Chapter 3- Wedding Time

With my veil in place I turn to Miranda squeezing her and whispering, "Please don't stray too far from me." "Never, I'll be by your side all day," she says.

Looking back towards Kalel I tilt my head slightly, one arm wrapped around his and my other hand holding my dress so I don't trip and make a fool of myself. Our father and my soon to be father-in-law are both standing next to each other at the bottom of the stairs each with a drink in their hand.

Dad goes to move towards me but Kalel turns ever so slightly so that I'm out of his reach, he stops in his tracks and the look they give each other speaks volumes. My brother daring him to cause a scene and my father trying to keep what little control over the family he has in tact.

I gently squeeze Kal's arm to let him know I'm okay, "Good afternoon Papa, how are you doing today?" I say as politely as possible as I internally cringe. "Elaine you look beautiful today, I am so sad to be losing my only daughter," he says.

I do not miss the smugness in his voice as if he wished he could have gotten rid of me sooner. He turns to my soon to be father-in-law, Pauly Anello, "What do you think of your new daughter-in-law?"

Pauly smiles widely as his disgusting eyes roam over me, "She is indeed a wonderful prize that I am glad will be gracing the halls of my home." They both laugh horribly as they pat each other on the back.

'Prize! What am I some philly he bought strictly for breeding!? The nerve of this disgusting fat man!' My entire body starts to tense and I can feel my body temperature increasing and as if sensing my discomfort my brother clears his throat.

"Perhaps we should make our way around to the other guest," he began turning us away nodding his head to them, "gentlemen."

"Breathe, I'm sorry, why don't we go out to the terrace?" he whispers. My brother has always had this sixth sense when it comes to me, I swear he knows me better than I know myself. I nod, looking back at Anton and Miranda, I see the wheels turning in her mind turning until she notices me and gives me a smile.

As we make it to the terrace I let go of Kalel and grab onto Miranda, leaning in close so that the walls do not hear our conversation, "Talk to me." She shakes her head, "I don't know how I am going to make it through the day without killing one of these disgusting old men!"

I give a light laugh, "This is nothing compared to the last party that we hosted, at least now I am covered head to toe so they cant really see me, still I understand what you mean but at least the man I am marrying is only twenty-three." "Well I guess that is a good way to look at it " she says.

Kalel and Anton slowly trail behind us but they aren't looking at us. No they seem to be looking everywhere but us and kicking their feet at the ground all at the same time.

They both look as though they are waging a war within themselves and I wish I could save both of them right now. We walk around for a few minutes talking quietly and keeping the conversation light.

The music starts to play in the background and an announcement is made, "All guest please make your way to your seats as the wedding is about to begin." I swear my heart stops for a second and it isn't until I feel someone pull at my arms that I release a breath I was holding.

Kalel, Anton and Miranda all look at me, Kalel pulls my veil back so he can see my eyes. "El I am going to be with every moment today, you are a strong beautiful woman that I am proud to call my sister. Even though you will be far away you know that if you call me I'll be there in a minute. I love you more than anyone else in the entire world," he says in such a soothing tone.

"Same here El," Anton adds as he stands before me. "El, you are such an amazing, caring and thoughtful person. I will miss you but if you call me I'll be there in an instant to kick some ass!" Miranda adds.

It takes everything in me to not burst into tears. I throw my arms around each of their necks, "I love all three of you! I am so happy that I have all of you here with me today."

I step back straightening my dress and pulling my veil back over my face, I take a deep breath ," Let's do this."

Anton escorts Miranda down the aisle as she is my maid of honor.

Traditionally dad should be walking me down the aisle but I am so thankful that it is Kalel, he is my true rock in this life he is the only one that should have this honor. We stand at the end of the aisle looking down at the wedding party.

Everyone stands and turns towards us, thank goodness the veil is covering my face because I am definitely blushing. There are three bridesmaids and three groomsmen, my maid of honor and his best man.

Then there he was standing by the priest, we start walking as the 'Here comes the bride' starts to play. Dimitri seems more handsome today than any previous time that's I've ever seen him. He is in a very expensive tailored suit that seems to be fighting against the muscles he is hiding under it.

The conversation Miranda and I had while I was getting ready is running through my head which is making me more nervous. I am not prepared in any way for what will come tonight, I do hope he will be gentle.

Kalel is whispering to me as we walk down the aisle giving me words of encouragement. He doesn't let me falter in my steps as we make it to the alter. Pausing at the bottom step waiting for Dimitri to come down to claim me, he and Kalel square up and shake hands.

Kalel turns to me removing his arm from mine, he leans in giving me a hug and telling me how much he loves me before he places my hand in Dimitri's. His hand is soft yet calloused at the same time and the look in his eyes seems to portray everything that I would hope to see.

I take one last glance at Kalel's retreating form as he reluctantly takes a seat between our father and Anton before turning back to Dimirti who is silently asking me to come with him. Taking a deep breath to calm myself I gather my dress with my free hand as Dimitri guides me to stand before the priest.

The priest starts the long ceremony that under normal circumstances I would have truly enjoyed but my mind is anywhere but in this moment right now. Today I became a woman by age and by marriage but before I sleep tonight I will be woman in every sense.

My thoughts race through how many life altering events will take place today and how different my life will be from now on. Knowing that once I leave this house I will no longer be under the protection of Kalel or Anton and I will be completely on my own, also I will be leaving Miranda as well.

Dimirti squeezes my hand a little bringing me out of my thoughts, "I'm sorry," I whisper turning my attention to the priest. "It's okay, everyone gets a little nervous at this part," he says smiling at me.

"Repeat after me," he says in a calming voice. So I do and with every word I feel myself getting farther away from the ones I love.

"I, Elaine Isolde Carbone take you Dimitri Antonio Anello for my lawful 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, till death do us part," I say in a strong steady voice.

"Do you Dimitri take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?" the priest asks. "I do," Dimitri says proudly. The priest then turns to me," Elaine do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?" I look into Dimitri's eyes finding peace in them, "I do."

"You may kiss the bride," the priest says. 'Wait! I forgot this part, my first real kiss is going to happen in front of everyone!' I think to myself as Dimitri's hands reach for my veil.

However, this isnt my first kiss, no that happened last night because Anton said he wanted to give me something to remember, something that wasn't forced on me, so he asked if he could kiss me and even though I was shocked I said yes.

I'm sure my face is bright red with embarrassment as my eyes stay low until Dimitri gently lifts my head and kisses me gently.

"I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Dimitri Antonio Anello!" With that the queit wedding ceremony is roaring with excitement as we walk down the aisle back into the house.