Chapter 13 - THE WEDDING BENEATH THE FIG TREE
Their wedding took place beneath the same fig tree where Mia had first placed a starving puppy between Lorenzo's shoes.
The ceremony was small.
Only family.
Close friends.
And the people who had stood beside them through the worst days.
Elena wore a simple ivory gown.
Mia wore a pale blue dress.
Her curls were tied with a new ribbon.
But tucked inside her little purse was the faded blue ribbon Matteo had given her.
Before the ceremony, Elena knelt beside her daughter.
“Are you ready?”
Mia nodded.
“Biscuit too.”
The puppy was no longer small.
He had grown into a healthy golden dog.
And he wore a tiny bow tie.
Lorenzo stood beneath the tree.
He looked nervous.
Mia walked toward him carrying a small basket of flowers.
Then she stopped.
“Uncle Lorenzo?”
He smiled.
“Yes?”
“Can I call you Papa now?”
Lorenzo's eyes filled.
He knelt.
“If that's what you want.”
Mia smiled.
“Papa.”
He hugged her.
The guests began crying.
Then Elena walked down the aisle.
Lorenzo stood.
And for a moment, he forgot every word he had planned to say.
They exchanged vows.
He promised honesty.
Protection.
Respect.
And a life built on choices rather than fear.
Elena promised love.
Patience.
Truth.
And the courage to remind him when he forgot what mattered.
When the officiant pronounced them married, Lorenzo kissed her.
Mia clapped.
May you like
Biscuit barked.
And the garden filled with laughter.
