Chapter 14

Maty

The garden is a riot of color, the air fragrant with the scent of roses and jasmine. White silk ribbons flutter in the gentle breeze, twining around a wrought-iron arch. Rows of chairs draped in gauzy fabric, already filling with our closest friends and family.

But I barely register any of it, my entire being focused on the man standing at the end of the aisle, waiting for me.

Alessio.

He’s a vision in his tailored black tuxedo, his blond hair gleaming in the sunlight. His blue eyes are fixed on me, burning with an intensity that steals the breath from my lungs.

I take a step forward, the silk of my gown whispering against my skin. It’s a simple dress, elegant in its understated beauty. The bodice clings to my curves, the skirt flowing like liquid ivory to pool at my feet. A lace veil floats behind me, contrasting with the dark curls tumbling down my back.

But it’s not the dress or the setting that makes this moment perfect. It’s him. It’s the way he looks at me, like I’m the only woman in the world. Like I’m his every dream come true.

As I reach his side, he takes my hands in his, his fingers trembling slightly. “You are so beautiful,” he murmurs, his voice rough with emotion.

Tears prick at my eyes, my heart so full it feels like it’s about to burst. “Alessio,” I whisper, voice filled with love and joy.

The ceremony passes in a blur of laughter and tears, the traditional vows taking on new meaning as we pledge our lives to each other. When Alessio slides the ring on my finger, a simple band of platinum engraved with the words “Sempre e per sempre” - “always and forever” in his native Italian, I know I will wear it proudly for the rest of my days.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the officiant declares, a smile in his voice. “You may kiss the bride.”

Alessio needs no further encouragement. He pulls me into his arms, his lips claiming mine in a kiss that is both tender and fierce, a promise and a claiming. I melt into him, my hands sliding around his neck as I lose myself in the taste and feel of him.

Around us, our guests erupt into cheers and applause. But I barely hear them. In this moment, there is only us. Only this love, this perfect union of souls.

“I love you,” Alessio murmurs against my lips, his forehead pressed to mine. “Sempre e per sempre.”

“Sempre e per sempre,” I echo, pouring my heart in every word. “I love you, baby. Now and forever.”

And as he leads me back down the aisle, our hands entwined and our hearts beating as one, I know that this is just the beginning. The start of a lifetime of love and laughter, of passion and adventure.

* * *

Alessio

I’ve imagined this moment a thousand times. Dreamed of it, longed for it with every fiber of my being. But nothing, no fantasy or daydream, could compare to the reality of seeing Maty walk towards me, a vision in white silk and lace.

She is fucking perfect. The love of my life.

And today, she becomes my wife.

As she places her hand in mine, her skin soft and warm against my calloused palm, I feel a rush of emotion so intense it nearly brings me to my knees. Love, gratitude, wonder, a fierce sense of possessiveness.

She is mine, now and forever. Just as I am hers, body and soul.

The ceremony passes in a haze of joy and revelry, the classic words of the vows taking on new weight as we pledge our lives to each other. When I slide the ring on Maty’s finger, watching the metal glint in the sunlight, I feel a fierce surge of pride.

As I lead her back down the aisle, our hands entwined, I feel a sense of rightness settle deep in my bones.