“What will I wear?” I glance down at the rather understated two-piece I traveled here in, and she laughs with delight. “A wedding dress, of course. I must say your fiancé has excellent taste and, apparently, a healthy bank balance because Maria Alexis doesn’t come cheap.”
I nod, but I don’t have a clue what she is talking about. Designers were never on my radar, and I prefer my clothes simple rather than ostentatious. However, it warms my heart knowing that Julius has chosen the designer if not the dress, and it appears he worked hard last night arranging a day I doubt I will ever forget.
One hourlater and my head is spinning. Fiona was a whirlwind as she transformed me into a princess. My hair has been styled in an amazing updo, and the makeup has transformed me into a movie star. I certainly feel like one in the dress I never want to take off. It swirls around my waist as if it has a life of its own, and I am giddy with excitement.
The shoes on my feet may as well be invisible, and the lingerie I am wearing is downright wicked. I am a new woman, and I wonder what the others would say if they could see me now. If anything, that is the one thing missing from this. My family. I can’t stop worrying about them, even though Julius has reassured me they are in safe hands, and yet of the three of us I’m right where I’d rather be right now.
Here.
About to marry a man I never knew was my endgame until I started one.
Fiona steps back and smiles happily. “I’m so happy for you, Rose. You resemble a princess.”
“I can’t thank you enough. You made me beautiful.”
“I merely worked on what was already there, and you are beautiful without any of it.”
She nods her appreciation.
“Your fiancé is a lucky man.”
I say nothing because this wedding is a little unconventional, and I’m guessing she is already aware of that. The fact we are marrying in the hotel room is strange enough, but to go full-blown bridal with my outfit is ostentatious, and yet I’m so grateful. Julius makes me feel like a princess in every aspect, and this is no different. I am so lucky. I remind myself constantly of that, and as she points toward the door, butterflies flutter around inside me because I amgetting married, and the man in question is fresh out of my dreams.
We makeour way out of the bedroom, and my heart flutters when Julius turns to watch our progress. He is immaculate in a black suit, his usual black shirt having been replaced with a white one and a black dress tie the perfect choice. His slightly unruly hair has been brushed away from his face, accentuating the dark eyes that glitter as we approach. It’s as if his gaze caresses every step I take, and I almost don’t realize there is another man in the room.
My gaze holds the one I’m about to marry, and I can’t look away. If anything, this moment is perfect because we are the only ones in the world right now. Two souls uniting for what? An arrangement of sorts. Not for love, not yet anyway, but for mutual pleasure. Mutual gain and the desire to be right here and nowhere else and I will remember this moment until my dying day.
I stop beside him, and he grasps my hand and raises it to his lips, kissing it like a gentleman, causing me to shiver inside.
The priest is smiling, glancing between us like a proud parent, and Julius leans forward and whispers in my ear, “There is still time to back out, baby. Just say the word.”
“Is that what you want?”
I’m slightly nervous about that, and he rolls his eyes. “A question with a question isn’t an answer, Rose.”
For some reason, it makes me giggle, and the amusement is evident in his smile as I shake my head. “You don’t get out of this that easily. So, answering your question, no, I haven’t changed my mind.”
He nods with satisfaction, and the priest says firmly, “We have come here today to formalize the union of Julius and Rose, who wish to be legally joined and committed in matrimony. Their love signifies all that is great and wonderful about marriage, such as trust, loyalty, tolerance, devotion, kindness, and true, honest love. Marriage is the name of a deep and powerful commitment and is not dependent or swayed by mood or situations. Let your love sustain you and help you grow as individuals.”
He takes a breath and turns to Julius with a solemn expression.
“Please repeat after me. I, Julius Ravera, know of no legal impediment why I may not marry Rose Clementine Zaferelli and spend eternity with her.”
Julius turns to me, and his eyes positively smolder as he says loudly, “I, Julius Ravera, know of no legal impediment why I may not marry Rose–” He smiles. “Clementine Zaferelli and spend eternity with her.”
The priest addresses me.
“Now, Rose, please repeat after me. I, Rose Clementine Zaferelli, know of no legal impediment why I may not marry Julius Ravera and spend the rest of my life with him.”
My heart beats like a drum as I say firmly, “I, Rose Clementine Zaferelli, know of no legal impediment why I may not marry Julius Ravera and spend the rest of my life with him.”
The priest nods with satisfaction and continues.
“Please face each other and state your vows.”
Julius nods and takes both of my hands in his and says huskily, “I promise to always put you first, Rose. To care for you, to treat you right and to protect you. There will be nothing I will not give to you, and I will devote my life to making you happy, even if it means I don’t like what thatinvolves. You can trust me; I will always have your back, and I am excited to see what the future holds for us. I will demand a lot of you, and I apologize for that in advance, but in marrying me today, Rose, I am not underestimating what a gift this marriage is. I never believed I would find a rose blooming in the darkness, which reveals how unique you are, and like your namesake, I will care for my beautiful flower until my dying day.”
For a long moment, I am speechless, and emotion burns heavy in my eyes. It’s almost as if he means every word. If he’s pretending, he’s certainly fooled me, and I nod, happy tears spilling down my cheeks as I deliver a speech I never prepared for.
