Chapter 62
Tony and Luca lead me to Luciano, where they stand on either side of us. “As many of you might already know, my relationship with Ariana has been a whirlwind, but none the less she has proven to hold a strength of love and light that she continues to emit. That love, she shares with not only myself, but also with Luca, and Tony, and now so will do with our family. What we have together, as unconventional as it may be, is rare and will be cherished and honored.” Luciano turns to me now, still speaking through the microphone and holding my hand. “Ariana Salvatore, do you swear to commit your life, your love and your loyalty to the Donatello family? To uphold our values, to care for our family and do your duties as the Donatello Donna?”
“Yes, I do.” I say softly.
“We present to you the family ring of all the Donna’s before you, a symbol of your role as the heart of our family.” He turns to Luca on his side and is passed a ring that he places on my forefinger. It’s thick, solid gold with the family crest bared on the center. Simple, elegant but a deadly symbol for all those to be reminded of who I now am. He turns back to the crow and kisses the ring now on my finger. “To Donna!” He shouts and everyone raises their glasses, claps and cheers.
“Now, as your Donna, we have one more thing to do“, he says as everyone quiets down. Tony behind me to stand with my other two men and as the crowd silences they all take to one knee. Is this part of the ceremony? They didn’t tell me about this part, we practiced together, they didn’t tell me about this part! Fuck, what do I do?
“Ariana, my Angel. The first time you looked into my eyes, you made my heart stutter. I didn’t think I would ever admit that, but I kneel before you now not as your Don, but as a man who would like to bare his heart to the women that he loves. Your strength, your beauty, your kindness and determination, everything about you makes me want to be a better man for you. I almost lost you once, and in that moment, I realized I could never live without you.”
Luca takes my hand, and I look to him as he starts. “Princess. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine I would be as honored as I am to be a part of your life. To be able to stand by your side and share your life with you. You’re my best friend, my bath buddy, the love of my life and the light that guides me home. I have loved you and will continue to love you for as long as you let me, because without you, I am nothing. I long for your smiles, your laughter, the happiness and joy you bring into any room. You’re everything to me.”
*Honey…” as Tony takes me hand now the tears threaten to spill, and I know they will.
“I was tasked to protect you as your warrior, to make sure no harm would ever come to you. That first day when you punched me in the throat, I knew I was in love. You looked ethereal as I choked for air, and I don’t think it was the hit that did it. It was just you. You took my breath away, and every day since. I want to spend my days growing old with you, having children, building a home filled with love and laughter. I want to stand by your side through every battle of life, to breath the air you breath, to comfort you in the hard times and to enjoy the moments that fairytales are made of.”
“Will you marry us?” They say together as they each pull out black velvet boxes and open them to present three beautiful, golden rings. The tears are falling, as I knew they would and I take a moment to look at my three men in front of me, on their knees with their hearts bared.
“Yes! A thousand times yes!”
Loud cheers, clapping and whistles fill the room as they stand smiling like they never have before. Luciano reaches out for a deep, passionate kiss and a ring on my finger. Then Luca, and Tony, each place their rings and I look down to see the three beautiful bands fit together perfectly to form a heart that is outlined in diamonds. They are my heart, and I am there’s.
Slow, soft music begins, and Luciano takes my hand.
“Dance with us, wife?”
I nod and wipe my eyes as we all walk towards the dance floor, Luciano stands at my front and places his hands around my waist. Tony and Luca stand on my sides and places theirs above Lucianos on my back. We huddle together, and sway, our movements always align with each other when we’re together in intimate moments and now is no different. We were made to be together like this. We dance a few songs until dinner is announced and we make our way to the table with our family’s elders. The evening is perfect, and I’ve met so many friendly faces that show me nothing but love and acceptance. Stacy made her way over to congratulate me and to scold the men on taking so long. We laugh and catch up over dinner. A middle–aged man approaches the table with a large gift–wrapped box.
“What is this, Henry?” Luciano asks as he stands at our table in front of us and places it down.
I’m not sure, Don. It was dropped off outside the front gates in a taxi. Before the guards could ask him the driver, he sped off.”
Luciano takes the card and his eyes flash with anger as he stands abruptly.
Chapter 62
“What? What does it say?” Luca asks as Tony snatches the guard.
“What the fuck?!” He roars and the music stops, and everyone is now staring at us.
“Guys?” I ask, but they’re not listening so I stand and rip the lid off the box.
“Oh god, no…”
