77. The Wedding (Part 3)-2

O'Neil crossed his arms over his chest "Point taken. But it's not my fault your people are sensitive." Arturo questioned " My people?" O'Neil spoke " German-Italians. Agostinis and Marcianos are way too sensitive over their families and can't take no jokes. Lets hope the next generation is different." Arturo spoke " Lets hope your people change too when time for the second generation comes. Let me think. Your children would be Irish-Italian-American. What a combination of traits? Lets hope your kids don't inherit anything from you. How you managed to get yourself invited to an Italian wedding after being so ignorant of traditions is beyond me... I don't think anyone can endure another generation of your kind." O'Neil spoke " Don't worry. You live in Milan. I would be in New York. The odds of us meeting would be small unless for business and occasional parties. Well, that is the case unless ... our kids fall for each other. Imagine if my daughter fell for your son...." Arturo stated "Enough O'Neil. Your kind and mine would never mix." O'Neil laughed " Anything is possible. Anna said she will never marry you but she said yes. Didn't she. Don't underestimate the power of love." Francesco couldn't help but laugh at the priceless expression on Arturo's face. He was clutching the wheel and contemplating what to say back. Francesco was certain Arturo was being so civilised out of respect for Adele. He surely couldn't say anything colourful in front of a lady like Adele who was Francesco's. Arturo spoke in a low tone " If this is your state before drinking, I can't imagine your words after you get yourself drunk on champagne. You sound drunk already O'Neil. Power of love? Have you been drinking this morning?" O'Neil spoke innocently "Just water." Adele was looking outside the window while the exchange was happening between the men. People were standing around the road and holding flowers, throwing confetti and sweets at the cars as they were standing under the shades of olive trees. This place was indeed magical. Adele raised an eyebrow as she saw a crowd of children on the way who threw mesh bags at the car. She shivered at the thought of what they represented. She had been to some Italian weddings in America before and she had been asked to throw mesh bags at the cars when she was a child. She knew what they were. The mesh bags contained nuts and grains with chocolate covered almonds. The children threw them at the newly weds car as tradition to encourage them to conceive children. She was more excited than fearful about the concept of children. It just felt right. After exiting the church, she felt like, she fully belonged to Francesco. She had no idea saying her wedding vows was going to make that much difference to her outlook but it did. It felt right. Her relationship with Francesco felt complete. Now they were husband and wife. Francesco whispered to Adele as he tightly still had his arm around her waist " Are you alright sweetheart? How do you feel?" Adele turned to Francesco "I am alright. I feel so ... relieved." Francesco smiled knowingly "I know. I could tell your were shaking in the church. After the vows were said, you became relaxed. The serious part is over. Now it is party time." Adele nodded " How come you weren't nervous at the church? How do you do it?" Francesco spoke "How do you know I wasn't?" Adele spoke "If you were, you hid it so well. You hide your emotions so well." Just then the car stopped in front of the mansion. Arturo and O'Neil got off the car. Francesco looked in the direction of his father who was standing outside next to the Don and stated " I was taught how to hide my feelings." Adele sighed. She wished she hadn't brought it up. Obviously Paulo Roasario was involved. Francesco got off the car first and then helped Adele get off the car. All was in motion for the wedding reception at the Don's property. Adele and Francesco were again showered with rice and paper confetti as the photographer took more pictures. For some reason the photographer loved to snap pictures when confetti was in the air. As more pictures were taken while Francesco and Adele made their way to the wedding reception inside, doves were freed into the air as the crowd of guests were clapping and cheering. The doves symbolised love and happiness. The photographer asked to take Adele and Francesco a few meters away from the mansion and take individual photographs of them as the guests were served drinks while they were standing watching the couple. They then toasted their red wines to the bride and groom's health. Adele and Francesco finally managed to go inside and let their party to begin. The Don's great hall which was reserved for his business gatherings was transformed to an amazing wedding reception. There were tables in one half of the hall and the rest was just dancing area with a band playing. Adele gasped "Is that Amaranta?" Francesco smiled as he held a chair out for Adele to sit at their table "Yes. She wanted to sing tonight. She is an amazing singer. A great opera singer especially." As Adele and Francesco sat down, the guests all took their designated places too. The Don then officially opened the party by raising his glass. Then the guests were served cocktails for an hour as dancing and music was making the atmosphere energetic. Food was brought in too alongside cocktails. There were dishes stuffed with antipasto with stuffed mushrooms, olives, salami, pickled peppers, calamari, pasta, salads, soups, barbecued meat and a variety of sea food.