TONY: Slow Burn (Raging Fire Book 1)

by Kallypso Masters

  She waited for Tony to say something, certain he’d want a ceremony somewhere between this idea and what their mamas were planning.

  “You mean we could even get married out on the trail somewhere?”

  At least that wasn’t a no. “I don’t see why not. It might tick off our families, but we could go to the courthouse when you get here after work Monday and be married by Monday afternoon.”

  “What about your mama?”

  “My family has been invited to Angelina and Marc’s place for the Feast of the Seven Fishes Tuesday. We can announce it there with both families present.”

  A slow smile spread across his face. “You sure like to live on the edge, don’t you? Cheating an Italian mama out of a big wedding for her only daughter would be considered a crime in the old country.”

  She grinned. “I’ve learned with Mama it’s always better to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission.”

  “I think my impetuosity might be wearing off on you.” He pulled her closer and kissed her. “I love it. And you, Carmella D’Alessio. So, where do we want to have our ceremony and when?”

  As soon as Tony’s shift ended two days later, he headed home to shower, dress, and pick up the camping gear he’d packed before going on duty, then hit the road for Aspen. Today was the day they’d chosen to tie the knot. Sudden? Sure. But the longer they waited, the more likely they’d chicken out and bow to family pressure.

  Both of them wanted this wedding to happen as quickly as possible. The family would come around and congratulate them soon enough. They were certain of that.

  While they couldn’t get away for a big honeymoon right now, they’d already booked the villa in Turks and Caicos for late March. More diving lessons and a week of celebrating together their lifelong union, far away from the family resort, his station, and their family members.

  He hoped they’d have gotten used to the idea of their being married by then.

  When he arrived at her office door almost three hours later, Carm already wore her coat. She pulled him inside and closed the door. Tony wrapped his arms around her and swung her around, loving the sound of her delightful squeals. When he set her down again, she gave him a warm, wet kiss.

  “Are you ready to become Mrs. Giardano, Carmella?”

  “Absolutely not. To me, that will always be your mama’s name, even if she’s no longer using it. But I am ready to become Carmella D’Alessio Giardano.”

  “I like the sound of that.” He took her by the hand and they headed outside.

  “I already told Sandro I’d see him at Marc and Angelina’s tomorrow evening. My staff has everything under control here. I sometimes forget that the place practically runs itself.”

  “Because you and Sandro do such a fantastic job managing it.” He smiled at her as they made their way to the parking lot. “I’m glad Sandro’s going to join the family for the Feast tomorrow.” Having everyone together so they only had to make one announcement—blockbuster though it might be—would make it easier for the two of them.

  She smiled. “I can’t wait to see everyone’s faces when we tell them.”

  Tony didn’t want to think about them anymore. “First, we need to make it official.” They transferred her gear from the SUV into the bed of his F-150, and Tony pulled the truck bed cover closed and locked it. They’d leave her vehicle at the resort so they wouldn’t waste a minute. Time was too short already.

  “Are we ready for this?” she asked, suddenly serious.

  “You are sure about this? Right? I know you aren’t spontaneous by nature.”

  Carm took a deep breath then smiled. “One hundred percent. You and I aren’t formal, ceremonial type people. We don’t need an audience, either. We will both keep our vows sacred whether we speak them in a church before a hundred people or in front of God and whatever creatures might be meandering around the lake as our witnesses.”

  He kissed her tenderly. How’d he get so lucky as to find a woman like Carmella? “Okay, then let’s head to the courthouse to get the official documentation so we can be on our way.”

  They’d chosen to be married at nearby Maroon Bells as the sun went down. They might not have wedding bells today, but nothing would be more fitting for the two of them than to speak their vows with the North and South Maroon mountain peaks as a backdrop to the spot where they’d picnicked in the fall. The sound of the water trickling through the mostly unfrozen stream would provide beautiful music for the ceremony.

  The forest ranger had assured him over the phone that as long as they didn’t drive past the barricades, they were welcome to hike and camp anywhere they’d like. The predicted high would be thirty by midafternoon and down into the teens tonight. No storms predicted and not much wind, thankfully. Tony had given the ranger station their planned route and GPS tracker information just in case they didn’t report back by midday tomorrow.

  After securing the license at the courthouse, they headed up the mountain to the trailhead, parking in the deserted lot. Tony came around to her side and opened her door, helping her down.

  As Tony gathered the tent and camping gear to carry along with his backpack, Carm placed a hand on the tent bag. “I can handle my share, Tony.”

  “I have it. This is nothing compared to what I carry fighting fires.”

  She shook her head. “We’re going to be equal partners. I packed light, and I’m wearing most of my clothes in layers to keep me warm. All I have to carry is the food and the all-important marriage license.”

  Neither of them was sure if they had to sign the document on the spot where they held their ceremony. Not wanting to take a chance on messing this up, they would bring it along.

  Once they had their gear on their backs, sharing the load, the two set off toward their campsite. “There isn’t as much snow up here as I’d expected,” he commented.

  “I’m glad. Snowshoes make me walk like a duck. Not very sexy.”

  “Woman, you are sexy no matter what you wear—or don’t wear. End of discussion.”

  “You keep talking like that, T.G., and you might get lucky tonight.”

  “I’m already lucky beyond my wildest dreams.”

  Ten minutes later, they approached Maroon Lake. Both stopped at the same time to take in the breathtaking view. The tops of the Bells carried a light mantle of snow as did the lake itself.

  “Oh, Tony. How perfect is this?”

  Eventually they’d have to let the world in, but until tomorrow evening, it would be just the two of them.

  After a few moments to admire the backdrop for their wedding ceremony, they went to work and set up their tent. It was small and cozy to retain their body heat, but big enough to move around in.

  The next time he made love to Carmella, she would be his wife.

  With the tent prepared for the after-ceremony celebration, Carmella stopped again to admire the grandeur surrounding them. The rugged mountains towered over the snow-covered lake surrounded by majestic evergreens and bare aspen trees. This glacial valley was more beautiful than any man-made cathedral.

  She turned to Tony and smiled. “This view never gets old.”

  He took her into his arms, staring into her eyes. “Neither does this one.”

  “Actually, my view just got a thousand times better too.”

  Tony kissed her, teasing her lips open before his tongue tangled with hers. A couple of minutes later, she pulled away.

  “I think the kissing is supposed to come after we tie the knot,” she teased.

  “We’re writing our own playbook today.”

  “This has to be the most spontaneous thing I’ve ever done in my life, Tony.” She laughed. “And perhaps the craziest.”

  “Stick with me, Baby, and I’ll have you doing all kinds of impromptu things.” He grew more serious. “We both know this is perfect for us. We ought to write our legislators and thank them for passing the law that made it possible.”

  She nodded. “And thank the guests at the resort for
making me aware the possibility even existed.”

  He kissed her on the tip of her nose before easing from her arms. “Stand here. I want to make sure I position the camera just right to capture this moment.”

  Their concession to doing this without family was that they would share the video with those who wanted to see the ceremony. Tony had set up a tripod and mounted the camera. This might be a good time for her to shed her parka.

  As she did, the red dress she’d worn the night of the gala spilled out, and she fluffed it out. Not too many wrinkles. She wore a long-sleeved, white cashmere bolero over the bodice for warmth. Nothing to be done about wearing hiking boots on her wedding day, but at least she’d chosen a lighter pair knowing they wouldn’t be hiking far.

  Tony left the camera tripod and walked slowly toward her. “You’re gorgeous. I love that dress.”

  “It holds good memories for us, and I thought the red would look amazing in the photos against the snowy background.”

  Tony took off his parka, and she saw that he wore his fire department dress uniform. So dashing. “I see you dressed up too.” He even wore a red boutonniere. “You went all out.”

  “It’s not every day a firefighter gets married. The red rose seemed perfect even before I knew what you’d be wearing. All set?”

  “Just one more thing.” Carm returned to her backpack to retrieve her vows, the license, and the short veil she’d purchased just for the occasion. She placed the comb against her head and pulled it down into her tucked chignon.

  My wedding day. My way.

  “You amaze me at how fast you pulled everything together.”

  Carm laughed. “I wanted this day to be special.”

  “It would be special no matter what we wore.” Tony held out a single red rose. “For my bride.”

  “I totally forgot about flowers!” She accepted the gift and lifted it to her nose to smell. “Beautiful! Thank you, Tony!” She threw her arms around him in a quick hug.

  When she pulled away, she noticed the piece of paper he held in his hand. His vows.

  She became serious and took a deep breath before letting it out. “I guess we’re ready.”

  “Yes, we are. I’ve waited my whole adult life for you to come along, Carmella, even if I didn’t know I was waiting until you showed up.”

  His words warmed her heart. Whether fate or some divine plan, she didn’t know.

  “I’ll turn on the video.”

  “Wait, Tony!” There were some things best not shown on the video. Not wanting Tony to see either, she turned her back to him and pulled the ring out of her bra, the only place she had to carry it after losing her parka.

  She’d matched the white gold of her engagement ring in his formal wedding ring. And given the hazards of his job, she’d also chosen a silver-colored silicone one. It was a minor miracle that she’d been able to find everything she needed yesterday for the perfect elopement.

  “All set.” When he stood before her again after turning on the video, she stared into his handsome face.

  “Would you like to go first, Carmella?”

  “Love to.” Taking a deep breath, she glanced down at her vows and began reading, “Tony, I am proud to become your wife and to intertwine my life with yours. I promise to share my joys and passions, as well as my hurts and sorrows. I will comfort you and accept comfort from you.” Certain she could remember the remaining words, she met his gaze, tucked the rose and vows under her arm, and took his hand.

  “I vow to support you, inspire you, and occasionally even push you,” she smiled before continuing in a more serious tone. “I promise to grow along with you and to be willing to face change together, in order to keep our relationship alive and exciting. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, with all I have to give and all I feel inside, in the only way I know how—completely and forever.”

  Carmella took his left hand in hers. Staring into his eyes, she said, “With this ring, I give myself to you and only you, Tony, to become your wife.”

  She slid the ring over his knuckle and seated it on his finger, whispering so it wouldn’t be picked up by the camera, “I also bought you a silicone ring to wear on the job.”

  Tony smiled broadly. “Already taking good care of me.”

  “Always. As long as it’s not expected in the kitchen.”

  “That’s my domain, woman.”

  “No complaints from me!” she laughed, all the tension gone from her body.

  Tony glanced down at his notes in his hand. Certain he’d be able to say his vows without a script, he tucked the paper into his pocket, took her left hand in his, and stared into her eyes as she’d done with him moments before.

  The sun was setting behind the camera casting a warm glow over Carmella’s face. She’d never looked more beautiful.

  “Carmella, I vow to be vulnerable with you when I’m afraid or feeling lost—or at least to try.” He gave a lopsided grin. “I vow to be playful with you, to celebrate with you, and to laugh with you—often.”

  Tony’s throat closed up a moment and his eyes stung. “I will honor and respect you, and I promise to encourage, protect, and love you.” A lightness came over him. He’d have no regrets for the decision to marry this woman, the love of his life. Tony reached into his pocket to retrieve the white gold band from the matched set he’d bought with her engagement ring and grew serious again.

  “With this ring as a token of my love and devotion to you, I give myself to you and only you, Carmella, to be your husband until my final breath, in good times and in bad.” He placed the ring on her finger.

  A gust of wind blew up out of nowhere and the veil covered her face until Tony captured the lace and secured it behind her head. They clasped each other’s hands and looked into each other’s eyes.

  In unison, they declared, “Together we pronounce ourselves married.” Those life-altering words were followed with a soul-deep kiss. Afterward, they turned to look at the crimson light shining on the Maroon Bells. Carmella pulled out the license.

  “Oh no! I forgot the pen,” she said.

  Tony reached into the inner pocket of his suit coat and pulled one out. The look of relief on her face made him smile. Then they finalized their marriage ceremony with the camera running to record this momentous occasion.

  With his arm around her, they stood together and watched the light fade while looking at the Bells. “I’m going to cherish and protect you, Carmella, and provide you with everything you need to be happy.”

  She smiled up at him in the twilight. “All I’ll ever need is to have you by my side.”

  “This might be a good time for us to have our first dance as husband and wife.”

  Her eyes opened wide. “That would be lovely, but we didn’t bring any music, did we?”

  “We have the water from the stream, the birds, and the wind as our orchestra.”

  Tony took her into his arms and danced with her for several minutes. When she rested her head on his shoulder, he laid his face against her hair. He hoped he could always be there for her. He wanted to grow old with Carmella, to see their kids grow up, and maybe even their grandkids, if they were fortunate enough to have both.

  Carm shivered as the wind picked up more intensely.

  “I think we’d better get into the tent before you freeze to death. Let me get the camera, and I’ll meet you inside.”

  “I’ll grab our things.”

  Minutes later, they were inside the cozy tent that was big enough for them to be able to sit up. Tony opened his pack to pull out a bottle of champagne, two glasses, and the large slice of Italian cream cake he’d picked up at Angelina’s café on his way through Breckenridge. Pippa, who’d made the cake, and his sister were both used to Tony dropping by for food, so neither had questioned him about it.

  Their families sure were in for a surprise tomorrow.

  “Cent’anni! Salute! Evviva gli sposi!” he toasted them.

  “To the bride and groom!” she echoed t
he ending.

  They clinked their glasses, each took a sip, then emptied the flutes before setting everything aside and feeding each other chunks of the cake with their fingers.

  Earlier, they’d zipped together their sleeping bags. Before crawling between the layers, they stripped out of their clothes.

  Mostly. Carmella did leave on one item.

  “You kept it?” On her thigh she wore the blue garter from Angelina’s wedding.

  “I guess that silly garter reversal wasn’t as silly as I thought at the time. Whenever I looked at it in my underwear drawer, I thought of you.”

  Tony reached for the blue garter to remove it this time, but Carmella held up her hand. “Oh, no! Not so fast, T.G.! I want you to remove it with your teeth!”

  He grinned. “Anything to please my bride.”

  She shivered. “On second thought, snap to it before I freeze to death.”

  Chapter Forty-Three

  “I don’t intend to let anyone steal our thunder this time,” Tony said as he parked in Marc and Angelina’s driveway.

  Carm hoped their announcement wouldn’t ruin the Feast of the Seven Fishes for everyone, but the longer they waited, the worse it would be.

  “I’m a nervous wreck, Tony.” They walked hand in hand toward Angelina and Marc’s house as a brisk wind whipped at their faces. They’d left Maroon Bells at noon to go to Tony’s. He’d carried her over the threshold, surprising the hell out of her, but also thrilling her.

  I’m married!

  Until they’d gotten under the warm spray of the shower, she hadn’t realized how cold she was from their night in the tent, not that Tony hadn’t tried all kinds of ways to keep the blood flowing.

  With the Feast still hours away, they’d made love and fallen asleep, but ended up sleeping longer than planned. Now they were probably going to be the last to arrive, judging by all the vehicles in the drive.

  “Relax.” Tony gave her hand a squeeze.