Page 37 of The Mobster’s Present

I started nodding before he even got the last of his words out. Oriana was jumping up and down clapping while Salvatore slipped the ring on my finger.

Then he turned toward her and pulled a box from his pocket. “Come here, Ori-love,” he beckoned her closer.

She stepped forward with curiosity written all over her face. When Salvatore opened the box and revealed a delicate heart pendant.

“This is for you. Today I asked your mom to marry me, but I also need to ask you to become my daughter,” his voice was thick with emotion.

“I thought I already was,” she pouted.

Salvatore’s laugh was a deep, rumbly sound as he scooped her up in his arms and stood. “You’re right, but jewelry makes everything more official.”

“Oh,” she chirped like his words made perfect sense, “okay, then yes.”

Now I’m standing in front of our friends and family and saying vows that are so much more than just words. They’re promises built with love and held together with the good times and the bad.

The botanical garden is in full bloom around us and I glance down at my dress and smile at the layers of colorful tulle that make up the skirt. White never felt right and I wanted Oriana to match me.

Why can’t I walk into this union while wearing a little color?

It’s perfect.

Salvatore squeezes my hands, after sliding the ring on my finger. It all feels surreal.

“Please, kiss your wife,” the officiant urges.

It’s completely not necessary.

Salvatore has been waiting for this moment since he asked me to marry him. The man has been planting kisses on me lately and saying that he’s just practicing for the vows. As if he needed a reason to kiss me.

His lips meet mine with sweetness and softness. But that’s not going to work for me. My fingers curl around the lapel of his suit jacket and grip hard.

I’m the one who deepens the kiss this time, while a few hoots come from the crowd. The moment my tongue touches his, Salvatore’s control snaps. His fingers find my hips and pull me until I’m flush against his chest.

When he pulls back and presses his forehead against mine, he looks down at me with love-filled eyes.

“I’m pregnant,” I murmur.

Salvatore freezes before a wide grin overtakes his face while his eyes shine with unshed tears. He kisses me again and this time it’s all gratitude that I can feel down to my toes. I laugh and think that this life is a gift that I’ll always cherish.