Page 89 of Merciless King
I lean in, capturing his lips in a soft, sweet kiss.
“Finally, the dream is coming true,” he murmurs.
I tug him with me as I lie back on the bed. “It’s about damn time.”
EPILOGUE: PIPER
The day of our wedding arrives just a few weeks later, and not a moment too soon. After eight years, both Elio and I are ready to fulfill the promise.
I stand in front of the mirror, smoothing my hands over the delicate lace of my dress. It's simple, elegant, and perfect for the intimate ceremony we've planned.
Lana appears behind me, a soft smile on her face. "You look beautiful. Elio is a lucky man."
I turn to face her, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. "Thank you. I can’t believe it’s finally happening.”
“Well, you'd better believe it. Elio is about to spontaneously combust, he's so ready for this.” She pulls me into a hug. “Come on. Any minute, he’s going to show up here and drag you down.”
We make our way downstairs, where Elysse is waiting, bouncing on her toes with excitement. She looks adorable in her little white dress and a pillow with our rings.
"Mommy, you look like a princess!" she exclaims.
I crouch down to her level, brushing a stray curl from her face. "And you, my darling, look like the most beautiful ring bearer in the world."
She grins. “Daddy says I’m a princess too.”
“Yes, that too.”
As we step out into the garden, I'm struck by the beauty of it all. The sun is shining, the flowers are in full bloom, and the air is filled with the soft strains of music. It’s almost as if the world is finally with us.
My parents are there, looking proud and a little nervous. Things have been tense between us since they arrived, the guilt of their actions weighing heavily on their shoulders. But as I walk toward them, my father takes my hand, his eyes misty with emotion.
“I’m proud of you, Piper.” He clears his throat. “Your mom and I regret that we didn’t do more to help you, but look at you. You’re strong and radiant.”
“Thank you, Dad.”
With my arm hooked with my father’s, I walk down the aisle. My eyes lock with Elio's. He looks devastatingly handsome in his suit, his dark hair slicked back, his eyes shining with love and adoration.
Elysse skips ahead of me toward her father. Elio grins with pride at her. Matteo stands beside Elio, looking proud and a little emotional.
Finally, I’m by Elio’s side. The day we’ve always dreamed of having is finally here. To be honest, I don’t hear much of the ceremony. I’m too lost in Elio’s eyes, the way he looks at me like I’m his world.
Finally, the priest announces us husband and wife, then we kiss, sealing our union. Our happily ever after is finally here.
As we move into the reception, I can't stop smiling, my hand clasped tightly in Elio's.
“Whose idea was it that there should be receptions?” he whispers to me. “I’m ready for the honeymoon.”
“Soon,” I promise him.
We mingle with our guests, accepting congratulations and well wishes. Most of the people there for Elio, I’ve met. He only has Lana and Matteo as family, but it’s clear that he values his friendships and that they respect him.
During a quiet moment, Lana pulls Elio aside, her brow furrowed with concern. I can't hear what they're saying, but I catch the name "Rinella". I’m vaguely aware that Elio is having business difficulties with this man. At this point, I don’t ask about his business, and I think he senses that I don’t want to know the details. Not yet, anyway.
“It’s all good, Lana. Taken care of,” he assures her with confidence. “Today is my wedding day, so can we please focus on that?”
She acquiesces, clicking her champagne glass with his.
He returns to me, pulling me into his arms. “I love you, Mrs. D'Amato. How about a dance?”