Epilogue

Mia

One Year Later

"You look beautiful, Bella Mia," Ma says as she stands behind me while we gaze into the mirror. She wipes away a tear. I turn around and grab her hand.

"Ma, don't make me cry," I say through thick emotions.

She waves a hand in the air. "I'm sorry. It's just my beautiful girl, my only girl, is getting married today."

I smile, loving the sound of those words. I can't believe I'm getting married today. I'm standing in the front room of the church in Little Italy that my grandparents were married in as I wait for the signal that everyone is set.

Layla and my sisters-in-law all stand in front of me in their brown bridesmaid dresses. I realize how lucky I am to have so many amazing women in my life. Growing up without a sister was rough, but I've certainly won the lottery with these women.

Pa peeks his head inside. "We're ready," he says with a smile.

I nod my head and take a deep breath. I'm not one for being center of attention, so my nerves are through the roof. I hear the music start as my Ma gives me a kiss than walks out of the room. I wish I got to see everybody walk down the aisle. Once all of my bridesmaids have gone, Pa comes over to me and walks me behind the large church doors.

He turns to me. "I'm so happy for you, Bella Mia. I'll always remember you as my little girl, but I know it's time to watch you start your own family."

"Pa, nothing is going to change. Sunday dinners, our secret late night desserts. We can still have it all."

Before he can answer, the music stops and changes. I place my hand on his arm and the doors open. I think I'm going to pass out as everybody stands and turns to look at me. Then my eyes find Eric, and everything else melts away. It's just him and me in this room, and I suddenly can't wait to get to him. My steps become hurried as Pa tugs at my arm.

"Remember, walk slow," he whispers.

I keep a smile on my face and do what we rehearsed, but everything in me just wants to be by Eric's side. When I finally reach him, his smile makes my heart skip a beat. I still can’t believe he wants to marry me. I’m the luckiest woman alive.

Hours later, Eric and I are standing in the corner at our reception. He pulled me behind a large pillar in the building to steal a kiss. Now, he has his arm wrapped around my waist while we look out at the dance floor.

His chin rests on my shoulder. “Look at those fools,” he says with amusement.

Our siblings are all out on the dance floor having a great time together. Even Asher and Gabriel are out there busting some moves. I chuckle as I watch them dance and get along like family already.

“I’m so happy they all get along,” I tell him as I spin around and wrap my arms around his neck.

He leans down and kisses me soft and slowly. I can tell what kind of mood he is tonight. He’s going to take his time in the bedroom when this is all done. I squeeze my thighs together in anticipation.

“I’ve been thinking about taking this dress off of you all day,” he whispers over my mouth.

I smile then kiss him. “Oh, how romantic.”

He pulls away. “Hey, I think being insanely attractive to your wife and wanting to worship her body is romantic.”

“Yeah. I don’t know if it’s wedding day romantic.”

He wraps his arm back around my waist. “Okay, how about this? I was a nervous wreck standing at the altar today. My body felt like it was on fire. But the moment I saw you, everything in me settled. That’s what your presence does to me. It instantly tells my body that everything will be okay as long as you’re by my side.”

Tears border my eyes. “That’s amazing. That’s exactly what happened to me too. I hated everyone looking at me, hated the attention, but the moment I saw you…it all went away.”

He leans down and kisses me lips. “Now that’s romantic.”

That is romantic. It’s amazing how in tune our bodies are with each other. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with this man. We have done so much traveling in the last year that we decided a romantic stay at our house in Isle of Hope is just what we need for our honeymoon.

He claims he is going to get me pregnant this week. While I know that’s a long shot, I can’t wait for it to happen.

I can’t wait for all of our firsts together. I know I’m in for a lifetime of surprises with this man, and I couldn’t be more ready.