Page 68 of Vincent
"This does not count. It's for both of us."
"I beg to differ. Son, why don't you hand mommy that small box?"
Her eyes clouded with tears at how naturally that came to him.
"It's tiny."
"But packs a wallop. Give it to her."
"Open it, darling," he urged.
She tore the wrapper off and gazed at the black velvet box.
"What is it, mommy?" David demanded with the impatience of a six-year-old.
"I-" She flipped the tiny clasp open and just stared at the most stunning square cut diamond she had ever seen. She looked upat him and then back at the ring, her vision blurring. "When- how- It's-"
"Use your words, darling." Putting aside his cup, he went to join her.
"Why is mommy crying?" David asked, puzzled.
"Happy tears," she murmured huskily. "How did you get this done? I mean-"
Taking the box away from her, he plucked the ring out and took her left hand. "I had been carrying this around since we made love for the first time."
Her eyes flew to his face as he slid the ring on. It was a perfect fit.
The diamond flashed and sparkled in the lights from the fire and held her hypnotized for a second.
"I don't understand," she said tremulously. "You were dead set on us not being in a relationship. You said-"
"I know what I said." Glancing at his son, Vincent was relieved to see the boy was occupied with his gifts and not paying them the least attention. Lifting her hand, he kissed it just above the ring. "I told myself that I would never get involved that way again, but I bought the ring just in case. You tormented me by the way I felt that very first time of being with you. I knew instinctively that it would not go away. So, I bought the ring. Happy tears?" he teased, as her eyes filled.
"Hormones," she sniffed. "I love you so much."
His eyes darkened. Gathering her into his arms, he kissed her wet cheeks. "Loving you is the highlight of my life. And will always be."
"I want to kiss mommy too."
They laughed and opened their arms to their son.
*****
Far from being an intimate affair, their wedding took on a life of its own. Vincent was magnanimous enough to agree to having Francois attend the ceremony, much to Althea's relief, after she further assured him that there was no ambiguity where her feelings for the man were concerned.
"I never loved him," she confessed. "I wanted to get over you, and he was there. When I realized that it wasn't working, I told him the truth and he accepted it."
He was confident in the fact that he was the only man she ever loved, and that was enough for him.
Standing in front of the blazing fireplace in the home he had built to accommodate his son, Vincent did not feel any hangups about this union. He was not feeling guilty about choosing the woman he had loved for most of his life. He had asked Althea to accompany him when he visited Lizzie's grave for the last time. And had said his goodbyes. She had been a terrific woman, but that was his past. Thea was his future, and there was no doubt in his mind that she was the woman for him.
She had brought clarity, love, and light into his life and was a mother to his son. In a few months, she would be gifting him with another child. He was no longer crippled with unreasonable fear. He loved her so much that at times, he felt as if his breath was about to stop.
When he saw her coming towards him, the stunning Romano's silk and lace dress floating around her slender body, he felt his heart taking a slow dive. His wedding day. His son as the ring bearer, his sister walking ahead of the bride. The ceremony was short and poignant, the traditional vows taking on a life of their own as they resounded around the large hall.
This was the beginning of his life. And as he repeated the vows, he stared into his bride's eyes and meant every word of it. He would be there for her, through sickness and health, until they drew their last breath. He would cry when she cried, laugh and celebrate with her, and be with her for the rest of their lives. That was a promise he intended to keep.
Chapter 16
