Dominic

Chapter 77 (Just revised)

(Camille's POV)

Everything was happening very quickly now. I had exactly seven days to ready everything for me and Dominic to be married.  We chose Sunday to give us an extra day,  plus people normally get married on Friday or Saturday and because there was nothing 'normal' about our lives,  why start trying to make it that way now? 

Dominic said he would contact his mom, let her know, ask for use of the ballroom and get their chef to make the cake. Valentina was ecstatic over the upcoming nuptials and said that she would handle all of the decorating, the cake and the invites. 

We had already decided that it didn't have to be a huge affair, in fact we wanted small and intimate. Cassie was beside herself and was having Dino bring her over right away so we could go look for dresses and she said she would take care of my hair and makeup. 

Oh my God! This was really happening  I thought to myself as I hurried to dress for the day.  I chose a simple but pretty floral print strapless sundress and sandals because both would be easy to take off and put back on while trying on wedding dresses. 

Antonio had texted me earlier and told me to go to Kleinfeld's on 20th, they had his credit card information and I was to purchase my dress and Cassie's, along with anything else we might need. 

I couldn't help but cry when I read the text; it was unbelievable how he was already taking care of me and that he would be there to walk me down the aisle.  My thoughts went to Paul and how sad I felt that he wouldn't be there in body,  but somehow I could feel him in my spirit and that was enough. He would be glad that Antonio had stepped up and was making sure I was taken care of.

I popped down to the kitchen, grabbed some fruit and scarfed it down to rid me of the hunger pains I was experiencing and I also wanted to speak with Beni and Dante.  Dante was the first person I saw; he was sitting at the kitchen table reading the sports section of the newspaper. He looked up and smiled as I sat down across from him. 

"Hey Cam" he said. "What's up?" 

"Well" I started. "Has Dom filled you guys in on what's happening next Sunday?" I inquired. He nodded and grinned. 

"You guys work fast" he said kidding with me and I couldn't help but laugh. 

"I can't help it, where he's concerned. I kind of got the ball rolling, you know?" He nodded like he understood where I was coming from. "I just wanted to let you know that if you are seeing Liv and feel comfortable with it, I would love for you to bring her, as your plus one."  He just beamed. 

"Thanks and uh we have been talking and I'm taking her to dinner tonight so I will bring it up" he said rising. "Time to earn my keep" he said, bending down and kissing me on top of my head.

"Oh hey" I said, stopping him. "Is Beni here?" I asked. 

He shook his head and said "No, he and Dom went to visit Valentina."   I nodded and grabbed my phone and dialed Dom's number. 

"Good morning beautiful" his voice making me shudder. 

"My love" I replied back. 

"What can I do for my sweet soon-to-be-bride?" he asked sweetly. 

"I just wanted to let Beni know, and if it's okay with you, for him to bring Barbie as his plus one. I know they really like each other and I like her a lot and well, I just wanted to let him know she is welcome" I finished. 

"He'll be overjoyed. I will let him know. What are you doing with your day?" he asked.  I told him that Dino was coming with Cassie and we were going dress shopping.  I also told him about Antonio's text and what he was doing for me.  He said that was wonderful and told me to have fun, but to be careful. 

"I love you Dominic" I said. 

I heard him sigh as he said "I love you too, tesoro. Very much."

Cassie had texted me while I was talking with Dom.  She was here!  I yelled at Dante that I had spoken with Dominic, informed him of the plans and that I was leaving with Cassie and Dino; his words mirrored Dom's...have fun and be careful.  

"Hey Dino!" I said as I got into the car. 

"Camille" he said smiling back at me. 

"Oh my God!" Cassie squealed as she hugged me.  We just chatted the whole way about what kind of dress I wanted, my dress, flowers, etc.   I told her I didn't really know that I hoped when I saw it, then I would know. 

We hit Kleinfields, with Dino in tow, and what's funny is he didn't really seem to mind being there.  Cassie found her dress right away.  With her legs and body type we thought it best for a cocktail length and she could wear just about any color plus she knew I loved any variation of pink. 

Cass's dress was a toga style, with one shoulder bare, pastel pink, flowy material; she looked amazing in it and it looked liked Dino thought so too. 

"Cass" I called to her from a dressing room. "I think I found it" I said excitedly. 

"Well come out!" my friend said.  I had found a Maggie Sottero gown, strapless, embellished bodice with a plain but elegant skirt and not too long of a train. 

"Oh Camille" Cassie breathed. 

"Wow" Dino remarked. 

I stood up on the small riser in front of the mirrors and gasped.  This was it, the one!  I had found some plain satin heels that made the length perfect so no alterations would be needed. 

"Your dad and Dominic both aren't going to know what to think" Cassie said wiping a tear from under her eye. 

"Don't start, Cassandra" I playfully warned her, knowing if my friend started to cry,  I would too. "Two more items" I said. "A veil and a garter." After taking off the dress, putting it safely back into the bag and giving it to the sales lady, I searched for my veil, finally finding the perfect one. It came down just to the waist and had several layers of tulle, was attached by a simple Swarovski crystal tiara and had the most important feature, the covering for my face. 

We got ready to check out when Cassie placed a elegant blue garter on the counter.  I held my breath as the sale's lady rang up our purchases and gasped at the final total...$11,000.00! Jesus.

"Mr. Giovanni gave instructions to run his credit card for your purchases, ma'm" she said.  

I nodded giving her the approval and made note to call my father as soon as we got into the car. I couldn't wait to wear my dress for Dominic. 

I looked at Cassie, once we were in the car and said "Mrs. Dominic Valentine Giossi!" 

"You deserve to be this happy, Cam" my friend said, both of us tearing up.