time I saw Mom’s heartbroken expression. She tried to hide it but occasionally it broke through.
I chose a few dresses to put on and walked into the changing room. Mom came inside with me. She touched my arm. “Gemma, I want you to be happy. I want you to enjoy this day. It’s a special day, and I’m so happy for you. Dad and Nonna would have wanted you to enjoy it, so we will, do you hear me?”
I swallowed and nodded. The first two dresses I tried on were beautiful and I felt like a princess in them, but it was the third dress that completely stole my breath. When I stepped out of the dressing room, I could see on Mom’s and Toni’s face that they felt the same way.
“That’s you,” Toni whispered.
Mom nodded, blowing her nose with a teary smile.
It was me, and it was the dress I’d marry Savio Falcone in.
I’d gotten ready for the wedding in our house. It still felt surreal that I’d spent my last night there. Tonight, I’d move into the Falcone mansion—share a wing and bed with Savio.
A car with a driver picked Toni and me up, and drove us to church. We entered through a back entrance and hid in one of the back rooms until it was time. A couple minutes later, Mom stepped in. She’d helped Kiara arrange the flowers in church.
“I’ll see if I can help with preparations,” Toni said, kissing my cheek before she dashed off.
Mom closed the door and took me in. “You’re so very beautiful, Gemma. Savio won’t know what hit him.”
Tears glistened in Mom’s eyes. She swallowed hard, fighting the tears and losing her battle. A few droplets trailed down her cheeks. She blew out air. “I promised myself not to cry before church.”
I took her hand. “We both know that was never going to happen.” My eyes, too, stung with unshed tears.
She nodded. “If your dad could have seen you like this…” Her words died away in a choked sob and a tear slid out of my eye. I fought for composure. Maybe the waterproof makeup would keep everything in place, but swollen eyes and a red nose were difficult to hide. “And your nonna.” Mom closed her eyes, her face scrunching up. She shook her head desperately, trying to hold back.
Wetness gathered on my cheeks and I pressed my lips together.
Since I was a little girl, I’d dreamed about my wedding day. Mom and Nonna would show me photos from their day, beaming and wistful. They’d both been beautiful brides, and they never stopped telling me that I, too, would be a gorgeous bride.
Nonna had always been so excited about witnessing my wedding, the first wedding from her grandchildren. Now she wouldn’t be there.
Neither would be Dad. My stomach hollowed out, a gaping abyss of grief and sadness.
“They are watching from above,” she finished firmly. “That should be our consolation today. This is a day of joy and we can’t allow grief to ruin it. I’ve waited too long to see my beautiful Gem walk down the aisle.”
Mom squeezed my hands tightly, staring into my eyes. “Be happy. That’s what both of them wanted for you.” She smiled. “Happiness and many beautiful children.”
“Mom!” I choked out, then laughed. “I’m only eighteen. I won’t give you any grandchildren anytime soon.”
Mom shrugged. “You never know. I was your age when I got pregnant with Diego.”
I didn’t mention that Savio and Dad were nothing alike. Savio definitely didn’t want any children yet, and to be honest, neither did I.
Mom regarded me in a strange way, stroking my cheek. “So grown up. I can’t believe my little girl is going to become a married woman today.” A hint of embarrassment crossed her features.
She cleared her throat. “Tonight will be a special night.”
My eyes grew wide, realizing the direction of Mom’s words. Heat crawled up my neck.
Mom’s cheeks, too, were stained pink. “I think,” she said with a small embarrassed laugh. “I’ll ask your future sisters-in-law to have this conversation with you.”
“Oh no, Mom, I don’t need a conversation.” Toni had explained everything I needed to know. After all, she’d been with Diego, but Mom didn’t know that, of course.
Mom shook her head and walked toward the door. “Every bride needs that kind of talk.” She slipped out before I could try to dissuade her. I stared at my reflection.
My tears had dried by now, and fortunately my eyes weren’t swollen. I hadn’t cried enough for