The Italian Matchmaker(121)

‘I’m overwhelmed!’

‘The professor told me to look deep inside myself and work out what is important. Well, I have. You’re important, Cosima. You and my children and any future children we might have together. Nothing is more important than love. Francesco has taught me that. I can’t take my worldly goods with me when I die, but I will take my love.’

When Cosima stepped into the aisle of the little church of San Pasquale, Luca noticed that besides Toto, on whose arm she walked, and Coco, Juno, Olivia and Domenica who were bridesmaids, and Alessandro who was her only page, another little boy walked with her that only he could see. It was right that Francesco should give her away, for he had brought them together; the little Italian matchmaker.

Cosima knew that her son was with her for he had told her himself in her dream. Now she believed, in spite of not being able to see him herself. She knew that if she sat quietly, closed her eyes and asked him, he would come close.

Now she walked on her father’s arm and felt a wave of relief. She could begin a new chapter knowing that she had her son’s blessing. Knowing that loving Luca did not detract from loving Francesco, that there was no limit to her heart’s capacity. Her long ivory dress rustled as she stepped over the stone floor, her new shoes peeping out from beneath to remind her of her shopping day in Naples with Alba and Rosa, when the three of them had laughed with the simple joy of being together. The veil that covered her face was the one that Alba had worn on her wedding day.

Romina had organized the make-up artist from the Sunday Times magazine shoot to put Cosima’s hair up and decorate it with the small yellow flowers she had insisted upon dominating all the displays. Her smooth skin shone and her deep brown eyes glittered at the good fortune that now smiled upon her. Luca stood handsome and tall, ready to take her from her father and lead her into the future. She knew he would never leave her, because Francesco had chosen him and he would never let her down. They held hands before Father Filippo to make their wedding vows. The altar candles flickered, the incense filled the air with its woody perfume, and Francesco watched his Brazilian Blue Morpho fly off his hand and flutter into the air. Father Filippo noticed the rare creature and commented that the butterfly was surely a good omen. The congregation gasped at the miracle of it. Never had they seen such a beautiful butterfly in Incantellaria. Luca and Cosima smiled at each other knowingly.

Romina dabbed her eyes with a silk handkerchief and Bill put his arm around her. She didn’t like to admit when she was wrong, but she conceded quietly to herself that perhaps her son knew what he wanted after all. The professor grinned as Luca knelt before the altar on the cushions Beata had embroidered especially for them. He knew that the boy had finally worked out what he wanted from his life, what was important. It was very simple, but it eluded most people. He silently took credit for showing him the way. He couldn’t take credit for love: Luca had found that all on his own. Ma was astonished to discover a tear trembling on the top of her lip. She brushed it off, appalled at the emotions that bubbled to the surface of her armour, breaking through to expose her soft heart. Nanni witnessed it and raised his eyebrows in mock surprise. Ma wasn’t too moved to scowl back at him.

Rosa squeezed Eugenio’s hand. ‘Do you remember when it was us?’ she whispered.

‘Of course.’

‘I was more beautiful.’

‘Without doubt, my love. No bride has ever been, nor ever will be, more dazzling than you.’

Rosa nudged him playfully then turned her eyes back to the bride and groom who were about to make their way back up the aisle. She saw the anxious faces of her children as they were shuffled into position by Coco. The congregation stood. The music rang out as Cosima and Luca set off towards their future.

One person was missing in the procession that filed out into the sunshine. One person who had now been released with joy to step into a light of his own. The little Italian matchmaker felt his spirit grow bigger and brighter, filled with the infinite light of unconditional love. There, ahead of him, stood Immacolata, Falco and Valentina, together with others who had gone before whom he had never known, but now recognised from the eternal current of life. At last he was home.