“Don’t let me fall,” I whisper as we start making our way down the aisle. Everyone stands. They’re all looking at me.
“Never. I’ve got you, always,” Dad says.
My eyes connect with Jake’s, and my breath leaves my lungs. I love him, more than I’ve ever loved anyone. My dad hands me over, and I sigh in relief when he sits in the pew next to Antonia. I really thought he’d pick me up and run out of the church.
Jake takes my hand. I pass my flowers to Antonia, that little bit of paper sticking out and catching my eye. Everything is a blur after that. I repeat my vows, and then when the priest pronounces ushusband and wife, I press up on my tiptoes as Jake’s lips come down on mine.
“I love you.”
“I love you, Mrs. Westmead,” he says.
As the reception dwindles down, Jake drops his mouth to my ear. “Are you ready to get out of here, Mrs. Westmead?”
I smile at him. I don’t think I’m ever going to get sick of hearing that name. “Yeah, let me just grab my things from the back room,” I tell him.
We had our reception at Aces. The ballroom was packed. I don’t think I even know half of the people in attendance, but Jake seemed to know a lot of them.
A lot has changed for him over the past year. For one, The Court is down to just four families. Mr. Levine was sentenced to fifteen years in jail. And Mr. Van Baron was found guilty on four counts of murder for hire. He’s serving life. He will never get out of there.
And Jake? He is thriving. Westmead Industries is performing better than ever before.
I walk into the back room and pick up my bouquet. I want to dry out the roses so I can keep them. Then I remember the piece of paper Antonia tucked inside. I sit down and unfold it.
Dear Antonia,
You don’t know me, but I want you to know how grateful I am to you. I hope that you will be able to love Jasmine as if she were your own. I hope that you give her a chance to make your life as full as she made mine.
I know Carlo will love her and protect her and give her the world, but every little girl needs a mother figure and I wish for Jazzy to have that too.
You don’t owe me anything, but I’m asking anyway. Please watch over her. Guide her. I know with your guidance, she will grow up to be a wonderful woman. I’ve watched you for the past week. I know you are kindhearted. I’ve seen it.
I can go with the knowledge that my little girl will be looked after and cherished by both Carlo and you.
Eternally grateful,
P
It’s from my mom. She wrote to Antonia. I can feel how much my mother loved me in these words.
“She did, Mama. She loved me just like you did,” I whisper, hoping my mother can hear me.
I fold the note back up and go in search of Antonia.
When I find her, I throw my arms around her. “Thank you for showing me that letter. But it’s yours. You should keep it.”
“I wanted you to know how much she loved you today,” she says.
“Thank you. And just so you know, you did.”
“Did what?” Antonia asks.
“You loved me like I was your own, taught me and guided me. You were the best mother.”
“You made it easy,” she says.
“You okay?” Jake wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me into his side.
“Yeah. You ready?” I ask him.