Two rows of fairy lights and baby’s breath form an aisle, and as the five families take their seats, my heart begins to beat faster.
Today might not mean anything to Sienna, but it’s everything to me.
Uncle Franco disappears into the house, and when Aunt Samantha comes out, my eyes remain locked on the doors.
The song I’ve chosen for this moment starts to play.I’ll Be TherebyGiovanna Zouis my promise to Sienna.
When she appears on Uncle Franco’s arm, the air leaves my lungs. She’s wearing a simple white dress, allowing her beauty to shine like a blinding light.
Then it hits me so fucking hard, my body sways before I catch myself.
Sienna is walking down the aisle toward me, and in this moment, it doesn’t feel like a wedding.
It’s the end of the most important war of my life, which I almost lost.
I take a step forward and lock eyes with Uncle Franco. “Thank you for trusting me with Sienna,” I say, my voice steady and filled with all the power I hold. “I swear to you, I will protect her with every ounce of strength I possess. I will give her a life befitting a queen, built on loyalty, respect, and absolute devotion.”
Tugging me into a hug, he pats my back. “Thank you, son.”
When he lets go and I look at Sienna, she quickly wipes tears from her cheeks.
For a split second, I worry that Sienna really doesn’t want to marry me, but I shove the thought aside.
I know she loves me.
Taking her left hand, I close the distance between us and press a kiss to her forehead. I inhale her scent, letting it fill my lungs before I say, “You can proceed, Father.”
The priest guides us through our vows, and it’s the easiest ‘I do’ I’ve ever said in my life.
When it’s Sienna’s turn, my eyes lock with hers.
Please, princess. Say the words.
Her expression is sincere and very emotional, and it feels as if she actually means it when she clearly says, “I do.”
Relief pours hot and fast through me, and as the ceremony winds down to an end, I can’t tear my eyes away from the woman who owns my heart.
She’s finally mine.
As the priest begins to say that I can kiss my bride, I step forward and frame Sienna’s face with my hands. As I seal my mouth to hers and intertwine our fates together forever, overwhelming emotions well in my chest.
I’ve fought so long and hard for her, the relief makes a tear escape, and as I pull back, Sienna sees it.
As her own tears trail over her cheeks, she reaches up and gently brushes the drop from my skin,
I’m completely wrapped up in her as she whispers with a strained voice, “I do love you, Christiano.” Her expression turns poignant, and my heart overflows with happiness. “More than anything. Please, never forget that.”
“I won’t,” I promise. “And I’ll cherish it as my most treasured possession.” I take a step backward and let my eyes drift over every beautiful inch of her, then a smile stretches over my face, “My wife.”
An applause breaks out, and our loved ones cheer, drawing my attention to them.
Sienna turns her body into mine and hides her face behind my arm. When I hear a soft sob, I say, “Just give us a minute. This is a very overwhelming moment for us.”
I wrap my arm around her shoulders and pull her a short distance away so I can hold her while she processes the emotions she’s battling with.
I press kisses to her hair that’s styled in soft curls, and rub and squeeze her arms, while whispering, “You did so well. Thank you. I will do everything in my power to make you as happy as you’ve made me today.”
She grips hold of my jacket’s lapels, her fingers twisting in the fabric while she gasps for air.
