“He’s a good man,” I say. I feel like I have to say it. And when I do, her eyes darken a little, worry creeping into them.

She pulls up a chair and sits and takes my hands into hers. “This is a difficult family. A difficult life to marry into. I don’t know that you would have chosen it had you known.”

“I love Sergio.” It’s my only reply because she’s right. I would not have chosen this if I had known. Although, as I think back, did I ever really have a choice? Or were Sergio and I destined to be together? To find each other? Even the way we did. Fate put me in his path not once, but twice. That means something, doesn’t it?

“I won’t be here for very long—”

“Don’t talk like that,” I cut her off, but she squeezes my hand, continues.

“But Sergio will protect you. And so will Franco. You’ll be his son’s wife. The mother of his grandchild. And they’ll need you, too, Natalie. Once I’m gone, they’ll need you, all of them, but especially Sergio.” Her eyes are watering.

“Mrs. Benedetti—”

“I know it’s a lot to ask, but I need to know that he’ll be safe too. That you’ll protect him, too.”

“I will,” I try to reassure, but she continues.

“Whatever you do, whatever happens, don’t let him forget his humanity.” She takes in a deep breath, straightens her spine and looks taller, stronger. “He is his father’s son, Natalie.”

I watch her as she says it. She’s trying to relay a message. She wants me to understand this. And to love him in spite of it.

“I believe he’s good. I do.”

A knock comes on the door and we stand as it opens. But when Sergio peeks his head in, his mother gasps.

“It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding,” she walks to the door, trying to shield me from Sergio’s view.

Sergio steps inside, smiles at her, then shifts his gaze to me, looking me over from head to toe. “Silly superstition,” he says. He smiles.

I smile back.

“Your dad’s waiting at the bottom of the stairs whenever you’re ready,” he says. “I’ll seat my mom.” He walks her out, then glances back at me. Smiles wider.

When he’s gone, I take one final look at my reflection. I’m wearing a satin sheath. I was aiming for simple, but that wasn’t happening with Sergio. The dress is beautiful, soft against my body while hugging it tenderly. The back is cut seductively low, the neckline at the front straight across my collar bones. My breasts already feel swollen and the dress looks prettier for it. A white cloud of satin floats all around my sandaled feet.