Page 139 of The Don's Secret Heir

I nod slowly. “Alright. I’ll talk to her about venues.”

“We’ll have it here, of course. She grew up here, she should get married here.”

I smile widely. “I’ll keep you updated on costs.”

“Thank you. Now, don’t go sneaking into my daughter’s room. You may be her husband but this is still my house,” he warns, pointing a finger at me.

I laugh, holding my hands up as if in defense, and there’s a spring in my step as I walk to the guest room.

Everything’s coming together in the best way.

39

LIANA

My father’s house has never been so full of people. It feels like the whole city of Chicago is here, milling around outside, eating appetizers and waiting for the ceremony.

I’m wearing a sky-blue evening gown, not exactly a wedding dress. It’s not like I can wear white, and I think the color complements my eyes. Plus, it has a lace bodice and Dario goes nuts for anything lace.

I grin, thinking about the lace garter wrapped around my upper thigh. I’m looking forward to that particular tradition.

The neckline plunges, showing a good amount of cleavage, and I adjust myself before taking my father’s elbow.

“Ready,caro?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I mutter.

This is what I want, but I’ve never been more nervous in my life for some reason. It’s been a long time coming. Five years, and I’m finally going to be with the man I love forever.

It’s about to be more than paper only, more than just a ring. It’ll mean so much to me to have this done here, at my father’s house, with everyone I love watching.

I get choked up as soon as my father kisses me and lifts my veil. I look at Dario and his eyes are wet, too. He wipes a tear away with a thumb before smiling at me as I walk down the aisle.

As I get closer tears stream down his face and my heart cracks wide open.

I hurry to him. The music speeds up and everyone laughs.

I chuckle at my own behavior and Dario takes my hands in his.

“The couple has opted to say their own vows,” the priest says. “Liana will start.”

I drag the little piece of paper with my notes on it out of my bust and everyone laughs again.

“Sorry I don’t have it together here, folks,” I mutter, looking down at the crumpled paper. Dario squeezes my other hand, the one he’s still holding. I look up at him and swallow down the rock in my throat.

“I love you,” he mouths at me and it sets me off crying again.

I fan my face with my hand, whistling. “I really thought I could keep it together.”

“Take a deep breath,belissima.”

His smile is the only thing holding me together.

I take in a shaky breath. “Dario, the first time you kissed me it felt like I was holding on to a live wire. And I guess it scared me, and that’s why I believed the worst of you. That’s why I left,that’s why I lied. I don’t deserve to have you back like this, but I’m so grateful that you’re in my life and Sonny’s. I love you more than you know.”

Dario’s eyes are still wet and he takes in a ragged breath to compose himself before speaking.

“I’m not smart like you, I didn’t write anything down,” he deadpans, and the crowd titters. I can’t stop smiling, my cheeks ache from the force of it. “Youwerethe live wire, Li. And when you left, you took everything with you. My heart, my soul. I was a shell of a man for five years. Consuming myself with work, booze, women, the lifestyle. All I wanted was you. I’m going to be the man you need,belissima. I’ll be yours until my dying breath.”