Chapter 49 I didn't do tears. Crying wasn't my thing. But lizards, did I ruin my makeup watching Clara marry the love of her life. That I caught Salvatore eyeing me like he was seconds from springing up from his seat and gathering me in his arms every time I glanced out at the rows of guests didn't help. I'd always thought weddings weren't really my thing either, but I could see myself having a sweet little ceremony, as long as the man standing across from me was him. It was probably time I stopped making blanket statements about what I didn't do. I'd been proven wrong too often recently. But these people kept cropping up and surprising me, making me fall in love and want more. For myself, out of life, for the future. And they made it safe for me to reach out and grab it. Clara and Jake were married at sunset, in a penthouse loft with views of the Rockies. Shira and I stood by Clara, and Jake had his brother Jeremy and Clara's brother Luca beside him. Clara glowed, not in the cliché bridal way, but in a way that told everyone how ecstatic she was to be taking this step with Jake. And he looked at her-standing there in her long yellow sheath dress, her thick hair falling in waves around her face, the little bouquet clutched in her hands-like she was the sun itself. During the ceremony, she laughed easily, leaning into Jake, who kept pulling at his tie like he might undo it just to feel her skin on his. After the kiss where Jake dipped Clara like they were in one of Tony's movies, Shira and I followed the newlyweds down the aisle. Roman was waiting for Sira, sweeping her off her feet the moment she was within reach. And to the side, slightly away from everyone else, I found my Sal. My feet were on the ground, but it didn't quite feel like it as I made my way to him. Twinkle lights strung overhead glowed and cast soft halos over his dark hair. His eyes were on me, always on me, as warm as the golden sunset. For one suspended second, he looked like a memory I hadn't lived yet. As I stepped toward him, the world narrowed. Through streaks of rose and gold and fading blue, it was only him. My Sal. When I finally got to him, he slipped his hand around my waist, drawing me close. "Did I do a good job?" I murmured, brushing my lips against his. "I've been to very few weddings, but I've never seen a more beautiful bridesmaid." I huffed a little laugh. "You're supposed to be looking at the bride." "Clara's lovely. I like her yellow dress. But I couldn't take my eyes off you." He trailed a finger along my cheek. "You're stunning when you cry, but please try not to do it often. I don't like it." "Those were happy tears, baby. I saw you watching me. I could tell you couldn't stand it." From nowhere, Clara's daughter, Nellie, streaked by. Less than a second later, Ben followed, his arms snapping like an alligator. She giggled and squealed as he chased her around servers carrying trays of champagne and guests in their finest dresses and suits, threatening to chomp her to bits. When Clara noticed, she laughed and shook her head. Jake scowled, but not for long. His bride captured his attention, and the imminent threat of broken glass was forgotten. "We're going to an art gallery this week," Salvatore said. I turned back to him. "You and Ben?" He nodded. "Yes. He mentioned it the day we met. I assumed he was just making small talk, but today, he told me he was, and I quote, 'miffed' I hadn't gotten his number from you. So, he locked me into a plan." My chest filled like a helium balloon, tight and airy at the same time. "We both know how you feel about plans." I slid my hands up his arms. "Ben is a good guy. I love the idea of you two becoming friends." It didn't need to be said, Ben would be a much better friend than Sam ever was. Ben Wells wouldn't try to change him or compete with him. He was the kind of guy who went with anyone's flow. I didn't know if they'd be best friends, but if that came to pass, it would be wonderful for them both. Salvatore dropped his forehead to mine. "I don't think I would mind that." After that, we were swept up in the spinning lights, bursts of laughter, champagne bubbles, and tiny sparks of joy during the reception. Clara and Jake did their bride and groom thing, drifting from table to table, hand in hand, greeting family and friends, never letting go of one another. They were perfect. Shira and Roman were too. Roman was more than a foot taller, but he curled himself around her as they danced. It was their first real night out since they'd had Jonah, and they looked like they were enjoying every second of it. I ached watching my friends with their loves. My girls were taken care of. Adored the ways they deserved. Clara had her strong, steady Jake, who was the best girl dad any man had ever been. And Shira had her Roman, who worshipped the ground she walked on and worked hard to make her believe she was the most beautiful, kind, lovely woman on the planet. Because she was. They were happy and cared for. And so was I. The music shifted from celebratory into something slower, and I leaned into Salvatore, slipping my arms around his middle. He splayed his warm hand on the center of my back, his thumb stroking over the bare skin between my shoulders. "I can't promise I'll be any good at this." "You admit there's something you might not be good at?" I teased. "Bea-" "Sal." Taking his hand, I led him to the edge of the dance floor, away from the twirling couples filling the middle. "All you have to do is hold me. We'll just sway." He slid his arms around me, a little stiff at first, until I guided one of his hands to the small of my back and curled my fingers into the hair at his nape. His other hand held mine, warm and firm. He was sure about this. Salvatore knew exactly how to hold me. I pushed up on my toes, my lips grazing his ear. "Now we move." "Here we go," he mouthed. He led me in slow circles, barely rocking. His chest rose and fell against mine, tension easing out of him with each rotation. His forehead pressed to my temple. "This is nice." I smiled. "You're good at this." "I'm good at holding you." "I'm easy when it comes to you. That's all I need." We didn't speak after that. Didn't need to. We just moved together, locked in our own little orbit while the reception spun around us. I closed my eyes and tucked my face into the crook of his neck, breathing him in. We swayed, holding each other close. Once again, the world narrowed until it was just us-our bodies pressed together, surrounded by the scent of flowers, champagne, and cake. "You're smiling," I murmured. "You can't even see me." "I feel it. And I like it." His smiles had been few and far between lately. He'd been buried under the rubble of his decimated friendship and all the work Sam's departure had left behind. Even still, he'd given those scant smiles and rare laughter to me and the kids. And I was always greedy for more. More of Sal's laughter. More carefree moments. His dry humor...well, everything about him. He angled his face close to mine. "I like when you're happy." This man...he didn't get it. He couldn't possibly understand how much I loved him, how badly he wrecked me. The lights flickered above us, like shooting stars in a man-made sky, and I melted into him completely. Tonight, there was no more stress. No more fires to put out. No more Sam or Nox. No more anything but us. "I'm very happy," I finally replied. "Good." He moved his hand up and down my back, matching the smoky rhythm of the song. "I'm finally seeing the light, Beatrice. We'll have more nights like this and fewer of you falling asleep while I work next to you." "I'll be patient for as long as it takes." "Because you love me." "Yeah." I tipped my head back so he could see my smile. "And you love me. Like, a lot." "More than a lot," he agreed. "Say it." He smiled. "I love you, beautiful blue." Later, when the music came to a stop and our feet were all danced out, Salvatore and I returned to his car. We were driven through the city and down sleepy streets lined by houses with dark, yawning windows. Salvatore frowned when he finally pulled his mouth from mine and glanced outside. "Igor's taken a wrong turn. We're nowhere near the hotel." "No, this is right." I bit down on my lip, my pulse skipping a beat. "I canceled the hotel. We're staying in a house tonight." A line carved between his brows. "A house?" "Yep." I tugged on his crooked tie. "A house with lots and lots of places to hide." It took him only a beat before he got it. "Beatrice," he growled. "Salvatore," I husked as the car pulled to a stop in front of an imposing house, a singular light illuminating the porch. I'd arranged for the door to be unlocked so there'd be nothing stopping us when we arrived. I put my hand on the door, my heart thudding in my chest. "What do you think about playing a game with me?" "Are you going to run?" The edge of danger in his voice sent a shiver down my spine. "Yes." I pushed open the door and put one foot on the pavement. "Are you going to hide?" I swung the other foot out, poised like a spring. "I am." His mouth ghosted over my ear. "Then, to the chase, Beatrice. To the chase." I ran, and he followed-just like he always did. Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!