He’d done nothing but think of her this past week to the point of his father chasing him out of the office after screwing up an order for an important customer. Stefano didn’t make mistakes—well, he hadn’t before Jules stepped into his life. Now he seemed to be making one after the other.
Jules truly was something special, and he’d let her get away because of his guilt over Gianna’s death. He didn’t think anything could wipe that memory away, but Jules might be right, too, that this self-imposed punishment wouldn’t help Gianna or himself. Nothing would bring her or their baby back. It was time that he let the past rest and move forward. After all, there was plenty of room in his heart for both the past and the future.
Dante gestured to him from the side of the dance floor. What could his brother possibly want now? Stefano had smiled for all the pictures even though there wasn’t an ounce of him that was in a jovial mood.
Like the dutiful best man, he made his way across the crowded dance floor, trying not to stare at Jules as his cousin Roberto held her a little too close. Stefano made a mental note to have a talk with his cousin later. Averting his gaze, it came to rest on Papa smiling broadly as he held Maria in his arms. It would seem that his father truly was giving love a second chance and in public for all the extended family to see.
“What do you need?” Stefano asked his brother.
“Have you forgotten that you’re the best man?”
“No.” His focus was drawn like a magnet to Jules, wishing that he was the one holding her close and that she was smiling up at him.
Dante shoved a champagne flute in his hand. “Stefano, did you hear anything I said?”
“What? Sorry I was distracted.”
“So I noticed. Well, don’t worry—you’ll have your turn to dance with her soon.”
“Really?” He realized too soon that he’d let his anxiousness show, and that was not a good thing around his brother. He glanced over to see Dante laughing. Stefano frowned at him. “What’s so funny?”
“You are, big brother. Looks like I better take some notes tonight about being the best man because you have it worse than I first thought—much worse.”
Stefano turned away. He didn’t like being the center of Dante’s amusement, especially not when he knew that his time with Jules was severely limited.
“I’m not dancing with her.” He wasn’t going to torture himself. Standing here watching her in the arms of these other men was enough torture.
“Yes, you are. As soon as you give the toast.”
He’d forgotten about the speech. He’d taken the time to write one out. He searched his pockets. The note card. It was missing. And the words escaped him.
“You do have the toast memorized, don’t you? Because they’re going to make an announcement as soon as this dance is over.”
“Yes, I’ve got it.” Stefano lied as he frantically searched his memory for what he’d been planning to say before he let himself get distracted.
The music stopped. Before he was ready a microphone was shoved in his hand. He cleared his throat and hoped he could think of a toast on his toes.
“Could I have everyone’s attention?”
Silence fell over the crowd. He immediately spotted Jules. She was staring at him. His heart slammed into his chest, and his palms grew moist.
“I know you’re all having fun, and I promise this won’t take long. I’d introduce myself, but seeing as most of you are family, I’m guessing you already know my name. At least I hope you do.” The audience laughed and a few hassled him.
“I’d like to take a moment and thank the maid of honor for her tireless effort to make this day perfect. Everyone, give Jules a hand.” They gazed into each other’s eyes as the applause rose.
“And now for the happy couple. Don’t they just make the perfect pair?” Another round of applause filled the air, and the couple kissed. “Now, with me being the older brother, it’s my responsibility to keep Dante on the right path, so I’m going to give him the only advice he’ll ever need to maintain a happy marriage. Are you ready, Dante?”
Dante laughed and nodded. “Give it to me.”
“Okay, repeat after me, ‘Yes, dear.’”
“Yes, dear.”
“There. You’ve got it. That’s all you have to remember.”
Lizzie smiled. “Very good.” The guests laughed some more.
“And that is the extent of my knowledge about women. You’re on your own for the rest of it, little brother. Now for the toast.” He raised his glass. “To Lizzie, for never giving up on my brother. And to Dante, I don’t know how you got so lucky, but you’ve gotten yourself a great lady. Never forget it. Here’s hoping both of you have a lifetime of happiness.”