“There’s my beautiful wife.” He finally found his voice, but still seemed like he was trying to find the proper words. “You look... fuckin’ incredible.”
Warmth spread slowly... everywhere. “We’re not supposed to see each other.” I whispered, not quite able to hide the breathlessness in my voice.
He shrugged. “You needed me, so here I am. I don't give a fuck about traditions, only about you.” His gaze softened slightly. “Better?”
I nodded, already feeling the tension in my shoulders ease. “Yeah. Much better.”
After a brief moment of silence, we simply sat there, just existing in each other’s presence across the screen.
Reluctantly, I looked at the closed door behind me. Still hearing Lidia and her crew in the other room, I knew I had to return to the madness. “I have to go. They’ll be looking for me soon.”
“I’ll see you at the altar.” He gave me that insanely gorgeous smile, and said. “Go ahead and get back. I’ll see you in a bit.”
The call ended and I stared at the black screen for a moment, feeling completely centered. Whatever chaos was waiting in that room, I could handle it now.
When I stepped back through the door, the noise hit me again. But this time it felt manageable.
“There she is,” Tasha called out as I made my way back to my chair. “We were about to send a search party.”
“Sorry, just needed a minute.” I settled back into my spot, my hands smoothing down the lone strand lying against my cheek.
Sophia glanced up from her phone, studying my face. “You look better. Less... frazzled.”
“I am.” I looked around the room. “What did I miss?”
“Gifts!” Sophia screeched. “These just came for you.”
Two boxes. One signature blue gift box—leather and rectangle. The other, a flat square, nothing overly fancy but still wrapped neatly.
My eyes immediately went to the iconic Tiffany blue box. I’d recognize that shade anywhere. My heart did a little flutter as I reached for it first.
“Something blue,” I whispered, running my fingers over the smooth surface.
“Of course that man went to Tiffany’s,” Tasha shook her head with a grin. “That man loves youhunny.” Her giggle was contagious.
“You just might be right.”
I carefully untied the white ribbon, then lifted the lid. At the sight of the sapphire necklace, I actually gasped, audibly. It was stunning. Deep blue stones set in brilliant platinum casings.
“Holy shit, Yanna,” Sophia breathed, leaning closer. “That’s gorgeous.”
Beneath the necklace was a small card in Teo’s handwriting. Just seeing his familiar scrawl made my chest warm all over again.
No matter the road, every path was always going to lead to us. See you at the altar to start our new beginnings, Amore mio. — Teo.
“Will you?” I asked, holding up the necklace to Tasha.
“Of course, girl.” She moved behind me, her fingers gentle as she lifted the delicate chain. “Lean forward a little.”
I tilted my head down, allowing her to clasp the necklace around my neck. The cool metal settled against my skin, and I couldn’t help but run my fingers along the stones.
“Perfect,” Tasha murmured, stepping back to admire the look.
Just then, the planner poked her head through the door. “Mrs. Donatelli, Mrs. Reed? The families are arriving. The elders are requesting you both for formal introductions.”
Teo’s mother, who had been quietly watching us from the side of the room, stood running her fingers over her A-line silk gown. “Of course. Where’s Marco?”
“Already downstairs with the other men,” Lidia replied.
