As the ceremony continued, Stefano became distracted by the smile on Jules’s face. It lit up her eyes and made them sparkle like fine gems.
Even though he was happy for his brother, Stefano couldn’t shake the dark cloud hanging over him. He knew what it was—it was Jules’s impending departure. He’d been pretending that there was plenty of time to make peace between them before she left, but now the moment had arrived, and he didn’t know what to say to make things better.
The minister clasped his hands together. “And now the bride and groom will share the vows that they’ve written for each other.”
Her hand in his, Lizzie peered up at Dante. “I never ever intended to fall in love with you. When we met, you were so stubborn and irritating.” She smiled at him. Happiness danced in her eyes. “And did I mention stubborn?”
Dante’s brows rose, but he didn’t say a word as he continued to stare at his bride. Stefano’s focus strayed back to Jules, whose eyes looked a bit misty as Lizzie continued to recite her vows.
“But then you showed me your patience, your generosity and your heart. It was then that I knew I’d at last found what I’ve been looking for my whole life—a home.”
Stefano’s heart leaped into his throat, blocking his breath. It was as though Lizzie had looked inside his heart and read his feelings for Jules. She was his home. How in the world was he going to live without the sound of her voice, the contagiousness of her laughter or the excitement he found in her kiss?
Stefano had no clue what his brother’s vows were because the next thing Stefano knew the minister was saying, “And do you, Dante DeFiore, take Elizabeth Addler to be your wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, as long as you both shall live?”
Without hesitation and in a loud, clear voice, Dante said, “I do.”
The minister smiled. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Dante didn’t waste any time gathering his bride in his arms. A round of applause filled the air. If the heat of their first married kiss was any indication, it wouldn’t be long until he was a proud, doting uncle. They made a great couple. And he couldn’t be happier for them.
As the reception kicked off with tissue-paper flowers everywhere and upbeat music filling the air, Stefano stood off to the side. His gaze followed Jules around the dance floor. It appeared he wasn’t the only one to notice her beauty. He’d swear every one of his male relatives had paid her a compliment or two. And the single ones were all lining up to dance with her.
He’d done nothing but think of her this past week to the point of his father chasing him out of the office after screwing up an order for an important customer. Stefano didn’t make mistakes—well, he hadn’t before Jules stepped into his life. Now he seemed to be making one after the other.
Jules truly was something special, and he’d let her get away because of his guilt over Gianna’s death. He didn’t think anything could wipe that memory away, but Jules might be right, too, that this self-imposed punishment wouldn’t help Gianna or himself. Nothing would bring her or their baby back. It was time that he let the past rest and move forward. After all, there was plenty of room in his heart for both the past and the future.
Dante gestured to him from the side of the dance floor. What could his brother possibly want now? Stefano had smiled for all the pictures even though there wasn’t an ounce of him that was in a jovial mood.
Like the dutiful best man, he made his way across the crowded dance floor, trying not to stare at Jules as his cousin Roberto held her a little too close. Stefano made a mental note to have a talk with his cousin later. Averting his gaze, it came to rest on Papa smiling broadly as he held Maria in his arms. It would seem that his father truly was giving love a second chance and in public for all the extended family to see.
“What do you need?” Stefano asked his brother.
“Have you forgotten that you’re the best man?”
“No.” His focus was drawn like a magnet to Jules, wishing that he was the one holding her close and that she was smiling up at him.
Dante shoved a champagne flute in his hand. “Stefano, did you hear anything I said?”
“What? Sorry I was distracted.”
“So I noticed. Well, don’t worry—you’ll have your turn to dance with her soon.”
“Really?” He realized too soon that he’d let his anxiousness show, and that was not a good thing around his brother. He glanced over to see Dante laughing. Stefano frowned at him. “What’s so funny?”
“You are, big brother. Looks like I better take some notes tonight about being the best man because you have it worse than I first thought—much worse.”
Stefano turned away. He didn’t like being the center of Dante’s amusement, especially not when he knew that his time with Jules was severely limited.
“I’m not dancing with her.” He wasn’t going to torture himself. Standing here watching her in the arms of these other men was enough torture.
“Yes, you are. As soon as you give the toast.”
He’d forgotten about the speech. He’d taken the time to write one out. He searched his pockets. The note card. It was missing. And the words escaped him.
“You do have the toast memorized, don’t you? Because they’re going to make an announcement as soon as this dance is over.”
“Yes, I’ve got it.” Stefano lied as he frantically searched his memory for what he’d been planning to say before he let himself get distracted.
The music stopped. Before he was ready a microphone was shoved in his hand. He cleared his throat and hoped he could think of a toast on his toes.
“Could I have everyone’s attention?”
Silence fell over the crowd. He immediately spotted Jules. She was staring at him. His heart slammed into his chest, and his palms grew moist.
“I know you’re all having fun, and I promise this won’t take long. I’d introduce myself, but seeing as most of you are family, I’m guessing you already know my name. At least I hope you do.” The audience laughed and a few hassled him.
“I’d like to take a moment and thank the maid of honor for her tireless effort to make this day perfect. Everyone, give Jules a hand.” They gazed into each other’s eyes as the applause rose.
“And now for the happy couple. Don’t they just make the perfect pair?” Another round of applause filled the air, and the couple kissed. “Now, with me being the older brother, it’s my responsibility to keep Dante on the right path, so I’m going to give him the only advice he’ll ever need to maintain a happy marriage. Are you ready, Dante?”
Dante laughed and nodded. “Give it to me.”
“Okay, repeat after me, ‘Yes, dear.’”
“Yes, dear.”
“There. You’ve got it. That’s all you have to remember.”
Lizzie smiled. “Very good.” The guests laughed some more.
“And that is the extent of my knowledge about women. You’re on your own for the rest of it, little brother. Now for the toast.” He raised his glass. “To Lizzie, for never giving up on my brother. And to Dante, I don’t know how you got so lucky, but you’ve gotten yourself a great lady. Never forget it. Here’s hoping both of you have a lifetime of happiness.”
In that moment, as his brother kissed his bride, a revelation came to Stefano. He realized that in all his effort to push Jules away, it hadn’t been about her happiness. Sure, he wanted her to fulfill her dreams, but his inability to hear what she was telling him was due to