Throttled(29)

I’d felt like a member of the family since that first Sunday dinner so long ago. They made me feel like I belonged and had always been there. My sister and I had never even really been close. I didn’t ask her to be a part of my wedding party. Izzy had become more of a sister to me than she ever had. We don’t get to choose our family, but we do choose those people who we let into our life and with who we spend time with going forward. For me, the people I wanted nearest were the Gallos. They were a loving and diehard loyal group. Above all else, they had each other’s backs and no one could tear them apart. They accepted each other for their flaws, embraced the bad with the good, and loved unconditionally.

“We should go soon. I have a ton to do before the rehearsal dinner tonight.” I snuggled into his side, enjoying the last moment of peace.

He pulled me tighter against his chest, rubbing the tender skin on my upper arm as he kissed my hair. “It’ll all work out. Somehow it will all fall into place.”

“I’m sure you’re right.” That statement was a total lie. I couldn’t give up my incessant need to be in control and plan every last detail.

“You can’t control everything in life, but I know you try like hell. It’s one of the things I love about you.”

“Tell me five other things you love, City.” I swiped my fingers across his chest, stopping on his nipple to tug on his piercing.

“Where do I start?” he said before rattling off a list that left me feeling more loved than I had ever felt before. The list wasn’t filled with vain things like my beauty that would fade over time, but the things that made me as a person. My success, education, kind heart, and silliness were just a couple things he listed without much thought.

“I love you, City,” I said, moving my body to plant a wet sloppy kiss on his lips.

Breaking our connection slightly he whispered, “I love you too, sugar.” He kissed me with as much fervor and passion as he did the first night we met.

We made love one more time before dragging ourselves from the hotel room and heading home to prep for the chaos that awaited us. Wedding weekend was in full swing and there was no turning back.





Chapter 10 ~Never Say Never



Never in a million fucking years did I think I’d be standing in a church dressed in a tuxedo, not as a groom at least. I wasn’t a cynic. I just never found anyone worthy of my time or commitment until Suzy walked into my life. Sometimes when we least expect it and stop looking, fate has a way of playing its hand. Mine came in the form of a drop dead gorgeous girl broken down on a deserted street. I thank my lucky stars each God damn day that her car was a piece of shit.

“You look a little nervous, son,” Pop said, slapping me on the back, pulling me from my thoughts.

I rubbed my hands together; they slid easy from the sheen of sweat that formed over my entire body. I wiped my brow, feeling more nervous than I had ever felt in my life. “I am, Pop. Just never thought I’d be standing here.”

“Amazing the place hasn’t burst into flames,” Anthony said and laughed. “We surely aren’t the church going crowd and Lord knows we’ve broken more than one commandment.” He fidgeted with his bowtie, pulling it away from his neck.

I laughed, his words were true, but that wasn’t why I was nervous. I turned to my Pop who had a smile on his face. “Did you feel this way when you married Ma?”

He nodded, his smile growing larger. “I was scared as hell, son. It’s a big step to take in one’s life. It’s a serious commitment, but times are different now. I didn’t live with your mother before we got married like you’ve lived with Suzy. It was a leap of faith.” He grabbed my shoulder, squeezing it gently. “Do you love her, son? The type of love you can’t be without for even a day?”

“I do, Pop. I know she’s the one. She makes me a better person, and I want to be surrounded by her and make a family. I want to be in your shoes one day. Suzy is more than I deserve.”

“She isn’t more than you deserve. You two were made for each other. Just like your mother and me. She brings peace and tranquility to my life and gave me an amazing family. My life would’ve been meaningless without her.”

I didn’t doubt that marrying Suzy was the right decision. The events of Friday night scared the shit out of me. The thought of losing her drove me half-insane. I’ve never wanted to need someone in that way, but I did with her. I needed her in my life, needed her to be mine, and wanted to spend the rest of my days on earth with her.

The door creaked open, as Ma poked her head inside. “Where’s my baby boy?” she asked, opening the door with tears in her eyes.