by Billy London
“It’s Beppe and Rocky,” Nick informed them. “Brace yourselves.”
“Who?” Belinda barked.
“My friends. I’ve known them for so long, we practically share DNA.” He explained with a rueful smile.
A ridiculous joke horn sounded, followed by a stream of Italian curses. The slam of a car door echoed across the grounds before they all heard the distinct sounds of someone retching.
Belinda got to her feet and approached the car, hands on hips. “What’s the matter with you?”
An enviably dressed, devilish-looking young man, straightened. “I am very sorry, Signora. But that idiot drives like he’s had a full frontal lobotomy. I thought we were going to end up off the cliffs.”
A blond man popped his head out of the car. “What’s he saying about me? After I kindly picked him up from the airport?”
“What kindness is there in trying to kill me?”
“Rocky, I think you need a holiday.”
“You speak to me for the rest of the time we’re here, you and your car will end up at the bottom of the Tyrrhenian. I swear to God.” He blinked dark eyes at Belinda who was watching the exchange in horror.
“I apologise, Mrs. Afriyie. I’m Rocco Mamione. That fool is Giuseppe Nardiello.”
Belinda shook her head at them, “If you were children, I’d put ginger on your bits to teach you a lesson.”
Beppe got out of the car. “Mrs. Afriyie, that sounds like foreplay.”
She clipped him around the back of the head. “It’s not enjoyable! Now if you don’t behave, you don’t want to know what I will do to you. It’s not even about your friend, it’s about Georgina. She hasn’t got family the same way Nicholas has, so this is the most important day in her life. You forget that, you will die. I am warning you. You interfere with the day in any way I do not like, you will die. Am I lying or standing?”
Beppe opened and closed his mouth. “Standing?”
“Good boy. Now get out of my sight. Rocco,” she turned to the other young man who seemed to have sucked his lips into his mouth, “are you all right? Do you need something for your stomach?”
He sent her a grin, naughty enough to probably be banned in a church. “No thank you, Mrs. Afriyie. That just made me feel a whole lot better. Beppe, let’s go.”
Belinda returned to the table and sat down to a rather raucous round of applause from everyone else. Massimo poured her some more wine. “I wonder if you would accept an honorary position within the Esercito Italiano? The army.”
“Stop teasing me,” she warned him.
“Why? It makes you smile.” His eyes traced her face in a way that made her feel he was touching her. “Why are you not wearing your glasses?”
“I don’t really need them,” she admitted quietly, not wanting anyone else to overhear. “I’ve been wearing them so long it’s just—” taking a deep breath, she started again. “It’s a habit. And I am long sighted, so sometimes I do need them to read, but other than that... I don’t know. I’m trying, as Georgina told me, to let go of the past and not ruin her wedding photos with glasses.”
“Astonishingly rude child,” Massimo murmured. “I prefer you without them. However, you look quite stern with them on. I also enjoy that.”
She frowned. “Why would you? I don’t think I’m your sort of woman.”
“And why would you be so quick to assume? Are you not intelligent? Do you not have integrity? Are you not extremely attractive?” She couldn’t speak. He gave a slight smirk. “I believe I have made my point, but please, do leave yourself some room to be further persuaded that you could absolutely be my sort of woman.”
To her astonishment, he picked up her hand and kissed her knuckles, then stood to greet Beppe and Rocky properly. What on earth was the man drinking to say that to her? She made to get up and sit next to Gina only to be told, “No, no, no Auntie, you stay where you are. Padre will look after you.”
She caught Sofia’s smirk and sat back down again. “Trying to escape?” Massimo asked mildly.
“No, I was just—” Hell.
“I told you. The last voice of reason stands before you.”
“After what you just said I’m not at all sure about you and your voice of reason.”
He simply grinned at her. After everyone carried on eating and drinking, Belinda went to bed but sleep evaded her for hours. Long after the clock chimed, announcing it was two in the morning, she stared up at the ceiling. She’d been on her own for such a long time. It was the only reason his words still echoed in her mind.
Just before the wedding ceremony was to start, Enzo, Vitale’s eldest son rang him as Massimo was attaching his cuff links. “Apologies for disturbing you, Signor Da Canaveze. My father died.”
Good to know an order could be followed without any unnecessary disruptions. “My condolences. He was a good friend.”
“I know he went to see you two days ago. He thought you were slighting him over your son’s wedding. He didn’t, upset you?”
“I made my position clear. He accepted it.”
“He was still angry when he got home.”
Massimo didn’t appreciate the turn of the conversation. “He did not come back to see me.”
“No, I know. I don’t mean to imply anything, Signor Da Canaveze. No one left the villa he just, passed away in his sleep. I just... I would hate to think the Vitale name has been tainted by my father’s disrespect.”
“That, Signor Vitale, is entirely up to you.”
“I understand. My father mentioned a blessing?”
“It will be at St. Andrew’s church. You father’s invitation is at his home in London.”
“Thank you. The funeral will be here. He always wanted to be buried in Napoli.”
“Signor Vitale, you will excuse me, but I must prepare for my son’s wedding. You will understand the celebrations must continue. Again my condolences to you.”
“Yes sir. Of course. Thank you for your kind words.”
He ended the call. Better not to let the children know until after the wedding. Nothing else should disrupt the day or call his promise to ensure the very best for today into question. Finishing his toilette with Aqua di Palma, he made his way downstairs to where his son was waiting under the olive tree for his bride.
Massimo tapped Nick gently on the shoulder. “Are you nervous?”
“No, just ready to get it done. Have my girl all to myself.”
“Nicholas,” Massimo said warningly.
“I know she’s not going anywhere. It’s just been a long time coming.” He smiled suddenly, and Massimo could immediately recall what it was like to carry him in his arms. His eldest had been such a serious child that his smiles were like the touch of an angel. One felt as if they had truly earned his amusement. “Remember when you ordered us to dinner?”
“Ah, when Georgina showed me true command of a temper. Remind me to make amends for that.”
“Anything by Vivienne Westwood would do it. Do you remember what you said to me?”
“Before or after your mother upset you?” Massimo asked dryly, straightening his son’s collar. There was no tie, he had to make something presentable.
“Before.”
“You will need to refresh my memory.”
“You said I had something more precious than anything I would ever experience in my life. A woman who loved me in spite of everything that I am. And he next Sunday I should go to church and thank God for it. Be grateful for what I had.”
“An articulate day for me,” Massimo acknowledged, tucking his hands into his pockets.
“It was. But then you’ve always liked Gina.”
Massimo looked up. “I have. For that reason, I tell you, do not taint her, change her, or bend her to your ways. I once asked her to accept you as you are. You must do the same because you carry the girl’s soul in your hands. Or her aunt will boil you in a soup. And I will grind the pepper for it.”
Nick grinned, blinking what looked suspicio
usly like tears away. “Yes, Dad.”
“You are very fortunate,” he said, patting his cheek gently. “I should take you to a casino one of these days.”
Nick winced, “We can’t do that again. It was a three day clean up.”
“Ah yes. That is a shame.” He beamed at his son, his beautiful, eldest child. The pride he felt now was equal to his sense of pride at Paul’s wedding. He cleared his throat. “Are you ready?”
Nick wrapped his arm around his father’s neck, “Pads, I’ve been more than ready for years. Just waiting for Mrs. Soprano to catch up.”
Fighting a lump in his throat, Massimo patted Nick’s back. After everything they’d been through, today was nothing less than a blessing. They released each other and found their composure as Tony approached.
Tony clapped his hands and rubbed them together. “Rings in hand, Nicky D. Ready to reassure me that I entirely upstaged your wedding?”
Nick pointed at him. “You’re going to be really good mates with that cliff if you’re not careful.”
Tony laughed, “Auntie Belinda will be upset with you.”
“Don’t be so sure. Did you see how she was eyeing those tree branches every time you spoke? Might do you a favour if I get to you before she does.”
It was Sofia who started them all off. Gina stepped out of the second suite and into the bedroom, holding out her arms, “This went on too easy. I feel like I’m missing something.”
The three other women all took in a gasping breath. Draped in what looked like three layers of intricately embroidered lace, Gina’s curvaceous figure was lovingly framed in gold hinted cream. From the diamond barrette clip that tucked her loosely curled hair behind one ear, to the delicate beading highlighting a modest cleavage and her shoulders in a flattering square neck line, to the short train hugging her bottom, all she was missing was a pair of wings.
Sofia simply burst into tears. “You look so beautiful. God, where’s my glass of champagne?”
Belinda looked her best friend’s daughter up and down. “You are missing one thing.” She crossed the room and gave her a blue velvet box. “Your mother gave this to me on my birthday just before she passed away. I thought you should wear it. Since you’re not wearing any gold.”
Gina started. “Oh Auntie, you didn’t need to!” Lydia and Sofia hustled to Gina’s side to look over her shoulder as she opened the box. All three women gasped. A solid silver diamond-faced watch sat in the velvet.
“Don’t ask me how she afforded it, or if it fell off the back of some lorry. I don’t know. But it’s the most precious piece of jewellery I own.”
Gina breathed out and beamed at her. “It’s my something borrowed.”
Belinda shook her head. “It’s your something old. I want you to have it.”
Gina bit hard on her lip for a long time. “Thank you. You’ve been full on African mum to me. I can’t say enough to show you how much I appreciate it. Other than… hold on.”
She turned away as Lydia murmured, “There are a lot of rocks being passed around. Did I miss something when I got married?”
“Shush you,” Belinda tutted.
Gina returned with a box of her own. “These are for you. Just from me.”
Belinda had always loved pearls and these ones, creamy, warm, glistening with a bright gold clasp were the most gorgeous she had ever seen let alone owned. “Your parents would be so proud of you.”
“Oh, God save us, stop it!” Lydia commanded. “All of yous. You,” she warned Gina, “will mess up your makeup.” She turned to Sofia who was sucking at the neck of a bottle of champagne, “You won’t be able to walk if you carry on dulling the pain with alcohol and Auntie, you are so hard, seeing you weepy is really damaging me.” Lydia’s voice wobbled over the last few words. “So all of yous, just pull yourselves together.”
Gina laughed, “And that’s why you’re my favourite. Second favourite,” she added seeing Sofia’s face.
“And this is from Nick,” Sofia added, passing over the distinctive Tiffany & CoTM coloured box.
“That dude is so gay,” Gina grinned, opening the box. “So very gay. Holy crap!”
Belinda looked over Gina’s shoulder at the drop diamond pendant. “What are you talking about, it’s beautiful. Not too much.”
“If you don’t want it, I’ll have it,” Sofia offered.
“You don’t need any more jewellery, I’ll have it,” Lydia suggested.
“Your husband buys you plenty of jewels.”
“You’ve met my husband, haven’t you? I work hard for those jewels.”
“On your knees or on your back?” Sofia asked. Belinda gave a groan. She didn’t know whether to blame their men or just take them all home for some education on modesty.
“Knees,” Gina answered as she clipped on the necklace. “Gives him a choice view of the double F’s.”
“I’d be upset, if you didn’t know him so well,” Lydia shrugged. “Are you sure you want to get married, we’re just whinging wives.”
“Yes, I do!” she exclaimed holding her hand out for her bouquet. “Let’s do this already.”
Sofia tapped at her headset. “Right, Botticelli’s ready to move. How’s Davide?” She glanced up, “Nick’s been waiting under that tree for the last hour. Someone’s keen!”
“Good,” Belinda asserted. “He should always be waiting patiently for you.”
Sofia snorted, “Do you know that man? Patience isn’t his strong point. It’s actually a family trait, darling, be ready to see that in your children.”
“Not if I beat it out of them first,” Belinda asserted, clipping on the pearls. “Are we ready?”
They all nodded firmly and Belinda turned to the door. “Er, Auntie, where’re you going?”
“To sit down.”
“And who’s giving me away?”
Belinda blinked, not understanding why she was still discussing this. “Your uncle Frederick.”
“I’d rather not smell of whiskey fumes. Besides, you represent my parents better than anyone.” Gina’s face became opaque, and for a moment, Belinda couldn’t decipher why she couldn’t see the girl any more. “Oh no, Auntie, please don’t cry!”
“I’m not crying. Your necklace has just caught my eye,” she disagreed instantly. “Let’s walk.”
Sofia and Lydia went ahead of them, and despite wearing four inch heels, Gina seemed to float through the villa down toward the greenery just before the sea. Belinda gave her a beady look, “Aren’t you nervous?”
“Why?” she replied, a laughing lilt to her voice. “This is the easy bit. I’ve wanted to do this since I was nineteen years old.”
“Getting married while pregnant?”
Gina gave a small shrug, “Meh, I’ll be Mrs. D.C. in about twenty minutes. Well before the baby arrives. God’ll forgive me.”
The beautiful melody of Giordani’s Caro Mio Ben was causing havoc with Belinda’s reign on her emotions as she walked with Gina arm in arm to Nick. She felt the girl’s heart race at Nick’s expression. When they reached him, the shade of the tree shielding them from the glare of the sun, Belinda caught Nick’s hand and placed it in Gina’s. “Be good to one another.”
Nick didn’t pay any attention, even as Gina leaned over to kiss Belinda’s cheek. “Hello,” she said to his frozen demeanour. “I’m Gina. I’ll be your bride for today.” He didn’t move and Gina perched a hand on her hip. “Dude, I told you what this looked like the other day. In detail.”
He snaked an arm around her waist, practically nudging Belinda out of the way to plant his mouth on Gina’s, in front of the priest, who didn’t seem to know quite where to look. The soprano cleared her throat and started the aria again.
Tony put a firm hand on Nick’s shoulder. “Look, unless you want us to all bear witness to you trying to give G twins, let up, and get married.”
Massimo shook his head. “Impetuous youth.”
Nick lifted his head and looked at Tony, “I am going to throw
you from this cliff.”
Gina tapped him lightly with her bouquet, “Do you mind marrying me first? Time’s a ticking.”
The priest indicated for them all to be seated. Massimo caught Belinda’s arm and placed her gently in the seat next to his own. The priest started to speak in a melodious voice that sounded worshipful, but in fluent Italian. “I didn’t know it’d all be in Italian.”
“Never mind, I will translate for you.”
Belinda didn’t want to disturb the other guests. “Don’t trouble yourself. I’m sure I can work it out.”
“Please,” Massimo insisted, his arm around her chair so his voice, soft and warm, was close to her own. His scent was all-come-hither-and-be-led-into-temptation. This was not good for her. “Allow me. I would not wish you to miss a thing.”
He translated the prayer for her while both Gina and Nick knelt on gold silk pillows, the priest hovering his hands over both their heads. “Now, they are exchanging their vows. Love, honour, cherish. I did not think Georgina would agree to obeying.”
“Not her best feature,” Belinda agreed.
“And they are now exchanging their own. Nicholas, is promising to protect Georgina from all ills, even himself if need be. To love and cherish every single one of their children, however many they are blessed with. To give his life to her, as she holds his very heart. To give everything that will keep his family together in love, hope and trust. Now Georgina is promising to not delete his football matches from the Sky box.”
Belinda exhaled noisily. “Can’t she be serious for once?”
Nick turned to the guests with a grin. “Needed to be done in front of a priest, she’s done it twice now.”
“By accident!” she argued.
“It’s a valid vow. Carry on beautiful.”
“Thank you,” Gina said, a little sarcasm tingeing her smile.
“She is now promising that whatever their future holds, Nicholas will always be her very best friend, that he will never need to doubt how much she loves him or what her life is worth with him in it.”
“Well, that’s much better,” Belinda coughed through the thickness in her throat. She took a quick look around and saw that no one was in any better state. Tissues were being exchanged left, right and centre. Tony stood up and handed over the rings. He gave Belinda a little thumbs-up. Belinda pointed at her eyes then at him. He winced and faced the front once more.