75. The Wedding (Part 1)-2

Francesco spoke " She said alot of things but what hurt me the most was when she said she regrets the past and wishes she hadn't put me in danger all those years. I don't know why she feels so much guilt. She thinks by conspiring against my father not only she endangered me since she was pregnant but also then it could risk my father dying and then someone killing me.... Her thoughts are everywhere. I told her, she did nothing wrong. Its my father who neglected her and did not protect her from being tricked. I would never let what happened to her to happen to you. I would protect you. I would be the kind of man who would be approachable and when you feel scared and doubtful, I would listen. I would never want to be like my father. The thought of becoming like him makes me sick..." Adele shook her head "And you wont become like him .... I know our married life won't be like your parents. I know you Francesco. You wont let it happen." She then reached her hand through the door "Hold my hand and promise me not to worry about anything." Francesco held her hand in his and Adele felt calmer and more relaxed as he held her hand in his. Francesco spoke "I promise sweetheart." Adele smiled as she squeezed Francesco's hand slightly reassuringly " From now on you can share your pain with me and I would share mine with you just like how we will share each other's happiness. Whatever happens to you will be happening to me. If anyone betrays you, they would be betraying me too. If anyone hurts you, they would be hurting me too. If anyone makes you smile, they would be making me smile too. We would make our marriage work. We would work hard together to give our children a good life. I had a good childhood and good parents. You didn't. But both of us can't be sure that we would be excellent parents. The past does not change the future. You worry that we become like your parents and I fear that we may not be as loving parents as my own parents were to me. We will build our family life brick by brick and I know there will be obstacles but I have faith we can do this. I am petrified as you know and I know it will be hard work but I know we can do it but not alone. We have to work together... So, from this day onwards whatever you face, you wont be facing it alone. You will be facing it with me. You and I together and as a family...." Francesco spoke "You mean it? ... You are truly ready for starting our married life...... I really want to come in right now and embrace you. I should go before being tempted to come in. There is not long left. I can wait a few hours.... I have never been so excited in my life sweetheart. I love you so much..." Adele breathed "I love you too." Adele then felt a kiss planted on her hand making her lose her breath. Close contact with him was so much intimate even when they were inches apart. Francesco then let go of her hand and spoke "See you at the altar Adele" Adele spoke "See you at the altar." She then heard his retreating footsteps. Adele looked at her necklace and walked to the mirror. She put the necklace in front of her dress and was in awe of how beautiful it looked. She decided to put it on so Francesco's mother was part of their wedding. Just then Georgina and Anna also made their way inside. Anna spoke "Did he see you in your dress?" Adele turned around with a smile "No. He didn't. Can you help me put this on please?" Georgina spoke "I will do it." She then walked to her and helped her put on the necklace. "It really matches your dress. Francesco has good taste in buying everything." Adele shook her head as she walked to the window "He didn't buy it. It is his mother's necklace." Georgina spoke "Maybe good taste runs in the family then." Anna and Georgina were now standing behind her as they looked on. Adele was just looking at Francesco who was talking to Emanuelle O'Neil and Arturo Agostini as they were standing along a line of cars were near them. It seemed like, it was nearly time now to move. They were waiting for the Don and Mama Adriana to go to church with Francesco in the car and then Adele was going to go with her bridesmaids as the guests followed. Anna spoke " I wonder what they are saying." Georgina shrugged " Probably it's all to do with security." O'Neil, Arturo and Francesco were indeed discussing security. There was tight security measures in place but they had their eyes open for any flaws either way away from earshot of Pietro Rosario who was head if security. Arturo was getting frustrated with O'Neil's questioning now " My Cadillac is safe for transporting the bride. It's bullet proof and I will be sitting in the car with my gun." O'Neil spoke " You have a gun? How?" Arturo spoke " Because the Don trusts me with one. I am a Rosario almost." O'Neil spoke " Francesco is a Rosario. He is not allowed a gun." Arturo spoke " Well, he shouldn't have tried to strangle his uncle and father. Even I know Paulo Rosario is the Don's favourite son. You can't blame him. As for you not being allowed a gun ... well ... you are berserk." O'Neil spoke " Me? Well, was it me that threatened the Don and his family in broad daylight? I don't think it was me. From what I recollect, you did that, when you were in the middle of convincing the Don you are worthy to be his son in law." Arturo spoke " Thank you. I rest my case. I am trusted enough but not you. This facade of yours doesn't deceive anyone. You are a head case." O'Neil spoke " It gets one to know one." Arturo spoke " Pardon me." O'Neil laughed " You and I are both head cases but I have never threatened the Don in my life in the open like you did." Arturo spoke " Yet I am standing here with a gun and you are not." Francesco was listening to their exchange as he was inspecting Arturo's perfect bullet proof Cadillac that was going to be the vessel to bring Adele to church after he left with the Don. He always found it amusing when they clashed. They were always clashing over anything ever since childhood. Francesco looked forward to the glorious day. He couldn't wait to get married. He looked at his watch waiting. Suddenly Francesco then noticed the guards shouting orders that the Don was coming. That meant he was getting closer to getting married to his angel.