“I should have worn flats on my wedding day,” Aria said with a laugh. “It would have spared me the blisters. Though my hurting feet were the least of my worries on that day.”
Mom laughed and exchanged a knowing look with Aria. “I remember how nervous I was about the prospect of marriage when I was promised. But my wedding to Remo was so relaxed and easy-going.”
“I really wish I could have enjoyed my wedding day like you’ll hopefully enjoy today,” Aria said to me. She lightly touched my shoulder. “Amo is a good man. I know he’ll do everything he can to make you happy.”
“This isn’t the beginning of a sex talk, is it?” I glanced between Mom and Aria. “Amo and I have already been intimate, tonight is only the final step we haven’t taken yet.”
Aria flushed a bright red and laughed. “Oh Amo warned me about your directness.”
Mom’s smile was a bit tight too. “No talk, we promise. You and Amo will figure it out I’m sure without our unnecessary advice.”
I nodded and blew out a long breath as I regarded myself in the mirror once more. Aria left with a wave.
I pursed my lips in confusion.
“She wants to give us a moment alone,” Mom said, coming up behind me and hugging me gently. She was several inches taller than me.
“I know you and Amo love each other, but I want to make sure you’re still okay with everything that’s going to happen today. Especially tonight. Even if you and Amo have been intimate, I want you to know that nothing forces you to take the final step tonight. If you feel anxious or just not ready, then you should say stop. Amo can fake the sheets like his father did.”
Mom and Aria had exchanged many stories from the past, apparently even intimate ones I didn’t want to hear about. I was glad that they’d hit it off though, considering that Dad and Luca still had trouble being in the same room without a fight.
“I thought I wouldn’t get the talk.”
“It’s not a sex talk. It’s a talk about consent and your emotional wellbeing.”
I gave Mom a doubtful look. “Amo respects my boundaries. And it doesn’t matter what you call it, it’s not necessary. I have confidence in Amo’s abilities to make tonight special for both of us.” I patted her arm to ease the blow and didn’t comment on her blush. Considering how often I’d overheard her and Dad by accident, it was surprising that my mere mentioning of sex made her feel so uncomfortable. “I’m grateful for your concern though.”
A knock sounded.
“That must be your father. Don’t tell him what you just told me.” Mom scanned me once more before she went to the door and opened it. I tensed when Dad stepped in, worried he’d try to talk me out of the wedding. I knew Nevio still wished I’d turn into a runaway bride, and while Dad wasn’t as vocal about his dismay he too wanted me to stay in Vegas. Their love and worry for me were the reason for their reaction but today I didn’t want to hear about it.
Dad’s dark eyes softened when they scanned me from head to toe. Mom whispered something to him, then kissed his cheek before she left.
“Dad?” I slowly walked toward him and peered up at his face. Many people called it cruel and merciless, but for me it had always held warmth and love, and it was no different today.
“Do we get your blessing?”
Dad chuckled in his usual derisive style. “Blessings aren’t my style.” He cupped my cheek. “But I respect your choice, Mia Cara. You aren’t a little girl anymore. I want you to find happiness in New York, but never forget that a loving home is always waiting for you in Las Vegas if you ever choose to return.”
I hugged him briefly, knowing this was Dad’s version of a blessing and I was so relieved.
Dad and Remo sat across from each other on the sofas in the backroom of church. I wasn’t sure why Mom had thought it a good idea to have them with me before the ceremony. They weren’t the best moral support.
The only one who’d been somewhat tolerable was Matteo who’d cracked a few jokes that had lifted the tension. Valerio had already rushed off, probably to flirt with Camorra girls he had no business being close to.
“It’s almost time,” I reminded them, hoping they’d take the cue and leave. Remo got up but he walked over to me. He handed me a couple of printed out photos. I cocked an eyebrow when I scanned them. They showed a blood-splattered room. The bed in the center was an even worse mess. It looked as if they’d slaughtered a pig on it. But it wasn’t an animal carcass that lay sprawled on the bed.