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“And you have to stop teasing her,” Paul scolded her.
“Oh, doesn’t it feel good to have you on the receiving end?” Jonas said, walking up with a laugh. He hugged Paul and kissed my cheek. “You make a stunning bride, Nadia. I told Paul he’d be a fool to let you go. We’re so happy to have you in our family.”
“Thank you, Jonas.”
Lily kissed my cheeks. “You look so beautiful.” She dabbed her eyes. “It was such a lovely ceremony. Please come back to Neverland soon. We miss you.”
“I miss you all, too.”
Paul kissed Lily. “We will soon, I promise.”
Gunnar came, and he hesitated in front of me, but I hugged him tight. “Thank you so much for everything.”
He hugged me back. “You and your children will make our family sweeter and kinder. We’re happy to have you.”
Paul hugged him. “Thank you.” As I looked beyond Gunnar, my eyes landed on Dani.
Once Gunnar stepped aside, Dani grabbed me and held me in a long hug. “I stood up for my son all those months ago, Nadia, because that’s what mothers do. But I am so, so thankful that he found you. That you didn’t give up on him and the crazy that comes with the last name of Crane. I love you and am thrilled to welcome you as my new daughter.”
At her words, my throat clogged. “Thank you, Dani. I love you, too. You taught me how to protect my future children, and I will do so to the best of my ability.”
“I know you will. My son and your children are going to be in very safe hands.” She kissed my cheek and continued on to Paul, wrapping her arms around his waist.
Cecil, Chef Renault, and Ben, the long list of family and friends, congratulated us. There were also Cranes I hadn’t met before, who gave us more well wishes, until the wedding planner appeared to move us along.
We left the group to return to the formal hall for photos. Paul holding me in his arms, kissing me. And every moment, it hit me. This would be my forever.
We headed into the music room next to the courtyard. It was an elegant hall of gold tapestry walls, velvet curtains, and sconce lighting. A grand piano had been set up on the small stage with a string quartet, with the pit area of polished wood that was sectioned off for us to perform the first dance. Our wedding planner, Will, with hosts and hostesses, was already arranging for guests to find their seats.
A pianist started to play, and Bianca appeared in a shimmering gold gown, smiling as she came on the stage with a microphone. “Congratulations to Paul and Nadia. Lorenzo and I knew the moment Paul walked up the hill with Nadia in Rome to meet us that he was hopelessly in love, but so, so stubborn.”
Everyone laughed.
“But there’s so much love between you two, and it’s the kind that can last. On your special day, we all wish to remember you today this way.”
The pianist started to play, and she sang Lady Gaga’s Always Remember Us This Way as we slow danced. I was transported to the many times I was in his arms—and how I never will have to be away from them again.
I was the first to cheer and break into loud applause when the song ended. The band came on, and Paul spun us around the grand parlor as others joined us. The candelabras around the stage glowed like stars in the dim light, giving the room a warm ambiance. There was nothing more perfect.
“Our new rule is you stay naked the whole honeymoon.” Paul’s voice lowered to his deep, intimate tone, enough to cause a shiver to course through my veins and an ache to throb between my legs. His lips turned up in a knowing smile as he stared back at me. “You like that idea.”
“I do, but you haven’t even told me where we’re going yet.”
“To the end of the world.”
I playfully scolded Paul, but then danced with Dad and next, Jonas. I couldn’t catch my breath. Paul was also busy as he danced with Mom, Lily, and Dani. But he came to check on me. “How are you feeling?”
“Tired,” I admitted. He took my hand and led me to the dinner. Chef Renault had taken over to give us his four Michelin star award-winning dinner with French favorites: coq au vin, foie gras, scallops and lobster, with some vegetable and vegan options. Paul placed chocolate mousse on my plate—chocolate had been my latest craving. He lifted a spoonful and fed me, then pressed his lips to mine.
“Delicious,” I whispered against his lips.
Paul studied me. “You need rest.” He rose and called over the wedding planner. “Nadia’s ready to throw the bouquet.”
He quickly hustled a group together.
I stood and went into the hall, and waited for the photographers, then looked at all my friends and family. Xander, Dad, Mom, Lily, Jonas, Darling, Dani, Alan, Gunnar, Lorenzo, Bianca, Tomas, Cecil, Wyatt, Laurence, Ben, and Opal. There were also new friends. My world was expanding, and life was getting so much richer. I was truly grateful.
I closed my eyes and threw the bouquet but reopened them in time to watch Darling catch it and dance. Jonas immediately took it away and threw it at someone else.
