“I’d better head home,” Rafe said. Was he convinced now that Melissa was nowhere to be found? Or just tired of fighting? More likely, he trusted Adam enough to believe he hadn’t shown up for a threesome with Melissa.
Before Rafe could leave, Marc held out his hand, palm outward, to halt him. “This is between you and me. I don’t want Angelina to hear anything about this…altercation.” Marc stood straighter, already feeling the tender spot in his ribs where Rafe had landed a powerful punch. “And I don’t want her to know that Melissa’s in Colorado again, much less in Aspen Corners.”
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Adam asked.
“No, I’m not.” Marc drew a deep breath and blew it out in disgust, wishing he could expel Melissa from his life as easily. “She’s gone now. Hopefully for good this time.”
“What did she want?”
“Apparently, me.”
“She’s not too smart, huh?” Adam chuckled. “Don’t worry. I’m sure Angelina could hold her own with that one, if push came to shove.”
“No doubt,” Marc said. But that bitch had come between Marc and the people he loved way too many times. “I just don’t want anything to mar Angelina’s dream wedding. She’s worked too hard to have Melissa or anyone else”—he glanced pointedly at Rafe—“raining on her big day.” While it would be a momentous day for Marc, too, he was more interested in moving on to the honeymoon phase and married life.
Rafe stroked the knuckles of his right hand. “Agreed.” There was also a cut on his cheek. Would they both carry bruises tomorrow? After that punch he’d landed on Marc’s mouth—and his ridiculous accusations that had brought on the fight in the first place—Rafe deserved some pain and a few physical marks. “Sounds like this Melissa has tried to cause trouble before.”
Marc nodded. How much of what she’d done to destroy his relationship with Gino did he want to confide to this man? Rather than hide it, he made a decision to be honest and open. With a sigh, he began. “When I was twenty-three and thinking with the wrong head, I convinced myself Melissa was the woman for me.” He huffed. “Merda, that was some asshole thinking. I know that now but not back then. Melissa played me against my brother, costing us the final week we had together before he joined the Marines the day after 9/11 and deployed to Afghanistan. Gino was dead within six months, and I’ll have to live with that for the rest of my life.”
“Jesus, Marc. Sorry to hear that. I can’t imagine letting a woman come between me and my brothers, but I’m a lot older than you were then.”
“Ever since, Melissa’s had an uncanny ability for showing up like a Biblical plague. I won’t say she only turns up at the wrong time, because there’s never a right time with her. Tonight, at daVinci’s, I threatened her to keep her from showing up at the church or reception tomorrow, but I can’t post guards at the church to keep her out.”
“I know what she looks like now,” Rafe said. “I’ll alert my Sicilian uncles to watch for her and to neutralize any trouble she might try to cause. They’ll love having a chance to throw their weight around, if need be.”
“I’d appreciate that.” Were Angelina’s uncles anything like Marc’s—a loose term that included older male cousins and even family friends not related by blood at all? But Italian uncles were known for getting shit done and for looking after their families. Knowing they’d be watching for trouble tomorrow would help Marc rest at ease.
However, having Rafe agree with Marc on anything was foreign territory. Still, he’d take this as a sign of cooperation with his future brother-in-law, even if the only reason he was offering was to make sure Angelina was happy. She loved her family, and Marc would be seeing a lot more of them from now on. For instance, her mama would insist he be present at more of their Sunday gatherings. He’d managed to avoid most of those dinners since their engagement, due partially to studying for his EMT certification and, more recently, working toward his paramedic one on top of his shift schedule at the Aspen Corners Fire Department. Now that he’d be married into the family, he’d probably need to make these gatherings more of a priority when he wasn’t on duty. But his new brothers-in-law didn’t make them all anymore, either, given their work schedules.
“So does this mean we have come to a truce?”
Marc wasn’t sure until Rafe nodded. “Yeah, well, sorry I jumped to the wrong conclusions about Melissa. Since Papa died, it’s been my responsibility to watch over Angelina, as well as Mama and my younger brothers. It’s going to take time for me to turn those reins over to you. Love, cherish, and protect her every damned day for the rest of her life, and we’ll be good.”
Marc waved away his apology, knowing he’d broken that trust by hurting Angelina in the past. He accepted that he’d have to re-earn their confidence in him as her protector and intended to do just that every minute of every day. “You have my word. Let’s forget tonight ever happened.”
Rafe scrutinized him a moment too long then nodded. The only Giardano sibling Marc owed anything to was Angelina—and tomorrow, she’d become a D’Alessio. No way in hell would he ever let that woman down, unless it was something completely out of his control.
He couldn’t wait to speak his vows loudly and proudly before her and their families and friends and to finally get on with the rest of their lives as partners for life.
* * *
“So what brings you out here tonight, Adam?” Marc asked as they watched Rafe drive away.
“Worried about you. How are you holding up?”
“Before or after getting my face punched by my soon-to-be in-law?”
Adam chuckled. “Now.”
Marc whistled to Lobo before addressing his long-time friend. “Let’s go inside and talk.”
“Let me get my bag.”
“You’re spending the night?” Did he think Marc would chicken out tomorrow? As best man, did he feel it was his duty to drag him to the church?
“Yeah, well, I wasn’t sure I would be until I found you and Rafe knocking the shit out of each other. You might need a wingman to get through the night since she has three other brothers who probably want to do the same.”
“Nah. Rafe seems to have taken it upon himself as family patriarch to fulfill that role all by himself.”
“Good. I could use a solid night’s sleep.”
“Babies still not good sleepers?”
“Ironically, our former Sleeping Beauty is now our non-sleeper. I hope Carl and Jenny know what they’re getting into, but they insisted they wanted to take care of the triplets themselves. They’re all holed up together at Gunnar’s tonight. With our ladies at your mother-in-law’s, I figured you could use some company.”
“You know you’re always welcome here. Need help with anything?”
“Nope, but we’re going to do some work on that split lip and try to minimize the damage.”
Marc reached up and winced when he touched it. Lobo finally came bounding out of the woods and headed straight to Marc for some loving, which he hunkered down to deliver while waiting for Adam. Carrying his seabag over one shoulder and a garment bag with his Marine dress blues for the ceremony over the other, Adam followed him into the foyer. After stowing his things in one of the guest bedrooms, Marc gave Adam a tour of the finished house. This was the first time his friend had been up here since they’d moved in.
Half an hour later, after Adam had doctored him for a change, they wound up sitting side by side on Adirondack chairs on the deck, each with a beer in hand, while looking up at the silhouette of Iron Horse Peak.
“Damn, but that’s a beautiful view. And the house,” Adam said, pointing his beer bottle toward the kitchen door, “turned out great.”
“I wasn’t sure we’d be moved in before the wedding, but we’re both happy with how it turned out. Can’t think of anything we’d want to fix.”
“I wonder if Karla would have preferred living in the mountains over the city.”
“Regardless, this house isn’t for sale.” They shared a la
ugh, but Marc wondered if Karla was unhappy with the house Marc had sold Adam. “I sure can’t picture her in an isolated house in the woods like this. She’s always lived in the city.”
“True. Maybe we’ll just rent a place like this on occasion for a getaway weekend or family vacation when the babies are older.”
“You’re welcome to stay here while we’re on our honeymoon next week. I’m sure Karla’s parents wouldn’t mind watching them a few more days.”
“Thanks, but I need to get back to Denver. Interviewing several potential bodyguards on Monday. A Navy SEAL and two Marines.”
Adam had been working nonstop for six months on setting up his VIP security agency. Montague Security would not only bring in a new income for Adam and Karla but would also give Adam a chance to use his Marine training in a more direct way. After being active duty more than two decades, it had to be hard to shake the need to serve.
“Sounds like you’re finding the vets you wanted to hire.” The man was always making sure his fellow veterans were first and foremost in anything he did. “When does the agency open?”
“As soon as feasible after the Fourth of July weekend. Most of the staff is in training already, but we ought to be able to bring new team members up to speed quickly.”
If anyone could pull it off in the next couple of weeks, Adam could. He’d almost single-handedly gotten the Masters at Arms Club running five years ago and had been the sole manager until the partners had turned it over to Grant’s capable hands last year.
A comfortable silence ensued as each man sipped his beer. Marc used the opportunity to formulate the words he wanted to say.
“Adam, thanks for standing up with me tomorrow.”
“It will be my honor.”
Though not finished, Marc found himself choking up again. “Not only that, but thanks for being someone I’ve always been able to look up to—like a second big brother. After losing Gino, I never expected to have that kind of connection with anyone again.”
Adam was quiet then cleared his throat. “Feeling’s mutual. I didn’t know what having a little brother was like until you joined me in starting up the club. You guys and that place saved my bacon, I’m sure. And brought Karla back to me.”
“If not for the club, I’m not sure I’d have met Angelina—or if we had still shown up at daVinci’s that night, whether I’d have intrigued her so much if she hadn’t thought I reminded her of the phantom guy in the mask.”
Adam chuckled. “I guess we both owe our happiness to that place. Damián would probably credit the club with helping him get through to Savannah after that cathartic whipping scene with Patti, too.”
“Hey, I just realized something,” Marc said, turning to Adam. “Today’s the fifth anniversary of when we opened the doors to the Masters at Arms Club.”
Adam’s eyes opened wider. “I’ll be damned, you’re right.”
“Guess we should have had a celebration or something.”
The older man waved off his words. “We’ll just have a double celebration in five years—the club’s tenth anniversary and your fifth.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
They sat in silence a few minutes until Adam added, “I’m proud of the way you’ve unfucked your life, Doc.” Marc’s eyes stung at his former SNCO’s praise. “That woman you’re about to marry had a lot to do with turning your life around. Glad you found her. Make sure you keep her happy.”
“You’d better believe I will.” Marc assured him. “Every day of our lives together.”
Chapter Ten
“I don’t remember the back of this dress being so…revealing,” Mama said.
Angelina smiled without admitting that hadn’t been accidental on her part. “Marc’s going to love it, isn’t he?”
“Yes, I’m sure, but some things are best shared only with our husbands, not the entire congregation.”
She doubted any of the countless cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends Mama and Marc’s family had made sure were invited would be checking out her back anyway.
Angelina picked up the veil, knowing it would cover her back enough to distract her mother. “Help me put on your veil, Mama?” She held the cathedral-length lace and tulle creation out to her. “With all the hairspray my stylist used, you don’t have to worry about messing up my hair.” Marc wouldn’t be happy about it, but what could she do now?
Angelina sat on the vanity bench as Megan clicked away, capturing the reflections of mother and daughter in the mirror as well as in the flesh.
The moment Mama tucked the comb of the veil onto her head, Angelina’s eyes stung. When she glanced up at Mama, she saw tears in her eyes, too. Was Mama remembering her own wedding day when she’d worn this veil or thinking about Papa missing their only daughter’s wedding day? Perhaps a bit of both.
Angelina stood and wrapped Mama in a tight embrace and whispered, “He’s here with us. I can feel him.”
Mama nodded, clearing her throat. “So can I.”
Mama pulled away first, and Karla handed each of them a tissue before drying her own tears.
“Angie, that veil is so beautiful on you! Much prettier than the one you tried on at the salon,” Karla said. Her matron of honor and the bridesmaids had dressed earlier at Mama’s house, but Karla had joined her here in the tiny dressing room off the vestibule at her childhood church so that she, too, could be part of the photos taken of Angelina getting into her dress and veil.
Good thing Angelina opted for minimal makeup today—mostly some waterproof mascara and earth-tone eyeshadow—or her face would be a mess. But it felt good to let some of the tears out. This was supposed to be the happiest day of her life, and she knew Papa wouldn’t want her feeling sad that he wasn’t here in the flesh.
“I’ll get out of your way so Megan can get more photos,” Mama said. “I can’t wait to see them.” She cupped Angelina’s cheek. “Just a few more minutes, my angel, and your groom will see you for the first time in your dress. You’re the most beautiful bride in the world.” Mama kissed her cheek.
“Only after you, Mama,” she whispered back. Her heart squeezed tight at the thought of that moment when Marc saw her for the first time. “And have I told you yet that you look stunning in your gown?” The coral complemented the light teal color of the bridesmaids’ dresses. Mama D’Alessio wore a cornflower blue formal-length dress; blue being traditional for the mother of the groom. “I noticed Paul’s eyes lit up when he saw you in it.”
Mama actually blushed and glanced away. She and the man she’d been seeing since the holidays seemed to be becoming serious. Watching her enjoying life again rather than sitting home grieving the loss of Papa made Angelina so happy. Her brothers, on the other hand, were a little more protective of Mama and couldn’t accept her being with anyone after Papa. So far, though, Mama wasn’t letting them dictate how she lived the rest of her life.
Go, Mama!
Angelina gave Mama a kiss on the cheek. “See you again in a few minutes.”
After Mama left the room, no doubt to find Franco, who would escort her to her seat during the procession, Megan instructed Angelina to sit on the vanity bench again and asked Karla to remove the garter from its box. “I’m going to take some photos of you placing it on Angelina’s thigh. Just follow my instructions, and we’ll do it all in one take.”
Angelina lifted the front of her dress’s voluminous skirt into her lap. “Extend your leg toward Karla, and point your toe.”
Karla hunched down and smiled as she started to slide the scrap of blue satin and white lace over Angelina’s shoe and up her calf.
“That’s it.” Click, click, click. “Beautiful!”
How many photos she’d need of this, Angelina wasn’t sure, but she hoped there would be twice as many taken of when Marc removed it at the reception, which would be much more exciting.
“Maybe just a little higher. Let’s make Marc work for that garter.”
The three of them laughed as Karla pushed the garte
r up to mid-thigh.
“Perfect!” Megan proclaimed. “Now, I’d better get back inside the church to prepare for the procession.” She smiled at Angelina. “You’re a stunning bride. More than anything else, enjoy the many precious moments throughout the day.”
“I plan to! I’ve waited so long for this. It’s almost like a dream.”
“Oh, it’s definitely not another wedding dream this time,” Megan said as she packed up her case and left her and Karla alone. “But it will be a dream of a wedding.”
“I can’t believe you’re getting Marc D’Alessio to the altar.”
“There were some touch-and-go moments over the past two years that made me wonder if it would ever happen.”
Karla laughed. “You and me both!”
“Should I send you out there in a minute to make sure Marc showed up?”
“Oh, don’t think like that. Adam’s primary mission is to get Marc to the church on time. Remember, no man left behind.” She chuckled at her own joke. “He even spent the night with Marc since my parents were at Gunnar’s with Damián and Rosa to watch over all the kids.” Karla grew serious. “Honey, Marc loves you so much, and the two of you are perfect for each other. He wouldn’t blow the best thing that ever happened to him unless he’s a fool, which he isn’t. He came too close to losing you to do anything stupid. He’s got his head on straight after that horrific interrogation and has managed to sort out all the issues that have bothered him since childhood.”
Well, most of them anyway. Angelina almost shuddered at the mention of that traumatic ordeal. There’d been so many times where he’d run away from her before the intervention. But she’d been the one to run after first meeting him at the club, not wanting to know who her masked wolf man was.
All that was in the past. They’d been living together for a year, and neither had found a reason or need to escape the other in that time. Nothing could derail them from taking their vows today and entering into a lifelong commitment to one another.
Wedding Dreams Page 7