Deanna looked proud beside her, elegant in a champagne-colored gown with a bigger bump than Kayla’s.
When Tia finally reached me, Deanna kissed her daughter’s cheek before placing Tia’s hand in mine. Her fingers were warm, steady, perfect.
“Hi,” Tia whispered, her eyes dancing.
“Hello, aggelé mou,” I replied. “You’re breathtaking.”
The ceremony passed in a blur of vows and promises. When I slid the platinum band onto her finger, joining it with her sapphire engagement ring, I felt rightness settle deep within me.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the minister declared. “You may kiss your bride.”
I pulled Tia toward me, one hand cradling her face as I claimed her lips. The kiss was both gentle and possessive. When we parted, her smile was radiant, and I couldn’t help but kiss her again, drawing a ripple of delighted laughter from our guests.
“Save something for the honeymoon,” she murmured against my lips.
“Just this once,” I replied, leading her down the aisle as our guests cheered.
Hours later, after dinner and speeches, I watched my bride from across the ballroom. She was dancing with her cousins, laughing at something as they moved to the music.
Zeus lay contentedly near the dance floor, wearing a custom bow tie that matched mine. Tia had insisted he be part of our day, and no one had dared argue with the bride.
Yiayia was holding court with a group of society matrons, undoubtedly sharing some scandalous gossip. My Theia Irida had somehow corralled a Formula 1 team owner and appeared to be giving him racing advice, much to his visible bewilderment.
“Congratulations.” My father approached, handing me a glass of champagne. “She’s extraordinary.”
“I know,” I said simply, my eyes never leaving Tia.
He nodded, following my gaze as Tia twirled gracefully. “Your mother would have loved her.”
“You think so?”
“I know so,” he said. “She valued honesty, courage, and kindness. Tia has all three.”
I smiled, watching as my wife—my wife—made her way toward us through the crowd, excusing herself with gentle touches and warm smiles. “She’s the best,” I said, the words inadequate for what I felt.
“I’m proud of you, Chrysanthos.”
The words, so rarely spoken, caught me off guard. I studied his profile, wondering if the champagne had loosened his tongue.
“For what?” I asked.
“For fighting for what you want.” His gaze drifted to where Deanna was now standing with Tia’s father. “And for recognizing when you’ve found something worth changing for.”
Before I could respond, he was called away and Tia reached me. She was breathless from dancing.
“Come dance with me, husband,” she said, holding out her hand.
I set my glass aside and pulled her against me, feeling the perfect fit of her body against mine. “I thought you’d never ask, wife.”
As we moved across the floor, I marveled at how completely my world had changed in six months. I’d pursued Tia for all the wrong reasons, yet somehow ended up exactly where I was meant to be.
I checked my watch. “Twenty-seven minutes until I need you by the east exit. Don’t tell anyone where you’re going.”
Tia looked up at me with narrowed eyes. “What are you planning?”
“You’ll find out soon enough,” I promised, stealing a quick kiss before disappearing into the crowd.
Twenty-five minutes later, I stood beside the helicopter I’d arranged, its rotors already spinning. The pilot gave me a thumbs up as I checked my phone. Snow had started falling again.
