Page 9 of Urgent Vows
When my plate is finally taken away, I am relieved. By sheer determination, I managed to eat about half of it. But I cannot swallow another morsel without vomiting.
I can only pretend to take a sip of my champagne when Miceli offers the first toast. He is both funny and surprisingly warm in his welcome of me to their family. He even makes a joke about how his brother always gets what he wants in the end.
Further feeding that narrative that makes Severu look like the conscienceless don rather than the duped one. Though how anyone could believe he wants me over my beautiful sister is mystifying.
My father is next. His smile is smug, at least it looks that way to me. He believes he got away with what he did this morning. And I guess he's right, but Severu is angry with him. I'm sure he'll be having words with my father later, no matter how chummy they appear right now.
Appearances.
"You could have knocked me over with a feather when Severu decided to marry my oldest daughter instead of my youngest," he starts.
And I realize he's aware of the impression Severu has been at pains to present and he's doing his best to perpetrate it, probably to try to gain his don's favor after that pathetic attempt at tricking him.
"I am sure it came as a shock to all of you as well," he continues.
The guests laugh, finding my father charming. I choose to look at Severu, rather than my father, during the toast. At least then I can force a semblance of a smile. If I look like a lovesick calf, that is the price I will pay. I will not play into my father's theatrics.
And I notice how he has taken two digs at me already, though I'm sure no one else has.
Severu doesn't smile, but that's not unexpected. He's not a smiling kind of guy, which is why his smile in the SUV on the way here had such an impact on me.
Not because everything he does makes my body and emotions go haywire.
Note to self: if you are going to try to lie to yourself, make it more believable.
"Welcome to my family, Severu," my father concludes, without a single congratulation for me or word to me.
I do not care. My father isn't going to change and I'm past the point of ever expecting or wanting him to.
My gaze scans the rest of the guests and lands on my aunt and uncle. Zia Lora is smiling, as if delighted by this turn of events. Or she's putting on the appearance of being happy to keep up the façade. Zio Giovi isn't playing his role though. He's glaring at my father.
Is he upset by my father's subtle insults toward me in his toast? Or that I'm the sacrificial replacement bride? Zio Giovi would not be fooled, like everyone else, into believing this is some kind of unexpected love match.
There is a rustling from the other side of Severu. His mother, Aria, is standing. She wasn't supposed to give a toast, but she has her glass raised. The guests go silent in anticipation of what she has to say.
If I felt half as composed as she looks, I would be happy.
She smiles toward me. "My dear Catalina, while others may be surprised by my son's last-minute change of bride, I am not. A mother knows these things."
Again, there is laughter and this time my smile is effortless and genuine. It is easy to respond warmly to her words because they are so kind. Even if she is lying through her teeth. Is that a skill I want to learn? Maybe.
"You are such a good match for Severu, and I could not be happier to welcome you to our family. Thank you for joining us. It is my sincerest hope that you and my son will have a marriage as wonderful and blessed as the one I shared with his father. I wish you both only the best." She takes a sip of her champagne.
I pretend to follow suit, my eyes shining with gratitude I hope she can see.
After that, chatter resumes while the guests drink champagne and other beverages from the bar. Soft music begins to play in the background, signaling the time for dancing has come. Aria has not retaken her seat, but is now standing near Severu and I.
She leans down and says quietly, "We need to make some quick alterations to the skirt of your bride's gown, or she's going to end up tripping more than dancing."
Severu nods. I stand to follow Aria. Walking slowly, so I don't trip over the hem of my gown, she leads me from the ballroom and down a side corridor. The slow pace helps with the strain on my hip and I'm thankful.
What will happen when the don and his family learn of my infirmity? Will he feel deceived? It's hard to believe he won't care, but it's too late to worry about that now. For better, or worse, we are married.
Chapter 4
CATALINA
Aria opens the door to the ladies' room.
