Marco rolled his shoulders. He still couldn't breathe. The mirror did not help. It kept showing him exactly what he feared. A large man in an expensive suit, trying to pass as someone deserving of a woman like Valentina. His hands were too rough. His life too dangerous. He bent forward, palms pressed to the vanity, and closed his eyes.
"Get yourself together," he muttered.
The door opened again. Marco straightened instantly. Luca stepped in with Carol. Marco saw her reflection in the mirror first.
He did not trust what he was seeing. Maybe he had tied the stupid tie too tight and cut off blood to his brain.
Carol smiled like she had been waiting years to see him standing there on the morning of his wedding.
Marco turned fully. "Ma…"
Carol stood beside Luca, dressed elegantly for the ceremony, her eyes already shining.
Luca leaned against the doorframe. "I had her brought here."
Marco barely heard him. His eyes stayed on Carol.
"My beautiful boy…" Carol smiled.
