Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 86325 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86325 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
"So am I." I can tell he's speaking from the heart, and his smile is more genuine and open than I've ever seen it be before. He embraces me carefully so as not to tangle up the wires. "You'll be able to come home soon enough, principessa. And then I'm never letting you out of my sight again."
"Good." My blood cools when I remember Giordani. "What about Angelo? Did you catch him?"
Ryder's teeth clench and he shakes his head. "It's my biggest regret about all of this. But I had to save you and our son. And he got away. But don't worry, I'll keep you protected. No one's going to hurt you ever again."
I smile, knowing he's telling the truth.
* * *
It's a week later and I've been back in the Bernardi Estate for three full days. When I returned, I cried at the sight of my kittens who were looking all grown up, although they still recognized me. Tiger was waiting in my chambers when I returned, and Ryder begrudgingly admitted to taking care of him the whole time I'd been gone. The others were still in the stables, being looked after by the staff. I couldn't even begin to explain how much that meant to me, and seeing Ryder with Tiger was just about the sweetest thing in the world.
Ryder made his plans clear – he would wait for me to regain some strength, then we would be married in a private ceremony in the chapel on the grounds of the Estate. And now that day has come.
Mia, my maid from when I first arrived here, buttons up the dozens of tiny satin-covered buttons on the back of my dress. She carefully laces up the corset part too and ties it into a perfect bow.
"You look beautiful, signorina," she tells me with tears in her eyes. "I'm so happy you're finally getting married."
"Me too," I mutter, resting my hand on my stomach. The baby bump is visible in this dress, but even though it's not traditional for a Sicilian wedding, I wanted it to show. I'm proud of the life growing inside me and even prouder that I'll be able to give Ryder the heir he deserves in just a few short months. "I'm so glad everything has worked out, Mia."
"Me too." She helps me get up from the velvet upholstered chair I've been sitting in and takes one last look at me. "You'll steal the show, signorina."
She and a few guards escort me to the entrance of the chapel where Bruno Bernardi is waiting for me. Since Papa is gone, Ryder's father is stepping in for me and walking me down the aisle. We share a smile, and for the first time, I feel like I've finally gotten the older man's approval. I'll be his daughter-in-law soon enough, and he doesn't seem like he's regretting that.
"Are you ready, my dear?" he asks softly, and I nod, hooking my arm through his and nervously clenching my bridal bouquet of white roses in the other hand.
"Ready as I'll ever be," I admit. "This is the happiest day of my life. I just hope there are no... unwelcome surprises this time around."
"We made sure of it." Bernardi nods in the direction of a dozen of guards making sure our ceremony won't be interrupted. "You don't have to worry, Aurora. Your life can truly begin now."
I smile and allow him to lead me through the carved doors into the chapel. The light falling through the stained-glass windows makes everything look like something out of a film.
My husband-to-be stands in front of the altar, surrounded by his brothers. Slowly, he raises his eyes to meet mine. In his gaze, I see the beauty of the world – every feeling we've ever felt for each other intensified and condensed into a single look filled with love and devotion.
This man is the only one I want, my companion for life. And, as I walk down the aisle, I know there's no one else I'd rather spend a lifetime making happy.
Bruno hands me over to Ryder who gently removes the veil from my face. I'm trying so hard not to cry, but when his hand gently brushes my cheek before coming to rest on my belly, even I can't resist the smallest of sobs ripping itself from my perfectly painted lips.
"You look stunning, principessa," Ryder says, leaning forward to kiss me when the priest clears his throat.
"Not quite yet," he warns Ryder in Italian, making the congregation laugh. "Are you ready to begin?"
We nod in unison and the ceremony begins.
My heart is beating so fast, I almost forget the faces in the crowd and what the priest is saying. All I'm focused on is Ryder's handsome face and his smile that shines only for me. Our eyes are locked together in an impenetrable gaze and there's no one who can break our iron bond anymore. We exchange rings and I beam brightly, knowing no one's ever going to hurt me again, not with Ryder watching over me.