Free La Sposa by Sienna Mynx Page A

“Spend a little time with her,
you’ll find out differently.”
    “ Can I be of help, donna ? I
know you’re creating your dress. Can I do something? You did
Catalina’s dress and we were all jealous! I wish you had done the
same for me when I was married.”
    “ You’re married?” Mira
asked.
    “ Widowed. The men in our family die
young.” Rosetta said, a dark gleam of amusement sparkling in her
eyes. Mira wasn’t sure what to make of the comment so she didn’t
respond.
    “ Hmm. I needed Catalina to try on
the dress for me for another fitting.”
    “ I can do it!” Rosetta
chirped.
    “ What dress size are you?” Mira
asked, looking her over.
    “ Same as Catalina!” Rosetta
announced. The bitter bite of envy was in her voice. This, Mira
couldn’t ignore. She glanced over to Zia, who nodded that Rosetta
should be encouraged instead of discouraged. Mira complied. She
went to the mannequin and gingerly removed the dress from it before
she passed the garment to Rosetta. “Please be careful, don’t force
the dress if it doesn’t fit. Call me in to adjust if need be. You
can change behind that door.”
    “ Grazie.”
    Carmine tracked the young woman with lust-
filled eyes. He was apparently taken with her beauty. “That’ll be
all, Carmine,” Mira said.
    “ Ah, oh? Sí, Signora Mira,
ah, donna , sí ,” he said, and was out the
door.
    Zia stood next to the cedar chest with her
arms folded.
    “ So what’s this?” Mira pointed at
the chest. “It looks interesting.”
    “ It’s your trousseau.
Traditionally, it’s for you and your mother to pack for your
wedding night. But you and I will do it. I will stand in for her.
If that is okay,” Zia said in Italian. She now spoke only Italian
with Mira and Eve to encourage them to do the same.
    “ That’s wonderful. Grazie,
Zia .” Mira put a hand to her heart, truly touched.
    “ It’s expected. I see you as a
daughter.” Zia lowered her gaze. “You’re marrying my Gio. This is a
big event for our family. We’ve waited quite some time for him to
take a bride. You understand how important he is to all of
us.”
    “ I do.”
    Zia had been a bit reserved when they
initially met, and she learned that Giovanni wanted to date her.
And she knew the old woman had an issue with Mira disappearing with
Eve. A few comments had passed between them over the weeks after
her return that confirmed this belief. The past few days the
lessons in tradition, which included their faith in Catholicism and
cooking, were constantly hammered in Mira, whether solicited or
not. It felt as if she were marrying into some aristocracy instead
of a mafia family. Mira accepted all of the advice without
complaint. But the gift evoked the first genuine emotional
connection with Zia she had hoped they’d achieve. She walked over
to Zia and embraced the old woman.
    “ Bellisima .”
    Zia patted her cheek and hugged Mira again.
“ Ti amo .”
    “ We should have it brought to my
room,” Mira said. She glanced back to the chest. Eve was now over
near the treasured locker, touching the shiny latches with
curiosity.
    “ No. We will bring up the things
you want to pack in it and pray together. I’ve instructed Carmine
to take it to where you will be staying on your wedding night. Are
you nervous?” Zia asked.
    Mira laughed. “Nervous about the wedding
night? No. I think I know what is expected.”
    “ Not the wedding night. The
wedding.” Zia blushed.
    “ Oh?” Mira struggled a moment to
find the words in Italian to express how she felt. “I’m worried,
not nervous. Giovanni won’t tell me anything. Do you know where the
ceremony will be? Will it be here?” Mira frowned and glanced back
to the rain storm outside the tall windows.
    “ It will be in a catholic church.
It should be in Sicily, but Giovanni wants to marry right
away.”
    Mira nodded. Giovanni made it clear earlier
all of the things he wanted. She was still struggling with the dose
of bitter truth he gave her.