Page 244 of Modern Romance January 2025 5-8

She could hear gorgeous music and, looking out, saw their guests. There was Juliet, her red hair stunning in the morning sun. And Louanna. She could make out Cucou and Pedro too.

Gio was seated with Mimi, but Mimi rose now, ready to perform and sing Susie up to the arch of flowers.

And then she saw Dante and Sev, walking together, and her heart swelled at the sight of the two brothers. Things were still very difficult between them—and, no, that particular conversation was yet to be had.

If ever.

For today, though, it was all pushed aside and they were brothers again.

‘Okay,’ her dad said as his phone bleeped. ‘It’s time.’

And so it was.

They walked down through the winery’s restaurant and then out towards the vines, and it was stunning. Lavender and sunflowers waved in the distance, and the hills that had taken so much from this family seemed to be trying to make up for it today, for they were vivid with colour.

She could hear the wonderful string quartet, and she looked at the two brothers.

Mimi gestured to the bride to proceed, and then smiled at the groom and sang directly to him, telling Dante, in song, that his bride was approaching.

And as Mimi’s glorious voice rose skywards something beautiful happened.

Both brothers looked down to their shoes, and then they turned to each other and shared a very tiny smile.

Then Dante turned and looked at his bride.

Susie was crying before she was halfway down the aisle, and although Dante didn’t quite kiss the bride on her arrival, he embraced her.

‘It’s all good,’ he told her.

And he looked down at her dress, took her flowers and handed them to one of the twins—he really didn’t notice which one. The best man handed him a handkerchief and he dried Susie’s eyes, but when Dante touched the little ladybird on her necklace they filled again.

‘For eternity,’ he told her.

‘Yes.’

Both knew how precious this love was.