It can’t be.
He would have said something, wouldn’t he? Sure, he’s literal, but immediately could mean anything. If he meant we’d get married the very next day after Gran was returned, he would have specified, wouldn’t he?
Not if he thought I might back out.
I slowly revolve to meet Tommy’s stoic stare and feel the truth hit me like a fist to the gut.
He meant immediately.
The world spins as I realize Tommy and I are about to get married.
CHAPTER 28
TOMMY
I sweepDanika into my arms before she can topple over, then glance at the two Dobrev women gaping at me. “Must have been overcome with joy.” I clear my throat. “Excuse us for a moment.”
Danika isn’t unconscious, but she’s clearly woozy. Her arms are loosely draped over my shoulders, while her forehead rests against my neck.
“Tommy? Why didn’t you tell me?” she asks weakly.
I go to the nearest room—a small family chapel for private worship—and sit on one of the wooden pews. Danika tries to wriggle off my lap, but I refuse to let her go. “Sit still and listen,” I order in a firm voice.
The fog behind her eyes miraculously clears, leaving in its stead a pair of emerald daggers.
“Tommaso Donati, we cannot get married today. We don’t even have a marriage license.”
“Yes, we do,” I correct her.
“I never signed one.” A finely sculpted auburn brow arches high on her forehead in challenge.
I shrug. “The paper I have says you did.”
“But that’s not legal!”
“Says who? Who’s going to challenge it?” I’ve drawn a line in the sand, and she knows it. The only person who would have any reason to argue about the validity of our marriage license is one of us, and I’m certainly not saying a word. I stare deep into her wide, innocent eyes as I take a small box from my pocket. “Danika Dobrev, Iwillmarry you. There is nothing about this life that I want any part of if it’s not with you. You quiet my demons and fill me with hope. Please, don’t make me wait a minute longer. Marry me here, today.” With every raw, unfiltered word, my emotions bleed into my ragged voice.
I open the black velvet box and take out a diamond ring that couldn’t be any more perfect if I’d dreamed it up myself. Danika gasps. It’s a tiny reflexive breath I never would have heard if she wasn’t so close. I’m so grateful I did because I’m certain her genuine reaction was pure awe. It’s understandable. The craftsmanship is exquisite. The large pear-cut diamond is set among the ropes of a woven gold vine with tiny delicate diamonds as leaves. It’s whimsical yet elegant and perfectly suited for my divine goddess.
I slide the symbol of my commitment onto her trembling finger.
“It fits perfectly,” she breathes, eyes fixed on the diamond.
“That’s Carmen for you. She’s damn good at what she does, and she knows it, too. Woman is practically a professional racketeer, considering the rates she charges.”
Danika turns to meet my eyes. “Carmen? That awful woman who came to the apartment?”
I battle back a smile. “Yes, thatawfulwoman. She’s a personal shopper, which is why she had to meet you to see your sizes. She helped me find the ring, arranged for the chapel and flowers, and above all, she sourced that—” I direct her attention to a white satin gown hanging by the door behind us.
When Danika sees the long luxury garment bag, she lifts off my lap and practically floats over to the dress. I’m probably more eager to see it than she is because I’ve had a vision of her in a white gown since the moment I met my Grecian goddess. I told Carmen exactly what I wanted, and from the looks of it, she delivered.
Danika gently extracts the dress from the bag, keeping it on the hanger to step back and admire its beauty. “It’s incredible.”
“And just like the ring, it should fit you perfectly.”
“How? How could she possibly get this done in a day?” She finally looks back at me, eyes full of bewildered awe.
It wasn’t exactly done in a day, but she doesn’t need to know that.
