Chapter 31
Bella
The photographs take forever. The photographer asks for our parents to come forward for a picture. I can see my sperm donor looking; I glare at him, hoping he won't come over. My Nonno spoke to the photographer who paled. Our grandparents took the place of our parents.
My Nonno told both Edward and me that word of our marriage has gotten around to the guests who would have been attending the New Year's Eve Ball. He explains to me how it was an insult not to invite other bosses to the wedding of the cartel boss.
The reception was now in a banquet hall near my Nonnos' estate to accommodate the five hundred people attending.
I was grateful when I was told I wasn't required to greet everyone as they arrived at the reception.
"Edward, I have to use the restroom before we go into the reception," I inform him. "Rose, Sara, do you think you can help me with my dress?"
"We can. The last thing you want to do is pee on your dress," Rose laughs.
We couldn't stop laughing, trying to hold up the train, shimmering the dress over my hips while using the bathroom with the door open.
As I am washing my hands, I notice a pregnant girl about my age glare at me through the mirror. I smile at her.
"You will never replace any of us. You might be my papa's bambino bastarda. Your mother was a la puttana (Slut)," the girl snarls.
"What did you just call my momma?" I ask.
"You heard me. My momma told me all about you. I'm his Principessa (princess)," she continues.
"You're my sperm donor's daughter," I laugh, not realizing she was attending my wedding.
"I'll only tell you once. Don't you ever call my momma that name again. I won't hit you as you're pregnant, and I would never hit a pregnant woman. But my sperm donor can rot in hell with your momma as far as I'm concern. Charlie Swan is my daddy, he raised me," I growl. "Oh, I'm sorry to hear about the accident your momma and auntie had. I know what it's like to lose your momma."
Without warning, she screams as she lunges forward. I feel a punch in the face.
"Fuck you," she screams.
"You got that punch in, but you will never hit me again. Let me help you to your father, you bitch," I yell, pulling her towards the door.
"Let me help you take this trash out," an older woman says, as she grabs the little bitch's other arm.
I let go as the woman drags her out of the restroom.
The bitch was screaming, and I think cursing me out in Italian.
"We need a cold compress for your face," Rose informs me.
"We haven't got time," Sara sighs.
"We need makeup to cover this up," Rose continues.
"I'll get some from my sister. I'll be back in a minute," Sara says.
As Sara opens the door, Paolo is speaking to the older woman.
Paolo saw me, and he begins to walk towards the restroom.
"Hey, you better get your little Principessa and hope that our Nonno doesn't see the state of Bella's face," Sara rages.
Paolo was going to start to speak. I didn't give him a chance.
"Save it for someone who gives a fuck. Just keep that nasty bitch away from me. That's including all your family. I've told her, and now I'm telling you. You're not my father, nor will you ever be? You're my sperm donor now leave me the hell alone," I say as I push him out of the restroom.
Paolo looks at his daughter and groans, "Giada, I told you to leave this, and so did your brothers. You're worse than your mother. You'd better hope that the boss doesn't ask for restitution," Paolo groans.
Sara rushes back into the restroom with her momma on her heels.
"Oh fuck, Paolo, it's not just Edward or her Nonno who will go crazy when they see her face. You had better stay clear of my husband and her uncles," Auntie Elena shrieked.
"Bella, I don't know how we will cover this up," Sara says.
"Is everything okay in here?" I hear Edward ask. "What the fuck happen to your face?"
"Paolo's little Principessa. She's thankful she's pregnant, or I would've kicked her ass. Don't worry; she won't do anything like this again if she knows what's good for her," I answer. "Come on, we have a dance to do, and I'm starving."
The others rush through the reception hall door, leaving Edward and me waiting to be announced.
Nonno told us they have put up a big screen so people at the back can see and hear what we say.
"I hope they turn that off while we eat," I say.
Edward looks at me, shakes his head and laughs.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to present Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cullen, who will begin the evening with their first dance as man and wife," a large guy announces.
We walk to the dance floor as the music begins, "You make my dreams come true" by Hall and Oats. It is a song that Edward and I danced to once before. We didn't care if it wasn't something that was used as the first dance in Italy.
The room went silent as we begin, that is until Emmett laughs.
Edward and I start a few paces from each other. As the music begins, we walk to each other snapping our fingers and swinging our arms from side to side. Then we shake our butts banging into each other's hip, we jived, with Edward picking me up and throwing me around his waist and up in the air and going into the Lindy hop.
Edward stands behind me; he leans the opposite way to me as I look over my shoulder.
Then hopping on one leg as we kick out the other; we hand jive. Then we go back to Jiving. By this time, the whole hall is laughing or whistling.
Although Edward has excellent rhythm, I didn't make the dance complicated.
Cheers erupt around the room as we walk towards our seats.
"That was brilliant dude I didn't know you could dance that well. It's good to see you dance again, Bells," Emmett booms.
The wait staff serves the food. We can hear laughter around the room and loud chattering.
I hope the guests can understand the speeches Emmett and Edward were giving. Edward speaks good Italian, but Emmett not so much. Nonno informs us it isn't usual for a bridesmaid to give a speech.
Rose was pleased about that. It surprised me just how shy Rose was.
My Nonno stood, tapping his glass with a spoon. The room becomes silent.
"I don't think I need to introduce myself, but if you don't know who I am. I'm Giovanni Mancini. I'm Isabella's Nonno.
I'm pleased to welcome everyone to this unexpected wedding reception. Like her momma, Isabella surprised us, charmed us, and we are in awe of her ability to combat any challenge that she faces.
Some of you know our daughter traveled before she was married. She went missing, and we could not find her. We didn't realize she had settled in America nor had a daughter.
Domenico's, grandson Edward, came with his family from America for their usual summer vacation. He spoke nonstop about his little ballerina. He walked around with the biggest smile on his face. Everything was Bella would love that, Bella would do this. We were all waiting to meet Bella. But it wasn't until Lizzy's funeral when we saw a picture of his little ballerina; we realized Bella could be Renata's daughter.
Isabella has become an excellent addition to the family. She has brought love and laughter to us all. I will say I've never had so many of my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in my home at once before. We will all miss you when you go back to America; my house will become quiet once again. Make sure you have a room made up for your Nonna, as I'm sure it won't be long before she comes to visit.
Edward, I'm hoping now that my Isabella has been put in your care you will treat her like the Principessa she is. Love her, hold her when she cries, and laugh with her through your joy. Never go to bed in a crossword. Last, hurt her and her Uncles, and I will come after you.
Ladies and Gentlemen raise your glasses to the bride and groom." Nonno says as he raises his glass.
Nonno passes the microphone to Emmett.
"Hello, everyone. My name is Emmett Cullen, for those of you who don't know me. I'm Edward's younger and more attractive brother. For once he's got it right, I'm the best man.
As few people speak English and my Italian isn't too good, Nonno told me to keep it short and no stories about Edward losing his virginity. I asked about subtitles up on the screen, but they thought I was joking.
I used to idolize Edward when I was younger. He was what I wanted to be — the top player on Kingdom Heart.
I remember on my twelfth birthday; I got a card from Edward. There was no gift, so I thought he'd give me money. I was already spending it in my mind. I opened the envelope, pulled out the card, and shook it, looking for the money to fall out. Nothing did so I read what he had written hoping for a clue as to where my present was.
It read; Emmett Happy Birthday. Momma made me send this card to you. From Edward.
When I was fourteen, Edward had moved into his own apartment. He still got in trouble because of shit I pulled. He got back at me one day. Mom had blue glass pebbles in a bowl. It was fashionable and an accessory or something. He remarked about a black eye I was sporting; I lost my cool. I picked one of the glass stones up and threw it at him. A large window was behind Edward. As I threw the stone, Edward ducked. The colored stone went straight through the window.
Dad went crazy, and I never touched the pebbles again.
I was a senior in high school when Edward met Bella. I went into the kitchen to get a snack before I started my homework. There stood Edward with a shit-eating smile on his face. All I heard was Bella is beautiful, Bella is funny, do you think Bella would go on a date before she goes home? I can't believe she went for a coffee with me. We heard about Bella for the entire summer vacation that year.
But humor aside, Edward is the best big brother a man could have. He stepped up to the plate when our father didn't. He took the time to teach me things I needed to learn; he kicks my ass when it's needed.
I ask you to join me in a toast to the future happiness of the bride and groom. To Mr. and Mrs. Cullen, may your life together bring you much joy and many children.
Kissing the top of my head Edward stands taking the microphone from Emmett.
"Hello, I'm Edward Cullen, the groom. Thank you for coming to help us celebrate our special day.
Thank you for the gifts and money. It was something we didn't expect.
I would like to thank my Nonna, Bella's Nonna, and Auntie Di for making this day memorable for us both, again on short notice.
When I met Bella, I thought she was one of the most beautiful and graceful women I had ever seen. For those of you who don't know how we met. The guy who plays the piano for the auditions at the school we attend was out sick. I filled in for the ballet auditions. Bella was the last person to dance. She is a beautiful, graceful dancer; it was no surprise to me when she won a place at Julliard.
When the audition finished, I waited out in the hall near the changing rooms. I'm shy and don't talk to girls as I can never say the right thing. I asked her if she would like to go for coffee. It amazed me when she said yes.
My life without Bella was like a dark night, but since she has been back in our lives it is as though I've had my sight given back to me. I would like to thank Bella for agreeing to be my bride.
You all must agree with me she looks beautiful?
Thanks also for my brother Emmett; for standing next to me as my best man. Despite what he thinks, it doesn't make him the best between us.
Also, to my sister-in-law, Rose, thank you for agreeing to be Bella's maid of honor, I know you have been a great help to Bella while everyone was making this day happen. You also look beautiful.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like you to raise your glasses for our maid of honor, Doctor Rosalie Cullen.
Taking the microphone back from Edward, my Nonno announced, "It's time now for dancing. I want to invite Edward to take his Nonna to the floor for the Nonna and Sposo dance (Groom)."
Edward
When Bella and I discussed the mother and groom, and the bride and father dances, I knew my momma would still want me to have the dance. I asked my Nonna if she would dance with me; she cried and said it would be an honor to take the place of momma.
I chose the song "Letter to my Mother" by Edwin McCain.
It was something I had played for her on my piano.
I couldn't speak as my throat was thick as I tried not to cry and show my weakness.
Once we finished, I hugged my Nonna, kissed her cheek, and walked back to our seats.
"I believe we will now watch my beautiful sister-in-law dance with her, Nonno," Emmett announces.
Bella and her Nonno take their place on the dance floor. The song "My Girl" by the Temptations plays. She looks so graceful; her five-foot-four form to her Nonno's six foot seven, she looks like a small child. I look across to where Paolo is sitting, and can see the sadness on his face, as he watches them dance.
The music morphs into "Apache Jump on It." by the Sugarhill Gang.
Bella and her Nonno have their hands on their hips while they thrust their hips from side to side and then back and forth. They skip around in a circle while waving their hands in the air.
Laughter fills the room, as the music once again morphs into "Greased Lightning". They dance as they did in the movie "Grease".
Next is "Thriller" by Michael Jackson, followed by "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins. Then "You can't touch This" by MC Hammer. "I want You back" by the Jackson 5, and then "Bye Bye" by N Sync.
The music morphs back to "My Girl." and they slow dance until the song finishes. The hall erupts into applause and whistles.
"I wouldn't have thought a few months ago that the big boss would do that in public. She has him wrapped around her finger. God help anyone whoever hurts her," Nonno says, as he pats my hand.
"Baby that was great, and you were good too, Sir," I say with a smile.
"Sweetheart, you can't tell me you can't dance anymore," Bella's Nonna says to her husband with a giggle.
I pull Bella back onto the dance floor, sitting her on a chair. While shimmying under her dress licking and nibbling on her leg, like I remembered she used to like. I hear someone clear their throat, so I slip the garter from her leg. Coming out from under her dress with the garter in my hand, I smile at her uncles as I throw it into the crowd.
Rose passes Bella her flowers. We help her stand on the chair as she throws the flowers into a small group of women standing and waiting.
They lead us to the side so we can cut the cake. It is a traditional Millefoglie cake. As is customary in Italy we feed each other the cake.
The waiting staff clears all the dinnerware from the tables.
"I don't want anyone dancing with Bella unless they are family or the head of the Cartel family. If I see anyone grinding against her, I won't ask a question I will shoot. Do I make myself clear?" I growl to the guards that are working tonight. I know that I don't need to tell Dio, he would lay his life down for Bella, but I'm not sure about the others.
"Edward, I need to use the bathroom before we start dancing again," Bella says.
"Be quick, and be careful. If you have problems with Giada again, I need you to tell me straight away, okay," I say as I kiss her.
"I'll send Rose to come and get you if we do," Bella replies.
I watch as Rose walks with Bella across the dance floor. Then, music comes on, and Bella is standing in the middle of the dance floor.
She begins to dance
It's a beautiful night. We're looking for something dumb to do.
Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you.
She points towards the table nearest the dance floor. Within minutes Rose and Sara join her, doing the same dance.
Is it the look in your eyes, or is it this dancing juice?
Who cares baby, I think I wanna marry you?
Again, all three of them point at the table. I haven't seen anything like this before. But one thing I know is that Bella choreographed this dance.
A few more people I think are her cousins join them do the same dance.
Well I know this little chapel on the boulevard
We can go
No one will know
Oh, c'mon girl.
Then two of her Uncles and Aunties join the dance.
"Flash dance mob, I want a piece of this," Emmett yells.
Only to be pushed back down by Marcus.
"This is that Bruno Mars song, marry you, isn't it?" I puzzle.
"I wondered when he would get around to asking her," Giovanni laughs.
"Who darling?" Atheodora asks.
"One of your grandsons. He asked our permission in the summer and then did nothing about it. I thought he had changed his mind," Giovanni replies.
"I hope Bella doesn't overdo it with her newfound ability to dance," Auntie Di says worriedly.
"I'm sure she will be fine. She knows her limits," I add.
I watch as they did this thing with their arms, which made it look like a heart. They pull their arms up while someone walks in between them. One of Bella's cousins comes out. I think his name is Daniel. I know he had opted not to join the family and has gone to law school. He was a bit of a nerd like I used to be.
The dance floor clears as quickly as it filled, and I see Bella and Rose walk towards us with big smiles on their faces.
Daniel gets down on one knee in front of a girl, holding out a ring. We couldn't hear the proposal, but the way he pulls her into a hug told us she has accepted it.
"Sweetheart, that is nice of you to share your special day with them," Giovanni marvels.
"I hated to see how unhappy Daniel was. I was talking to him; he wanted to propose and make it memorable. I came up with the idea, and everyone was on board, it took some time for a few people to get the dance steps. Besides, he promised to name his first daughter after me," Bella laughs.
We dance and drink. We laugh with family. I never let go of Bella unless she is with a family member.
The DJ asks us to make our way outside, ready for the fireworks to bring in the new year. The counting began.
5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
The fireworks light the sky.
"Happy New Year, Bella,"
"Happy New Year, Edward."
We kiss. Deepening it until someone clears their throat.
Chuckling, I pull Bella's back into my front as we watch the display of fireworks.
"We have to go sweetheart. Go say goodbye to Sara and your Uncles while I use the restroom," I tell Bella.
"Okay, I'll stay close to Dio," Bella replies, smiling.
"Wait up, bro," Emmett yells from behind me.
"What's up?" I ask.
"Those dudes over there have been taking pictures of us on their phones," Emmett informs me.
"Why didn't you say something before?" I growl.
"I wasn't sure at first, people have been taking pictures all night, but he had his phone facing our table," Emmett continues. "I told Marcus because I wasn't sure, and he told me to be careful."
I look up to notice that the men are no longer at the table. That's when I felt something in my back.
"Fucking walk and don't make any wrong moves or your sexy wife will be a widow, and I'll hit that or at least the boss will," the jerk laughs.
"Like fuck, you will get away with this. You know who our Nonnos are or are you just fucking stupid," I growl.
Emmett and I get pushed into a side room. There is a middle-aged man inside wearing an ill-fitted suit.
"Your family stole from me," he snaps.
"My family doesn't steal we take. I've never had dealings with you, and I doubt my father would either," I smirk as I elbow one of his goons in the side. Twisting his arm around as I disarm him.
"Well, you had better talk. Answer me as to why you have threatened my grandsons?" Nonno shouts as he points a gun at one of the goon's head.
"Why do you think it acceptable to come to a celebration of my granddaughter's wedding only to threaten to violate her?" Giovanni yells.
"I didn't threaten your granddaughter. I wanted him to know what will happen to him and his family if I don't get my money back or the guns I bought," the fat guy answers.
"Who did you make a deal with because I know it wouldn't be Carlisle?" Marcus asks.
"Cullen doesn't run New York anymore. It's run by the Whitlock's. No one has seen Carlisle Cullen in months," the fat guy replies.
"New York is run by the Cullen's. The bastarda son of my father is not a leader of the Italian mob. You've listened to the wrong information," I growl, pulling him up by the lapels of his jacket, pushing him against the wall. I punch him a few times in the gut.
"If I ever see you again or hear that you have threatened my wife or any family member, I will kill you. I don't care if you're a mob boss," I yell into his ear.
I see my Nonno click his fingers as some of his men take hold of these idiots, as they walk them out towards the kitchen.
"Let us deal with them," Nonno says.
"I hope that Bella understands, but it looks like our plans have just changed," I sigh.
Thank you, my pre-readers Klcivinski and Carole for reading through the chapter.
Also, my brilliant beta EdwardsFirstKiss for giving up her time to making this chapter readable.
Any mistakes are mine.