Page 140 of Whispers in the Dark
FOUR MONTHS LATER
“Who would have ever thought we’d all be flying to Paris to watch you get married to my brother in front of the Eiffel Tower?” Madeleine asks as our driver maneuvers through the bustling city streets. “Not in a million years did I think Mauro would do something like this, but here we are in the most romantic city in the world.” She pours us each a glass of champagne and then hands a bottle of sparkling water to Scarlett.
Scarlett sticks out her bottom lip in a mock pout. “Being pregnant really kills the whole party vibe.”
We laugh, clinking our glasses.
After Mauro proposed, we decided that a big wedding with all of our friends and family in attendance was something we really wanted. And with my dad’s condition, I didn’t want to wait too long to ensure he had a chance to see me walk down the aisle.
Mauro asked me if I would like to get married in Paris, at which point I told him he was crazy and that I didn’t want him to spend that kind of money on me.
Proving to me that he is, in fact, crazy, he arranged everything for this wedding from the flights to the hotel, even booking out the entire area surrounding the Eiffel Tower so we could have it all to ourselves…again.
“I still think it’s too much,” I tell them, looking out the window. Everything is in full bloom, the vibrant colors bringing the city to life. “I mean, doesn’t it seem kind of crazy to spend this kind of money on a wedding?”
Madeleine scoffs. “Alina, the man is absolutely wholeheartedly in love with you and would buy you the damn city if you asked him to.” She pauses. “Actually, he probably would, so you might not want to give him any ideas.”
Scarlett laughs. “He just wants to make you happy. And he knows how much this city means to you, so it was a no-brainer.” She takes a sip of her water and then looks down at her phone. “Leo just texted to let me know they’ve all arrived. Oh, look at little Clara.” She flips her phone so we can see a picture of Clara sitting on Leo’s lap, looking like the perfect little angel in her soft purple dress. “He can’t wait for our daughter to get here. He’s already been going crazy, adding additional security features around the house.” She sighs dreamily. “He’s going to be the best dad.”
“If you think he’s overprotective now, just wait,” Madeleine adds as she brings her glass to her lips. “Can’t wait until he’s dealing with them as a teenager.”
“Can you please not age my child so fast?” Scarlett rubs her belly, frowning.
Madeleine laughs and looks at me. “Is Clara walking down the aisle today?”
I shake my head. “No, the poor girl didn’t seem to like the idea of walking down an aisle all by herself with every eye on her. Can’t say I blame her. I’m not really looking forward to itmyself.” I shake the thought away. “Besides, she’ll be sitting with—”
“We’re here,” Scarlett says, a smile stretching across her face as the car crawls to a stop. “Are you ready?”
Photographers are positioned nearby, blocked by guard rails and security detail. A white tent with bulletproof glass around it is set up directly beside the car, so no one can see us as we get dropped off and make the short walk to the main event.
I take a deep breath, gripping my bouquet of purple flowers a little tighter. “I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life.”
One of the security guards comes around the vehicle and opens the door. Scarlett and Madeleine slide out first, smoothing out their deep purple satin gowns, and wait for me. I hear the shutter of cameras and people shouting, asking for pictures, but the guards block anyone’s view of me as we step through the entrance. Immediately, the door is shut behind us, leaving all of the chaos outside. I follow the two of them as we make our way through the long tunnel, not stopping until we reach the exit leading to the ceremony.
“You look so beautiful.” Madeleine sniffles as she tucks a loose tendril of hair back into place. She motions for one of the guards, who steps forward and hands her a small gift bag. She reaches inside and pulls out a perfectly wrapped box with a card. “Here.” She holds it out for me, her lips curving up. “Mauro asked me to give this to you.”
I arch a brow and hesitantly take it from her. “I don’t know what else this man could possibly get me that he hasn’t already.”
The music starts, and Scarlett grips my wrist, offering me an encouraging look. “We’ll see you up there.”
I nod, swallowing down the ball of nerves currently lodged in my throat as they both exit, leaving me alone.
The front of the card displays my name in fancy gold lettering. I slide my finger over it, then flip it over, finding a handwritten note.
Alina,
I want to make every one of your dreams come true.
Let’s start with this one.
I love you forever.
-Mauro
Tears well in my eyes, my heart beating at an unacceptable rate.How did I get lucky enough to call this big-hearted man my husband?Carefully, I slide a finger beneath the lip of the wrapping paper and tug it apart. Once I have it pulled back, revealing the contents, a gasp escapes my lips.
“One Night Between Us,” I whisper in disbelief, suddenly remembering him disappearing at the auction when an anonymous buyer purchased this book.
