Cold feet was what they called that fear and feeling of wanting to chicken out when you're almost close to the wedding date, well fortunately I hadn't had any cold feet towards this marriage, well not until now that is. The worst time possible to have cold feet was when you were to be walked down the make shift aisle to meet your husband. I don't know where the hell all these nerves were coming from right now, I didn't have any doubts or nerves about marrying Gio, buy for some sick reasons a million thoughts were running through my head as Dad was to walk me down the makeshift aisle. I never had nerves when I had to meet other members of Gio's family which were two aunts-one from maternal side and the other from paternal side and some cousins, not even when I was introduced to a whole other new set of persons who I didn't know Gio knew as well as some members of the mafia family. So now I was surprised to be feeling like this, probably it was because the wedding was huge and there were lots of guests, the bridesmaids and flowers girl had just gone in.
"Are you alright Lexi?" Dad asked just as we stood at the entrance to walk in.
"Yes...no. I don't know" I said to him. "I'm suddenly so nervous about this and what if this marriage doesn't last? What if after finally moving out and living with Gio I realized that this isn't what I want and that I missed home too much".
" You're having last minute cold feet" Dad said in realization. "You are worried about the changes and not living with us anymore and worried about losing your freedom. Its completely normal to feel like this but you shouldn't focus on the negative, you accepted the proposal and planned this wedding, so it must means that this was something you wanted. I was a bit hesitant in accepting this whole Giovanni being in your life but I have came to accept it and now about to walk down that aisle, you're not allowed to think negative today alright? Today should only be thought about as the happiest day of your life, you're getting married to the guy you're in love with and your marriage is going to be one of the happiest".
" Thanks Dad " I chuckled. "Nice pep talk"
"No, problem. Its my job though I'm not quite sure I have any idea where that all came from" dad replied.
"It comes from here I guess" I smiled touching over his heart before hugging him
"Today must be the happiest day your life" dad replied as he hugged me as well.
"Its actually a bitter sweet feeling though" I admitted to him. "No offence, because you guys have been the best parents ever but I missed my biological parents. I just wish they were here".
" I know you do. I'm sorry they couldn't be here with you today in person but I'm sure they're always with you. Right here" Dad said as he touched the area where my heart would be like I had done earlier to him.
"Thanks Dad" I smiled at him. "For everything".
" You're welcome and you're always going to be my daughter " Dad said just as we heard the music playing changed signalling that it was the bride's time to go in. "Time to be Mrs.Cavelli now kiddo"
***
The Back of Lexi's hair
Lexi's dress
Lexi's bouquet
Lexi's wedding ring
Lexi's Nails
Lexi's shoes
*** The minute dad had handed my hand over to Gio all the nerves and doubt I had before slowly dissipates. Standing there in front of the priest hand in hand and smiling at each other, there wasn't any doubt that this was what I wanted. I wanted to spend the rest of my life being Giovanni Cavelli's wife. After saying our vows and the priest said whatever he was saying, which I honestly don't know what he had said considering I was only focusing on Gio, the last thing I heard him said was;
"By the power invested in me, I now pronounced you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride "
Gio and I turned to face each other, I had this huge grin on my face and Gio had one too. Gio pulled me closer to him with one hand on my waist and the other on the side of my neck angling my head towards him. The minute our lips met cheers erupted around the room.
I was now officially Mrs. Giovanni Cavelli. Even though I was still thinking of hyphenating when I'm signing those papers. I would go by Mrs.Cavelli but on my documents I would have it as Luciano-Cavelli. What? I was having a hard time letting go, I already left my birth name Miller behind I wasn't completely ready to give up Luciano too.
We had eventually made our way over to the hall where the reception would be taking place. Just like my black and red wedding theme, the room and furniture were decorated as such. I was pleased with almost everything so far, while the caterers served food and all you wouldn't believe who decided to play host or MC. No it wasn't Lucas, but another one of Gio's goons- Paolo. Yes I was surprise too since I hadn't known that apart from being a mobster, Paolo could be a bit of a comedian. Guess, I'd have to take the time out to learn more about Gios guys, especially now that I was their boss's wife. And sure enough he had to mentioned to everyone about the first time he met me, that day when Gio sent him to pick me up from the gym and he snuck up on me and my reflex kicked in. His way of meeting Gio wasn't much better, he almost got himself beaten.
Dad had to give a toast as well and he told how growing up I was a stubborn and sneaky child minus the fact that he adopted me. Most people still don't know that. He talked about how he was a bit pissed when he found out I was with Gio because he didn't think he was good enough for his little girl but he eventually come to accept it that they're now going to be family. Dominic also gave a toast which mostly consist of threats to Gio if he ever messed with me, though some of the guests who weren't aware of the mafia dealings thought he was probably joking and it was funny how protective he was of his little sister. But I know he was serious deep down, there was also this understanding between him and Gio especially after Dominic addressed him as fratello (brother). You have many of the others who gave their little speeches and toast but the one that I mostly paid great attention to was Lucas. He made sure to tell how he had known Gio for years, they've been best friends and somewhat like brothers. Gio's father took him in back when he didn't have much, his story was similar to mine. Ever since they've been around each other for good times and bad, he told about how when Gio had started taking an interest in me he could understand considering I was really beautiful and all but that didn't exclude the fact that he didn't think I was up to any good with Gio. He thought I was one of those golddigging users, he told how he had behaved towards me for a time and how he was apologizing for everything he had done. I however know what he was apologizing for though. He proceeded to tell me that he was happy for Gio and I and that he wish us all the best. Even Marc gave a little speech about me, though he kept eyeing Emilia across the room which Gio noticed and immediately catch on.
"Are you kidding me? Is Em going out with him?" Gio whispered angrily to me so no one else would hear.
"Gio can you not do this now please?" I whispered back hoping he doesn't start a scene today.
"I may have suspected him when you wouldn't tell me who the hell was the guy Em was into" Gio responded. "I was just hoping I'd been wrong. And you kept it from me?"
"Gio, that wasn't my story to tell OK? I wouldn't have any right" I said to him. "And what's wrong if they're dating? I've known Marc for years now and I know he's a great guy, he isn't going to hurt her or anything".
"He's much older than her for sure and he isn't the type of guy I want her to be taken to" Gio said through clenched teeth. "She could get hurt"
"So what? You're much older than me too, almost the same age gap as them and I don't see an issue with that" I said to him. "And you aren't exactly the type of guy Dad or Dominic would want me to be with and yet we are here, so could you just get over it and not do this today? Unless you're already ready for a divorce".
" Forget it, the minute I put that ring on your finger there's no escaping me " Gio replied.
"Well keep up this crap about Em and Marc and we'll have to test that theory" I said to him.
"How about the newly weds take the dance from for the first time!?" I heard Paolo voice stopping our arguing.
"I don't dance" I said to Gio.
"You'll be fine" Gio said taking my hand and pulling me to the dance floor.
"I didn't know you dance" I said to him as I throw my arms around his neck, his around my waist.
"Not really" Gio chuckled. "Though I'd like to think I got some moves"
"I'd love to see them sometime" I smiled at him.
"You've got the rest of your life with me to see them" Gio replied.
"I hope so" I smiled as I rested my head on his chest as we swayed to what I believe is Shania Twain when I kiss me.
"Did you ever imagine this day, after everything that has happened?" Gio asked resting his chin on top of my head.
"No, I more imagine your funeral" I chuckled jokingly.
"Yeah you've always wanted to kill me" Gio laughed hugging me tighter. "Buy nevertheless, I still love you, more than anything".
"And I love you just the same" I smiled up at him.
"I love you Mrs. Cavelli" Gio smile leaning down.
"Mrs. Cavelli? I think I could get use to that. I love you too Mr. Cavelli" I smiled as he leaned down to kiss me.
We spend the rest of the afternoon eating, dancing, socializing and trying to make the most of this wedding and doing the whole traditional wedding practice even throwing the bouquet, which was most funny since I accidentally threw it too far and it landed in the ceiling fan which throw it across the room hitting one of Gio's cousin. Though it wasn't exactly my fault, I had apologized even though I was dying with laughter inside. Seeing the fan whirling that bouquet and it smacking him across the head. Gio also found it extremely amusing.
Eventually we had to leave the reception a little earlier than the other guest. As we said goodbye to everyone before leaving for our three weeks honeymoon away. Everyone wish us all the best and for us to enjoy our honeymoon away. Of course Dad and Dominic had read Gio the rights act and threatened him to make sure he bring me back in one piece and take care of me. Gio's dad, Mom, Kathleen Marc and Em had congratulate us once again and wish us luck. Leon had also came to congratulate us, even though Gio was being a cocky asshole and then in return when Lucas came to wish us luck I decided to be an ass to him as well. After leaving Lucas in charge for the time we're away and as soon as we said goodbyes to everyone we got our bags and left for the airport to catch Gio's plane.
"So are you ready for our honeymoon in Paris France and Venice Italy?" Gio asked when we were seated in the back of the car.
"Yeah, as long as we can get in sometime alone together between those travels. I guess I'm ready as ever" I smiled.
"I'm sure we can find time to squeeze in a lot of alone time" Gio replied before pulling me into his lap and claiming my lips with his.
The End😊
So this is it guys, the end of Caught in the middle. I had a great writing this book, I won't lie it has been my favourite so far. I had a hard time letting go off this story hence the reason it was this long. Anyway I want to take the time out to thank all my wonderful readers and followers who had continue reading, voting and commenting from day one, you guys motivate me to keep writing so I love you all. I wont be writing an epilogue because it would clash with book three, so for those of you who enjoyed this series so far, don't worry I have another one I'll be start posting in now soon. Its called Rescued and Risen, hope you all add it already so you'll be able to get the updates. You see all the characters from this story appearing from time to time in that one, though not as the main characters. So move on to the next book and thanks again. 😘😘😘😘