Something special

Chapter 21

Sofie P.O.V

I put on a pair of pumps and head downstairs. "Hey bambina." Luca says, kissing my forehead. "Where are you going?"

Tomorrow is my wedding, but there's something I really need to do before I become an Adornetto.

"There's just something I really need to do. I won't be long." I assure him. Luca nods and I leave the house.

This morning, Emmy woke me up to get my nails done with her and Bella. It was adorable to see her not being able to sit still for a massage because it tickled too much. Once Stefano announced that we've arrived, I ask him to wait in the car for me.

I keep walking through the graveyard until I reach who I'm looking for.

                                                    Lana Adornetto
                                        22 July 1973 - 31 August 2016
                              Loving wife, mother, sister and friend

                                                       Flavio Adornetto
                                     31 April 1969 - 31 August 2016
                                Loving husband, father and friend 

I take a seat on the grass in front of the two gravestones.

"I should probably introduce myself." I begin, nervously tucking my hair behind my ear. "So, my name is Sofia Folliero..."

Ace P.O.V

I can't wait for tomorrow so Sofie will be officially mine. I head down the familiar pathway in the cemetery and stop a few feet away when I see my stunning fiancé take a seat there.

"I should probably introduce myself." She says, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear nervously. I know I shouldn't be listening, but I'm curious.

"My name is Sofia Folliero, but you can call me Sofie." She continues. "Well, today's the last day I'll be a Folliero. I'm sure Ace has probably told you this, but we're getting married tomorrow, so I'll be Sofia Adornetto. I didn't know either of you when you were here, but from what I've heard, you were pretty great people." She takes a deep breath.

"I'm no saint, I can tell you that. The day I met your son, I was on my way home from breaking someone's nose for pushing me." She lets out a little chuckle.

"I sometimes get moody and snap at people, I have a strange habit of baking when I'm stressed out, I eat a whole lot of calories and sometimes I come downstairs at night to eat cookie-dough ice-cream. I'm no model, and my brothers don't let me wear make-up. I steal my brothers' clothes because their really comfy, and don't tell him, but I've taken one t-shirt and a hoodie from Ace. It really isn't my fault that he smells really nice." I don't mind her stealing my clothes at all. Why is she pointing out her flaws?

"I'm good at baking but can only cook a few meals, which is why your son could come in handy to me. Long story short, I'm not perfect. I nowhere near perfect, to be honest. But I love your son more than anything in this world, and I promise you that I will try my absolute best to make him happy." Her voice is thick with emotion.

"Ace is a really good man, and the most handsome person on earth, even if I'll never admit it to him." She places a bouquet of flowers on each grave.

"I truly am the luckiest woman in the world to have him as my husband. He is fiercely loyal and goes above and beyond to achieve his goal. His family is important to him. I've seen the way he interacts and bonds with them. Even if they hide it behind playful shoves, they care deeply about each other and I am honoured to be a part of your family." Sofie wipes away a stray tear and clears her throat.

"Like I said, I haven't met either of you, Ace cares about you so much, and I know you would be so proud of the man he has become, but Mr and Mrs Adornetto, I could only hope that if you were here, you would accept me as your daughter-in-law."

I stare at the love of my life, who is both beautiful and considerate. She knew how much my parents meant to me and she has essentially asked for permission to marry me. I love her so much it hurts.

I walk up behind her and sit on the grass behind her so that she is between my legs.

"My mom preferred to be Lana." I say, resting my chin on her shoulder. "She felt old when she was called Mrs." Sofie leans back against my chest.

"How long have you been listening?" She asks and I shrug.

"Long enough to know I'm the handsomest man on earth." I smirk and even though I can't see it, I know she just rolled her eyes at me.

"It seems fitting." I say, wrapping my arms around her. "Considering I'm marrying the most gorgeous woman on the planet." I add.

"I love you." She tilts her head back.

"I love you more." I say kissing her lips. Just then, a butterfly land on Sofie's thigh, making my eyes widen. That wasn't any butterfly, it was a Karner Blue.

"Sofie look." I whisper. She tuns her head and gasps at the beauty of it.

"It's from my parents." I say with a smile. "This s an endangered species, but I know all about it because my mother was chasing one when she met and fell in love with my father." I explain, taking a selfie of us, Sofie and I kissing, with the butterfly right above us as it flies away.

Thanks mom, thanks dad.

Sofie P.O.V

"It's time!" Emmy squeals excitedly as I take deep breaths. I'm about to get married. "Hey." Emmy says softly, placing a hand on either of my shoulders.

"This is going to be the best day of your life. Today is a story you'll tell your children. I know your legs feel like jelly, but you look stunning, and Ace is damn lucky to have you." I pull her into a hug.

"You're the best matron of honour ever." I say. Emmy pulls away and wipes a tear that leaked out.

"I'm so happy for you Sof. Now, I'm going to get your ring boy and flower girl ready." She says, referring to Arabella and Alessandro. I smile and nod.

"Are you ready, Sofie?" I look up and see Antonio. Seeing him makes me want to cry. Blinking back my tears, I nod and place my arm in the crook of his.

"I'm glad I have you to walk me down the aisle." I tell him honestly. Antonio smiles and kisses my temple.

"I'm glad, too, but I know that papa is watching over you now, proud as ever." Tears threaten to spill again and I hug my oldest brother.

"For the record, you were always my favourite brother." I add, making him chuckle lightly.

The music begins and we make out way gracefully down the aisle. My brothers are in the front row and the four of them wink at me. My eyes catch Ace's, and I completely ignore everyone else, completely focusing on the man I'm about to marry.

"We are gathered here today..." The priest speaks, but I tune him out for the ceremony. I stare into Ace's beautiful eyes and I know that saying yes to his was the best decision of my life.

"Sofia, do you take Alexander to be your wedded husband to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health and forsaking all others, be faithful only to him so long as you both shall live?" A tear leaks out of my eye.

"I do."

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

The priest barely finishes his sentence before Ace's lips are on mine and his hands are on my hips. Everyone claps and we smile at them.

Ace places his forehead against mine and smiles. "You are now officially mine, Mrs Adornetto." He says.

Yes I am.