Page 71 of Forgetting the Enemy
Chapter 24
Zaira
The ceremony is two hours away, and my nerves are getting the best of me. I am so ready to be married to Michael. I may not remember everything about him, but I know in my heart he is the man I am supposed to spend the rest of my life with. Gina and Mia and I go upstairs to check out the decorations. I am in awe. Elegant candles and sterling roses adorn the terrace where the actual ceremony will take place. There are two rows of chairs, each decorated with white and sterling-silver roses tied with a silver-and-purple ribbon. It’s elegant and classy. It’s perfect.
The girls and I head to the bridal suite. Jasmine informed me about an hour ago that my dress had arrived and it was being delivered to the bridal dressing room. Mia is carrying her makeup case, and Gina is in charge of the hair care products. Francesca decided to go back to her room and rest before the ceremony. She said our bachelorette party yesterday had worn her out, but I really think she was missing Domenic and wanted to spend time with him alone.
They really are the cutest couple. I wish I remembered more about them, but I’ve only had glimpses of memories, and most of them are from my childhood. It’s odd that I can now remember the day Mia was born, but I can’t remember what I did two weeks ago.
The doctor said it would take time and that I would continue to get my memories back in bits and pieces. I never told Michael this, but Dr. Siegel also suggested that I wait to get married until I had a full recollection of my past. But I know my marriage to Michael is right. I’m happy, and I refuse to put my life on hold. I know Michael is worried about me remembering certain things that involve him. But I’m not. I will deal with them as they come and it will not change me wanting to be his wife.
Passing these thoughts from my mind, I concentrate on my sisters at work. They begin their primping and coiffing, and an hour and a half later, I am dressed and ready to walk down the aisle.
Francesca comes in and cries, “Zaira,sei bellissima, mia figlia.” Tears well in her eyes as she pulls me into her arms. “Assolutamente bella,” she whispers.
“Thank you, Francesca,” I say.
She scowls. “No, niente di tutto cio. Mi chiamerai Mamma.”
I smile. “Okay,Mamma.” This woman is amazing, and I couldn’t be more thankful she is about to become my mother-in-law.
“Zaira, my dear,” she says. “I speak Italian when I’m emotional. I’m sorry. But I see you understand? No?”
“I do. Fortunately, it is one of the things I remember.” I hug her again and say, “Thank you for being here for me today. It’s hard without my mom, and it means so much to have you here.”
She tears up again and says, “There is no other place I would rather be. Ever since you were a little girl, your mamma and I had wished for this match. You and Michael are soul mates, and I am so glad I am alive to witness your union.” She makes the sign of the cross and says, “It’s God’s will.”
“You’re gonna make me cry,” I say.
Gina steps in and says, “Mamma, go. We just finished her makeup, and she is not allowed to cry. Besides, I’m sure Alex is ready to take you to your seat.”
“Bene, bene. Fine, I’ll go.” She looks at the three of us girls and says, “Bella, you all are beautiful.” Then she turns to leave the room.
A few minutes later, there is another knock on the door.
“Who is it?” Mia asks.
“Your brother,” Vince says.
Mia opens the door, and Vince steps in. He stands just inside the doorway and stares at me. He says nothing, and I begin to feel self-conscious.
“Vince? Is everything all right?” I ask.
“You are an absolute vision,” he says. “I’d give anything to have Mamma here to see you.” I find it odd he doesn’t mention our father but decide to leave it alone.
I feel my face heat up. “Thank you.”
“Are you ready?” he asks, extending his arm. “Everyone is seated, and they are just waiting for you.”
I take a deep breath and say, “I’m ready.” I take his arm, and he escorts me from the room, followed by Gina and Mia.
When we get outside the terrace doors, Jasmine is waiting for us. She instructs Gina to step ahead and asks Mia to fall behind her. They look lovely, dressed in purple chiffon tea-length dresses adorned with shimmery silver sequins.
Pachelbel’sCanonbegins to play, and the doors open. Vince and I are standing off to the side so that the guests can’t see us. Gina proceeds to walk down the aisle, and a few seconds later, Mia follows.
A couple minutes pass while theCanoncontinues to play. When it stops, the trumpets of Wagner’sBridal Chorusbegins, and I can’t stop the goose bumps from traveling all over my body. Vince walks me to the entrance, and now we face our guests as they begin to stand. My eyes search the room—not that there are many guests.
Vince leans over and whispers, “Are you ready?”
