chapter Thirty-Four
I Do
Lorenzo
“Shut up, Chris, I’m up,” I grumbled. Chris was in my room calling me out of my sleep.
“Dude, start moving like it,” Chris chuckled. “Victoria is already getting ready.”
My head snapped up at the mention of my bride to be. I sat up to clear my head. My arm was throbbing a little this morning. Once I wrapped my head around the fact that it was my wedding day, I pulled myself out of bed and headed for the shower.
“Happy Birthday, Bro,” Chris called after me.
I raised my hand in the air, in thanks, as I yawned and walked into the bathroom, scratching my stomach. I brushed my teeth as I looked in the mirror. I looked a little rough for a wedding. I still hadn’t had a haircut and a real shave would be great. Maria insisted her groomers have the opportunity to handle that.
I was a little annoyed because I looked like wolverine at our rehearsal dinner. Victoria had jokes. If she wasn’t so cute when she laughs, I might have been pissed.
I jumped into the shower, hoping it would wake up the rest of the way. I couldn’t help reciting my wedding vows in my head. Victoria and Maria wanted us to write our own and know them by heart.
Good thing no one else has ever heard them. If I messed up, I would be the only one that knew. As long as it had the ending Victoria and I agree to I was golden. No harm, no foul.
I washed my way too long hair and made my way out of the shower. Chris and Matt were playing Xbox, when I walked out of the bathroom and into the closet. I wished I hadn’t left that behind here. Maybe then, they wouldn’t be in here and I could have some privacy.
I threw on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt to walk around in until time to get dressed. As I dropped my towels on the closet floor, I laughed because I knew Victoria would’ve yelled at me for it. I missed her.
I couldn’t wait to see her. I wondered did she get her phone back. As soon as I had the thought, Chris knocked at the closet door holding up my phone. I grabbed a pair of sneakers and took the phone. Victoria had just sent a message.
Victoria: Good Morning. See you soon.
I sent her a text back, knowing I’d prefer to talk to her. I guess a text or two would have to do for now.
Me: Good morning, Beautiful. Can’t wait.
Matt and Chris followed me to the kitchen where breakfast was set up for everyone. I knew Maria is going to have us all over the place today. I needed to fuel up as much as I could.
I piled the food on my plate and sat at the table. Chris wasted no time on his plate. My phone went off again.
Victoria: How is your birthday so far?
Me: Great they’re wrapping my gift up right now.
My father entered the kitchen with a big grin on his face. At first, I almost had an attitude, but I realized his grin had nothing to do with him getting his way. He tossed a key at me and nodded his head toward the garage.
I knew exactly what it was. I jumped up, running to the garage. Parked right where my motorcycles used to be was a brand-new money green Lotus. My father walked up behind me and patted my shoulder.
“Happy birthday, Son,” he said.
“Thanks, Dad,” I beamed. “My two favorite ladies just found competition. Oh, man, you think Victoria would be pissed if I spend an hour on the track?”
“I think you’d be pushing it,” he chuckled. “It will be here when you come home from your honeymoon.”
“That’s in two weeks. I have to take her out if just once around the track,” I groaned.
“It’s your birthday. Go ahead,” my father said as he patted my back.
He didn’t have to tell me twice. I hop in the car heading for the track faster than I could think. I had made up the schoolwork I missed last week and gotten permission to email in the assignments for the rest of the semester. I was all set for the honeymoon, but I wasn’t going to wait two weeks to try this car out.
I’ve been eyeing it for months. I melted into the seats, this baby handled like a dream. Victoria would love this car, maybe I would get her one. I took the track twice.
I couldn’t help myself. When I got back to the house Chris and Matt were standing with my dad. They whistled, as they checked my new lady out. I parked her and looked around to see where they’d placed my bikes.
I noticed them in my mother’s parking spot for now. I hopped out of the car and headed over to hug my dad. He was always extremely happy to give me a new car. Chris handed me my phone again, once my father and I finished our moment.
Victoria: LOL. Are you talking about me?
Me: Yes! I just got my Lotus you are going to love it.
I started toward the kitchen to finish my breakfast. I ran into Carlos in the foyer, with Maria’s team, ready to torture me and my friends. I walked right passed them.
I was going to finish that plate. Uncle Mike and Uncle Fredo were enjoying plates of their own. My father had invited Carlos and his gang to grab something to eat. They all scattered around the kitchen to grab a quick bite. My phone buzzed again.
Victoria: Oh, wow. What color? Can I drive it? LOL
Me: Money green. Of course, I want to get you one.
I sat back satisfied, with a full belly. Chris was on plate number two. Matt was busy sending text messages. Something told me they weren’t all to Martina.
He was playing a dangerous game. I wasn’t entertaining his triangle, though, I’m too happy for that. I stood to stretch and let out a yawn. Carlos tossed his plate and snapped for his team to finish up or do the same. I figured it was best to get this all over with, so I could get to Victoria that much sooner.
I made my way to the room my mother had set up for today. There were two barber chairs waiting. My father hopped in the chair next to mine. Carlos showed the stylist what to do with my hair.
I prayed this girl wouldn’t mess my hair up today. My father was done way before me. Chris was next to hop in the chair next to mine.
Everyone laughed and talked amongst themselves, but I was busy thinking about the special gifts I had planned for Victoria. She hadn’t answered me yet. She must’ve been busy. I sat with a hot towel on my face, hoping I would get a mirror soon.
My phone was going off at the same time I finally finish and get a mirror placed in my hand. I sighed in relief as I looked in the mirror. Carlos’s girl actually did a great job.
With a beaming smile on his face, my father pulled out his wallet and gave her a hundred as a tip. I had to admit, I even like what she did with my facial hair. The light line she left to leave the illusion of a beard wasn’t bad.
I checked my phone quickly. I smiled as reality started to set in, I’. Victoria had sent me two messages.
Victoria: I thought you were going to behave?
Me: That meant, no new cars for me. I said nothing about you.
I sent back in response. I couldn’t help laughing, I was in such a good mood. If I wanted to get her a car, I would just have to do it.
I think that would be a nice Valentine’s Day gift for her or maybe her birthday. It’s coming soon. I’m going to spoil her rotten. Venny hasn’t even scratched the surface of what I’m going to do.
Victoria: TY for the flowers, baby. They’re beautiful.
Me: YW. Bet they’re having trouble being noticed in a room with you.
Carlos got right at work. He shoved me behind a makeshift curtain. I shook my head as the first thing handed to me was cologne. Carlos literally dresses you from head to toe. He even has his own ritual on how you’re supposed to spray it on.
I hand him back the cologne and its replaced by my tux. It’s black just like my princess wanted. I stepped into the pants, then pulled on the white shirt and white vest. Once I was done, Carlos popped behind the curtain to tie a white ascot around my neck.
My blood started to pump harder. I was getting excited. I knew Victoria had the flowers, so my next gift was on the way.
I had a necklace made for her. It’s white gold with three charms that hang from the center. They’re the letters L, B, and V covered in diamonds, each dangling from their own chain. The B hangs just a little lower than the L and the V. She’s going to love it.
Time was moving faster than I thought. Once Chris and Matt were dressed we were out the front door, getting into the cars Uncle Mike and Uncle Fredo pulled out. Chris rode with me in my new Wraith. Venny was just going to have to a fit. Matt rode with my dad in the hummer.
I almost flew to the mansion Maria rented for the wedding. The place was monstrous in size. I remember the way Victoria squealed the first time we went to see it.
The place looked great. There were flowers everywhere. The white roses and blue and white hydrangeas, my princess wanted with hints of blue Picasso callas flooded the entryway. They wrapped the double spiral staircase, and the pathway that lead to the huge heated tent Maria had brought in.
They made the marble floors look even richer. As I stared down the long pathway to the altar, my stomach started to twist. It was such a long walk. I would have to wait that long for her to get to me. My phone went off as I tried to relax.
Victoria: Thank you so much. This is beautiful. I love you.
Me: YW. I love you too.
Right on time. My next gift would be after we’re married. Chris, Matt, Toni, and I all made our way to the altar to begin waiting. Toni was excited to see the guys and me. He reminded me so much of Lucie.
I took in the setup as we walked. Everything Victoria wanted was in place. There were the rows of chairs with white covers and shear blue fabric tied around them, with bows at the back.
I noticed the single white roses that were dyed light blue and wrapped with white ribbons, sitting on top of the programs on each chair for the guests. There was blue and white fabric draped from the ceiling of the tent. The lighting made the fabric and flowers glow.
I knew that was because Victoria wanted the roses accented with little crystals. My princess had an eye for beauty. The place looked breathtaking.
People were starting to file in. My father came to get me when my grandfather arrived. My grandfather was more than happy to see me.
“How is that arm, Lorenzo,” he asked, as he gave me a proud smile. “Are you taking care of it?”
“It’s healing,” I smiled. “I’ll be back to myself in no time.”
Antonio La Marcello arrived just then. The conversation quickly turned to my handling of the situation with Victoria. I didn’t have too much to say, but they were very impressed.
I wasn’t in the mood to talk about it. I just wanted to go and wait for my bride, but I knew better than to be rude. Mr. La Marcello sensed my anxiety and dismissed me. I noticed they didn’t follow for a very long time, which I pushed to the back of my head.
I looked at my watch and my heart started to race. It was time. I looked into the crowd and saw all the people waiting to see us get married, but they didn’t matter. Not half as much as the one person I wanted to see walk down that aisle.
The priest stepped into place and music started playing lightly in the background. I wondered if Victoria was ready. My palms were getting all sweaty. I forgot my vows that earlier I’d known by heart.
The back doors closed and everyone was sent to their seats. Chris stood behind me, but Matt and Toni disappeared. The music began to play louder. I remembered the song playing, it was the one Maria picked for the processional. They were about to march in, this was it. The doors opened again and my father and mother came through, I could see her holding his arm, already dabbing at tears.
Next through the doors came Lakeisha and my mother, Maria. I could that Maria was wearing the diamond teardrop earrings I had sent to her this morning. Lakeisha looked beautiful in a navy blue dress, which made me anxious to see her daughter.
Behind them, I could see Angie smiling from ear to ear. She looked pretty in the black dress, with a light blue bow that wrapped the waist. Everything was just as Victoria wanted.
I thought about her fight with Carlos. ‘I want them in black you make it work….To the knee Carlos and strapless.’ I chuckled to myself. He made it work the contrast of the pure white roses and the black and blue looked beautiful. She knew what she wanted.
Martina and Matt were next to walk in. Matt’s tux mirrored mine, defining with a blue tie and handkerchief in his jacket pocket, just like Chris and Toni’s did. They were all moving so slow.
I thought I was going to pass out from waiting. Toni and Lucie were next. Lucie dropped blue and white rose petals on the white walkway. Toni was holding a white pillow, trying to keep pace with Lucie. I looked passed them, as the doors closed again. Once Lucie made her way to the front and stood behind Martina, the music changed again.
The doors opened and there she was. Venny stood at her side, as they were marched straight toward me. My heart almost jumped out of my chest.
It was taking everything in me not to run to her and pull her down this aisle, as fast as I could. I just stood in awe. She looked like a real live princess just like I imagined, but better.
Her gown was a light silk that drape her body perfectly. The top had crystal covered straps that wrapped around her neck like a halter and two more thin crystal straps on each arm that draped loosely, one lower than the other down her arm. The front of the dress plunged down below her bust line.
The veil she wore covered her face, stopping right at her collarbone. It shimmered with crystals, giving her an ethereal look. Her hair was pulled up under the veil into a crown of large curls, pinned neatly into place adorned by a crystal covered tiara.
I could see the necklace I’d just given her around her neck. The bracelet I’d given her for her birthday sprinkled from her wrist. There were large diamond earrings glowing in her ears. A perfect ball of roses glittered in her hands as she walked forward.
When she finally made it to me, the smile on her face was priceless. As Venny embraced her, I could see the back of the dress. Her back was out. The dress was cut right down to her waist.
The veil was as long as the train on her dress, maybe a little shorter. That was the only thing covering her skin. I couldn’t help, but bit my lip as I took her in.
I heard nothing being said, I just watched as Venny answered the priest, before reaching to pull back her veil. I stopped breathing the minute her face come into full view. Her face looked more gorgeous than I could ever imagine.
I never thought she could be more beautiful than she already was, but they managed to make her look like a perfect angel. I tried to think and remember how to breathe. She touched my hand and it came back to me. I laced my fingers in hers and faced the priest.
This was it. I had kept her alive and now I was going to marry the woman I choose. The one I loved, the one I would die for, the one.
I tried to run from someone I never had a chance of getting away from. She had me the moment I saw her in that mall. When I looked in her eyes and she told me her name was, Victoria, I was done. She didn’t have to say another word.
I had broken her heart and thought I’d lost her forever, but here she was holding my hand, standing at my side. She chose me to be hers, and now it was time to tell her all of that.
“Victoria Antonella La Marcello, I’ve never met anyone like you. You bring love and light into my world. From the day, I met you I knew I would be yours forever.
“I would walk through fire for you. I promise to protect you and give you everything you want, need, and desire. All you have to do is say, yes. Say you will stay with me for the rest of my life, and I promise, no one will ever love you as much as I do.”
I watched the tears fill her eyes. I wanted to kiss her so badly. I know she said, yes. I managed to hear that much, as I slid the ring on her finger.
It was her turn to say her vows and I wanted to hear them. I had to pull myself together. She was crying and trying to stead herself to speak. I brushed the tears from her eyes, and she held my hand to her face and began to speak.
“Lorenzo Giovanni Botticelli, you have taught me so much. I learned who I am through the love and patience you have given me. I have grown from a girl to a woman, all in your arms.
“I promise to be the best wife you could ever have. I will be whatever you need and want me to be. I will do all I know how to make you happy and what I don’t know, I promise to learn. I trust you with all of me.
“All I ask is that you say, yes. Say you will accept me and all I am and I promise, no one will ever love or care for you the way I do,” she managed to sob out.
“Yes, Victoria, I do,” I answered, as she slid the ring on my finger.
I was so happy I was lost. I stood there staring into her eyes with my hands on her waist. She was mine forever now and no one could take that from me.
I didn’t even hear the part when the priest said I could kiss the bride. I just knew she lifted her arms around my neck and I pulled her to me to kiss her.
I kissed her the way I wanted to the first time I saw her. I place my hand on the back of her neck and held her right where I wanted her. I don’t know how long I kissed her. I just know there were people clapping and I couldn’t get close enough to her.
I felt Chris slap me on the back and I realized I had been holding her for far too long. I released her and reached for her hand. Victoria smiled at me like I was the king of the world. That glow, it was like I’d never seen before.
We walked back into the mansion to the waiting photographers. We stood in the foyer where Maria had designated for us to greet our guests. I reached for Victoria’s face to kiss her quickly, before the guests started to file in.
“I love you, Mrs. Botticelli,” I grinned.
“I love you too, Mr. Botticelli,” she sang back to me.
I wrapped my arm around her and pulled her as close to me as I could get her. Our guests started to come into the mansion from the tent, for the cocktail hour. They stopped to congratulate us, wishing me a happy birthday.
I’d forgotten about my birthday, by now. I had the reason I was born standing in my arms. Venny and my father had appeared with my mothers at their sides.
They pointed out the people that we needed to pay special attention to. As Victoria’s mother’s family made it to us, we could feel the tension rolling off of Venny.
Victoria and I are more than happy to have them here with us. Bryce Jr. made sure Venny knew we were good friends. I found that hilarious. He gave me a big bear hug, while bellowing, “Welcome to the family, cuz.”
Venny fought so hard not to turn red. It wasn’t working. At least, not until Lakeisha shot him a look. She gave me a big hug and went to do the same with Victoria.
Their hug stopped everything else. I rubbed Victoria’s back while she hugged her mom so tight I know it had to hurt. I could feel the two of them shaking with tears. When they broke apart, Victoria turned to me to hug me. I kissed her forehead and murmured soothing words into her ear.
“I love you.”
There were so many people still heading toward us. Maria started to rush people along because we still had to take pictures. The tent was also getting a makeover during the cocktail hour.
When the last people had made it to us, Maria started to push us toward the sites for the pictures. The cameras were flashing, but I was too busy smiling at my wife. She’s so gorgeous. She smiled back at me, talking only with her eyes. I love that. She has no idea how much.
I lightly brushed my fingers down her back and her eyes said all I wanted to hear. She’s so sexy and her wedding gown only tempted me more. While the photographer arranged people in the shot, I took the time to kiss her neck and whisper in her ear.
“You are gorgeous. You take my breath away every time I look at you,” I breathed in her ear. “I love you so much, Baby.”
She smiled, still talking only with her eyes. The love I could see shining back at me made my heart swell. I never thought I could love someone like this, let alone have that love returned. I decided it was time to give her, her next gift once the pictures were done.
The wedding party headed back inside, and upstairs to the bridal suite. I pulled the little gift sash from my pocket, but Victoria waved Angie over in excitement. I watched her to see what she was up to. Angie came over with a box in her hands and gave it to Victoria.
“Lo, I didn’t want you to think I forgot to get you something for your birthday,” she said while handing me the box. “Happy birthday honey.”
I swung the little sash I was holding at her. She tilted her head at me and pouted. I could see in her eyes, I was ruining her fun.
I took the box and kissed her on the nose. She sighed and took the sash from me. I opened the box, knowing she wanted me to open mine first. I pulled out the black box from inside. I opened that box to reveal a beautiful timepiece with diamonds circling the face. I pulled her face to mine and kissed her gently.
“Thank you, Victoria. I love it.”
“Really, I was hoping you would? I can get you something else if you don’t like it,” she said anxiously.
“No, I really do,” I laughed. “Now you open yours.”
She opened the little bag and shook the contents out into her hand. She looked at me puzzled for a minute, then back at her palm. I moved closer to her placing my hand on her back. I kissed her neck, then pressed my lips to her ear.
“There’re the keys to the house. You said you want to be in your own home and your own bed. I rebooked the flight, we leave tomorrow night. I had them rush the bedroom furniture you wanted,” I whispered.
She cupped the keys in her hand and placed her arms around me. She let a naughty little grin cross her lips. Victoria shifted so her lips met mine, pulling me in until her breasts were flush against my chest.
I deepen the kiss, holding back a groan. Her lips are always so sweet. I couldn’t help devouring her, knowing she’s now my wife.
“Thank you. I promise you won’t regret it,” she whispered seductively in my ear.
“I know I won’t,” I breathed back in hers.
She smiled and placed her finger under my chin to bring my face to hers. She rubbed her nose against mine, tracing her finger along the facial hair, the stylist had neatly groomed. I wasn’t sure if she liked it. She pulled her face back to look at me, as she tilted her head to the side.
“Different, but I like it. You look so handsome, Lo,” she smiled.
“You look amazing. I’m the luckiest man in the world.”
“Lo, we’re really married. This is so unreal. How did I get so lucky? Did you see how perfect the wedding was? Maria did awesome. The earrings you gave her are stunning. Oh, and Baby, I love my necklace. Thank you so much,” she rattled off and kissed me.
“You’re welcome,” I chuckled, just as Carlos entered the room with a garment bag in his arms.
I looked at Victoria and my heart ached, because I knew they were about to take my wife somewhere where I wouldn’t be. We had just gotten a moment to talk to each other. I thought she was beautiful the way she was.
Maria was at Victoria’s side, pulling her away from me. She kissed my cheek before she left. I watched them go into the next room, falling back against the gold antique sofa we had been sharing.
Chris and Matt came over chuckling about something. I wasn’t sure I wanted to know. I just closed my eyes. All I could see was Victoria coming down the aisle, as she stole my heart all over again. More laughter interrupted my thoughts.
“What’s so funny?” I grumbled.
“You, man. Vic will be right back. You look like she was going away for life,” Matt laughed.
“Seriously, Lo, you have got it bad. You should see your face,” Chris chimed in.
“Whatever,” I chuckled.
“You guys look great though, man,” Matt said.
“Yeah, Angie is planning our wedding now,” Chris rolled his eyes.
“It’s gonna happen, ma. Just stop running,” I teased.
“Yeah, it will, but I want to get some things in order. I have time to wait.” Chris thought out loud. “Besides, I’m not the one trying to have his cake and eat it too.”
We both looked at Matt. He smiled and shrugged. I just shook my head. Chris sighed and playfully patted Matt on the shoulder.
“Yeah, Matt, that’s a dangerous game you’re playing. Take some lessons from your uncle,” I offered, as I looked to make sure Martina wasn’t in listening distance.
“I know. I just like my options. She makes me laugh and she treats me like a king. I like that,” Matt replied. “Besides, we are just friends.”
I was about to say something else to Matt, but the door Victoria went through opened. I watched to see Maria come through it followed by my princess. They had removed the veil she was wearing. At first, I thought that was all, but I realized Carlos had made her the same gown minus what seemed to be a three-block long train. As I looked a little harder, I noticed the straps that draped her arms were gone as well.
I tried to figure out how the dress managed to stay in place. Her body is perfect. It was like looking at a chiseled sculpture of a goddess.
The dress looked like they had to pure it on her skin. Carlos is an artist. It wasn’t until she made her way to me and hugged me, that I remembered how soft she is.
How can someone this soft be shaped so perfectly? If this weren’t our wedding, I would’ve made her change. I didn’t want anyone else to enjoy looking at her the way I was. The back of this dress was just like the first, only it trailed behind her just a little.
Before I could pull her to sit with me again, so we could talk, Maria started to bark orders for everyone to line up. I rolled my eyes and kissed her forehead. I was just going to have to be patient.
We held hands and went to stand were Maria wanted. Victoria played with the wedding band on my finger, smiling to herself. I lifted her hand to my face to kiss it. She began to speak to me again with no words. I couldn’t help myself. I reached over for her waist to pull her to me and I kissed her shiny lips.
“Okay, okay, yous two, we have to go,” Maria chanted.
“Ma, not right now,” I grunted. I just needed one more minute with her.
“Lo, what did you just call me?” Maria asked stunned.
As I continued to kiss my wife, I thought about what I said. I hadn’t called Maria that before. I know she wanted me to, but I hadn’t gotten the concept fully in place until now. I sighed because I knew I had to let Victoria go. I turned to Maria and smiled.
“Ma, is that okay?” I asked. “I’m not a fan of mom. I usually say, mama or ma. Is that okay with you?”
Maria cried harder than I expected. I released Victoria’s hand to wrap my arms around my mother. She was about my height, so I didn’t need to bend.
She kissed my cheek and held the back of my head, as I embraced her. I couldn’t help feeling emotional. She had given birth to me twenty-one years ago on this very day. She deserved to be called my mother.
She had done everything she could to make this day special for me and my wife. Even as far as expecting a slap in the face, because that’s what Victoria was. I know Maria loves her in her own way.
That doesn’t change who my wife’s father is or the fact that my mother had to give me up, while Venny was a big part of his children’s lives. I loved her for that. She did what made Victoria and me happy because she loved us.
“I love you, mama,” I told her.
“Oh, Lorenzo, I have wanted for twenty-one years to hear that. Ma, mama either is fine. Just hearing it makes me happy. I love you, too, my son,” she sobbed.
Victoria had her hand on my back rubbing. I was grateful to her, it’s what I do when I want to soothe her. I looked over Maria’s shoulder to see half the room with wet eyes and a couple of puzzled faces, Lucie’s being one of them.
Sharon nodded her head at me and smiled. I winked at her, not wanting to hurt her feelings. Sharon had raised me. She is special to me too.
Maria was finally able to pull herself together. Venny of all people, walked over and gave her his handkerchief. Victoria’s mom stood in the room, her face filled with tears, but as usual she played the background as much as possible.
I know she understood how my mother felt. They had found they could actually get along, despite one of them being in love with the other’s husband. They had a lot in common.
“That’s why I love you,” Victoria whispered in my ear. I turned to her and winked.