Chapter 9 - The Wedding Where Nobody Was Afraid of the Groom
The wedding was small.
No politicians.
No criminals.
No secret deals.
Just family and friends.
Clara walked Emily down the aisle.
Nathan cried before anyone else.
Dante's eyes filled when he saw Emily.
He had expected the ceremony to make him think of Clara.
It did.
But not painfully.
Instead, he thought of gratitude.
Clara had been his first love.
Emily was his future.
There was room for both in his heart.
After the ceremony, Nathan gave a speech.
It was short.
Awkward.
Wonderful.
“I used to think Dante was scary.”
Everyone laughed.
Dante raised an eyebrow.
Nathan continued.
“He still is.”
More laughter.
“But Emily makes him laugh.”
He looked at his sister.
“So I guess he's okay.”
Dante laughed.
Emily cried.
The reception lasted until midnight.
For the first time in years, Dante danced.
He was terrible.
Emily mocked him.
He laughed.
They kissed.
Clara watched from across the room.
Happy.
Finally.
Months later, Emily learned she was pregnant.
Dante stared at the test.
“Really?”
She laughed.
“Yes.”
He sat down.
“This is happening?”
“Yes.”
He looked terrified.
“I'm going to be a father.”
“You already know how.”
“No.”
He shook his head.
“I know how to protect people.”
Emily touched his face.
“You're going to learn how to love without being afraid.”
He smiled.
“From you?”
“Obviously.”
When their daughter was born, Dante cried.
He held the baby carefully.
Tiny fingers wrapped around his.
Emily watched.
“What's her name?”
Dante looked at her.
“Clara.”
Emily smiled.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
He kissed the baby's forehead.
“My first wife gave me the courage to survive.”
Then he looked at Emily.
“You gave me the courage to live.”
Their daughter opened her eyes.
Dante laughed.
May you like
Emily smiled.
And for once, there was nothing tragic about the sound.
