Saved in Darkness

Chapter 6

Song above for the Chapter: "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" Cover by Luke Evans

FEDERICO

I hope my face doesn't show how little sleep I got last night. I couldn't stop looking at the pictures Elenora gave me; she's the most beautiful woman, inside and out. She captured her ethereal beauty in the photos but also the innocent yet sensual sides of her.

The sunset is giving the clouds over the city skyline a gray-blue hue merging in contrast with the flaming orange pink rays of the sun. We have a perfect view from the event hall.

I glance over my shoulder when the photographer tells me Elenora is ready and leads me out to the garden area to wait at the top of a bridge. A small stream runs under it. I take a deep breath of the cool crisp air and adjust my tie, waiting for my love.

The photographer takes a few pictures of me before she tells me Elenora will walk up behind me and place her hand on my shoulder but instructs me not to turn around until she tells me.

I stand there anxious yet excited and then the sound of her heels reaches my ears as she walks up the bridge. Elenora rests her hand on my shoulder and I instantly smile. She squeezes my shoulder and I place my hand over hers not able to resist the chance to touch her. The photographer clicks away as we stand there for a few more minutes.

"Okay, turn around Federico." I keep holding Elenora's hand and begin turning and I'm blown away.

I will never forget how she looks at this moment. Her eyes shine with tears as she smiles. My eyes trace over the beautiful dress she's in. A satin white cloak covers her bare shoulders and I lower the cap over her head to see her long hair down in soft waves.

Her makeup is light and enhances her beauty. Her hand wipes at my face. "You're crying, Federico," She whispers.

A half laugh-half sob escapes from me. "You're so beautiful." I bring her into my arms. "This dress, your hair, your eyes, everything. You take my breath away, Elenora."

"I couldn't wait to see you, Rico." We lean into each other, keep our heads close together. I pull away and my eyes fall to her tempting lips, and then her soft brown eyes.

"I love you."

"I love you, Rico."

My eyes move to her lips again. "Am I allowed to kiss you?"

"Yes," The photographer answers for us and we both laugh. I hold her face as I press my lips to hers in a soft kiss.

We stroll around the walkways, standing and posing where the photographer directs us.

"Okay we got several great shots. Let's have you retouch your makeup, Nora." The photographer adjusts Elenora's cape and her hair. "We have about a half hour before the ceremony begins."

Elenora bounces on her toes. "It's almost time!" She exclaims and I laugh as I bring her hand to my lips.

"I'm going to offer apologies now because Luna is on the hunt for her next short lived romance with some of your cousins, or even your men."

"As long as they steer clear of Gabriel, Renzo, and maybe Smiley everyone is passable," I inform her.

Clara comes running to us. "Hurry! We don't have much time to retouch your makeup." She sounds stressed.

"Clara, it's fine we don't need to rush." Elenora rubs her arm to comfort her.

We hear a whistle and Domani walks toward us with Ciccio and Mostro. "Damn, Nora you look amazing!" Mostro says awestruck.