Ring on my finger, tiara on my head, heart in my throat, I made my way to the chapel doors. My mother was escorted inside by one of the ushers. Alessia and Sofia followed their cues as bridesmaids, leaving only my father and me. He gazed down at me, and the raw emotion rife in his gaze almost brought me to my knees. “I’m so proud of you, Maria. Your grit and determination. Your strength and devotion. You’ve grown into a beautiful young woman, and I will always love you.” The words tiptoed across my heart, burrowed into my soul, and made me feel like I’d sprouted wings. “Thank you, Daddy,” I whispered back, unable to say any more without an onslaught of tears. He gave me a nod, and I nodded back, signaling it was time. I had refused to wear a veil, so I had an unobstructed view of Matteo as
