by Blue Saffire
Next through the doors came Lakeisha and my mother, Maria. I could that Maria was wearing the diamond teardrop earrings I had sent to her this morning. Lakeisha looked beautiful in a navy blue dress, which made me anxious to see her daughter.
Behind them, I could see Angie smiling from ear to ear. She looked pretty in the black dress, with a light blue bow that wrapped the waist. Everything was just as Victoria wanted.
I thought about her fight with Carlos. ‘I want them in black you make it work….To the knee Carlos and strapless.’ I chuckled to myself. He made it work the contrast of the pure white roses and the black and blue looked beautiful. She knew what she wanted.
Martina and Matt were next to walk in. Matt’s tux mirrored mine, defining with a blue tie and handkerchief in his jacket pocket, just like Chris and Toni’s did. They were all moving so slow.
I thought I was going to pass out from waiting. Toni and Lucie were next. Lucie dropped blue and white rose petals on the white walkway. Toni was holding a white pillow, trying to keep pace with Lucie. I looked passed them, as the doors closed again. Once Lucie made her way to the front and stood behind Martina, the music changed again.
The doors opened and there she was. Venny stood at her side, as they were marched straight toward me. My heart almost jumped out of my chest.
It was taking everything in me not to run to her and pull her down this aisle, as fast as I could. I just stood in awe. She looked like a real live princess just like I imagined, but better.
Her gown was a light silk that drape her body perfectly. The top had crystal covered straps that wrapped around her neck like a halter and two more thin crystal straps on each arm that draped loosely, one lower than the other down her arm. The front of the dress plunged down below her bust line.
The veil she wore covered her face, stopping right at her collarbone. It shimmered with crystals, giving her an ethereal look. Her hair was pulled up under the veil into a crown of large curls, pinned neatly into place adorned by a crystal covered tiara.
I could see the necklace I’d just given her around her neck. The bracelet I’d given her for her birthday sprinkled from her wrist. There were large diamond earrings glowing in her ears. A perfect ball of roses glittered in her hands as she walked forward.
When she finally made it to me, the smile on her face was priceless. As Venny embraced her, I could see the back of the dress. Her back was out. The dress was cut right down to her waist.
The veil was as long as the train on her dress, maybe a little shorter. That was the only thing covering her skin. I couldn’t help, but bit my lip as I took her in.
I heard nothing being said, I just watched as Venny answered the priest, before reaching to pull back her veil. I stopped breathing the minute her face come into full view. Her face looked more gorgeous than I could ever imagine.
I never thought she could be more beautiful than she already was, but they managed to make her look like a perfect angel. I tried to think and remember how to breathe. She touched my hand and it came back to me. I laced my fingers in hers and faced the priest.
This was it. I had kept her alive and now I was going to marry the woman I choose. The one I loved, the one I would die for, the one.
I tried to run from someone I never had a chance of getting away from. She had me the moment I saw her in that mall. When I looked in her eyes and she told me her name was, Victoria, I was done. She didn’t have to say another word.
I had broken her heart and thought I’d lost her forever, but here she was holding my hand, standing at my side. She chose me to be hers, and now it was time to tell her all of that.
“Victoria Antonella La Marcello, I’ve never met anyone like you. You bring love and light into my world. From the day, I met you I knew I would be yours forever.
“I would walk through fire for you. I promise to protect you and give you everything you want, need, and desire. All you have to do is say, yes. Say you will stay with me for the rest of my life, and I promise, no one will ever love you as much as I do.”
I watched the tears fill her eyes. I wanted to kiss her so badly. I know she said, yes. I managed to hear that much, as I slid the ring on her finger.
It was her turn to say her vows and I wanted to hear them. I had to pull myself together. She was crying and trying to stead herself to speak. I brushed the tears from her eyes, and she held my hand to her face and began to speak.
“Lorenzo Giovanni Botticelli, you have taught me so much. I learned who I am through the love and patience you have given me. I have grown from a girl to a woman, all in your arms.
“I promise to be the best wife you could ever have. I will be whatever you need and want me to be. I will do all I know how to make you happy and what I don’t know, I promise to learn. I trust you with all of me.
“All I ask is that you say, yes. Say you will accept me and all I am and I promise, no one will ever love or care for you the way I do,” she managed to sob out.
“Yes, Victoria, I do,” I answered, as she slid the ring on my finger.
I was so happy I was lost. I stood there staring into her eyes with my hands on her waist. She was mine forever now and no one could take that from me.
I didn’t even hear the part when the priest said I could kiss the bride. I just knew she lifted her arms around my neck and I pulled her to me to kiss her.
I kissed her the way I wanted to the first time I saw her. I place my hand on the back of her neck and held her right where I wanted her. I don’t know how long I kissed her. I just know there were people clapping and I couldn’t get close enough to her.
I felt Chris slap me on the back and I realized I had been holding her for far too long. I released her and reached for her hand. Victoria smiled at me like I was the king of the world. That glow, it was like I’d never seen before.
We walked back into the mansion to the waiting photographers. We stood in the foyer where Maria had designated for us to greet our guests. I reached for Victoria’s face to kiss her quickly, before the guests started to file in.
“I love you, Mrs. Botticelli,” I grinned.
“I love you too, Mr. Botticelli,” she sang back to me.
I wrapped my arm around her and pulled her as close to me as I could get her. Our guests started to come into the mansion from the tent, for the cocktail hour. They stopped to congratulate us, wishing me a happy birthday.
I’d forgotten about my birthday, by now. I had the reason I was born standing in my arms. Venny and my father had appeared with my mothers at their sides.
They pointed out the people that we needed to pay special attention to. As Victoria’s mother’s family made it to us, we could feel the tension rolling off of Venny.
Victoria and I are more than happy to have them here with us. Bryce Jr. made sure Venny knew we were good friends. I found that hilarious. He gave me a big bear hug, while bellowing, “Welcome to the family, cuz.”
Venny fought so hard not to turn red. It wasn’t working. At least, not until Lakeisha shot him a look. She gave me a big hug and went to do the same with Victoria.
Their hug stopped everything else. I rubbed Victoria’s back while she hugged her mom so tight I know it had to hurt. I could feel the two of them shaking with tears. When they broke apart, Victoria turned to me to hug me. I kissed her forehead and murmured soothing words into her ear.
“I love you.”
There were so many people still heading toward us. Maria started to rush people along because we still had to take pictures. The tent was also getting a makeover during the cocktail hour.
When the last people had made it to us, Maria started to push us toward the sites for the pictures. The cameras were flashing, but I was too busy smiling at my wife. She’s so gorgeous. She smiled back at me, talking only with her eyes. I love that. She has no idea how much.
I lightly brushed my fingers down her back and her eyes said all I wanted to hear. She’s so sexy and her wedding gown only tempted me more. While the pho
tographer arranged people in the shot, I took the time to kiss her neck and whisper in her ear.
“You are gorgeous. You take my breath away every time I look at you,” I breathed in her ear. “I love you so much, Baby.”
She smiled, still talking only with her eyes. The love I could see shining back at me made my heart swell. I never thought I could love someone like this, let alone have that love returned. I decided it was time to give her, her next gift once the pictures were done.
The wedding party headed back inside, and upstairs to the bridal suite. I pulled the little gift sash from my pocket, but Victoria waved Angie over in excitement. I watched her to see what she was up to. Angie came over with a box in her hands and gave it to Victoria.
“Lo, I didn’t want you to think I forgot to get you something for your birthday,” she said while handing me the box. “Happy birthday honey.”
I swung the little sash I was holding at her. She tilted her head at me and pouted. I could see in her eyes, I was ruining her fun.
I took the box and kissed her on the nose. She sighed and took the sash from me. I opened the box, knowing she wanted me to open mine first. I pulled out the black box from inside. I opened that box to reveal a beautiful timepiece with diamonds circling the face. I pulled her face to mine and kissed her gently.
“Thank you, Victoria. I love it.”
“Really, I was hoping you would? I can get you something else if you don’t like it,” she said anxiously.
“No, I really do,” I laughed. “Now you open yours.”
She opened the little bag and shook the contents out into her hand. She looked at me puzzled for a minute, then back at her palm. I moved closer to her placing my hand on her back. I kissed her neck, then pressed my lips to her ear.
“There’re the keys to the house. You said you want to be in your own home and your own bed. I rebooked the flight, we leave tomorrow night. I had them rush the bedroom furniture you wanted,” I whispered.
She cupped the keys in her hand and placed her arms around me. She let a naughty little grin cross her lips. Victoria shifted so her lips met mine, pulling me in until her breasts were flush against my chest.
I deepen the kiss, holding back a groan. Her lips are always so sweet. I couldn’t help devouring her, knowing she’s now my wife.
“Thank you. I promise you won’t regret it,” she whispered seductively in my ear.
“I know I won’t,” I breathed back in hers.
She smiled and placed her finger under my chin to bring my face to hers. She rubbed her nose against mine, tracing her finger along the facial hair, the stylist had neatly groomed. I wasn’t sure if she liked it. She pulled her face back to look at me, as she tilted her head to the side.
“Different, but I like it. You look so handsome, Lo,” she smiled.
“You look amazing. I’m the luckiest man in the world.”
“Lo, we’re really married. This is so unreal. How did I get so lucky? Did you see how perfect the wedding was? Maria did awesome. The earrings you gave her are stunning. Oh, and Baby, I love my necklace. Thank you so much,” she rattled off and kissed me.
“You’re welcome,” I chuckled, just as Carlos entered the room with a garment bag in his arms.
I looked at Victoria and my heart ached, because I knew they were about to take my wife somewhere where I wouldn’t be. We had just gotten a moment to talk to each other. I thought she was beautiful the way she was.
Maria was at Victoria’s side, pulling her away from me. She kissed my cheek before she left. I watched them go into the next room, falling back against the gold antique sofa we had been sharing.
Chris and Matt came over chuckling about something. I wasn’t sure I wanted to know. I just closed my eyes. All I could see was Victoria coming down the aisle, as she stole my heart all over again. More laughter interrupted my thoughts.
“What’s so funny?” I grumbled.
“You, man. Vic will be right back. You look like she was going away for life,” Matt laughed.
“Seriously, Lo, you have got it bad. You should see your face,” Chris chimed in.
“Whatever,” I chuckled.
“You guys look great though, man,” Matt said.
“Yeah, Angie is planning our wedding now,” Chris rolled his eyes.
“It’s gonna happen, ma. Just stop running,” I teased.
“Yeah, it will, but I want to get some things in order. I have time to wait.” Chris thought out loud. “Besides, I’m not the one trying to have his cake and eat it too.”
We both looked at Matt. He smiled and shrugged. I just shook my head. Chris sighed and playfully patted Matt on the shoulder.
“Yeah, Matt, that’s a dangerous game you’re playing. Take some lessons from your uncle,” I offered, as I looked to make sure Martina wasn’t in listening distance.
“I know. I just like my options. She makes me laugh and she treats me like a king. I like that,” Matt replied. “Besides, we are just friends.”
I was about to say something else to Matt, but the door Victoria went through opened. I watched to see Maria come through it followed by my princess. They had removed the veil she was wearing. At first, I thought that was all, but I realized Carlos had made her the same gown minus what seemed to be a three-block long train. As I looked a little harder, I noticed the straps that draped her arms were gone as well.
I tried to figure out how the dress managed to stay in place. Her body is perfect. It was like looking at a chiseled sculpture of a goddess.
The dress looked like they had to pure it on her skin. Carlos is an artist. It wasn’t until she made her way to me and hugged me, that I remembered how soft she is.
How can someone this soft be shaped so perfectly? If this weren’t our wedding, I would’ve made her change. I didn’t want anyone else to enjoy looking at her the way I was. The back of this dress was just like the first, only it trailed behind her just a little.
Before I could pull her to sit with me again, so we could talk, Maria started to bark orders for everyone to line up. I rolled my eyes and kissed her forehead. I was just going to have to be patient.
We held hands and went to stand were Maria wanted. Victoria played with the wedding band on my finger, smiling to herself. I lifted her hand to my face to kiss it. She began to speak to me again with no words. I couldn’t help myself. I reached over for her waist to pull her to me and I kissed her shiny lips.
“Okay, okay, yous two, we have to go,” Maria chanted.
“Ma, not right now,” I grunted. I just needed one more minute with her.
“Lo, what did you just call me?” Maria asked stunned.
As I continued to kiss my wife, I thought about what I said. I hadn’t called Maria that before. I know she wanted me to, but I hadn’t gotten the concept fully in place until now. I sighed because I knew I had to let Victoria go. I turned to Maria and smiled.
“Ma, is that okay?” I asked. “I’m not a fan of mom. I usually say, mama or ma. Is that okay with you?”
Maria cried harder than I expected. I released Victoria’s hand to wrap my arms around my mother. She was about my height, so I didn’t need to bend.
She kissed my cheek and held the back of my head, as I embraced her. I couldn’t help feeling emotional. She had given birth to me twenty-one years ago on this very day. She deserved to be called my mother.
She had done everything she could to make this day special for me and my wife. Even as far as expecting a slap in the face, because that’s what Victoria was. I know Maria loves her in her own way.
That doesn’t change who my wife’s father is or the fact that my mother had to give me up, while Venny was a big part of his children’s lives. I loved her for that. She did what made Victoria and me happy because she loved us.
“I love you, mama,” I told her.
“Oh, Lorenzo, I have wanted for twenty-one years to hear that. Ma, mama either is fine. Just hearing it makes me happy. I love you, too, my son,” she
sobbed.
Victoria had her hand on my back rubbing. I was grateful to her, it’s what I do when I want to soothe her. I looked over Maria’s shoulder to see half the room with wet eyes and a couple of puzzled faces, Lucie’s being one of them.
Sharon nodded her head at me and smiled. I winked at her, not wanting to hurt her feelings. Sharon had raised me. She is special to me too.
Maria was finally able to pull herself together. Venny of all people, walked over and gave her his handkerchief. Victoria’s mom stood in the room, her face filled with tears, but as usual she played the background as much as possible.
I know she understood how my mother felt. They had found they could actually get along, despite one of them being in love with the other’s husband. They had a lot in common.
“That’s why I love you,” Victoria whispered in my ear. I turned to her and winked.
chapter Thirty-Five
Perfect
Lorenzo
The reception rushed by so quickly. Sharon had stepped down and let Maria dance with me for the mother son dance. Maria fell to pieces all over again.
My father was just happy Maria was happy. He said that people could ask questions, didn’t mean they would get answers. I did look like my mother, but it was something you had to look for.
Her blonde hair did change the way she looked a lot. I remember going to the house one day and she had her hair pulled back and covered. I was able to see me all in her face.
We had such a great time at the reception. Victoria made some last minute changes with the DJ and the live band we hired. She said the change came when she realized my wide taste in music.
According to Victoria, it was our wedding and we were going to enjoy listening to everything we wanted to. She cracked a joke about half of the guests not understanding English anyway. I completely agreed with her. Both our families nodded along happily just to see us happy.
I think I surprised Victoria again when I hit the floor with Sharon to salsa. I used to take lessons like Lucie until my father stopped them. I saw how Victoria’s face lit up to see me dance.