A Year at 32 September Way Read online

  Marcello’s doctor felt there was a possibility his patient might regain some feeling in his legs, but he was cautious about the chance that he might walk again. Eva and Marcello were understandably excited about what was happening, finding it hard to temper their feelings with caution. No one had expected him to walk again or feel anything in his legs, and now Marcello was slowly regaining feeling. Naturally, they wondered what might happen next. What possibilities might lie before them? The past several months had presented many challenges, but there had also been some miracles. Maybe, just maybe, there might be another miracle in store for Marcello.

  “What’s our next course of action?” Marcello asked his doctor, wanting to do all he could to encourage further progress.

  “Continue with your rehabilitation as normal, Sig

  nor Benedetto. Do your exercises faithfully, as you have been. Why don’t we plan to meet again before the Christmas holidays?” the doctor responded.

  And so they made an appointment for the middle of December. Although they weren’t jumping for joy when they left the doctor’s office, Eva and Marcello continued to hold onto their quiet excitement. They both knew the small progress could lead to bigger and better things. There were hopes out there for Marcello, and he and Eva would continue maintaining their focus on those possibilities. With Sofia’s wedding right around the corner, it was a time of miracles and magic. Who knew what might happen?

  Chapter 23

  Sofia stood before the full-length mirror, tenderly smoothing the fabric of her wedding dress over her slender hips. Behind her was the buzz of a room bursting with activity as Carlisle, Eva and Sofia’s other two bridesmaids, Lucia and Theresa, scurried about. Despite the commotion, Sofia was lost in the moment. Although it was she who stood in front of the mirror, it was a younger version of her mother who stared back at her. With her long, black hair gathered up into a loose updo and the lace veil falling lightly on her shoulders, Sofia looked exactly as her mother had in the wedding picture that stood in the living room of her childhood home. It was a bittersweet moment; Sofia knew it was not possible for her mother to be there. Yet, a woman’s wedding day was one of the most important days for a mother and daughter to share.

  “How is the bride doing?” Eva asked excitedly, bringing Sofia back to the present.

  “Oh, I’m fine,” Sofia replied, brushing away a single tear that had managed to escape. “Just having a moment of nostalgia,” she explained when Eva’s face grew concerned.

  “It’s your wedding day, my friend. You’re allowed to feel nostalgic!” Eva exclaimed as she wrapped her arms around Sofia and gave her a hug.

  “We have to head downstairs in a few minutes,” interrupted Carlisle excitedly. She’d just been downstairs to take a quick peek in the chapel. “The church pews are full, the groom and his groomsmen are in place, and it’s nearly 3 o’clock!”

  The momentary quiet ended as the women erupted into cheers. All four gathered around Sofia, clapping their hands and showering her with compliments on how beautiful she looked in her wedding dress. The lace-covered, ivory fabric gently hugged her figure until the dress gradually flared out around her thighs in gentle folds of satin. Her beautiful, olive-toned skin glowed where the modest scoop neckline and fluttery cap sleeves revealed it. Everyone was aware of the dress’s history and knew how special it was for Sofia to wear her mother’s wedding gown, but it truly looked as if it had been made for her.

  “Let’s get your veil in place,” suggested Eva quietly as she deftly lifted the veil over her friend’s head and allowed it to fall gently over her face.

  Sofia grasped Eva’s and Carlisle’s hands and motioned for Lucia and Theresa to gather close to her. “Thank you all for your love and support. I’m missing my mother today, but it’s so special to have you here with me. I can’t think of better friends to be with as I celebrate one of the most special days Charles and I will ever share.”

  Hushed sounds drifted up the staircase, interrupting the moment. Without another word, the five women headed toward the door to descend the staircase leading toward the chapel. Sofia walked down the stairs carefully with Eva and Carlisle in front of her, while Lucia and Theresa followed, holding the train of her dress.

  Marcello waited for his daughter at the bottom of the stairs. All his life, Sofia had been his little girl; now, a beautiful, full-grown woman walked down the stairs toward him. He tried to mask his emotions by coughing and clearing his throat repeatedly. “You look so beautiful” was all he could stammer before quietly bursting into tears.

  “Papa, don’t cry or you’re going to make me cry, too,” Sofia pleaded. He dabbed at his eyes with a white handkerchief he’d pulled from his inner pocket. He reached over to grab ahold of his daughter’s hand as the first notes of The Wedding March began to play. Each of the ushers grabbed a handle on the heavy wooden doors separating Marcello, Sofia and her bridesmaids from Charles, their family and friends. Father and daughter moved back out of everyone’s view as Carlisle, Lucia and Theresa preceded the bride into the church. Eva walked behind, pushing Marcello’s chair down the aisle as he held Sofia’s hand. Anticipating her entry, the gathering of family and friends stood and turned to face the open doors just as Sofia and her father came through them.

  In her peripheral vision, Sofia could see their smiling faces and even registered the fact that a few people reached out to lovingly touch her as she walked by. But from the moment she walked through the doors until she was standing across from him, Sofia’s eyes were on her husband-to-be. As she and her father drew closer, Charles’ gaze remained steadfast on his beautiful bride, too. Neither of them could believe their wedding day had finally arrived. They were mesmerized by the sight of each other, the love that surrounded them in their family and friends, and the magic of the day. Charles tenderly took Sofia’s hand in his as they relished every moment of their wedding ceremony.

  ***

  Tiny, twinkling lights strung throughout the courtyard danced with the glow of the tall, glass-encased lanterns lighting up the rear courtyard where Sofia and Charles’ reception was being held. It was the night of August 31st, nearly the end of summertime. The newlyweds had stolen away from the crowd to enjoy a private moment and stood in the shadows along a trellis overflowing with fragrant, red climbing roses. “Come here, Mrs. Winsdorth,” Charles whispered as he pulled his wife to him for a long, passionate kiss.

  The rear courtyard buzzed with the sounds of people laughing and conversing. In a far corner, on a small well-lit gazebo, a four-piece contemporary jazz band played music that filled the air and enticed couples to get up and dance. Their bodies swung and moved to the beat in the center of the courtyard, leaving the peripheral and dining areas for those who’d rather watch, converse or enjoy the last bites of their dinner. Every so often, wine glasses clinked as people toasted the happy couple, themselves and anything else worth celebrating.

  “I notice you haven’t been out on the dance floor,” Josh commented to Carlisle, handing her a glass of wine. She’d been talking to another couple, friends of Sofia’s family, but they’d made their way out to the dance floor, leaving Carlisle behind.

  “Partnerless, I’m afraid,” she responded, as she and Josh clinked glasses and took a sip.

  “Well,” answered Josh, “that makes two of us, and I’ve been dying to get out there and dance. Come on; be my dance partner.”

  Carlisle’s smile was answer enough for Josh, who grasped her hand and led her to the dance floor. They quickly blended in with the other couples and, as they drew near the bride and groom, Carlisle reached out and gently squeezed Sofia’s shoulder. The two friends smiled at each other, sharing in the happiness of the occasion.

  “You’re a good dancer,” Josh murmured as they danced to one of the band’s slower numbers. “We ought to do this more often.”

  “I’d like that,” Carlisle answered, as she and Josh drew a little bit closer and smiled. Their eyes said all they needed to say. It was a magical
evening, full of promise for the married couple and their future, and full of potential for any other couple who dared to think about taking the leap from friendship to romance.

  The last notes from the horn and bass faded away as the slow song came to an end. Charles and Sofia returned to their table, where they stood side by side, champagne flutes in hand. Those who’d been on the dance floor were so mesmerized by the music and the magic of the night they hadn’t even noticed that champagne had been poured for everyone. Hand-in-hand, the couples drifted off the dance floor and made their way back toward the tables to join the others.

  “My wife and I would like to thank you all for sharing this wonderful evening with us,” began Charles. “Looking back on the year that led us to this moment, we’re amazed at the turn of events that brought us together, but ever so thankful they did.” He looked toward Sofia, and they smiled at one another before Charles continued. “We’re fortunate to be surrounded tonight by our dearest family and friends…those people who’ve been with us through thick and thin. And, as we begin our first year of marriage together, we’re especially thankful for the people in our immediate surroundings here at 32 September Way—our family, Marcello and Eva who couldn’t be more supportive or a finer example of how the presence of love in two people’s lives can transform them into the people they’re meant to be. And Carlisle and Josh—two fine friends who’ve shown us that happiness and hope do indeed await you, if only you’ll muster up the courage to work through the challenges. It’s been quite a year, hasn’t it?”

  They all laughed, and the tenants who’d become fast friends and family gave each other knowing nods. “Hear, hear!” called out Marcello, raising his glass to the small crowd. “To the bride and groom!”

  “To the bride and groom!” everyone answered as they toasted Charles and Sofia before taking a sip of champagne.

  “Thank you,” responded Sofia and Charles. “But not only to us,” Charles continued, raising his glass again. “Here’s to another year at 32 September Way!”

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