Over a long period. With things we thought we couldn’t get, the day will still come when we can say we are happy. We thought it deprived us of happiness, that was — it was just a test to show or challenge how can we truly be happy. I never thought this time would come. The time I can smile brightly and truly. No whys because I know his love is not fake.
I’m walking now as I hold daddy Adelard’s arm. Everyone was staring at me, camera lights a bit painful. The eyes of the people are important in my life. I want that even if there are problems in the future, we will deal with them together. While holding hands with our children.
Hugo waited at the end while looking at me seriously. Who would have thought that after all that has happened, we will return to promise to the Lord? He is wearing a navy suit while he still has a little beard that matches what he is wearing, including his clean cut. I don’t think I’ll get tired of looking at him every day and love him every day. Although we are not like other love stories and have a life like fairy tales, my life has flowed enough for me to say that I have also experienced the same things written in the book.
We stopped in front of Hugo while Hugo stared at me intently. Because of the veil on my face, maybe he can’t see my face properly. They only put on light makeup so the blush on doesn’t seem that obvious. He took my hand, and we walked to the altar together.
Father spoke first because he prayed first before he began to speak. Hugo next to me, kneeling at the altar now was peeking at me so I was sure he was determined to marry me. Father asked him first, so he seemed even more nervous. But his nervousness seemed excited.
“Do you, Hugo Whitlock, take Adele Barrow to be your wedded wife, to cherish in love and friendship, in strength and weakness, in success and disappointment, to love her faithfully, today, tomorrow, and for as long as the two of you shall live?”
He didn’t even hesitate to answer. He stared at me with a smile in his eyes and the joy was obvious on his lips. I want to kiss him right away because of how he looks.
“I do.”
When he finished answering, father’s gaze turned to me. He asked the same question as Hugo. Everyone around fell silent. I heard a few deep breaths, as if afraid of what I might answer. I looked at them first before looking at Tiarra who was happily watching us.
“I do.”
They all applauded. Hugo and I stood up to say our vows to each other. This is the last we will speak. We didn’t do this at our beach wedding, so I wanted to tell him everything I wanted to say. I also want to hear what he wants to tell me. This is the opportunity for me to express how I feel about him. For no one to be anxious between the two of us when we are finally together.
He was the first to say his vow. “In the number of days I have spent, in the months and hours I have been with you, it was only then that I learned that love must move spontaneously because someone will make you feel how beautiful and pure it is. When that person arrives, don’t let him/her go. Love will guide you, while the person who loves you completely will wait and trust you. You were the one who waited for me at times when I thought my time was up. Even if you are not the woman who was my first, I promise you will be the last. My priority will always be you and our child — and future children. Let me accompany you on the walk, at the same time coast the jungle problem and hold hands to face any storm.”
At the length of what he said, I immediately felt that I had no right to say a vow. I felt so lame. What will I tell him. He looked like the one who love more between the two of but the truth was that I was head over heels with him. I sniffed at what he said. I didn’t think his love for me was so genuine, but all I did was doubt it. I wasn’t sure when he loved me.
“I don’t have a long speech like yours because I can’t even express in words how much I love you. I hope you let me remind you every day. Tiarra is the result of my love for you. I don’t know what life I will face if one of you disappears. From the day Tiarra was born, I have tied my life to you two. Let me cook you your favorite food and collectively celebrate your achievements. From today, I give you my whole heart.”
After I spoke, the person holding the microphone left while father started to speak again. My eyes wanted to cry with joy, the butterflies in my stomach multiplied.
“And now, by the power vested in me by God, it is my honor and delight to declare you married. Go forth and live each day to the fullest. You may seal this declaration with a kiss.”
Everyone applauded as he lifted the veil on my face. He slowly brought his face closer to mine, then kissed me. Loud applause ensued as the guests stood. Painful camera light met my eyes.
Still, I smiled. If I have learned anything in that game of life, we will learn to know the truth before doing something we may later regret. Maybe what you thought was right could ignite your remorse in life and become a reason to crack down on those who once accepted you. We always remember that in every action we have, there is a reward or consequences.
Nor should question destiny and God because of rush they have time to provide something for you. We will not always be happy because there is no perfect life, but hopefully with every move we take and go through we have learned something.