Chapter 29

29

AMELIA

As I walk down the aisle inside this Vegas chapel, my heart beats to a harmonious melody—all my dreams are coming true at this very moment.

It’s almost as if time stands still and no one else matters besides the person standing at the altar beside the minister. There is a euphoric state of mind, every sense is heightened, and nothing in the world will ever compare to the moment when two people officially become one.

With every step I take, my handsome soon-to-be husband is inching closer. Somehow, he is dressed in a tuxedo with his hair perfectly styled. And while his beauty will forever render me speechless, I capture the frame of the smile adorning his face, knowing I’ll never forget how his eyes fell upon me as I walked toward him.

How, in one simple stare, he’s climbed into my soul and made us a home.

We reach the end, where my father gently places a kiss on my cheek. I draw a breath, excited to get through the formalities so I can officially be married.

Our minister, an older man wearing an all-white suit with alligator patterned leather shoes, begins the ceremony while I stand beside Will, desperately trying to keep my hands at bay and not touch him.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God to join William Rockford Romano and Amelia Grace Edwards in Holy Matrimony.”

I stand still, a smile fixed on my face while I try to focus on the minister.

“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”

My parents both stand up, and behind me, they say, “We do.”

Unwillingly, my stomach flutters at the sound of my parents’ voice. My smile, while continuous, masks the sudden wave of emotions. I beg myself not to cry. Nothing will change between my parents and me. If anything, they’re welcoming a son. So why does this feel like an end of an era? Like I’m flying the coop but used my wings years ago to attend Yale.

“William Rockford Romano, will you have this woman to be your lawful wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the Holy Estate of Matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep you only unto her as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.” Will grins.

“Amelia Grace Edwards, will you have this man to be your lawful wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the Holy Estate of Matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep you only unto him as long as you both shall live?”

My lips curve upward as I murmur, “I do.”

Andy and Ava both join us, handing us each a platinum wedding ring. The rings are exquisite, and I wondered how the hell my family pulled this entire wedding together without me knowing. More importantly, how did Ava keep this a secret.

“The marriage ring seals the vows of marriage and represents a promise for eternal and everlasting love.”

The minister continues to read out the passage for Will to repeat.

Will turns to face me, his blue eyes twinkling as he takes a deep breath.

“I, William Rockford Romano take thee, Amelia Grace Edwards, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish forever, for as long as we both shall live.”

He slowly slides the ring onto my finger, lifting it gently to seal it with a kiss.

The minister directs his attention to me, repeating the passage.

I stare into Will’s loving gaze as I say the words to make us one.

“I, Amelia Grace Edwards, take thee, William Rockford Romano, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish forever, for as long as we both shall live.”

My hands reach out for Will as I slide the ring on his finger, sealing it with a kiss as he had done. We continue to hold hands, the warmth of his touch making it impossible to let go.

“We who have come together today and have heard the willingness of William Rockford Romano and Amelia Grace Edwards to be joined in marriage. They have come of their free will and, in our presence along with God, have declared their love and commitment to each other. They have given and received a ring as a symbol of their promises. Therefore, by the power vested in me by the laws of the state of Nevada, I take great pride and pleasure as I declare them husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride.

Will tilts his head and cups my face to whisper, “I love you.”

“I love you too, husband.”

Our lips touch together softly, making our first kiss as husband and wife absolutely perfect. My heart is beating steadily, all for the man who I can now officially call my husband. We pull away, grinning like fools, as I squeal with excitement while squeezing his hands.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I now present to you Mr. And Mrs. Romano.”

There is applause from our family, Uncle Rocky being the loudest with a whistle in tow.

We both turn around, grateful for the love and support all in this room. My sisters run up to hug me first—all four of us embracing, which of course, onsets Mom’s tears. Uncle Noah and Kate’s family come next. Kate is wiping a tear from her face with a tissue Jessa handed her earlier.

“You made me cry. Everyone knows I don’t cry,” Kate teases.

“That’s a lie, Mom,” Sienna calls her out. “You cried when we watched that movie with the stepmom and the mother diagnosed with cancer.”

“Well, excuse me for having a heart,” Kate complains, to only pull her daughter in for a hug.

“You look beautiful, Amelia,” Uncle Noah tells me with a proud grin. “Who would have thought you’d wear a wedding dress one day? I thought you’d get married in your Batman cape.”

I touch his arm gently with a small chuckle, then hug Nash who is standing beside him. “Hmm, that would have been interesting.”

Uncle Julian and Aunt Adriana come up next with their family. Luna and Willow both hug me tight until their mother begs for my attention.

“You did it!” Aunt Adriana cheers. “Next, you’ll be a soccer mom driving a mini-van. Just make sure to wear underwear.”

Uncle Julian rolls his eyes beside her. “Please do not listen to my overly-dramatic wife. Congratulations, the ceremony was perfect.”

Andy and Jessa both hug me at the same time.

“How did we get from the Hamptons to here?” Andy questions while Jessa pokes him in the arm. He scowls, only to dig his own hand into her ribcage.

“True love?” I respond with a spirited smirk. “Don’t worry, you two, now that my love life is sorted, I can help you with yours.”

“I’m off to Brazil with Dad.” Andy winks.

Jessa lowers her gaze. “And I’m kind of seeing someone on campus.”

“You are?” Andy blurts out, then straightens his shoulders.

“It’s new.” Jessa plays it off while I stand here in amusement, watching them. “We met through a mutual friend, but it turns out we have a few classes together.”

Andy’s demeanor changes. I’ve known him my whole life, so I know he is annoyed by the revelation. His eyes do this glassy stare thing when he cocks his head to the side, and his lips press into a hard line, though he will never admit it even if I probe him.

Eric and Tristan bump their way in, making a scene. I haven’t seen Tristan in a while, but he still looks as handsome as the Hollywood star who graces our screen.

“Congratulations, gorgeous.”

“Thank you, Tristan.”

Beside him, Eric is waving his hand across his eyes, trying not to cry.

“Now you listen here, missy, I’m going to say this one time, and one time only. The true key to marriage is morning blowjobs.”

Tristan shakes his head with disappointment while I try not to laugh.

“In most divorce cases, the women never even swallowed!”

“Jesus Christ, Eric,” Nikki complains as she appears beside him. “You have no data to back that up despite you saying you do.”

“I gotta agree with him, babe,” Uncle Rocky argues with a playful grin. “Most of my divorced buddies say the same thing.”

“Well, count yourself lucky you’re not part of the men’s divorce club, but after this weekend, I wouldn’t be surprised if circumstances change,” Nikki notes in dark amusement, then turns her attention to me, holding onto my hands with a proud smile. “This was always meant to be, couldn’t have asked for a more perfect daughter-in-law plus hopefully one day partner at the firm.”

“Yeah,” Will’s younger brother, Beau, comes up beside his mom. “Best sister-in-law ever. Do I get exclusive pick at your single hot friends now?”

I laugh, leaning in for a hug. “Wait in line, Andy and Nash claim first place.”

“Bastards,” he complains, jokingly. “I hate being the youngest.”

Uncle Rocky pushes his son out of the way. “Come here you.” He throws me into one of his big bear hugs. “Get me those grandbabies. I’m waiting to get my GILF on.”

“For the love of God, Dad,” Will says behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. “Don’t even start with that.”

“Grandfather, I’d like to fuck?” Luna’s eyes widened in disgust from where she stands. “That’s next level creepy.”

“It’s next-level disgusting,” Beau tells his dad. “Mom needs to put a leash on you.”

“She already does, son.” Uncle Rocky winks in delight.

I cover my mouth to control my laughter when my parents finally have a moment with me. With Will behind me accepting congratulatory hugs from the rest of our family, I take a moment to admire them both. Dad is wearing an almost identical tuxedo to Will’s, and Mom is dressed in a beautiful emerald-green satin gown with her hair parted to the side, just above her shoulders.

None of this would be possible without them—the reason why I’m even here today.

“Mrs. Romano,” Mom murmurs, caressing my cheek. “You look happy, honey. I’m sorry your grandparents couldn’t make it. Last-minute notice, and they were all traveling.”

“I am, Mom. You think I can still keep an Edwards in there?” I scrunch up my nose, waiting for Dad to respond.

Dad places his hands in his pockets with a gleam in his eye. “I’m sure Will won’t object.”

“What won’t I object to?” Will asks, kissing my shoulder.

“Um, keeping my name as Edwards Romano…”

“Hmm,” he trails off, pursing his lips. “I guess it makes good business sense.”

I furrow my brow as Dad holds back his laughter. “Good business sense?”

“I’m kidding,” Will teases. “You can do whatever you want. Maybe, I’ll change my name? I’ve always considered myself an Edwards.”

“Now, that makes good business sense,” Dad concurs, then reaches out for an embrace. “Congratulations, sweetheart.”

I hold onto him tight, knowing no matter what happens, his love means the world, and without it, I wouldn’t be who I am today.

“Okay, everybody,” Mom yells in the room. “We have a wedding reception to get to.”

“We do?” I ask, looking at Will.

“Of course.” He smiles back, then kisses my hand. “This is not your ordinary elopement of a Vegas wedding, Mrs. Romano.”

* * *

Inside the two-story sky villa at The Palms, the entire space is decorated beautifully. Everywhere you turn, flowers are arranged, even hanging from the ceiling.

The main attraction is the long dinner table, perfectly styled with candlelight and a rose gold theme. Aunt Adriana and Eric were behind all the planning, according to Mom. The two of them are just as stubborn as each other when it came down to designs and themes, which Mom decided to remove herself from the equation when Eric became catty over candelabras.

We take our seats while the waiters begin serving the food. I’m too excited to eat, constantly looking over at Will while gushing. He catches me staring once again, only to lean over and whisper in my ear, “You will need the stamina tonight, Mrs. Romano. I suggest you eat.”

I bow my head, praying no one sees the flush in my cheeks. In front of me, I drink the champagne, which goes down way too easily.

Just before dessert is served, Ava tinkers on the glass to prompt us to kiss. While fun when a guest at a wedding, the tradition is tiresome when you’re on the other side and forced to kiss in front of everyone every two seconds. I love kissing Will, but after several times which interrupted conversations and brought on Uncle Rocky’s crude remarks, it became too much. In between eating, drinking, and kissing—I warn Ava with my eyes to stop being a pain in the ass.

Thankfully, Ava gets the hint but suggests we begin speeches.

“I’m gonna start because I’ve been waiting a lifetime for this moment.” Uncle Rocky raises his glass with a mischievous grin. I mentally prepare myself; his speeches are unforgettable but not necessarily in a good way. “Amelia, you came barreling into this world as the accident baby. Sorry guys but true story. Lex could barely keep his dick in his pants.”

I bow my head as Eric shouts, “Neither can you!”

Uncle Rocky continues, though his expression softens. “I’ve always loved you as my own daughter, and you’ve always been my favorite.”

Ava, Jessa, Luna all yell at the same time. “Hey! That’s what you keep telling us!”

“Damn…” Uncle Rocky whistles then grace us with his goofy grin again. “Now, where was I? Oh yeah, cheers! I want some grandbabies, so get moving before your mother puts me in a home.”

“Party down in Boca.” Nash laughs, knocking on Andy’s shoulder. “Cougar time.”

Noah shakes his head with disappointment at his son. “A little too cougar, son.”

Nikki stands up next with a champagne glass in hand. She wore a beaded silver gown, looking stunning for her age. There is no way you would ever think she’s just over fifty, her body the size and shape of a thirty-year-old.

“I’m going to keep my words short. You’ve always been a part of our family, Amelia, since the day you were born. I could not have asked for anyone better for my son. Not only have you made him happy, but you’ve also brought him back to our family,” Nikki chokes on her words, surprising us all. She rarely showed any emotions. “Will, I love you. The best mistake your father and I could have ever made.”

Beside me, Will squeeze my hand as he mouths “I love you” back to his mom.

Eric stands up, clearing his throat, demanding attention.

“Before Lex and Charlie make us cry and ruin our make-up, I’d just like to say I called this years ago. So, anyone who I placed bets with, pay up because Daddy needs a new pair of Dolce & Gabbana loafers.”

“Are we back to calling you, Daddy?” Uncle Rocky complains, scowling. “You’re killing my buzz.”

“What buzz exactly?” Eric scoffs, crossing his arms. “You told everyone in the elevator you just watched some porn clip where the girl squirted from one end of the room to the other.”

There are several groans from the table and a bread roll thrown at Uncle Rocky.

“And I’m still a buzzing…”

I shake my head, grateful that my sister Alexa and my younger cousins were down the other end of the table and busy in another conversation.

“Okay, we’re done with the two of you,” I tell them, pointing my finger. “Behave.”

All is forgotten the moment Mom stands up with Dad. With quick breaths, I bite my lip, willing the nerves to ease. Will gently rubs my back, instantly calming me.

“We welcomed you, Will, into our family before Amelia graced us with her presence,” Dad begins, commanding the room as he always does. “The day she was born, I handed her to you, placing her in your arms. At the age of ten, you promised Charlotte and me you would always protect her.”

He clears the slight croak in his voice to continue. “For a while, each one of us lost our way. We all made mistakes, but the one thing we were trying to do was protect the one we love. It didn’t kill us. It made us stronger. I know you will treat my daughter the way she deserves to be treated and give her a marriage and life you both desire. You’ve always been like a son to me, then to grow and become a good friend. To have you officially as my son-in-law makes our family complete.”

Will lets go of my hand as we both stand to embrace my parents. Dad and Will’s hug goes longer than my own, but perhaps, they need the time to rest their demons once and for all.

This moment is the next chapter of our new life.

I take a seat, but Will continues to stand. Much like my father, Will is incredibly confident when it comes to public speaking. With his champagne glass in his hand, his shoulders pull back while everyone waits for him to begin.

“Five years ago, this girl wearing chucks out of all things appears in my office building. I remember the first time I saw her, annoyed some college kid was probably here for an interview, and she had her head buried in her phone,” he pauses with a knowing grin, glancing at me with a twinkle in his eyes. “I never expected it to be the girl who had made my childhood hell. The same girl who dared me to do things, only to get me into trouble.”

“You and me both,” Andy hollers with a laugh as we all join in.

“A long time ago, she made me pinky swear, all because I wouldn’t let her jump off a ladder and into the pool. I quote, I had to come to her wedding, buy her the most expensive present, and no matter what song she chose, I have to dance with her even if I hate it.”

Will extends his hand as I reach for it, prompting me to rise from my chair, so we’re standing beside each other.

“And so, Amelia Edwards Romano. To stay true to the pinky promise, I’ve come to the wedding,” he starts with a smirk playing on his lips, hands me a black velvet jewelry box. I open it and gasp—inside is a diamond necklace with an emerald pendant, matching the ring he gave me.

Will removes it from the box, placing it around my neck, then hooks the clasp as my hands graze over the necklace now secured around my neck.

“I’ve given you the most expensive present,” he murmurs, kissing my shoulder softly. “And now, I ask for the first dance to the song of your choice.”

With my hand in his, I follow him to the small dancefloor while thinking of what song to play. When it comes to mind, I turn to see my father sitting at the piano with a microphone being placed in front of him.

“We are in Vegas, after all,” I tell Will before I walk over to the piano and whisper my choice into my father’s ear. Mom comes and sits beside him, resting her head on his shoulder.

The piano sounds begin to fill the room, the classic melody of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love”composed beautifully by my father. As a child, it wasn’t often he would have time to sit at the piano and play, let alone sing, but when he did, I would sit right beside him and sing along.

My arms wrap around Will’s neck as I stare at his beautiful face.

“Happy?” He smiles, leaning in to kiss my lips.

“I never want this night to end.”

“Oh, but my dear wife, it must end,” he teases, running his finger down my arm, causing me to shiver in delight. “See, I have plans for you tonight. And you wouldn’t want to disappoint your husband on the first night of marriage, now, would you?”

“I hate to break it you. I’m not a virgin. But you already knew that, though I will say I’ve never had sex in a pool before, and the one in this suite looks rather inviting.”

Will laughs, leaning his lips against my ear. “A dirty wife, how did I get so lucky?”

“You didn’t break the pinky promise.”

While my father continues to play, our families join us, each couple dancing to the soft melodies making it the perfect night.

There is so much love in the room, and as I take a moment to let it all sink in, I wonder how I got so lucky to be blessed with such a beautiful life.

To be loved unconditionally no matter the mistakes I’ve made in the past.

Yet the greatest gift of all is the man who had been there all along. Since the day I came into this world, his heart was always destined to belong to me.

My husband—Will Romano.

We celebrate well into the night until our family begins to leave, aside from Will’s and mines parents.

“So, Dad,” Will begins with a serious expression on his face, “I know you’re bummed you didn’t get to throw a bachelor party for me, but I thought I’d throw one anyway.”

Uncle Rocky’s eyes light up when a knock on the door follows. He rubs his hands in delight, much to Nikki’s amusement. Will opens the door for the sound of a whip to crack and echo through the large suite.

“Hello, I’m Madam Kiska,” the thick Russian accent dominates the room.

Uncle Rocky’s jaw drops, his eyes bulging as he becomes speechless.

“Oh, sweet Jesus.” Dad buries his head in his hands. “We meet again.”

The woman is much older and probably shouldn’t be wearing a leather corset. Her back appears a bit stiff as she saunters in the nine-inch heels. Gosh, I hope she doesn’t fall over in them.

“So, tell me,” Madam Kiska commands, “Who has been a bad boy?”

All of us point to Uncle Rocky as she whips out her handcuffs, his eyes widening in fear. He begins to shake his head, hiding behind Nikki. “Oh hell no. I am not falling for that again.”

We all break out into a fit of laugher, my stomach hurting from the look on his face. Never in my life have I seen him so terrified.

I stand corrected—this just made it the perfect night.

And now, the best is yet to come….

Our happily ever after as Mr. and Mrs. Edwards Romano.