The Wedding, Their Vows

The Wedding, Their Vows
Collins’s POV
I was standing at the altar with my back facing the assembled guests, and their whispered mutterings drifting to silence. The church was glowing, stained glass casting gem light shapes down aisle, but my attention was focused on what I’d been waiting for — Amelia, my Amelia, my bride, my everything. The organ flared up, triumphant, signaling her arrival and my heart stuttered, my shoulders tensed. My eyes softened, with warmth washing through me. How long had I struggled for this? The fights, the pain, the nights I’d shattered the world to keep her safe—it had all been worth it. Amelia stood for me first,her braveness luring me in but I fell harder,deeper and I have nothing to fucking regret.
I got a tap on my shoulder, and I jerked involuntarily, my breath catching and my throat closing up with nerves. I gasped and turned around, but any kind of response died in my throat at the sight of her. Amelia was a sight, an angel. Her ivory gown glowed, lace tracing her curves, the long veil falling behind her like a stream. Her silky hair had been pulled up in a loose-messy bun, she had a few curls framing her features, her eyes glowing with love, and also a small spark of the fire that had caused me to fall for her. The dress had come to fit her perfectly, and her smile — radiant, unguarded — ached in my chest. She was gorgeous, breathtaking, and all mine.
I fought back the emotion I felt sneaking up, my jaw grinding to cover it. Amelia approached me, taking my hand in hers, and I refused to release her even when my body trembled at her touch. Her touch had said it for her, a promise, a vow made between us in our hearts. His words were a constant rhythm—love, commitment, forever—and we faced the officiant. I hardly heard him, all my concentration fixed on her, the warmth of her hand, the grip of her eyes on mine. It was our turn for the vows, and I spoke from my heart with a low but steady voice. “Amelia, you are my strength, my home. I’ll keep you safe and I’ll have you and I will always.”
She repeated after me, and as we exchanged rings the gold band on her finger served as a seal on our forever. The officiant’s parting words — “You may now kiss the bride” — sparked something primal within me. I drew her against me, my mouth crashing against hers, the kiss filled with desperation and hunger, a demand and a submission. The guests cheered, but they were a distant drone as I sampled her, tasted her as she melted against me. I drew back slightly, our foreheads touching, my words just a whisper between us. I swore to her that I would be good forever, and then told her how I love her!

Amelia’s POV
The kiss lasted, Collins’s lips a vow I felt in my heart as we broke apart, the church bursting into cheers. His breathless promise — “I’ll be good to you for life, I love you” rooted me to the joy of the present. My wedding dress sparkled as we turned, walking hand in hand to our guests, the blurr of their smiles filled with love and celebration. It was as though I was dreaming. This was our triumph, our eternity, and nothing could break it.
We walked down the aisle, the strains of the organ encompassing us, and into the reception hall, where fairy lights sparkled like stars. When he sighted his grandfather, Collins became rigid at my side, but his expression gentled, and he went to him, giving him a quick, manly hug. Grandpa blinked back tears, gripping our hands with his fists. “Good! Good!” he said, and his voice was husky, choked with feeling. I smiled at him, pleased to have his blessing, his acknowledgement of our union.
We threaded our way through the packed room, laughter and music playing to find Mum and Sean seated by a table covered in white linen. Mum’s eyes shone, and she enveloped me in a hug, careful not to squash my dress. “You look beautiful, Amelia,” she said, and then turned to Collins, gripping his arm. “Take care of my girl.” Sean nodded, his smile gentle but his eyes still on Mum, a soft yearning. “Congrats, you two,” he said, his voice genuinely sincere. “Couldn’t have happened to a better two.”
I saw Mum blush when Sean brushed his hand against hers, and I just had to. “Mum, when will you and Sean announce you're official?” I joked, my voice low.  Her cheeks colored and she smacked my arm, reprimanding me “Amelia, stop! I’m too old for this shit.” But her eyes darted toward Sean, her embarrassed gaze giving her away. She sighed, and her voice was more gentle. “I know how he feels, but — i’m... I need time. I have to let my past go before I can move forward.”
I looked at Sean, standing a few feet away talking with Collins, his love for me too evident from here. “That’s fair, Mum,” I said, taking her other hand in mine. I've got your back, however you want to do it. I just want you to be happy.” She smiled gratefully.
I paused, then inquired, “Did… did Dad make it?” Mum's face dropped and she let out a sigh. “No, sweetheart. He didn’t.” his abesence stung, but I straightened, my tone firm. “Nothing is supposed to be perfect,” I told her. “If he didn’t show up, then we’re just going to pretend that he doesn’t exist.” Mum nodded, her hand squeezing mine, and we let the moment go, the party dragging us back in.
The music changed, a slow song inviting couples to dance. I spun around looking for Collins, and there he was walking toward me, his dark eyes on mine, a hint of a smile on his mouth. He came to a halt beside me; he reached out and touched my face and leaned in and kissed my cheek, his hand warm, and intimate. “How are you, wife?” he murmured. The word ‘wife’ was a thrill that went straight to my heart.

(An introvert 😂 I don't really know much about weddings. Hi Guys!!)