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I’m distracted by our leaders coming to congratulate us, and I shake both their hands. Alessandro holds my hand tightly, “That’s my sister.”
“If anyone hurts her, I’ll kill them with my bare hands,” I say with a smirk.
Alessandro nods and moves to Shirley.
Soon we are all sitting down again, and everyone is talking over everyone. I finally have the love of my life, and then it dawns on me. I feel like I’m floating in the clouds. I turn to Yuslan, “You knew!”
He grins, “Knew what?’’
“You commented I wasn’t going to be a bachelor for long,” I turn to Shirley. “How did you rope everyone into this?”
“Because I’m nice and feisty.” she grins.
Chapter 29 - Shirley
Several Months Later
I’m nervous but not nervous. I know this is right and exactly where I’m meant to be.
I have spent several months, both while pregnant and after the birth of our beautiful baby girl, planning this day to the last napkin.
I can’t believe I’m getting married.
It feels unreal that my dreams are coming true.
I’m standing in front of the mirror at our house. Evgenii stayed at Ivan’s home while I stayed here with Natalia. She’s been such a help with Gabriella. She takes such care of her, but at the same time, she’s still so quiet. She’s very secretive, and sometimes I feel a bit nervous for her. She’s carrying something that is clearly difficult to bear.
Now, though, all I can think about is how beautiful I look as Helena fixes the back of my dress. I can’t wait to see how the church turns out. I picked a lot of flowers because I love them so much. They symbolize Spring and new beginnings.
That’s what Evgenii and I have, a new beginning.
I step into my room, and the bridesmaids all “Oh” and “Ah” over me. I beam at them, so proud of how happy everyone looks.
Once we’re ready, we make our way out to the limousines. Alessandro is standing outside waiting for me. Originally Romero was going to give me away as my father, but Alessandro asked if he could as the head of the family. I am so honored.
I’m nervous as the car pulls out, and we drive towards the church, but Alessandro reaches out and takes my hand, “Who has Gabriella?”
“Natalia is going to walk her down the aisle and keep her close so she’s part of the ceremony,” I give him a soft smile, “This is the happiest day of my life. Thank you.”
Alessandro chuckles, “All the women in my life are trying to send me to an early grave. By the time your turn came around, I decided not to fight fate anymore. What the Sorvino women want, they get.”
I giggle.
We are silent for the rest of the trip. I’m too nervous to talk, so I take deep breaths instead.
We arrive after everyone else, and there is a lot of fuss as we all get into position.
My new life is finally about to start.
Evgenii
I stand at the end of the aisle, looking down towards the entrance and waiting. I remember Ivan’s wedding and how divided it was. The Volkov family on one side, the Sorvino family on the other, both glaring at each other and prepared for death.
It’s not like that now. The families are intermingled. They’ve made friends with each other. I see Alessandro’s parents and Ivan’s mother talking quietly in one pew. Arina now gets her fresh herbs from Helena, and they always talk business. Romero just keeps rolling his eyes at them.
I glance next to me where Ivan, Pierce, and Yuslan are standing. On the other side, the bridesmaids stand. Tori, Arianna, and a pregnant Katya. Standing right next to where Shirley will stand is Natalia, who brought our daughter Gabriella down the aisle. Once they are all in place, the music changes and I take one final glance around the church.
Sunlight streams through the colors of the stained glass, creating a beautiful cascade of rainbows on the church’s floor. There are beautiful flowers everywhere, all different varieties. Shirley loves them all and couldn’t choose. Everything is perfect. The guests stand, and I watch as the doors open.
