Chapter 69
**Annika**
One month later
WEDDING DAY
"Annika, just breathe, okay?" Thea said, watching me pace around in my underwear. I was a bundle of nerves, feeling like they were taking over my whole body.
"What's got you so worked up, Annika? You're about to marry the love of your life—"
"A super rich love of my life," Thea jumped in, cutting off my mom, who just rolled her eyes.
"The dress is gorgeous, the wedding is beautiful. What's the problem, sweetheart?" she asked. My parents had come over about a month ago to meet Raffaele and his kids. At first, my mom wasn’t too keen on him because of his background, but she eventually warmed up. My siblings liked him right away, and my dad? Well, he’s still figuring things out. At least they’re not stopping me from marrying the guy I really love.
"I honestly don’t know; that’s the problem," I confessed, sniffling a bit.
"Annika." She stepped closer to hug me, but I stopped her.
"Can you bring Raffaele in here?" I asked.
"What?!" Thea looked taken aback.
"I just need to see him; it’ll help settle my nerves," I explained.
"He can’t see the dress, Annika," she reminded me.
"Just hide it in the closet, please," I sighed. "I just need a moment with him."
She nodded and left the room with my mom. I had five bridesmaids: my sister Kelly, Anthea, Monica, Chiara, and Caterina. I quickly tucked the dress away in the closet just as I heard the door open. I shut the closet door and turned to see Raffaele looking sharp, while I still had pins in my hair. I was supposed to be ready ages ago, but my anxiety was getting the best of me.
"What's wrong, baby girl?" he asked, wrapping his arms around my waist. I didn’t say anything; his touch instantly calmed me down. I let out a sigh of relief, feeling my body relax, and pulled him in for a tight hug, resting my head on his chest.
"Are you having second thoughts?" I heard him ask softly.
I shook my head quickly. "No way, baby."
"Then what’s bothering you?
“My anxiety was taking over... I'm sorry," I told him.
"It's all good," he reassured me. I bit my lip, realizing that this incredibly handsome guy in front of me was about to be my husband.
"God, I love you," I said, leaning in for a kiss that made him smile and gave my backside a playful smack. "I can't wait to walk down the aisle."
Raffaele left shortly after, and I finally got myself ready. I was so excited to become his wife.
"My beautiful girl," my mom said as she worked on my hair.
"I've always dreamed of this day, princess," my dad added, kissing my forehead. The door swung open, and as his guards stepped aside, I felt all eyes on us, making me grip my dad's arm tightly.
I was really getting married to my best friend and the love of my life. There he was, looking like a Greek god. Seriously, how could he be any more handsome?
We reached the front and turned to face each other. "Take care of my daughter, Raffaele," my dad said as we stood before him.
"I will, sir," Raffaele replied with a smile, shaking my dad's hand. "Welcome to the family, Raffaele."
I looked at Raffaele and whispered, "Can we kiss now?" He chuckled softly.
"We're all here today to celebrate two amazing people and their beautiful marriage. Rings, please?" The officiant announced, and I spotted Enzo walking down the aisle with the rings, making me tear up. He looked fantastic in his black suit. I couldn't help but lean down and kiss him on the forehead, earning a bright smile from him. Romeo, Raffaele’s best man, was also in a black suit.
"You look like a princess," he whispered, making me giggle. Raffaele took the rings and Enzo went to sit with his grandfather.
"You may both say your vows," the officiant said. I glanced at Raffaele and noticed how nervous yet eager he was to speak, so I decided to let him go first.
“You were everything I never realized I needed. Maybe it was the way you loved me from the very beginning or how you embraced my kids like they were your own. Perhaps it was just my fear of opening my heart to someone again. But no matter how hard I tried, I fell for you anyway. It could have been the endless laughter, the cozy space you created, or the way your voice makes me feel. All I can say right now is thank you for being everything I didn’t know I wanted. Thank you for loving my children as if they were yours.” He finished, and I was overwhelmed with tears. I was taken aback when I noticed his eyes glistening, a single tear rolling down his cheek. I never thought I’d see him cry; it felt like he was made of stone. But witnessing it now filled me with joy.
I gently wiped his tear away with my thumb, stroking his cheek softly.
"I promise to always be your comfort at the end of a tough day, to be there and listen, whether it’s good news or bad. I’ll always see the glass as half full on those days when it feels empty for you. I promise to honor and cherish you; you’ll never be alone. You’ll never have to doubt your worthiness of love because I’ll always be right here, cheering you on and supporting you. This lifetime with you will never feel like enough, but I’ll spend every moment loving you, laughing with you, and keeping you safe. You are everything I didn’t know I was dreaming of, everything I was told to wait for, everything I thought I didn’t deserve. You are every moment and every day I want to fill my life with. Raffaele, you are the smile on my face, the laughter in my voice, and the joy in my heart. I couldn’t be more honored to walk alongside you for the rest of our lives." I finished as I slipped the ring onto his finger.
I grinned at him, and he mirrored my expression. "You really do?" he asked, gently stroking my cheek as he moved closer.
I nodded, feeling all warm inside. "I do," I said just before he pulled me in for a kiss. It felt like we were in our own little bubble. He lifted me by my waist, and I squealed, wrapping my arms around him while everyone cheered. It was official.
“The bride has one last request: she wants Mr. Cattaneo’s kids to come stand here.” Raffaele looked at me, eyes wide, as the kids stepped up in front of me. “Enzo, Caterina, and Romeo, I have a promise to make to your dad, but I also have some promises for you. I thank your dad every day for letting me be part of your lives. I promise to always put you three first. You’ve taught me to be more patient, loving, and brave. I promise to take care of you and be there for you through everything life throws our way. I’ll teach you how to be kind and good-hearted, even when things get tough. I promise to comfort you when you’re sad, sick, or just need someone to talk to. I’ll show you what a healthy relationship looks like by how I treat your dad. Most importantly, I promise to always remember that even though I didn’t give you life, life gave me the gift of you. I love all three of you, and I’ll love you for the rest of my life.” The kids hugged me tightly, tears in their eyes, and I could see Raffaele getting emotional too.
I’m officially a married woman.
"Wow, I love you," he said, setting me down while holding my face. "So, Annika Cattaneo?" he asked, making me laugh.
"We’ll figure out that name later."
"Yeah, I like how it sounds," he replied.
I noticed the kids coming over, and I smiled as I picked up Enzo. "Did I do a good job?" he asked.
"You did an amazing job," I assured him.
“Thanks, Mom!” He beamed and planted a kiss on my cheek, making my heart skip a beat.
"What did you just call me?" I asked, feeling a bit emotional. He looked down, hesitant to say it again. "C'mon, it’s okay. Just tell me, what did you say?" I encouraged him.
"I... love you, Mom." His words brought tears to my eyes. I wrapped him in a tight hug, not wanting to let go.
"I love you too, my sweet little boy." I sniffled, feeling Raffaele come up behind us. He kissed Enzo on the head and gently took him from my arms. The other two kids also hugged me, thanking me for the promise I made to them.
"Are you ready?" he asked, and I nodded, excited for the after-party our parents planned following the wedding. Raffaele hadn’t revealed our honeymoon destination yet, and my curiosity was piqued.
He pulled me in closer by the waist. "My gorgeous and lovely wife, how are you feeling?" he asked, kissing my lips.
"I can’t even put into words how I feel," I whispered, making him smile. Honestly, no words could capture my happiness.
"Man, I can't wait to rip this dress off you," he teased, pulling me to face him. It hit me then that I hadn’t just married Raffaele; I’d also joined his whole lifestyle. They would look to me for guidance, and I was stepping into the Mob world. I knew I’d do anything for him, but I wasn’t sure if I had what it took to be a Mafia woman.
"What’s on your mind?" he asked.
"Just wondering if I’m tough enough for your world," I sighed. "What if they don’t take me seriously?"
"Don’t even think like that. You might not see it yet, but beneath that shyness is a woman who’s braver than you know. You’ve got a fierce side, babe. Just let it shine," he said, making me bite my lip.
"Boss, the car is ready," Derek announced, prompting Raffaele to take my hand. We walked down the beautiful outdoor aisle, where everyone was waiting for us, tossing flowers and cheering.