Chapter 48

Isabella

Although it felt wrong to shop for a wedding dress without my mother, I was a little excited. I’d told Mia the truth when I said I never dreamt of a big wedding. Valentina warned me that this wouldn’t be as big as Mia and el Patrόn’s. She also promised me that she and Mia would do their best to make it special.

As the different associates from the boutique brought us an array of dresses, that small part of me who had possibly dreamed of a white dress took over. When I saw the dress with cap sleeves with the floral embroidery and shimmering embellishments that flowed over the bodice and tulle skirt, I had to try it on.

When I came out of the dressing room, I was shocked to see Mia and Liliana sitting with Valentina. Tears came to my eyes as they all rushed me, filling my ears with their ecstatic reviews.

The boutique assistant came closer, tugging here and there. “If we get you some high heels, I don’t think we’d need to do any further alterations.”

“Not too high. I’d probably fall.”

“May I get any of you champagne while we work to accessorize Miss Luciano’s excellent choice?”

Valentina accepted.

When the associate looked at me, I replied, “I’m not twenty-one.”

“But you’re the bride. We won’t tell anyone.”

“I’ll have a glass too,” Liliana volunteered.

“Mia?” Valentina asked.

She waved her off. “Still breastfeeding.”

Over the next hour, we sipped champagne while choosing my blue garter, the perfect necklace and earrings, and lastly, the veil. I didn’t want one of the extravagant options. This wedding wasn’t going to be in a chapel or cathedral. And the dress was too beautiful to cover. I chose a simple one made out of tulle that would cover my face until Papà removed it.

A part of me feared he wouldn’t oblige.

Before I could let that ruin my day, I decided Emiliano could be the one to lift it.

Beyond the private dressing room sat three of the most intimidating men anyone would want to encounter. I almost giggled. The boutique was by appointment only. If it wasn’t, the sight of them would probably turn away prospective clients.  

“Where’s Horace?” I asked.

“He’s watching the back entrance,” José said.

I nodded as I recognized Diego, one of Mia’s bodyguards and the man I met this morning.

As the owner packaged our purchases and secured the dress in a zippered long bag, Miguel came to Valentina’s side. “Señora, would you like me to take these packages to the car?”

We waited until Miguel and Horace came to the front door, escorting Valentina and me to our car. Diego and José drove Mia and Liliana. Our next stop was back at Valentina’s home—which I supposed was now my home for the time being.

Valentina, Mia, and Lola were joined by Viviana, Mia’s housekeeper. As we ate lunch, the four of them discussed food and the number of guests, given the short notice. About halfway into the discussion, I gave up. They were all speaking both English and Spanish—even Mia. I turned to Liliana. “What are they talking about?”

Liliana laughed. “Mia is advocating for an Italian menu. Valentina is saying that the wedding is at her house.”

I shook my head.

Liliana reached for my hand and lowered her voice. “I didn’t want to ask in front of everyone.” We both turned to the discussion. They obviously weren’t paying attention to us. Liliana went on, “Are you…?” She took a breath. “I hoped you were all right.”

“I’m good. A little tired and nervous about my parents coming here.”

“No. I mean…was Em kind?”

My cheeks rose in a smile. “Thank you, Liliana. He was. I’m still tender, but yes. Like we predicted, he’s a good man.”

Her shoulders relaxed. “I’m happy to hear that.” She rolled her eyes. “If I’d been given the option of a second chance to say my vows, I would have said, hell no.”

“I’m sorry you weren’t. But in a way you have been.”

She opened her eyes wider.

“Don’t marry again unless it’s what you want to do.”

My phone in my pocket vibrated. When I pulled it out, I read my father’s name. My air escaped my lungs as I worried what he might say.

“What is it, Izzy?” Mia asked.

I lifted the phone. “It’s my father.”

Everyone around the table stared.

“You should answer,” Mia said.

Inhaling, I pushed the green icon. “Papà.”

“We’re here, in San Diego.” His voice was robotic, without emotion.

“You’re here already?”

“We’re staying at Hotel Del Coronado, where we stayed for Mia’s wedding. Where are you?”

“I’m” —I looked at Mia— “I’m having lunch at the Ruizes’ home, Em’s parents.”

“Rafaele will be there in half an hour to pick you up. You’ll spend tonight with your family.”

My heart twisted in my chest. I wanted so badly to see Noemi, Tony, and Mom. “Papà, you know Em and I married last night. Tomorrow is for family.”

“We can discuss that. Have your things ready.” The call disconnected.

I swallowed as I tried not to cry.

“What did he say?” Mia asked.

“He did know that we married, didn’t he?”

Mia nodded. “Dario told him. I know because Aunt Aurora called me.”

“He said he’s sending Rafaele here to pick me up. He wants me to spend tonight with my family and we’ll discuss” —I emphasized the word— “my marriage.”

Mia’s shoulders slouched and then straightened. “What do you want to do?”

“I don’t know,” I answered honestly. “I want to be with Em, but I’ve missed my sister, my brother, and my mother.”

“Your father?” Valentina asked.

“Right now, he scares me.”

She tossed her napkin on the table and walked toward me. When she reached my chair, she spread her arms. “Come here, child.”

I stood. “I’m not a child.”

“You always will be to me. Em is a child in my eyes as are Cat and Camila.”

I nodded and took a step toward her. She wrapped me in her arms and pulled me close. “We are all children sometimes even when you’re as old as I am.” She rubbed my back. “And sometimes we need a parent’s shoulder.”

My tears started.

“Mine will always be here.”

I gasped for air and stood straighter. “Thank you.”

Valentina teased my hair away from my face. “What do you want to do? You’re right. As an adult, where you go and what you do is your choice.”

“I want to see them. I’m afraid he’ll force me back to Missouri.”

“Where are they staying?” Mia asked.

“Hotel Del Coronado.”

Mia stood and walked away.

Liliana laid her hand on top of mine.

When Mia returned, she had Diego, José, and Horace with her. “Don’t go anywhere until you talk to Em. I’ve come up with an option. When Rafaele arrives, Horace will offer to drive you. He’ll offer to follow Rafaele.”

“My father—”

“Isn’t making your decisions. You and your husband are. Diego will go with Horace.”

“What about you?”

Mia shook her head. “Viviana and I are safe here. We’ll work on tomorrow’s menu. If you’re not back, I’ll call Silas or Felipe. With this plan, you have both Horace and Diego to make sure you leave the Del when you’re ready to leave. And above all, they won’t allow you to be taken back to Missouri.”

“Papà said I was spending the night.”

“Is that what you want?”

I shook my head. “I want to be here with my husband.”

Valentina nodded toward my phone. “Call Emiliano. Listen to his point of view, and the two of you decide what you will do.”

Exhaling, I took the phone toward the back of the house. The room that had couches last night was undergoing a transformation. The regular furniture was gone, and a crew of people were setting up round and long tables on the right side.

What if Valentina is going through all this trouble, and my family tries to steal me away?

I went back into my call log and called Your husband. Em answered on the second ring. “Am I bothering you?”