Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 136915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 456(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 136915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 456(@300wpm)
Mom and Aria tugged at my hair and dress. It had taken several attempts to create a hairdo with my shorter hair that I was happy with. But eventually Mom had managed to pin my hair up at the back of my head with a white hairpin with flowers and pearls. Only one thick strand was falling down the left side of my face and curled slightly. Long white earrings that looked like several tine flowers had been stringed together matched my hairpin.
My dress was a minimal long-sleeved chiffon piece with a deep Bohemian V-neck. I especially loved the sheer puff sleeves that felt as if I wore nothing.
Mom clapped her hands when she was done wrapping the silk-ribbon around my ankle then she peered up at me with an emotional smile. “I love that you picked ballet shoes.”
They weren’t real ballet shoes, but the white flats imitated ballet shoes and even had silk ribbons that wrapped around my ankles and calves. High-heels had been out of the question despite the height difference between Amo and me. I didn’t want to overstrain my knee and I had rarely worn heels in my life and didn’t want to feel uncomfortable on my wedding day.
“I should have worn flats on my wedding day,” Aria said with a laugh. “It would have spared me the blisters. Though my hurting feet were the least of my worries on that day.”
Mom laughed and exchanged a knowing look with Aria. “I remember how nervous I was about the prospect of marriage when I was promised. But my wedding to Remo was so relaxed and easy-going.”
“I really wish I could have enjoyed my wedding day like you’ll hopefully enjoy today,” Aria said to me. She lightly touched my shoulder. “Amo is a good man. I know he’ll do everything he can to make you happy.”
“This isn’t the beginning of a sex talk, is it?” I glanced between Mom and Aria. “Amo and I have already been intimate, tonight is only the final step we haven’t taken yet.”
Aria flushed a bright red and laughed. “Oh Amo warned me about your directness.”
Mom’s smile was a bit tight too. “No talk, we promise. You and Amo will figure it out I’m sure without our unnecessary advice.”
I nodded and blew out a long breath as I regarded myself in the mirror once more. Aria left with a wave.
I pursed my lips in confusion.
“She wants to give us a moment alone,” Mom said, coming up behind me and hugging me gently. She was several inches taller than me.
“I know you and Amo love each other, but I want to make sure you’re still okay with everything that’s going to happen today. Especially tonight. Even if you and Amo have been intimate, I want you to know that nothing forces you to take the final step tonight. If you feel anxious or just not ready, then you should say stop. Amo can fake the sheets like his father did.”
Mom and Aria had exchanged many stories from the past, apparently even intimate ones I didn’t want to hear about. I was glad that they’d hit it off though, considering that Dad and Luca still had trouble being in the same room without a fight.
“I thought I wouldn’t get the talk.”
“It’s not a sex talk. It’s a talk about consent and your emotional wellbeing.”
I gave Mom a doubtful look. “Amo respects my boundaries. And it doesn’t matter what you call it, it’s not necessary. I have confidence in Amo’s abilities to make tonight special for both of us.” I patted her arm to ease the blow and didn’t comment on her blush. Considering how often I’d overheard her and Dad by accident, it was surprising that my mere mentioning of sex made her feel so uncomfortable. “I’m grateful for your concern though.”
A knock sounded.
“That must be your father. Don’t tell him what you just told me.” Mom scanned me once more before she went to the door and opened it. I tensed when Dad stepped in, worried he’d try to talk me out of the wedding. I knew Nevio still wished I’d turn into a runaway bride, and while Dad wasn’t as vocal about his dismay he too wanted me to stay in Vegas. Their love and worry for me were the reason for their reaction but today I didn’t want to hear about it.
Dad’s dark eyes softened when they scanned me from head to toe. Mom whispered something to him, then kissed his cheek before she left.
“Dad?” I slowly walked toward him and peered up at his face. Many people called it cruel and merciless, but for me it had always held warmth and love, and it was no different today.
“Do we get your blessing?”
Dad chuckled in his usual derisive style. “Blessings aren’t my style.” He cupped my cheek. “But I respect your choice, Mia Cara. You aren’t a little girl anymore. I want you to find happiness in New York, but never forget that a loving home is always waiting for you in Las Vegas if you ever choose to return.”