Page 116 of Saved By A God
She lets out a shaky laugh and carefully pats a crumpled tissue beneath her eyes. “Dammit! I promised myself I’d behave.”
“You’re doing a terrible job,” I tease her.
“I know.” Her smile trembles as she reaches for my hand. “How am I supposed to keep it together when my daughter looks so beautiful on her special day?”
My throat tightens, then she steps closer and cups my cheek, her thumb brushing gently over my skin as she takes me in like she’s trying to memorize this moment.
“You are the most perfect part of my life, Rosie. I’m so proud of how hard you fought for your happily ever after.”
I blink fast, refusing to ruin my makeup before Enzo gets to see me.
“I love you, Mom,” I say, my voice hoarse.
“I love you, my baby.”
“Aaaand I’m crying again,” Gianna groans from behind us. “Why did I even bother putting on makeup?”
I glance over my shoulder to find my best friend standing by the mirror in her maid of honor dress, trying to save what’s left of her makeup.
“Screw it,” she mutters as she throws in the towel. “I’m going to cry my eyes out because my best friend is marrying my brother.”
Mom laughs and reaches for the back of my dress. “Come, Gianna. Help me make sure everything is perfect.”
Gianna moves in behind me, and together, she and Mom fuss with my dress and veil one last time, then she smirks as she says, “I can’t wait to see the look on Enzo’s face when you walk down the aisle. Christiano, Valentina, and I have bets. I say Enzo cries like a baby. Valentina thinks his stubborn armor isn’t going to crack, and Christiano wholeheartedly believes Enzo will be too stunned to remember his vows.”
Mom and I chuckle at their silly bet, then there’s a knock at the door.
“Who is it?” Mom calls out.
“The love of your life,” Dad replies.
“You can come in, Uncle Dario,” Gianna says, her tone filled with laughter.
When the door opens and Dad steps inside, he freezes the second he sees me. His whole face changes, and for once, my strong, always playful father looks like the sight of me has ripped the ground out from under his feet.
“Christ,” he gasps, his eyes drifting over my dress and veil before settling on my face, and the pride and emotion that tighten his features make my heart squeeze. “Rosellina,” he breathes reverently.
Gianna quickly takes my flowers while I give him a trembling smile. “Hi, Daddy.”
Slowly, he walks toward me, like he needs a second to take it all in, and when he reaches me, he holds out his hands, and I place mine in his.
I feel the same steadiness he’s given me my whole life in his tight grip.
God, I’ve been blessed with the best parents anybody could ask for.
“You look perfect,” Dad murmurs, his voice hoarse.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
His mouth lifts at the corner. “I’m already hanging on by a thread.”
Mom laughs behind us, and I feel the happiness spread through the room.
Dad leans down and kisses my forehead. “Are you ready to marry Enzo?”
Just hearing the words makes my heartbeat speed up.
I glance at the closed door, knowing Enzo is waiting in front of the altar for me.
