The Mafia’s Good Wife
Chapter 63

~ Violet -

May

1st.

It was a day that started out like any other day, but it was a day that Violet would remember for the rest of her life. As life goes on, there will only be a handful of memories that a person's brain can contain over the years and all the experiences. Maybe we call them milestones or core memories. We don't always know what makes them important. Sometimes, they're just mundane moments of life, but sometimes, they are those significant days that will last forever. And today was that.

Violet stood in the garden of the estate in awe and adoration. While they were having the ceremony inside the church, somehow, the exterior garden had been turned into a beautiful Alice in Wonderland type of place. There were roses of all colors decorating the garden, fairy lights were covering all the trees, and a feast was prepared by the fountain-complete with a gigantic wedding cake and dessert tables. All around the garden, the wedding guests were happily chit-chatting, kids were running around, and a string quartet was playing a beautiful melody in the background. Violet had never been to the Garden of Eden, but she imagined it to be just like this. Or maybe this was better.

"Isn't this the most beautiful wedding ever or what?"

Violet turned her head around and saw Talia walking over to her. Talia held two glasses of drinks that looked like champagne. She gave one of the glasses to Violet and Violet shot her a confused look.

"Don't worry, it's non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice," Talia laughed and rolled her eyes.

Violet let out a sigh of relief and took the glass. She sipped the bubbly, sugary drink and cast her eyes out to the garden again.

"It's all so beautiful here. I feel like I'm still asleep. Like I'm still dreaming," she said.

"Well, I guess Damon really knows how to make a girl's dream come true, huh?" Talia winked.

"I can't believe he did all this behind my back,"

"Not just him, I helped too!" Talia quipped defensively. "I was the one who contacted the designer to make sure we got the dress you want. That design was inspired by your last dress,"

"Oh, no wonder it looked so familiar," Violet giggled and did a little twirl. "Thanks, Talia,"

"Of course," she said proudly. "And you don't think Damon came up with the menu, decoration, and music all by himself, right? That was all Elena, Liam, and Beau,"

"Please tell Elena and the guys thank you too. They make everything so amazing!"

"Sure. But, you know what? My favorite part is how Damon got your brother to officiate the wedding!" Talia giggled and sipped her drink. "How the table turns, right? Dylan was so against you two, but he ended up taking online courses to be certified behind your back, and now he became the guy that married the two of you!"

The irony also wasn't lost on Violet. She let out a chuckle and joined Talia who was laughing maniacally.

"Between Ivy, our mom, and work, I can't imagine how Dylan had the time," she said, pausing for a beat before adding, "And all this must be stressful for you too. Between the pregnancy and everything,"

"No! It wasn't stressful at all, honestly. It was just the right amount of distraction we need around here. With all the horrible things that had happened, we could use some celebration of love,"

Talia cocked her head to the side and smiled, causing Violet to smile right back. As always, Talia was right. Damon could have picked any other time to have this wedding, but he decided to do it now because he knew how much everyone else needed it too. This wedding wasn't just a celebration of their love, it was a celebration of all the love this house contains. It was a testament to how strong they are together as a family. And despite the dark times that they've gone through, there will always be laughter and hope in the Van Zandt household. Always.

"I love him so much, Tal," Violet sighed and put her hand on her chest. Her heart was oozing with so much love. "He really outdid himself this time.."

"And speak of the devil," Talia nudged Violet's elbow suddenly, gesturing to the side. Violet turned her head and saw her drop-dead gorgeous husband walking toward her.

"May I have this dance, Mrs. Van Zandt?" Damon said with a slight bow and his hand stretched out.

Mrs. Van Zandt!

Violet's heart was leaping in excitement. She felt giddy being called Mrs. Van Zandt. And she hoped the feeling would never get old.

"Of course, Mr. Van Zandt," she replied as she took his hand.

With their hands clasped together, Damon led her out to the area where people were gathered and dancing. The string quartet was playing a gentle tune and they gave the bride and groom a nod when they saw them coming in. People were also making room, allowing for Damon and Violet to take center stage. Everyone had gathered around and was staring at the beautiful couple in awe. Violet wasn't used to this kind of attention, but she must admit, she didn't hate it. Even as she was seven months pregnant in this wedding dress, she still felt beautiful. And best of all, she felt loved.

Damon put his hands on the small of her back and Violet rested her hands on his broad chest. Their bodies moved in sync along with the music, and their eyes were locked on each other like nothing else mattered. For a while, the two of them didn't say anything because words weren't necessary. The look they gave each other was enough. This moment in itself was enough.

How can I be so lucky...? To have fallen in love with a man like him.

Violet gazed deeply into Damon's eyes and time stood still, everything else disappeared. She couldn't even see the row of people watching anymore. All she saw was the beautiful sky above her and Damon's piercing dark eyes staring right at her. It was like they were the last two people in this sanctuary of love. This moment right here... I will never forget this. Not in a million years.

Dancing with Damon brought all kinds of feelings for Violet. On one hand, she felt safe and secure in his arms. But as she saw the piercing look in his eyes, her heart felt the excitement and danger all at once. Only Damon could bring her this kind of feeling. And the only word that came to mind when she tried to describe the moment was that it was heavenly. It was like a slice of heaven, in the midst of a chaotic world.

A smile curved up Violet's lips and she stood on her tippy toes. She pressed her lips against his cheek and whispered into his ear, "Thank you for the surprise. I still can't believe this is reality,"

A smile also curved up Damon's face. He leaned into her ear too and whispered back, "You're welcome. And thank you for not shooting me in the heart this time,"

Damon let out a chuckle and Violet rolled her eyes. She pulled back slightly and bit her lip to suppress her smile. And when that failed, she resorted to hitting Damon in the chest. "Ouch," he grinned shamelessly.

Violet could only shake her head. She couldn't suppress that smile no matter how hard she tried. Letting out a defeated sigh, she stared into his eyes again and said, "I love you, Mr. Van Zandt," "And I love you, Mrs. Van Zandt,"

Ah. There it is again. That word.

Violet couldn't help but blush. She glanced down at her feet to cover it up, but of course, Damon already saw it. Grinning from ear to ear, he tilted her chin back up, and then he noticed the heart-shaped necklace on her neck.

"That's a beautiful necklace. Is that new?"

"Actually, this is my Something Old," she replied. Her hand went to touch the necklace. "My mom gave it to me. This was something my dad got her on their first date,"

"Wow, that's really sweet," Damon nodded appreciatively.

"Yeah, she's totally supportive of us-" Violet paused for a beat as a thought crossed her mind. "Wait a second, did you say something to her?"

"Like what?"

"I don't know, like about the wedding?"

Obviously, everyone but her knew about this wedding. So somehow and some time ago, Damon must've had a conversation with her mom. Violet could only wonder how that went down.

"Well, if you're asking me if I asked your mom for your hand in marriage, the answer is obviously yes. I had to ask her. I know how much she means to you,"

"What did she say when you told her?"

"She said... it's not easy for her to let you go. To any man, really. Because you're the kindest, most wonderful girl out there. And it's especially hard once she knew who I was and what I did for a living. For a long time, she couldn't forgive people like me because of what we did to people like your dad. But... when she saw how happy you are with me... how great of a team we are... and how you make me so much better... she knows it's the right thing to do,"

Violet glanced over Damon's shoulder and she saw Barbara standing next to Dylan and Ivy. Her mom caught her eyes too, and they shared a knowing look. Violet could see the tears brimming in her mother's eyes and she couldn't help but feel sentimental. This was a big moment, and she felt so lucky to be able to share it with Dylan and her mom. If she had done the wedding those years ago, she wouldn't have this moment right now.

"Sweet girl, don't cry," Damon cooed as he wiped the tears falling on her cheeks.

"They're happy tears, Damon," she smiled through the sobs. "This is the happiest moment of my life. Thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for making all my dreams come true,"

Violet looked back at Damon and their eyes were locked once again. His eyes grew tender and warm as he watched her. And for a split second, Violet also caught tears brimming in his eyes. "Well, not all of it. Not yet," Damon said suddenly.

"What are you talking about?" Violet narrowed her eyes.

"I haven't made all your dreams come true. There are still so many things I wanna do for you,"

"Like what?"

"Well... are you ready for the next surprise?"

Violet narrowed her eyes further.

"What surprise?" she asked. "There's more?"

What more could there be? He's given me a literal dream wedding!

Damon only cocked his head to the side and smirked.

"Baby, there's always more,"

And with that, Damon waved his hand up like he was giving a signal. Then suddenly and out of nowhere, a helicopter flew into the area with a loud noise. The wind blew ferociously as the helicopter drew near. People were scattering away, but Damon held his ground, holding her hand too.

"Damon, what is this!?"

The helicopter was now standing a few feet away from Damon and Violet. Damon swiftly took her hand and pulled her towards the helicopter.

"You've got the dream wedding, now it's time for the dream honeymoon,"

Violet's jaw dropped open. She didn't have time to register anything. The next thing she knew, she was sitting in that helicopter and people were waving, clapping, and cheering. Damon closed the helicopter door behind him and fastened the seatbelts for the two of them. "Alright, off we go!"

Violet couldn't believe Damon was serious. As if the wedding wasn't spectacular enough, he still had more tricks up his sleeve?

The helicopter flew away from the estate and went straight to a private hangar where a private jet was waiting for them. Violet was shocked to find their bags had been packed and they were already waiting inside that plane. She was confused, happy, excited, and scared- all at once..

"Damon, what are we doing here?!"

"I told you, we're going on our honeymoon, silly,"

"But where?"

"We're going to an island. A private one. It's a total paradise,"

"What?"

"Yeah. I can't risk us going anywhere public with Celina still roaming around, so it has to be somewhere secluded and safe,"

"And where is that exactly?"

"So many questions and still as impatient as always, what are we gonna do with you?" Damon raised an eyebrow playfully and Violet fell quiet, biting her lip back.

Realizing that it was useless trying to fight Damon on this, Violet slumped in her seat and fastened her seatbelt. Within minutes, the plane's door was closed and they took off into the skies. Violet rested her head on Damon's shoulder and drifted into sleep. She didn't know how long this flight might take. It could be an hour or two, or it could be ten or twenty! Who knows?

Despite her initial reservations, Violet was actually excited about this. She didn't think they could get a vacation before the situation with Celina was resolved. But luckily, Damon found a way.

Violet fell asleep for what seemed like a few hours. Because when she opened her eyes next, she saw that the sun was setting on the horizon. Violet propped her neck up and leaned towards the window. Pushing the curtains further apart, she looked down and gasped in awe. There was an island in the shape of a heart with white sandy beaches. It was the most beautiful-looking island she'd ever seen.

"Oh my God! Is that where we're going?" Violet turned to look at Damon, her eyes were screaming her excitement.

Damon let out a chuckle and put an arm around her. Then he leaned towards the window and pointed to the island she just saw.

"Sweet girl, welcome to Sanctuary Island. Our beautiful home for the next two weeks,"

"Two weeks?" she gaped.

"Two weeks," he nodded his head. "Just you and me,"

Violet couldn't contain the smile forming on her face. Two whole weeks with Damon in a beautiful island paradise? With no interruption whatsoever? Hubba-hubba!