Page 54 of Stolen Wife

My two hours flew by fast, but I’m ready. Walking down the stairs with Joey, leading me to Santino, I walk up to Santino who’s standing there with a smile on his face. We have a small gathering of Russian mob people and the security as our guests. They all stand as I move down the makeshift aisle with only two hours he’d made every minute count. It’s perfect.

Within ten minutes it’s all over and the photographer snaps photos of us. I can’t believe how he managed to do all this but I’m happy. Cupping my cheeks, he presses his forehead to mine and says, “I love you, Giada.”

“I love you, Santino.” We kiss as if we don’t have an audience and honestly I don’t care who sees it. Before the judge leaves we filed all the necessary docs with the notarized and ready to be submitted for public record. We even made copies should something befall the judge before the documents are entered. Although I’m sure Santino won’t let that happen.

“Congratulations, Mrs. Benedetti.”

“Thank you, your honor.”

He leaves as we enjoy a small cake that Rita ordered along with some fine Italian cuisine from a local restaurant. The entire time, Santino can’t take his eyes off of me, and there’s always a hint of a smile on it with a wink or two even when he talks to the Russians.

“Giada, Giada,” Mom says, shaking me out of my memory.

“Oh no what’s going on?”

“Are you okay? We lost you there for a minute. He’s going to be okay. I’m sure of it.”

“Thank you. I was lost in a very happy memory.” We hug and wait for news.