The Twelve Vitali Ch. 24

"You are amazing," Lucia embraced her tightly before she turned to start her walk down the aisle. Cat giggled, Lucia had been a good friend for a long time now, and she was so glad she was here, and had been over the last twenty-four hours to help her navigate the minefield that was Matteo's past with Nik and his friends who had shown up that morning. Lucia had been a calming influence whenever anything seemed to get overwhelming, always ready with a joke or a glass of champagne. Cat loved her like a sister now.

"Let's do this then," Cat grinned at David and stepped to the end of the aisle, watching Lucia as she began the procession up the long aisle before moving herself. She stepped at a slow and stately pace, looking at the crowd for a familiar face or two and finding none at the rear of the church. She had known, with such a large gathering in the church, she wouldn't be able to see Matteo from this distance, but then he stepped into the centre of the aisle at the far end with a wide smile, making her breath catch.

The women in front of her obscured her view, and, when she looked up next, he had moved out of her line of sight again. With all thoughts of danger from the crowd forgotten, she wished she could hurry the rest of the way in her need to see and touch the man she loved. He made her feel safe, loved and cherished. Beside him she could be anything, do anything; he made her believe everything was possible. Cat smiled widely and looked straight ahead, no longer concerned about the crowd or the dangers that might be lurking there. Matteo had made sure this ceremony would be uninterrupted, and she would be safe. She trusted him absolutely, and she loved him with all her heart.

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