Maya
As I wait for my cue, I’m feeling a mix of nerves and excitement about walking down the aisle. Everyone is already in their seats, waiting for me. My stomach is in turmoil. Marrying Conrad doesn’t make me nervous at all. I’ll be walking alone because I know everyone will be staring at me. I struggle when I am the centre of attention. My attention needs to be solely on Conrad as if it’s just us. It is the only way I will manage without being sick.
“May I accompany you?”
I was startled by the voice next to me. I’m taken aback when I see Conrad’s father standing beside me.
“Y-y-you want to walk me down the aisle?” I ask, surprised.
He gestures with his arm and smiles, “If you want me to.”
I smile brightly. “I would like that very much. I’m grateful.”
I did not expect this.
“It would be a privilege. You look beautiful. Conrad will be completely speechless when he lays eyes on you.”
The compliment makes me blush. The music starts, which is my cue.
“Are you ready to go?”
“I’ve never been as prepared for anything in my life,” I answer, honestly.
“Then let’s go.” He grins.
I nod, take one last deep breath and step outside, starting the walk. While everyone was staring at me, my attention was focused solely on Conrad. In his black tuxedo, he looked incredibly handsome with a beautiful smile on his lips. The closer I get; I see the tears in his eyes as she stares at me with pure love. My heart pounds in my chest.
Conrad and I both hugged his father, expressing our gratitude before he sat down with his wife.
“Well, hello, handsome.” I coo.
“You are absolutely breathtaking, my love. Once again, I’ve fallen deeply in love with you,” he says, tears rolling down his cheeks.
Soon enough, my tears started falling as well. Waterproof make-up is a blessing, thank God.
“I love you so much. You look so handsome.” I gush and kiss his cheek.
I couldn’t believe I was getting married!
He takes my hand in his. “Ready, sweetheart? I know I am.”
I eagerly nod and express, “I have never felt more prepared for anything in my entire life.”
He reaches into my ear. “I am so glad our little one can be here with us today.”
“Me too,” I whisper back.
Before we begin the ceremony, he kisses me softly and then we part ways. I feel nervous about reading my vows. If I weren’t pregnant, I would’ve tried champagne to calm down.
Conrad goes first. We’re standing eye-to-eye, hand-in-hand, our focus solely on each other.
“Maya, when I first met you, I had no idea how much you would impact my life. I am thrilled to have discovered your true identity, despite your attempts to conceal it. The time we’ve spent together has been the most amazing in my life. I know we have been through a lot, but even when we thought there was no end to it, we made it through because we did it together. My love for you knows no bounds, you are my entire world. I can’t picture myself growing old with anyone besides you. I promise to give you the best life possible. My promise to you is to love and protect you, no matter what. Maya, words can’t express how much I love you. I can’t wait to build a life and family together.”
His words speed up my heartbeat and bring tears to my eyes once more. He smiles and reaches over to wipe them away. I shut my eyes and lean into his gentle caress.
“Maya are you ready to say your vows?” the officiant says.
I breathe in deeply and nod my head.
“Conrad, you know better than anyone what I went through before I met you. I always believed I wasn’t worthy of love until you came along and proved me wrong. No one has ever made me feel so loved, safe and protected in the way you do. You changed my entire world and gave me a life I never imagined I could have. You are the most amazing person I’ve ever encountered and my absolute favourite in the world. My life would be unimaginable without you. I have never been more ready for anything than I am to make a life with you. I’m filled with so much love for you. I know with you by my side, everything is going to be okay. I can’t wait to grow old with you. No words can ever express how deeply in love with you I am.”
It was his turn to cry. I could hear people sobbing and awing behind us, but I kept my attention solely on Conrad.
“With the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Mr and Mrs Ackley. You may kiss your bride, Conrad.”
He draws me nearer, kissing me intensely and passionately, causing me to moan loudly. I am sure all our guests can hear it. I embrace him, returning his kiss. The kiss felt different. Everyone cheered, and we pulled apart.
I can sense the warmth on my cheeks. Conrad finds my reaction amusing and chuckles.
He gently presses his forehead against mine. “Mrs. Ackley, I love you so much.”
“I love you too, husband.” I giggle.
We exchange another kiss before finally turning towards everyone. They all get on their feet, clapping and crying. Conrad pulls me close, pressing a loving kiss on the top of my head.
We are led over to sign the papers, Chelsea and Eric signing too as witnesses. The photographer and videographer make sure to get plenty of footage and shots. After we finish, we are overwhelmed by hugs and congratulations from everyone.
“Welcome to the family. I finally have a sister, yay!” Chelsea celebrates, hugging me tightly.
“Me too,” I reply.
Not only did I have a sister, but I also had a family who accepted me as part of their own, despite not being related by blood.
“How about we make a toast with some champagne before we start taking photos to celebrate properly?” Conrad proposes.
We all nod in agreement, even though I will be having water and not champagne, but everyone else can enjoy it. Everyone went to the bar, where the drinks were waiting for them.
Conrad takes me aside to have a moment alone, away from everyone.
“Our guests are waiting for us.” I laugh.
“I know, but I want you to myself for a second because I know I won’t get much time for the rest of the day.”
He steals a kiss and affectionately touches my belly, saying, “You and our little one are everything to me. I’m filled with joy and pride to have you as my wife, and our baby will be fortunate to have you as their mom.”
“It brings me immense pride and happiness to call you, my husband. I hope they will be.”
He plants a gentle kiss on my forehead. “Our baby will be the luckiest little one ever.”
My nerves are still unsettled about the pregnancy and won’t settle until I have a check-up. Conrad takes my hand, and we finally go to join our guests. The day has just started, and it’s already been absolutely incredible. It has been perfect. I’m happy we decided to have our wedding here.