Chapter 16

A Miracle

I went to Maria's room.

"I know that you will not speak, but I wanted to tell you. Ezio asked me to marry him. And I said yes. I love your son, signora. I love him more than life and I promise you that I will always stand at his side. And we will avenge your husband and sons. These people took my family too. They will pay signora, I give you my word."

I touched her hand and smiled. I turned away and walked off.

"Isabel."

I froze and slowly turned. She was looking right at me.

"I'm happy Ezio chose you."

She was talking and she stood up.

"Ezio! Claudia!"

They both ran up and Maria looked at them.

"Madre?"

Claudia and Ezio hugged her and I smiled.

"We were losing hope that you would ever come back to us." Claudia said.

She smiled at her children and then looked at me.

"I suppose I needed good news. And this is truly good news."

I smiled and Ezio came to me.

"I would marry you tonight if that is what you wish."

I smiled and nodded. I knew that would make him happy. He smiled and he kissed me before Claudia hugged me.

Ezio's POV

My mother was talking and smiling again, and tonight I would be able to call Isabel my wife. It was the happiest moment of my life. Isabel looked at me and smiled. I only wished that my father and brothers were here, along with her family. But I knew they were still here in a way. Though I would've liked to ask her father to marry her properly. Uncle put his hand on my shoulder.

"You've done well nipote. Your father would be proud."

"I know, I wish they could have known her better. Know her like I do."

"I know, and it will never seem fair. But you chose well. Isabel is strong and brave. She's beautiful and very smart. She will be a fine wife, and someday the mother to your children."

The subject of children worried me, but it was a happy thing to think about.

"Thank you, uncle."

He smiled and shook my shoulder a bit. Isabel came to me and I took her hands in mine.

"When you two are ready, I will call the priest here. We will finally have happy memories in this place." uncles said.

Isabel looked at me and nodded.

"At sunset. She wishes to see the sun setting as we take our vows."

Claudia smiled excitedly.

"I will have a sister!"

Isabel laughed and hugged her. When I finally had her back in my arms I held her close.

"Isabel we must get you ready." Claudia said.

Isabel was pulled from me and my sister shooed me from the room. I could only chuckle and shake my head.

"Ezio! There's a painter here to see you!"

"A painter?"

I walked back downstairs and smiled when I saw Leonardo.

"Leonardo!"

I walked forward and welcomed him.

"You've come at a very good time. I'm marrying Isabel tonight."

"Truly!? Oh what wonderful news!"

"Will you stand there with me my friend?"

"It would be my honor!"

I smiled and laughed with him.

Isabel's POV

I could hear Leonardo's voice downstairs. I was happy he'd come here. Ezio was not allowed to see me until sundown. It was very difficult to be away from him, to hear him and not see him.

It felt like part of me was off somewhere else. Someone knocked on the door and Leonardo walked in.

"Oh you look lovely my friend!"

I smiled and walked over to him.

"I've never worn a dress before."

"I told Ezio once before, you look as though you stepped straight out of a painting. Speaking of which, I have a wedding gift for you!"

He brought in a circular object wrapped in brown material.

"Ezio has told me many times that you enjoy art. I made this special for the two of you."

When I saw it I gasped.

"Leonardo this is…beautiful!"

It was a beautiful rose, the color of the setting sun. In the back were the green hills of Tuscany.

"I know you like the sunset my friend."

I hugged him tightly, a rare thing for me.

"Grazie Leonardo!"

"Prego!"

I pulled away and smiled again.

"Isabel! We're not done yet!" Claudia called.

I sighed but smiled.

"I will see you later my friend." Leonardo said.

He left with a small wave and a wink. I chuckled and went back to Claudia.

Ezio's POV

It was finally time. Uncle came down first with my mother. Leonardo came next with Claudia. Claudia winked and I smiled. I took a deep breath and then came Isabel. I couldn't believe my eyes. She looked like an angel! She smiled at me and handed her flowers to Claudia. She turned and smiled at me. The sun was setting as the priest spoke. It felt as though hours had passed before I could finally kiss her. I lifted her up and swung her around as I kissed her. Our friend and family clapped and I set her down. I smiled at her and she touched my cheek. I took her hand and we went to the top of the Villa.

"Life is changing. The Templars continue plotting, we continue fighting against them. If that isn't what you want…then say the word and we'll leave it all behind. We'll take our family and sail for Spain." I told her.

She looked at me before looking out at the horizon.

"No. The Templars must pay for all they've done. You and I are the only ones who can stop them. And we belong here. This is home. The first one I ever had, where I finally started my life. We need to stay."

I smiled and nodded.

"You're right."

She chuckled.

"I usually am."

I laughed and kissed her again. Before all this had started, if someone were to sat I should marry Isabel, I would have laughed at them. But now…not I couldn't imagine myself with anyone else but her.