Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79833 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 399(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79833 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 399(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
Livy snickers. “I’ll team up with you.”
“The two of you are terrible.” I say. “You’re even worse together.”
Tersia bats her eyelashes. “We’re team Anya.”
“So?” Livy says. “Is she going to be there?”
“Luigi’s whole family will be there.”
“Why?” Tersia asks, making a face.
Livy jabs her in the ribs. “He’s like family. Go on, Anya.”
“Rachele declined. Her new husband has an exhibition today.”
“Is she really not pregnant?” Tersia asks, making big eyes.
“Apparently not,” I say. “I think she just wanted a reaction from Saverio.”
“Well, I’m glad she won’t be there,” Livy says with a lift of her chin. “You don’t need that kind of drama on your wedding day.” She looks at her watch. “Oops. Look at the time. We better get a move on or else you’ll be late.”
Tersia shoos Livy out. “You go get the glitter. I’ll pour the champagne.”
I’m grateful for their company as I get ready. Livy hangs the wedding gown out in the dressing room and removes the silk slippers from their box. Tersia dries my hair and helps me to pin it up while Livy bustles around me with a giant make-up brush and shimmery powder.
I keep my make-up natural and light. While I pull on a white lacy underwear set and sheer silk stockings in the privacy of the dressing room, they help themselves to lunch.
The dress is a simple cut with long sleeves and a scalloped neckline. The soft white fabric that’s overlayed with thick lace hugs my curves and shows off my stomach. The hem doesn’t sweep the floor like the designer suggested. Saverio was too worried I’d trip over the skirt. It ends just below my ankle, the slit on the side allowing me to walk comfortably. A broad silk sash runs beneath my breasts, lifting the waistline and creating room for my belly. The dress fastens with no less than fifty tiny buttons at the back. Saverio took great pleasure in telling me how he was going to unfasten them one by one tonight, unwrapping me like the most exquisite gift. He booked a suite in an upmarket hotel for our wedding night but refused to tell me where, as he didn’t want to spoil the surprise.
I fasten the pearl earrings Saverio gave me onto my ears. It was an early Valentine’s gift. He said it was to authenticate the story of how we met in case anyone ever doubted it. After dabbing perfume behind my ears, I step back to examine my reflection in the mirror.
The dress fits my body like a glove, the skirt hanging softly around my legs in cloudy white. It’s a beautiful dress but not one I would’ve chosen. I probably would’ve gone for something wide and puffy to hide my big stomach, and despite myself, I have to admit that Saverio chose well.
Taking a deep breath, I say, “I’m ready.”
It’s a lie. I’ll never be ready for this, but I just want to get it over with now.
“Oh, Anya,” Tersia says when she walks into the room, tears glistening in her eyes. “You look angelic.”
Livy follows behind her, carrying my bridal bouquet. She nods with approval. “Perfect.”
She hands me the flowers. “I removed the anthers of the lilies so you don’t get pollen on your dress.”
I try to smile. “Thank you, Livy. You always think of everything.”
Livy and Tersia changed into their wedding attire. Tersia opted for a cornflower-blue flowing A-line dress in chiffon and satin. Livy is decked out in a lilac frock with mother-of-pearl sequins embroidered on the hem.
“You both look beautiful,” I say, hugging my friends.
Just then, the baby kicks.
“Ouch.” I laugh as I cup my stomach. “I felt that one.”
“Tesoro.”
At the sound of his deep, baritone voice, I still. He stands in the door frame dressed in a black suit with a silver tie and waistcoat, the fashionable clothes doing little to hide the muscles of his lean, strong body. He wears no jewelry except for the earring.
I’m glad. I got used to it. I can’t picture him without it. The humble gold hoop somehow completes his distinctive, powerful image.
“Sav,” Tersia cries out. “You’re not supposed to see the bride before she walks down the aisle.”
Livy clasps her hands together. “I think it’s special that he sees her before everyone else.”
Tersia rolls her eyes.
Saverio holds my gaze in the reflection of the mirror. “I’m much too impatient to wait and way too possessive to let another man take charge of my bride while I twiddle my thumbs at the altar. Besides, I don’t trust anyone else to bring her safely to the church.”
“Aww.” Livy slaps his arm. “You’re so protective.”
He just wants to make sure I don’t go anywhere. It won’t look good for him if he has to chase after a runaway bride and carry her over his shoulder down the aisle.