Your friends and family gathered to send their love and blessings.
My darling. When your grandfather and I were married, my mother gave me one piece of advice: keep a small fire in the kitchen, and a smaller one in your heart for him alone. Sixty-one years on, both still burn. Welcome him in, my love.
From the very first dinner you brought her to, James, we knew. She laughs the way your grandmother used to — with her whole shoulders. Welcome her into our family the way she has already, quietly, welcomed us into hers.
Jim, you were a strange little boy and you became a remarkable man. Amelia, thank you for putting up with the strange parts. We are all so lucky.
Amelia — I have watched you fall in love three times: with art, with Italy, and with James. Only the third one packed a suitcase that stayed. Tantissimi auguri, mia cara.
Build the house slowly. Make the windows large. Leave a chair for the unexpected guest.
May your mornings be unhurried, your evenings be long, and your tomatoes be plentiful. We'll bring the wine.
Ames — I have been waiting since we were nine to wear a ridiculous dress and cry about you. The day has arrived. I am wearing the dress. I am crying already.
For the couple who met in front of my shelves: thank you for leaving the book behind, and for reading it together. Your story is already the most beautiful sale I have ever made.
The vows are not the marriage. The vows are the doorway. The marriage is everything you do, quietly, after the door closes behind you.
Amelia, mia cara — the women in our family have always known how to set a long table and keep it laughing. Welcome James to ours. There is room. There is always room.
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