“Any cold feet?” Cheryl asks as we stand outside the wooden door to the chapel.
“Definitely not.” I smooth a hand down the front of my plain white dress. We found it in a small bridal boutique in Fira, Santorini’s capital city. It’s a simple design, but it’s exactly my taste, and I knew this was perfect the second I spotted it on the rack.
It’s a halter-style dress that flares out at the waist, and it’s cut out at the back, showcasing some skin. The only embellishment is a silk sash that ties around my middle that’s held together at the front with a small gold, patterned metallic strip. Strappy gold sandals, with a low heel, complete the look. We found a white chenille wrap in another store, which I’ll use after the ceremony. Although it’s still warm for November, it tends to get a little chilly in the evenings and at night.
“You look stunning, Selena. Keanu is a lucky man.”
“You look stunning too,” I truthfully admit. Cheryl choose a light-green silk dress that hugs her gorgeous curves. It dips low in the front, and it’s cinched at the waist. The material is delicate, and it sways with her body as she moves.
“Thank you for helping with my hair and makeup.”
I’ve also kept that simple, and my hair is styled in soft waves cascading down my back. Cheryl did my eye makeup with rich golds and browns and lashings of black mascara which make my lashes appear longer and fuller. The light-pink blush on my cheeks matches the delicate pink gloss on my lips.
“It was my pleasure.” She gives me a careful hug. “Thank you for letting us be a part of your special day,” she adds, fanning her face as tears prick her eyes. “I think what you are doing is beautiful.”
I squeeze her hand. “Thank you.” I draw a brave breath as butterflies flutter in my chest.
“Ready to get this show on the road?” she asks.
We’ve broken with tradition, and no one is giving me away today. I’m walking up that aisle by myself, with Cheryl at my rear, because I’m the one giving myself to Keanu today of my own free will, and nothing feels more empowering.
I nod, letting a natural smile break free. “Let’s do this. I don’t want to make my man wait a second longer.”
Cheryl opens the door, stepping aside so I can enter first.
Traditional Greek music accompanies us up the short aisle, performed by a guy on a guitar and a woman with a sweet, lyrical voice. The six bodyguards turn around in their seats, in the second row, smiling as we approach. Paul is holding up his iPhone, capturing every moment, just like he promised.
Keanu waits in front of the marble altar with Keven, Kent, and Keaton by his side. The celebrant stands on the altar, book in hand, smiling warmly as we make our approach.
My husband-to-be is wearing a crisp white long-sleeved button-down shirt and khaki pants. But it’s the awestruck expression on his face and the naked emotion in his eyes that draw my attention. My eyes remain locked on his as we walk.
Keven leans in, kissing me on the cheek as Cheryl takes my bouquet, and they both take seats in the first pew. Keaton and Kent kiss me on the cheek next, smiling warmly as they claim seats beside Cheryl.
The whole time, my eyes haven’t strayed from my groom.
“You take my breath away,” Keanu says, clasping my hands and drawing me in close to his body.
“I love you,” I say, my voice thick with emotion, my eyes brimming with tears of joy.
“Love you too.”
We face one another and hold hands throughout the ceremony. The priest speaks in Greek, and I don’t have a clue what he’s saying, but it’s okay, because I doubt I’d hear the words even if they were spoken in English. I can’t take my eyes off my groom, and my heart is fit to burst.
When it comes to the vows, the celebrant speaks in broken English, and it’s so unique and romantic. The others chuckle under their breath, and we smile. I know I will cherish this moment for the rest of my life. We repeat our vows, and my hands tremble as I slide the platinum wedding band on Keanu’s finger. His eyes shine with love as he slides a matching wedding band on mine.
Our lips collide in a passionate kiss when the celebrant pronounces us man and wife, and I cling to my husband, my heart overflowing with emotion.
After the ceremony concludes, Cheryl takes a ton of photos, and then, we make the short journey to the restaurant, accompanied by our bodyguards.
The guys reserved a gorgeous private alcove which overlooks the sea. A couple bottles of champagne are already chilling on the table, and Keven pours six glasses as the security team takes positions at a table next to us. As they are on duty, they are all sticking to water, but they’ll share the same meal we’re having.
Keanu picks up a card from the table as he wraps his arm around me.
Kent hands me a glass of champagne. “Thanks.” I graciously accept it from my new brother-in-law. I don’t usually drink, but I’ve let down my guard a little here. Firstly, it’s legal, and secondly, Keanu is here to make sure I’m safe and that nothing happens to me. So, I feel comfortable relaxing. Although I haven’t gone overboard, sipping one glass of sangria at night. This is my first time tasting champagne, and the crisp, amber-colored bubbly glides effortlessly down my throat. “Oh, wow, this is yummy.”
“It’s from Ray, Paul, and the other bodyguards,” Keanu says, passing me the card.
I read their kind words with a lump in my throat. “That’s so sweet.”
