CHAPTER 52 - DINNER AND REVELATIONS

Alina POV:

Its about six and the dinner is at seven, we are running slightly late and Jake looks like he's ready to behead someone, talk about a relaxing afternoon. He really does crack me up though. Mari had been so quiet mostly laughing when needed or the odd word the entire day. "Mari, come get ready with me?" I say as Kelsey walks off with Jake checking the marquee, the band and food. She nods. We make it to my bedroom where I asked one of our ladies to get Mari's things. "Mari, would you like to tell me what's wrong?"

Mari sighs and she looks at me with tears in her eyes. "Lina, I didn't want to do this now, not with this being your special time, you waited so long to have your day," Mari says and now I'm worried, this has been my sister through thick and thin.

"Marissa, whatever it is just tell me please, I hate not knowing how to help you," I say pleading with her as we sit down on the bed holding hands.

Mari looks down and fresh tears fall, "Lina, I'm sick. I got my results early this morning," Mari says and my mind free falls, no, no this can't be happening!

I take a breath and try to compose myself, "what is it?" Is all I can manage.

"Breast cancer, stage two," Mari says and I start balling, "I didn't want to ruin your dinner and wedding. I shouldn't have told you!" Mari says getting up and pacing.

"No, I'm glad you did, does Leo know?" I ask her, knowing he worships the ground she walks on.

"No, not yet, I thought I would tell him after the wedding, give him some time to enjoy himself before he finds out," Mari says shaking her head.

"That's fair, I'm glad you told me, we are going to fight this together, you and me, just like we always have!" I state firmly, "and you have even more family now to support you, it's still early, we will beat this thing, I promise! I will hire every specialist known to man to help you, don't worry about a thing," I say my voice shaky but determined.

"Thank you Lina, you really are my sister. I don't know what I would do without you, now let's worry about this till after your honeymoon," she sniffs and I give her a hug. "Come on, let's get ready before Jake comes in here like a full on bridezilla!" Mari says and we laugh and I nod.

I find my dress and go into full on panic mode in the closet, what if it doesn't fit? Ok calm yourself Lina. I take the white dress off the hanger and slip it on managing to get the zip up. It's beautiful, thin straps, a sweetheart neckline and flares out in fine tulle over silk, floor length, with some beautiful beading on the bodess. Nobody will see my bump in this, its so hard concealing twins, so far so good. I slip on a white simple sandal that happens to be about a good few inches high, a strap around my ankle and one around my toes. I come out and Mari smiles broadly, "you look like an angel!" She says hugging me. She looks so beautiful in a baby pink figure hugging halter neck dress with a slit, and her hair up. I slip in diamond chandelier earrings, and a diamond cuff and I'm ready, thanking the Lord we had our make-up and hair done already.

Jake barrels into the bedroom, "come on ladies, we need to move the men are already down stairs!" He shrieks, clapping his hands and just then Romeo enters looking so amazing in his grey suit and black tie, Rolex on his wrist and ring on his right ring finger, hair immaculate, I love how he let it grow out a bit, it suits him with his designer scruff. "Come Mari, let's move!" Jake says pulling her and she mouths "help me," as Jake pulls her out the door. It's really a sight and I can't help laughing.

Romeo comes near me after closing the door, and places his hand on my baby bump, and gives me a soft kiss. "I missed you, you look absolutely stunning," he says with that Italian accent that brings me to my knees.

I put my hands around his neck and rest my arms on his shoulders. "I missed you too, and might I say I never tire seeing you in a suit?" I say smiling and Romeo laughs, and runs his hands down my sides and to my ass grabbing it gently. I moan and give him a kiss. "We have to stop, or I won't be able too," I whisper.

"Si, let's go we have fifty guests waiting," Romeo says winking biting his lip so he doesn't laugh as he slaps my ass. He takes my hand playing with my ring as we walk down, I can hear the buzz of all the people, and it's so amazing, this is finally happening, another step closer. "Don't worry amore, the place is a fortress, everyone coming in is checked and we are safe, nobody will ruin tonight or tomorrow, I assure you," Romeo says as the double doors open to the garden.

It's so beautiful, fairy lights, lanterns and an enchanted forest feel with loads of white organza and flowers wrapped around trees and the enormous marquee, Jake has outdone himself! "Please welcome soon to be Mr and Mrs De Luca!" Jake says over a mic, he had to be that extra, I'm sure they would all have heard him just fine. Everyone is clapping their hands and my brother and mother and for once I can't help but smile at her, she looks really happy. Sofia, Alfonso and Isabella are clapping and beaming and I see Luc frustrated, trying to get the mic away from Jake. They are adorable, and Mari with Leo, making her laugh as he whispers in her ear and they look at us as happy as ever. Dario winks at me as he holds Kelsey's hand, but I see a sadness there, I am making a mental note to ask Romeo, since Dario never shows even the slightest emotion.

Cheers are heard and the band starts playing and we are served champagne, but I opt for water instead saying I don't want to be hungover tomorrow. We stop by the picture area and its picturesque with the same enchanted look, and we take some pictures since its all so beautiful and romantic. "Would you like to dance gorgeous?" Romeo asks and I nod blushing a bit, he still makes me blush after all this time. He pulls me into his embrace as we join the other couples, "are you happy?" Romeo asks.

"Blissfully," I answer smiling, but remember Dario, "Romeo, why does Dario look so sombre, despite his smile there's sadness," I ask hoping I'm not overstepping.

Romeo sighs and we stop dancing, "come with me, it's time you know," Romeo says and I frown, we stop by the lake away from the crowd. Romeo turns to me and he gives me a sad smile, now I'm feeling slightly worried. "Dario used to be married," Romeo says and I'm shocked to my core.

"What? When?" I ask confused.

"When we were younger, about eight nearly nine years ago now. Her name was Gabriella, Gabby for short. They were high school sweethearts, she was close to all of us, like a sister, knew us all inside out. She had this golden brown hair and beautiful Hazel eyes, freckles on her nose, she was stunning. While they were in college, Dario asked her to marry him they were young like nineteen at the time but so in love, they were twenty when they got married." Romeo takes a deep breath and I can almost see tears forming. "Dario and Gabby were only married three months and she was pregnant and they were ecstatic, he was a lot different back then. One night while we were on holiday in Italy, we were attacked at our villa, Gabby and their unborn child were killed in front of Dario as they held us down. It was Mancini's family, she was shot in the heart twice," Romeo says and I hold his hands tight and he releases one and puts it on my belly.

"Oh my God, that's terrible!" I say trying to comprehend what I had just heard.

"It was, but Dario does not like to speak about it as you can imagine. We don't mention her as to not upset him. I doubt Kelsey knows, but that's for Dario to say," Romeo says staring out at the lake.

"I won't say a word, although I understand him a bit better now," I say shaking my head. That must have been one of the most horrifying things have happened to anyone.

"I didn't want to tell you this tonight, we need to get back to the dinner before Jake actually does the impossible and kills me," Romeo says trying to lighten the mood.

"Well let's go, I need you at the altar tomorrow" I say and Romeo squeezes my hand as we go back. The guests are all laughing, drinking and having an amazing time. We chat a bit and make our rounds to almost everyone thanking them for making the journey and attending. Jake announces dinner and we all take our seats at the long tables set out.

All the guests are seated and Luc stands up to make a welcome speech. "Good evening everyone, thank you for all being here to join Romeo De Luca and Alina Russo soon to be De Luca. Please raise your glasses to the happy couple and in doing so wish them a beautiful wedding tomorrow and start to their life. Saluti fratello, ti amo entrambi," and we all take a sip of champagne, well non alcoholic for me. (cheers brother, I love you both)

Mari stands and she gives a little speech. "Evening everyone, I just wanted to say I have known Alina for a long time now, she's like a sister to me and I have never seen her happier than when she is with Romeo,  I'm sure you all will join me in saying it's an absolute honor and privilege to be celebrating with you both. Jake, thank you for your hard work with all your plans and the beautiful evening you have created for the happy couple," she raises her glass and we take a sip. Romeo and I don't give any speeches, we will reserve that for tomorrow.

Jake stands up and with quite a flourish claps his hands and they bring out the starters and the rest follows, a wonderful mixture of Italian and French cuisine, absolutely delicious, all catered for by Sofia and her restaurants, she will be catering the wedding for us too. Dessert and coffee is soon served, with various pastries and cake. "Have one more dance with me bella, before we end the night, and I have to say goodbye till tomorrow," Romeo asks holding out his hand.

"I would be honored," At last by Etta James plays and we are soon joined by many couples, it's a perfect way to end the night.

"I can't wait to be your husband, see you walk down that aisle tomorrow," Romeo says and I blush.

"I can't wait either, it's my dream come true, well one of them at least, I'm already carrying two miracles inside of me," I say a happy tear escaping.

Romeo brushes it away with his thumb, and gives me a sweet kiss, but all too soon it's over and we sway to the music. "May I walk you to the bedroom?" Romeo asks.

"You may," I answer and we bid everyone a goodnight and Romeo being an utter gentleman walks me to our bedroom where he is not sleeping tonight. "I will miss you," I say sadly. The guards all turn away, for privacy.

Romeo gives me a soft sweet kiss, "I will miss you too gorgeous," and bows dramatically making me laugh. "Goodnight, tomorrow you will be mine, heart and soul," and he disappears.

Tomorrow indeed, I will be yours heart and soul, Romeo.