Rebel comes to stand next to Lily. “As someone not born into the family, I can say there’s nothing more wonderful than knowing and feeling like you’ve found a home, Arlo. You’re not just marrying the man. You’re marrying the whole insane tribe, including a new sister.”
I turn my gaze toward her in the reflection. “I’ve never had a sister.”
“Me either,” she says, smiling back at me, “Until now.”
The door to the room opens, and Mrs. Caldo steps inside. “Everyone out except Rebel and Arlo,” she announces. “We’re about to start, and I need a minute to talk with my girls.”
My girl.
God, I love the sound of that.
I’d never been anyone’s anything until I told Lily I’d help her figure out why Carmello couldn’t stay in a committed relationship.
When Lily told me he wanted to settle down and she needed my help, I jumped at the chance to see him again.
Twice, he saved me. Twice, I was too chickenshit to let him know I wanted to see him again. Twice, I failed to follow through on having enough guts to chase after the only man who’d ever helped me without wanting something in return.
But when Lily made it possible for me to see him again, to be a part of his life—even for a brief time—I couldn’t say no.
I wouldn’t.
I’d done stupid things in my life, but turning down being around a kind and extremely hot man wouldn’t be one of them.
Rebel grabs my hand, giving my fingers a squeeze as Gigi, Lily, Jo, Luna, Rosie, and Tamara leave the room. “Breathe,” she whispers.
Mrs. Caldo looks drop-dead gorgeous in a strapless red dress with black peep-toe Christian Louboutin high heels. She looks like someone who just walked out of the pages of Vogue and nowhere near old enough to have three grown sons and looking forward to being a grandmother again.
“Rebel, honey, you look absolutely beautiful today,” Mrs. Caldo says.
“Thanks, Mom.” Rebel smiles. “You look so absolutely stunning.”
“I just wanted a minute of peace and quiet with you two before the insanity starts. Can you find James and bring him back here for Arlo?” Mrs. Caldo asks Rebel.
Rebel nods. “Of course. I’ll go grab him and check on Adaline.”
“I just saw her with my mother and Fran. They’re having a great time, but she may have learned a few new words that are not exactly church appropriate.” Mrs. Caldo laughs.
“Oh Lord,” Rebel whispers before rushing out of the doorway and into the church.
“Sweetie,” Mrs. Caldo says, opening her arms as she moves my way. “You’re absolutely breathtaking. Wait until Carmello sees you in this dress.”
I can’t wipe the smile off my face as she wraps her arms around me. “Thank you. I can’t wait to see him in his suit. He’s already so handsome, I’m not sure my heart can take much more.”
She pulls back, looking me in the eye. “I want you to know you’re no longer alone. Today, you officially become my daughter and James’s daughter. I would be honored if you called me Mom or Ma, but if you’re not comfortable with it, I’ll understand.”
“No. No. I’m the one who would be honored to call you Mom. It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to use that word with anyone, and I can’t think of a person more deserving of that term either. I can’t thank you enough for making me feel so welcomed as a member of your family, Mom.”
She smiles, but her eyes tear up. “You’ll never be alone again, my darling girl. I know you’ll make my son happy, but more importantly, I know he’ll make you happy. I hope you have the same long and deep love that James and I have and that it continues to grow over time. Welcome to the family, baby girl.”
I hug her back as the warmth of her words envelopes me. “Thank you, Mom. Thank you.”
“Now,” she says, pulling back again and touching her fingertip to the corner of my eye. “No crying. You’re going to ruin your makeup, and the wedding is about to start.”
I laugh and cry at the same time, trying to blot away the tears before they have a chance to cause streaks down my face. “I’m going to cry it all off at the altar.”
“We all do. If my son holds it together, it’ll be a miracle.”
The door opens again, but this time, it’s Mr. Caldo, and his imposing form fills the entire opening. “Arlo, baby, you’re gorgeous,” he says, and I feel those words just as much as I hear them. “Carmello’s not going to know what hit him.”
Mrs. Caldo walks up to her husband, places her hand on his chest, and lifts her face toward him. Without hesitation, he bends his neck and kisses her lips. My heart melts at the sweetness of the two of them. They have what I want and what I hope I’m getting and will always have with Carmello.
“Don’t take too long, darling,” she says to him before looking at me over her shoulder one more time with a smile.
“We’ll be right out, love,” he tells her, holding on to her hand until she’s too far away and the distance pulls them apart. “Are you ready?”
I take a deep breath and nod. “I am.”
“My son is a lucky man to have someone as kind as you come into his life and love him in return. I want you to know that, no matter what happens, you’re not only Izzy’s daughter but mine too. I will always be here for you and help in any way I can. The Gallos welcomed me into their family, and not a day has gone by when I haven’t felt wanted and loved. I know it’ll be the same for you, Arlo.”
I move toward him, careful not to step on my dress. “Can I ask you something?”
He nods.
“Is it wrong that I never contacted my birth parents? I don’t know why, but I keep thinking of them today.”
He shakes his head and takes my hand. “There’s nothing wrong with that. Someday, you may want to contact them, or maybe you never will. You have to do what feels right to you, Arlo. Never let anyone make you feel guilty, especially not yourself.”
“I’m happy you’re here with me today, Mr. Caldo.”
“Can I make one request?” he asks, smiling at me so sweetly my heart aches.
“Always.”
“Can you please call me Dad?”
My smile is immediate. “I’d like that.”
“Me too,” he says softly as he holds out his arm, waiting for me to take it.
I’m thankful for Carmello’s father and his willingness to walk me down the aisle. I haven’t had a father figure in my life for decades, but he’s quickly filled the role, giving out sage advice and always being there when he’s needed.
I’m practically shaking as we walk out of the room toward the church where the entire family is waiting, including my husband-to-be.
Mr. Caldo pats my hand, locking his arm tighter with mine to take more of my weight and give me strength. “Breathe, Arlo. There are only good things to come,” he tells me. “Your future will be a beautiful thing.”
And when the church doors open and I see my husband-to-be waiting at the end of the aisle, standing tall on the altar with a smile, I know my future is going to be more than I ever dreamed it could be.