Italian Knights (19 page)

“That’s not what you’re supposed to say,” he scolded, lifting her arms and settling them around his neck. “Now, Annie, repeat after me, I love you, Sal— You do love me, don’t you?” he asked worriedly, and Annie laughed softly, tightening her arms around him.

“Yes, I love you,” she confirmed, watching his grin slide wider.

“And you’re going to marry me, right?”

“But what about Mrs. Altero’s granddaughter? I thought—I just assumed—” His lips covered hers, stopping her words. With a sigh of pleasure, Annie snuggled closer, leaning against him and welcoming his touch. Sal loved her!

Angling his head, he settled his lips firmly over hers. Her senses reeled in delight and her own hands moved restlessly, gently roaming his broad back and shoulders.

Annie clung to him, whimpering softly at the yearning he awakened in her. His lips moved relentlessly over hers, possessive and demanding. His soft tongue gently teased her, demanding she respond in kind. Her breathing came fast and heavily, causing her breasts to rise and fall against his chest.

Sal slowly traced the length of her spine with his fingertips. “Annie,” Sal breathed, pulling his mouth free. There was a huskiness in his voice she hadn’t heard before. The rapid rate of his breathing matched her own.

Sal draped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close, nuzzling her hair. “Oh, Annie, how could you ever think I’d let you go? I’ve waited my whole life for you.” He drew back and looked at her, letting his hands caress her.

She met his gaze, her eyes shining with love. There was a loud round of applause, and Annie and Sal turned to find most of the neighborhood hanging out Mrs. Altero’s window, watching them.

Annie and Sal chuckled softly. “We’re going to have a big old-fashioned Italian wedding,” he informed her, tightening his arms around her. “I’ve invited everybody—”

“Except the bride,” she reminded him, trying not to grin.

“Except the bride,” he confirmed.

“We’re not really getting married tomorrow, are we?”

Sal grinned and nodded his head. “I love you, Annie. I don’t think I can wait any longer. I’ve waited far too long for you as it is.”

“But Sal,” she protested. “I haven’t done anything. I need a dress and shoes, and there’s food to prepare. How can I possibly get everything done in less than twenty-four hours?”

“You don’t have to do a thing but show up,” he announced, grinning at the perplexed look on her face. “Everything’s been taken care of. That’s what all the commotion has been about. My mother and aunt have been working all afternoon. We’ll get married around six; I thought we could do it in your living room if you don’t mind—” He waited for her nod of approval. “I’ve already got permission to close off the street for the evening.” He grinned. “See, I told you everything was taken care of.”

“But what about attendants, and a dress, and a ring, and—” Sal pressed his fingers to her lips to silence her.

“What do you think I’ve been doing the past week? Ryce is going to be my best man. As for attendants, would you mind if my mother and aunt stood up for you?”

“I’d love it,” Annie said with a laugh, wondering why she hadn’t thought of it sooner.

“Mr. Finucci promised to keep his hands to himself if you let him give you away, and as for a ring…” Smiling, Sal dug into the pocket of his jeans. “Now, Ann Marie Milano,” he said, going down on one knee, “we’re going to do this right.” He took her hand in his, looking up at her with such love, her heart almost burst with happiness. “Will you marry me?”

Tears blurred her vision and she nodded her head. “Yes, Salvatore, I’ll marry you.”

Sal turned and flashed a thumbs-up signal to the assembled group, and a loud burst of applause and cheering filled the night air, causing Annie to blush. It seemed fitting. Everyone in the neighborhood was like family. They’d shared so much of her sadness, it was only right they shared her joy.

Sal took her hand and slipped a small ruby ring on her finger. Annie gasped softly.

“Sal, that’s your mother’s ring.” She examined the delicate gold design carefully. Rosina had worn the ring for as long as Annie could remember.

“No, Annie, it’s
your
ring. That ring belonged to my great-grandfather and has been passed down for three generations. My father gave it to my mother when they got engaged, and when we have a son, we’ll pass it to him to give to his bride-to-be.”

“Oh, Sal,” she breathed quietly, touched beyond measure. “It’s beautiful.” He leaned forward and brushed his lips across hers.

“Salvatore,” Rosina called, shaking her finger at him. “It’s bad luck to see the bride the night before the wedding.”

Sal pulled his lips free. “Annie,” he groaned softly. “You wouldn’t believe what I’ve been through this past week. I don’t ever want to go another day without seeing you, or touching you. I love you, Annie. I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I promise never to withhold anything from you again. You have to trust me, Annie, do you think you can do that?” Sal held his breath and waited.

“Yes, Sal,” she said quietly, sliding her arms around his waist and laying her head on his shoulder. “I do trust you. I think I understand why you did what you did, but, Sal, I couldn’t take it if you ever…” She couldn’t put into words her fears, but she sensed that Sal understood.

“Lied to you?” he finished for her and she expelled a sigh of relief. “Annie, that’s something you don’t ever have to worry about ever again. I know now I should have just told you the truth. I want the kind of marriage we talked about, the kind where we share everything—the good and the bad.” He bent and brushed his lips across hers again.

“It’s bad luck, Salvatore!” Rosina called again, and Sal and Annie grinned.

“Annie,” he murmured, looking down at her. “You never told me how you felt about kids?”

“I love them,” she admitted. “The more the merrier.”

“Good. That’s going to be the first thing on the agenda—after the wedding,” he clarified when he saw the look on her face. “I have to think of my honor,” he teased, capturing her face in his hands. “I love you, Ann Marie Milano soon-to-be Giordiano,” he whispered, and she smiled.

“And I love you, too, Sal.”

He bent and kissed her forehead. “Until tomorrow?”

She nodded, settling for one brief kiss before letting him go. “Until tomorrow.”

By five o’clock the next evening Annie’s house was packed with guests. She paced the length of her bedroom, nervous as a cat. Her wedding dress was the simple white silk dress she’d worn the night they had gone to Parillo’s. The pearl-handled combs served as her headpiece and Mrs. Altero had picked a bouquet of summer flowers for her to carry. Everything was done, and now they were just waiting for the groom.

Florina swept into the room, followed closely by Rosina who kept dabbing at her eyes. “Oh, Annie,” Rosina said wistfully, “you look so beautiful.” The twins were dressed identically in the palest shade of blue. It was the first time Annie had ever seen them in anything other than their somber black dresses.

“Thank you,” Annie murmured, listening to the commotion from downstairs. “You two look beautiful, too.” Annie frowned. “What’s going on down there?” she inquired, growing more worried by the second.

“Humph!” Florina huffed. “Mrs. Altero made these little sandwiches for the guests to munch on while they wait. Last time I looked, everyone was scurrying around trying to find a place to dump them. After the wedding, we’re going to have to search the house for those little lead balls!” Annie couldn’t help but laugh at the expression on the older woman’s face.

“Is Sal here, yet?” she asked, and Rosina smiled.

“He’s here, sent us up to see if you’re all right.”

“No, he didn’t, sister,” Florina corrected. “He sent us up to make sure she hadn’t changed her mind. You haven’t, have you?” Florina inquired, leaning close.

“I haven’t changed my mind—” Annie laughed, “—and I’m fine. Just a bit anxious to get going.”

There was a sharp rap at the door and Rosina went to answer it. Mr. Finucci stood in the doorway, dressed in splendor. His dark suit was new, his hair was freshly cut, and his shoes were polished to a high sheen. Even his cane was new. It was long and black, with a pearl handle.

“It’s time,” he grumbled, looking at Annie and extending his arm. Taking a deep breath, Annie had one last look in the mirror and reached for Mr. Finucci’s arm.

Yes, Annie realized, it was time.

“Let’s go,” she said softly as the opening strains of the wedding march filtered up the stairs. Rosina and Florina began their descent, followed by Annie and Mr. Finucci. Annie held her breath as she walked, smiling as Mr. Finucci patted her hand in encouragement.

Her breath caught when she saw Sal, dressed in a dark gray suit, crisp white shirt and red silk tie. She was certain he’d never looked more handsome. Their eyes met and held, and Annie smiled.

Mr. Finucci kissed her gently on the cheek, then presented her to Sal. Tears filled Annie’s eyes at the look on Sal’s face. “Are you ready, hon?” he asked softly, taking her hand and giving it a squeeze.

Annie nodded. “I’m ready.”

“I love you,” Sal whispered, leaning forward to kiss her. Annie forgot about the guests and the judge and everyone else but the man in her arms. She held him tight, giving him all she had to give.

Ryce cleared his throat. “Umm…Sal?” After a few moments, Ryce tapped Sal on the shoulder. “Sal!” he hissed. “I believe it’s customary to wait until
after
the ceremony to kiss the bride.”

Pulling away, Sal grinned as the guests broke into laughter. Tucking Annie’s hand in his arm, he turned to the judge. “We’re ready,” Sal said, and Annie smiled, her heart filled with love. Yes, they were ready. Rosina was right; it was time. For both of them.

Epilogue

“Annie?” Sal whispered, brushing a tumble of dark curls off her face. “Are you still sleeping?” He nuzzled her lips gently with his. She sighed softly and wrapped her arms around her husband.

“Not anymore,” she murmured with a contented smile. Her lashes fluttered closed again as Sal’s mouth found hers. All too soon, Sal pulled his lips from hers, causing her to groan in protest.

“Where are you going?” she asked as Sal slid out of bed.

“I’ve got a date,” he whispered, leaning over to kiss her gently on the forehead. Her eyes sprang open and she bolted upright, taking the sheet with her.

“You’ve got a what!” she cried in alarm.

“A date, honey,” he repeated, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I sure wouldn’t want to disappoint Gina.”

“Gina!” Annie scrambled out of bed, dragging the sheet along with her. “Who the hell is Gina?” she demanded, following him around the room as he gathered his clothes.

“Don’t swear, Ann Marie,” Sal scolded, trying not to smile at the harassed look on her face.

“Don’t swear!” she cried. “You announce you’ve got a date twenty-four hours after we get married, and you’re telling me not to swear! Sal—wait—where are you going?” She stomped after him. “Who is Gina?”

“Gina,” he said sweetly, “is Mrs. Altero’s granddaughter.” He grinned at her. “You’re not upset, are you?”

“I’ll give you upset!” she cried, hauling off to whack him on the arm. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you that dating is not part of the marriage contract!”

“It’s not?” he said, doing his best to look perplexed. The doorbell rang, and Sal hurriedly stepped into his jeans. “There she is.” He leaned down to peck Annie on the cheek. “Love you, but I’d better hurry. I wouldn’t want to keep Gina waiting.”

“Keep
her
waiting!” Clutching the sheet around her, Annie stomped after him, wishing she had Florina’s bat right now. “Wait until I get my hands on you, Sal Giordiano,” she muttered, trying to hang on to the sheet and get down the stairs at the same time.

At the bottom of the steps Annie came to an abrupt halt. Her eyes widened in surprise and she clutched the sheet tighter around her. Sal was down on one knee talking to a little girl of about twelve with the most enormous brown eyes she’d ever seen.

Sal turned to look at her, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Annie, I’d like you to meet Gina.”

He stood up and took the child by the hand. “This is Mrs. Altero’s granddaughter.”

Annie blinked, looking from one to other. “This is Mrs. Altero’s granddaughter?” she repeated numbly, and the child smiled and stepped forward.

“Hello, Mrs. Giordiano. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Annie took the child’s hand and shook it solemnly. She glanced up at Sal who stood grinning from ear to ear.

“Gina couldn’t come to the wedding because she had a stomach ache, so I promised her we’d take her to the zoo today.”

“My grandma made stuffed cabbage,” Gina said, wrinkling her nose. “And I always get a stomach ache from it. I still don’t feel very well, so could we go to the zoo another day?” She turned to Sal.

“Sure, honey, anytime you want.”

“Grandma wants to know if you’d like to come for dinner tonight?”

“No!” Annie and Sal caroled in alarm. “We’ve made plans already,” Sal lied, opening the door for the little girl. “But thank your grandmother for us, anyway.” Sal closed the door behind Gina and heaved a sigh of relief, until his eyes landed on Annie. He grinned.