The Thrill Of Your Love

Chapter Forty

The double doors of the grand hall were swung open by ghouls as Terzo and Alice entered, arm in arm, to a chorus of cheers and applause. Alice had exchanged her voluminous wedding dress for a stunning, glittering golden evening gown that hugged her figure perfectly. She blushed at all the attention, laughing awkwardly as she leaned closer into Terzo for comfort, burying her head into his chest as confetti and petals rained down on them from the crowds.

"You're perfect." Terzo whispered in her ear, his smooth Italian accent sending a delightful shiver down her spine as his fingers lifted her chin back up. "You don't need to be shy." He squeezed her hand gently, leading her further into the room.

As they settled at the long, elegantly set table for the meal, the atmosphere shifted to something more intimate as they both enjoyed some quiet time to eat and talk. After the meal, the traditional speeches began. Alice's mother, Anna, with a tear in her eye, spoke of how proud she was of her daughter and how she couldn't have asked for a better son-in-law. The cake was next- a towering confection of black and gold that Copia had spent hours on making with Ethel. As Terzo and Alice cut the first slice together, the room filled with applause once again. They fed each other a piece, Alice playfully smearing a bit of icing on Terzo's nose, which he wiped off then dramatically licked it from his finger with a wink.

Then came the first dance. The lights dimmed, and a soft melody of their favourite song filled the air as Terzo led Alice to the center of the dance floor. He held her close, guiding her in smooth, graceful movements.

"Do you remember when I taught you how to dance?" He chuckled. "When you were all hungover after your run in with Richard."

"Don't make me laugh." She snorted, burying her head into his chest.

"You know," he murmured with a teasing smile as they moved, "your dancing has slightly improved since our first time."

"Slightly? I'm pretty sure I'm the one leading now." She retorted, a grin never leaving her face.

"Oh, cara mia." Terzo chuckled, leaning down to press a tender kiss to her forehead. "If you say so."

The moment was perfect, but soon enough the song was over, leading the rest of the congregation flooded the dance floor, eager to join in the fun. All of the children from the ministry, both boys and girls, crowded the beloved couple, making Alice laugh brightly as she found herself surrounded by the little ones, their hands reaching up to her.

"Come on, let's dance!" She encouraged, taking their hands and twirling them around, their giggles filling the air. Terzo watched with a warm smile as Alice danced with the children, looking so maternal and happy when he suddenly felt a gentle tugging at his blazer.

"Hey there sweetheart!" He grinned and picked up Darcy, who wrapped her tiny arms around his neck. He bounced her in his arms, patting her back. "Are you having a nice time?" He smiled as she nodded. "You want to dance, si?"

"Yes!" She grinned, squealing as he placed her back on the ground and twirled her around, her dress spinning elegantly around her tiny legs.

"Look at you go!" He grinned, watching as the other children crowded her, eventually taking her away from his grasp. He looked up and saw Alice smiling back at him, both of them moving towards each other. "They're adorable, are they not?"

"They are but Satan, they certainly know how to swipe all of your energy." She laughed, leaning into Terzo as they made their way back to their table, hearing Sister Ruby gathering the little ones and taking them to bed despite their protests.

"How about we go to bed too, eh?" He whispered in her ear, gripping into her side gently.

"Not yet we can't ditch our own party, we haven't got round to thanking everyone yet." Alice teased, a playful pout forming on her lips.