and Lia enter, juggling Elena and Kate’s babies as they make their way toward us. Lia beams at me, her eyes shining with happiness. Roberta nods. She works for Luca, but her expression hints at the stronger bond she feels for him.
I feel so fortunate to have all my loved ones here to witness this momentous occasion. The last few months have been a whirlwind, filled with challenges and uncertainty. But standing here, surrounded by the people who mean the most to me, I know that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.
I glance over at Lucy as she sits and fans herself, the late summer heat clearly taking a toll on her.
She's heavily pregnant, her belly protruding like a round ball. "Ugh, I don't know how much longer I can last in this heat," she grumbles, wiping the perspiration from her brow. "If this baby decides to come early, I swear?—”
“Don’t say such a thing,” Elena interrupts. “Don’t tempt fate.”
I try to reassure myself that the doctor is on hand, just in case. But the thought of Lucy going into labor prematurely has my stomach in knots. She has eight weeks left, and her doctor okayed the trip as long as she took specific precautions.
Roberta hands Lucy a glass of water and speaks to her in Italian. Admittedly, I’m still a long way from fluent, so I’m not sure of the conversation. But I see a similar reverence in Roberta’s eyes for Lucy that she has for Luca. I’ve learned that while Lucy can be a kickass woman, here, they love her for how well she took care of Luca’s father.
I’m filled with giddy anticipation. In just a few moments, I'll walk down the aisle to join my life with Luca’s. The very thought of him has my heart racing with equal parts excitement and nervousness.
The door to the little room off the vestibule opens, and Niko strides in, a warm smile on his face. It’s not something I’ve seen a lot in my life, but more so since we talked. In the last two weeks, we spoke more via video call, often reminiscing about our lives before we lost everyone but each other.
“You look beautiful, Aria.”
“Thank you.” I sniff as emotion wells in my chest.
"Are you ready?"
I take a deep breath and nod. "I am."
Elena gives me a hug. “Luca is going to weep with joy when he sees you.”
Kate follows with another hug. “I’m so happy for you.”
Finally, Lucy gives me a side hug. “Sorry I can’t give you a full one, but this little person needs space.” She kisses me on the cheek. “I know Luca’s father would think the world of you and thank you personally for making his son happy.”
Her words fill me with more emotion.
“Giuseppe always said that the right woman was the source of a man’s power. Remember that.” She winks, and I laugh, understanding that she’s encouraging me to continue to be myself and make my own choices.
The ladies leave, followed by Roberta and Lia with the kids. I’m left with just Niko.
His expression softens as he reaches into his pocket, pulling out a rectangle box. "Before we go, I have something for you."
I watch, transfixed, as he opens the box to reveal a stunning pearl necklace and matching earrings. "These were Mother's," he says, his voice thick with emotion. "I've been saving them for you."
Tears spring to my eyes as I gently trace the intricate design of the necklace. I’m scanning my memory with her wearing them. I remember once sneaking up late at night when my parents got home from some party. I saw them dancing, my father singing in Italian to my mother. That was the first time I saw true love. She wore these pieces then.
“I know she’d love if you wore them. Have a piece of her with you.”
I sniff, unable to find words.
“And this.” He tugs a blue handkerchief from his pocket. “It was Dad’s. I know it’s worn, but it’s old and blue.”
“And he can be here too.” I wait, knowing there must be one more thing. He takes out a picture of Lorenzo. I kiss it and slip it in my dress’s pocket along with the handkerchief.
“Now you’re all here.”
Niko hugs me. “I hope you’re as happy as you look.”
“I am,” I assure him.
“Because if Luca?—”
