The bridal march played. She would soon be married. Her father flipped the veil over her face and he took her arm.
When she stepped outside, it was like being in a fairytale. The sky was blue, the grass was green, and everywhere she looked a smiling face was turned her way. Danny, who she’d become good friends with, was there with a camera flashing away. As her father and she walked down the aisle, she spotted others from the police department in attendance, dressed in their uniforms. She was sure Ryan’s wedding was the last place any of them ever expected to be.
Madison took her place on the opposite side of her husband. Roman winked at her. He was his usual dashing self, dressed to kill in a designer tux. But it was the man to his right that took Valentina’s breath away. Officer Ryan. Her Ryan. His tux matched her brother’s but he wore a red rose on his lapel while Roman’s was blue.
She only had eyes for him, always for him. The rest of the ceremony was a blur. She remembered her father placing her hand in Ryan’s. Words of love and commitment were spoken by the priest but Ryan’s eyes said everything she needed to hear.
Everything else was static. Valentina repeated the vows, said “I do,” and gave her heart. A wedding ring was placed on her finger and she put one on his. When his lips touched hers, the fog cleared. Everything became brighter. The world was theirs for the taking.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife.” Everyone got to their feet and cheered. Some boats going by tooted their horns. Ryan took her hand and they strolled down the aisle. A few people reached out and patted them on the back or arms. They stood in the entryway of Roman’s house to greet everyone before heading to Firenza for the reception and dance. It didn’t take long and the house was empty.
“Before we go, I have a gift for the happy couple. May I use your office, Roman?” Her father had gifts? Valentina and Ryan glanced as each other. Just giving his blessing was gift enough.
“Take a seat.” Joseph ushered them in and took a seat behind the desk. The bride and groom did as he requested. “First of all,” he took a key from his pocket and tossed it in front of them, “I bought you the house next door.”
“What?” they both said at the same time. Every home around had to be in the millions.
“That’s far too generous, sir.” Ryan was having no part of that and Valentina shook her head as well.
“I knew you would say that, but hear me out. I see grandchildren on the way soon. What better place for kids to grow up than on the lake next door to their cousins? If you don’t want it, then we will keep it for family members to use when they visit. Think about it, all right?”
Neither could disagree with that philosophy.
“Valentina, I’d like to speak to Ryan alone for a moment.”
“Uh, okay. I will be waiting outside.” She rose with a swish of her skirt. “Thank you, Father. For everything.”
He waved her off and stared at her new husband.
Ryan
On the desk was a large envelope. This was serious. Had he just married the love of his life only to be ushered out the back door and killed? “I knew you lied to me about the video.”
“Sir, I—” Ryan started, but was cut off.
“It doesn’t matter. Anyone who has the balls to do whatever they can to get my daughter has to love her very much. This is for you.” He pushed the envelope his way. “I did some checking, but don’t ask where. Your father never killed your mother. He died protecting her. The man was getting too close to shutting down an organized crime family. A hit had been issued on your mother to get him to stop. When he found out, he rushed to her side and took a bullet meant for her. The killer then shot your mother in the head. It’s all on video but I wouldn’t suggest viewing it. The whole thing was covered up. Your father loved her very much. I’m telling you this so you have some closure. The real case files are in the envelope.” Ryan picked it up and held it to his chest. “If you want my advice, I’d let it go. Life is too short. Love my daughter, give me grandchildren, and live a long life. That is all I ask.”
“Yes, sir.” The packet he held contained the answers he’d wanted for so long, but did it matter anymore? He had the information he needed. There was not a murderer’s blood running through his veins but a hero’s. It would take time before he wanted to view what was inside. Maybe he never would. “Thank you.”
“Let’s join the party. All right, son?” Joseph pushed the chair back and strolled to the door.
“Yes, sir.” Ryan joined him.
Valentina stood outside the door as if trying to eavesdrop. “Is everything okay?”
“It couldn’t be better.”
Valentina
A huge crowd greeted the happy couple as soon as they entered the door of Firenza. It was crazy that with so many family and friends wishing for a hug they made sure everyone received one. Tyler was there with his mom, not as workers but as guests. Dr. Hutter was there with his family. Ryan’s coworkers were there with their dates and spouses. A lot of associates of Valentina’s father were in attendance from Chicago also.
Flowers were everywhere. Stephanie had done a beautiful job with the decorating. The girl fluttered around the place like a hummingbird, making sure the bride didn’t have to lift a finger. Valentina still had not gotten a word out of her about what happened the night of the Snowflake Ball when Dominic had seen her home. The man sat quietly at the bar, and whenever Valentina caught sight of him, he was following the little blonde around with his eyes. Madison’s half-sister, Layla, was there and also dressed in blue. She’d danced a time or two with Arlo. Her parents danced several times as well. They had never seemed happier.
The meal had been superb. The music was lively and everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time. Their first dance as a married couple was to her favorite song, “At Last.” Valentina barely had a chance to rest her feet before Steph was telling her it was time to toss the bouquet. She pressed the bouquet in her hands but the bride refused to move unless Stephanie agreed to join in the group that was hoping to catch it. The girl turned crimson when it landed in her hands.
There were a lot of hoots and hollers as Ryan removed the garter from his bride’s leg and tossed it in the crowd. No one had noticed Dominic was among the crowd of single men until he raised the blue piece of lace he’d caught up in the air. The evening had been full of surprises, that was for sure.
In no time at all it was past midnight and the long day was catching up to Valentina.
“Are you ready to go, Mrs. Donavan?” Her new husband put an arm around her waist.
“Yes, Mr. Donavan.”
He’d booked a room for them but she wasn’t sure where. It didn’t matter because as long as they were together, that was all that mattered. Tomorrow morning, she had a special surprise for him. They’d been careful, but she was pregnant. The test she’d taken that morning had been positive. Ryan never missed anything and had probably noticed her switch her champagne for water. There was no escaping Ryan, and she never wanted to.
The End