Chapter 253 253
Chapter 253 253
My heart is practically pounding out of my chest once we reach the place where Gianni waits expectantly. He and Dad exchange a handshake and a few murmured words I can't hear before Dad steps aside, taking my hand and placing it in Gianni’s. He kisses my cheek, then takes a second to look at me one last time before he steps back.
“You look breathtaking,” Gianni murmurs after I hand my bouquet to Tatiana. “Thank you for being the most exquisite bride a man could ask for.”
I'm so overwhelmed, so completely floored by the amount of love coursing through me, that I can't respond. I'm not even sure I could put into words exactly how I feel right now. Maybe someday I will.
We have the rest of our lives for me to do it.
The judge says a few words that I can barely make out over my excitement, not to mention how hard I'm trying not to cry. I guess this would be emotional enough without all the pregnancy hormones wreaking havoc on me.
“I'm very happy to be here,” the judge begins, smiling at us both. “It's an honor to officiate the union of two people so clearly in love, so deeply committed to each other. After speaking with you both prior to the ceremony, it's clear you've had your challenges, like any couple, but that you've also grown stronger in your love and commitment through those challenges. That's what this is all about. Growing together.” He chuckles softly. “I don't normally make a speech like that—but I wanted to let you both know how glad I am to bear witness to your union, and that I hope the years to come are full of nothing but joy for you both.”
I’m humbled by his words until he slides an inquisitive look toward Tatiana, who from the corner of my eye gives him a slight nod. Just like her, micromanaging things to the point where she told the judge to make a speech. I only love her more for it.
“Now that I've gotten that out of the way,” he continues with another chuckle, “I understand you would like to share vows you've written for each other.”
It’s the one part of the whole event Tatiana left up to us. I was more than willing to go along with her ideas, but I had to shut down her well-meaning suggestions on what I should say.
“Caterina, ladies first.”
I turn to Gianni, placing my hands in his. He's smiling at me, love radiating from his eyes, eyes which seem to stare into my soul. It's almost enough to make me forget what I had planned to say.
“You know something,” I begin, “until a few seconds ago, my hands were shaking. Not out of fear or anything like that. I've never been so sure of anything in my life as I am right here and now standing in front of you. I guess I'm just excited. And I'm not used to people looking at me the way they are now.” I look around, smiling at our small clutch of witnesses. “But you know what? You touched my hands, and the shaking stopped. Like it never happened. All of a sudden, I remembered I had nothing to be nervous about. Nothing to fear. You have given me everything I could ask for, as well as a few things I didn't even know I needed. You've taught me to be strong, and brave. You taught me to have faith in love. You've shown me I'm capable of so much more than I ever thought possible, and that I should never, ever settle for second best. I'm glad I didn't, or else I wouldn't have you now. Because you are the best, and even through our challenges, I have never doubted your love. All I can do now is hope to love you as well as you love me. I promise I'm going to spend the rest of my life trying my best to be the wife you deserve.”
I can't believe I got all of that out without shedding a tear. I didn't plan on starting off the way I did, but the general message was always going to be the same. Every time I’ve tried to run through it, I ended up bawling my eyes out.
He's staring at me, his eyes widening, before he finally releases a gentle laugh. “How am I supposed to follow that?” The rest of us laugh along with him, though I'm pretty sure I hear Tatiana sniffling behind me. “Caterina, you honor me beyond words. With your love, your gentleness, your patience.”
We both have to chuckle at that one. “I won't pretend I've always made things easy, but for some reason, you're here. And I am never, not for a minute of my life, going to take that for granted. You are everything to me, and you have already made me the happiest man alive. I'm sure I don't deserve you, but I don't want you to ever doubt for a moment that I plan on spending every minute of the rest of my life earning you. And even then, when I take my final breath, it could never be enough. Thank you for helping me believe in love. I was in a dark place when we found each other, and you showed me the light.”
Well. Just when I thought I could make it out of this without crying my eyes out. Tatiana’s sniffling has gotten louder, too. Gianni pulls out a handkerchief and dabs at my eyes and cheeks. All I can do is accept his gesture, smiling through my tears.
“Do we have the rings?” the judge asks.
That's Roger 's cue. “I knew better than to misplace these,” he murmurs. “I didn't want Tatiana to kill me.”
“I can hear you,” she whispers back.
I'm fighting giggles as Gianni extends his left hand for me to slide the titanium band over his third finger. He said he wanted the titanium as a symbol of how unbreakable our bond is. All I know is as I place it on his hand, I'm almost swept off my feet by a wave of pure love. It's the most profound thing I've ever felt except for the first rush of joy that ran through me when we saw the baby together during the ultrasound.
I switched my engagement ring to my right hand for the ceremony, leaving my ring finger free for the exquisite platinum band set with tiny diamonds. It sparkles like crazy, catching the light no matter how I turn my hand. “Like this ring,” Gianni murmurs, “there is no beginning or end of my love for you. It goes forever.”
“I had no idea you were so good with words,” I whisper.
“I guess you bring it out in me.” Once the ring is in place, he kisses my hand. “Mine forever.”
“Always,” I whisper.
“Then by the power vested in me, I declare you husband and wife. Gianni, you may kiss your bride.”
Not just yet. Give me a second. Let me be in this moment just a little while longer, this last moment before we seal it with a kiss. Let me savor this just a moment more.
I could swear he hears my thoughts, taking his time, holding my face between his hands and staring deep into my eyes. “Are you ready?” he murmurs, and I don't think he’s talking about the kiss. He's asking whether I'm ready for everything life has in store for us.
There's only one answer. The only answer. “Yes.” And I mean it with all my heart.