Chapter Fifty-two.

ANY WEDDING WASa source of curiosity and a reason for celebration in the village near Florence where Mitch.e.l.l had lived with the Callioroso family until he was five years old. Mitch.e.l.l had chosen this village to be married in because he said it was the place of his innocence, his childhood.

On the day of Mitch.e.l.l and Kateas wedding, the back of the small church was occupied by several local people who simply enjoyed weddings. These individuals had an unexpected thrill when they recognized the famous American film star who escorted his wife up the aisle, and then walked past them again on his way to escort a tiny, elderly woman who beamed proudly at everyone she pa.s.sed on her way to a seat at the front of the church.

This area, where the invited guests were seated, was occupied by people who were very special to Mitch.e.l.l and Kate, including the Callioroso family. It was exactly the kind of small, intimate wedding that Kate and Mitch.e.l.l both wanted.

The day before, Mitch.e.l.l had dutifully gone to Father Lorenzo for confession. He emerged from the church with a bemused expression on his face and joined Kate, who was waiting for him on a bench in the village square.

aHow did it go?a shead teased him, linking her arm through his.

aActually,a Mitch.e.l.l replied, aI had the feeling Father Lorenzo may have been a little disappointed in my lack of imagination. Although, considering how many Our Fathers and Hail Marys I have to say as penance, I think he may have been impressed with my tenacity.a aHow many prayers did he give you as penance?a aIf I start praying right away, thereas a chance I may be on time for our wedding.a Kate had burst out laughing.

Now, as she stood in front of the altar with Father Lorenzo and her uncle both officiating and Mitch.e.l.l smiling into her eyes, she felt truly blessed. She said her vows clearly and proudly. Mitch.e.l.l said his vows the same way, answering in Italian for the benefit of the Callioroso family, while Father Donovan looked on approvingly. His expression faltered, however, near the end of the ceremony, when Mitch.e.l.l was asked if he promised to love, honor, and cherish Kate.

Instead of replyingaS, lo voglio,a Mitch.e.l.l replied,aCon ogni respiro che prendo.a For a brief moment, Father Donovan wondered if Mitch.e.l.las answer had been perhaps a little indefinite, but Father Lorenzo looked very gratified, which allayed Father Donovanas concerns.

At the reception after the ceremony, Father Donovan sought out Father Lorenzo, who was bilingual, as he was visiting with the American guests, including the Benedicts and Farrells.

aFather Lorenzo,a Father Donovan said, awhat did Mitch.e.l.l say when you asked him if he promised to love, honor, and cherish Kate?a The Americans were obviously as curious as he was, because they turned attentively to hear Father Lorenzoas reply.

aWhen I asked Mitch.e.l.l if he promised to love, honor, and cherish Kate, Mitch.e.l.l did not merely say aI do.a Instead he replied, aWith every breath I take.a a Like all the women in the group, Kateas eyes misted with tears at Father Lorenzoas words, but Kate had already known at the altar what Mitch.e.l.l was saying.

It was the same phrase head had inscribed inside her wedding band.

ALSO BY JUDITH MCNAUGHT.

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