He held my hand throughout the service, pretending to listen as the Minister read words from the bible. Then he surprised me again. He had memorised the words he wanted to say and they were perfect. He placed one hand on the side of my neck, his thumb gently stroking as he spoke.
“Today, in front of our family and friends I marry my soul mate, my healer, my angel. I promise to love and know you for eternity, to cherish and respect you, to protect you from harm and to stay faithful to you forever.
Where my life was dark, you brought light. Where there was cold, you brought warmth. Where there was no hope, you gave me dreams and for that I thank you. Brooke, you own my body and my soul. Everything I am and have, I give to you.”
His voice was soft and quiet, meant just for my ears, yet echoed around the chapel and I let the tears fall freely. The man standing in front of me now was a million miles away from the one I met in that kitchen just a short time ago. I heard a sob behind me, Sam, and I smiled.
“Brooke, please repeat after me,” the Minister said.
I looked at him. “Can I say just what’s in my mind?” I whispered, he nodded.
I still held Robert’s hand and with my other, I placed it over his heart and I spoke.
“From the moment I saw you, I knew you were the one I would share the rest of my life with. Your beauty, your heart and your mind inspire me. I promise to love and know you for eternity, to cherish and respect you, to protect you from harm and to stay faithful to you forever. In front of our friends, family and God, this is my solemn vow.
You give me purpose, you have shown me what true love is. You are my soul mate, my destiny and I am honoured to give myself, freely and completely to you, forever.”
A small ripple of applause started, growing louder as more people joined in.
“May I have the rings please?” the Minister said to Travis.
Two matching platinum bands, one embedded with diamonds were placed on his bible, Robert took one and slid it on my finger. Still holding my finger he whispered, “With this ring, I pledge my heart to you, please, be careful with it.”
I did the same and copied the words he had spoken, it was all we needed to say to each other.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. Robert, you may kiss your bride,” I heard being said as he pulled me towards him.
A sigh left his body and I saw the nervous tension in his shoulder muscles relax. Holding hands, we walked back up the aisle as the photographer took his pictures. As the doors to the chapel opened, we watched small snowflakes fall from the sky, a perfect end to a perfect ceremony. Sam handed me my wrap and Robert and I walked over to the marquee, our guests following.
“Happy?” he asked.
“Robert, you have no idea just how much. I can’t believe you’ve done all this. I knew something was up at the weekend, but never in a million years could I have imagined this.”
“You don’t mind that I made it a surprise?” he asked.
“No, so far it’s been just perfect. I was so surprised when I woke up and found that note, I tried to call you, to call everyone.”
“I know. I told everyone not to answer if you did and I couldn’t answer, Brooke, in case you said no.”
“Did you really think I would say no?” I asked.
“Well, no I guess not.”
We entered the marquee, into a bar area and was handed glasses of pink champagne. Our guests followed in behind us and for a while we were separated.
“Oh, honey, that was just wonderful and look at that dress on you,” Taylor said.
I hugged each of the girls.
“Did you have any idea?” Susie asked.
“No, seriously. I thought Robert was a bit distracted lately but I woke up this morning and he was gone. He left a note on the pillow asking me to marry him today, that’s the first I knew.”
I told the girls about my day, the massage, the makeup and hair and how stunned I was when Casey arrived with the dress. As other guests came in, I made my way to Robert, he was talking with Gianfranco and Sofia. I greeted them warmly, Sofia pulling me into a strong embrace.
“Oh, Sofia. It’s so lovely to see you,” I said.
As she talked to me Lucia translated. “She wants you to know how beautiful you look.”
I hugged Lucia, then Luca and their children. I was really pleased to see them all, to have them here on this special day. Evelyn and Travis with Caroline behind, came and congratulated us as did Sam and Scott. There seemed to be an endless row of people, most I knew, some Robert had to introduce me to. He had invited a couple of business friends and the Mayor with his wife. There was one person I was really pleased to see, Joseph. Wrapped up in his scarf, hat and coat, his daughter holding his arm, he shuffled over.
“Brooke, Robert, I am honoured to be here today,” he said, wiping a tear from his eye.
“We’re pleased to have you here,” Robert told him.
I spotted them then. Kerry, Gerry and the rest of the boys with Ted. I walked over and gave each a hug.
“Kerry, you look beautiful,” I said.
She was wearing a new dress, her hair shone and her makeup perfectly applied, totally different to how she looked the first time I’d met her, in her jeans and sneakers, with her beaten face and tangled hair.
“We didn’t know until this morning in case we told you,” Gerry said.
“Well, I’m just glad that you’re all here. Now, no champagne,” I said, taking the glass from Gerry’s hand. “Well, maybe just half a glass each.”
The very last person to enter was Gary, still in his uniform but minus the hat, he was followed by a very good looking guy of similar build. Most definitely ex army by the look of him, he was all buzz cut and muscles.
“Gary, I’m so glad you’re here,” I said.
“Can I introduce you to Pat?” he asked and I shook his partner’s hand.
“I’m pleased to meet you, Pat, finally. Gary talks a lot about you,” I said.
Robert came over and shook both their hands, it must have been a little awkward for him but I spent a lot of time with Gary and was glad that he was here as a guest.
“You’re kidding me right? I thought Pat was a woman,” Robert whispered to me as we made our way through to the main room.
I laughed. “No, Pat is all man,” I replied.
“Travis will fucking flip,” he said, laughing with me.
The main area was decorated in white and silver. The black ceiling, full of little tiny white lights, made it look just like the night sky. At the far end there was a stage and dance floor, to the side, doors leading to a wooden terrace, little heaters warming the area. Our guests were shown to their tables and finally Robert and I sat. I had Sam and Scott next to me and he had Travis and Evelyn the other side of him, our families.
“Where were you today?” I asked him as the waiters filled our glasses with wine.
“Hotel. Travis and I went there early, I wanted to let you wake and find the note. We spent the day running back and forth from here. I’ve organised multi-million dollar projects that were easier than this,” he laughed.
“I had a stunning full body massage,” I told him.
“Were you completely naked?”
“Yep.”
“Sounds good, might have to watch that later,” he joked.
“I have no underwear on now,” I smiled sweetly at him.
“Mrs Stone, that’s getting a bit of habit for you.”
“I like your suit, you look so different,” I told him.
“I thought I would make the effort for a change,” he replied.
“I notice the Mayor is as far away from Luca as possible.”
“Yeah, that has been a bit of nightmare, especially if you look at the amount of security outside. Mack needs to teach them all the art of subtlety.”
We were served a delicious starter of mozzarella and tomato salad then wild boar ravioli, this was followed by veal and a calorie laden chocolate desert, a true Ita
lian feast. Robert had chosen the most wonderful wines. I sat for a few minutes just watching the people around us, so many new friends, some who viewed me as family and I felt a lump come to my throat. I took a tissue and dabbed my eyes.
“Are you okay?” Robert asked.
“I’m just thinking how my brother would have loved you and I would have loved for him to be here.”
He took my hand and raised it to his lips. “If he was half as wonderful as you, I would have loved him back.”
A noise started, a chinking of cutlery hitting a glass and Robert laughed.
“That means I have to kiss you.”
“Let’s not disappoint then,” I replied, taking his face in my hands.
I heard the scraping of a chair, Travis had stood, holding up one hand for silence.
“Oh fuck, I told him no speeches,” Robert said.
“Friends, family, thank you for coming this evening. I want to be the first to congratulate Brooke and Robert,” he said raising his glass.
“Robert threatened to shoot me if I gave a speech, but since I’m the quicker shot, I decided to take the risk,” there was a ripple of laughter, some agreed and some thought it was a joke.
“Some of you may know this but Rob and I have been friends since we were eleven years old, we’ve grown up together, we’re brothers in all but blood. Rob, Evelyn and I can’t tell you how good it feels to sit here tonight, to watch you with Brooke and know your time is now, your life starts now.”
Only a few people in that room really understood what that meant.
“When Robert first met Brooke, it was in a kitchen of all places. He told us he had met the one, he saw it in her eyes. We thought he had been on the beer of course. However, Brooke didn’t fall at his feet the first time, she turned down his offer of lunch and that was seriously funny to see,” he laughed at the memory.
Robert smiled and shook his head.
“However, he then made her an offer she couldn’t refuse.” I nearly spat my wine out at that and only two tables really laughed.
“The first time I met Brooke, I knew she was different, she is strong, confident and obviously beautiful,” this produced a cheer and I smiled my thanks at him.
“Brooke has done a wonderful thing for my brother, she stuck in there when others wouldn’t have and for that I thank her. So I would like you to stand and raise your glasses to Brooke and Robert.”
Robert and I toasted each other before he stood and pulled Travis into a hug. Then he remained standing.
“Thank you Travis and I dispute your claim to be the faster shot. He did get one thing right though. The first time I saw Brooke I knew I would marry her, there is something very special about her,” he turned to me.
“Thank you for agreeing to be my wife and for everything else,” he raised his glass to me. “To my beautiful wife, Brooke Stone.”
I handed the packet of tissues to Sam after taking one myself. Robert sat as coffee was poured and I was pleased that Sam had not spoken, there was no telling what he would come out with.
“You’re the special one, Robert,” I whispered to him. “Look at you, how much you have changed.”
The tables were being cleared and musicians were preparing on the stage, I headed off to the restrooms, attached to the side of the marquee.
“Brooke, that was a wonderful meal,” Lucia said as she caught up with me and we walked together.
“It was wasn’t it. However, I think Travis is going to be in trouble for his speech,” I laughed.
“It was amusing. I like your friend Sam, he’s been trying to chat with Sofia. Brooke, is this the most terrible moment to speak with you, about Luca, this development?” she said.
I looked at her and she looked worried. I scanned the room until I caught Gary’s eye who was quickly by my side.
“Gary, can you make sure Lucia and I have a little privacy for a moment,” I asked him as we climbed the steps to the restroom.
“Lucia, what’s wrong?” I asked.
“This is a terrible moment I have chosen, but I don’t know when we will be alone to be able to talk. Luca is in trouble, Brooke, I know it. He won’t speak about it but I’m sure it has something to do with the development, perhaps the contractors he’s tied with. I’m scared for him.”
“What do you know Lucia? Is there anything you’ve overheard?” I asked.
“All I know is that the people he is tied with are Albanians, they are bad people, Brooke, very bad. I don’t know why he is tied to them but he has argued with Gianfranco and that is something he has never done before.”
“Would you like to speak with Robert about this?” I asked.
“No, Luca would be very mad with me, perhaps you could.”
I nodded, I decided not to tell her that Robert already had his concerns but if Lucia was scared, something was very wrong indeed. Robert needed to find out.
“Leave it with me Lucia. I have your number, perhaps I can call you in a couple of days. Let me chat with Robert, see what his thoughts are.”
I took her hands in mine. “It will be fine. Lucia. Robert will sort it.”
“Thank you. He’s right you know, you are a very special person,” she said.
We refreshed our makeup and I thanked Gary as we left the restrooms and headed back into the marquee. Gary walked with me and we made our way over to Sam and Scott who were sitting with Pat.
“Is everything okay, Brooke?” he asked, dipping his head to mine.
“I’m not sure yet, Gary. I need to speak with Robert, but not tonight,” I replied.
“Hey honey, come and join the outcasts,” Sam squealed.
“The outcasts?” I asked.
“Oh your lady, Sofia, nearly had a heart attack when I introduced her to the wife she kept asking about,” he said.
I laughed. “Oh, Sam. She is a lovely woman, very Catholic though, maybe you should have been a little more subtle.”
“Yeah, now she wants to take me to confession,” he said.
I left the four guys laughing, they would make good friends and I headed to where the girls were sitting with Caroline. Pulling up a chair, I joined them.
“Honey, this has been the best evening,” Taylor said.
“I know, and I asked you what you were doing for New Year's Eve!” I scolded.
They laughed. “What could we say, you took us by surprise when you asked,” Patricia replied. “I nearly spilled the beans so many times.”
“How did the meeting go between Travis and Harley?” I asked Caroline.
“Good, I wouldn’t normally introduce someone to him so early on, but I have high hopes for me and Travis,” she said.
“I’m pleased for you and him of course,” I said, quickly catching the look from the girls.
“Excuse me, may I have a word,” I heard behind me. I turned in my chair to face a woman I had not met before.
“I’m part of the band, your husband has chosen a song for your first dance, I’ll call you up when we’re ready, in about a half hour” she said and I nodded.
As we sat Rosa took my hand and leant forward. “I was so wrong about him wasn’t I,” she said quietly.
“Not then Rosa, but now, yes. He’s a different person now.”
“Where are you honeymooning, Brooke?” Caroline asked.
“I have no idea. I didn’t even know I was getting married until this morning.”
“You’re kidding me?”
“No honey, Robert has been planning this for ages, we’ve all been sworn, on pain of death, not to breathe a word of it,” Taylor answered.
“How about your dress, he chose that too?”
“Well, not technically. Robert has a tattoo on his chest, my initials. One day he said that at least when we got married he would not have to change it, both our surnames start with the letter S. I knew at some point he would propose. Anyway, Taylor has this amazing designer and I casually asked her to design a wedding dress for me, should it ever happen,” I said.
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Taylor took over the story. “When Robert told us what he was planning, I mentioned Casey had some wonderful designs and he picked one. I then showed it to Brooke who loved it.”
“Amazing, I don’t know any guy who could get that right, choosing their partners wedding dress for them,” Caroline said.
“We’re so in tune with each other, he knows me so well,” was the only way I could explain it.
I heard my name being called and looking up I saw the band ready. I walked to the dance floor and waited for him. Watching him walk towards me, I smiled, my husband, my dark eyed, dangerous, pile of trouble with a capital T! The band started and he pulled me into his arms, bending his head down to my ear.
“Listen to the words, Brooke. They say everything I can’t.”
As I looked at him and saw those little silver specks flicker in his dark, dark eyes a soulful voice sang words that tore right through me, brought tears to my eyes and made me love him more, if that was at all possible.
“What is this song?” I asked.
“It’s called, How Long Will I Love You. I heard it and just knew these were the words I wanted you to hear.”
As the song carried on, I buried my head in his chest and let the tears fall. He wrapped his arms around me, holding me tight and whispered the lyrics in my ear. I didn’t hear the song end, just the noise of hands clapping. I looked up and into the faces of my family, my friends. I was home, I was where I belonged, finally. Pushing me slightly away, Robert ran his thumb over my cheek, wiping away my tears.
“I love you,” he said.
“I know you do. Thank you for today, it’s been perfect.”
“I’m sorry your parents couldn’t be here. I did ask them,” he said.
“Robert, I don’t need them here. I don’t need them, period. I have you.”
The band upped the tempo and I stayed on the dance floor with Sam and the girls, pleased that Kerry had come and joined us. We danced a few songs before I noticed Robert beckon to me. The Mayor and his wife were leaving so I headed over to say my goodbyes.
“Too much time with the Mafia?” I joked as they walked towards their car.
“Baby, he’s not so straight himself,” he laughed.
Fallen Angel, Part II Page 18
