Page 94 of Don’t Forget Me

And truly, we had endured all things. We made it. All those years of patience only proved our love for one another even more.

The rest of the ceremony went by in a blur, my focus had solely been on my husband as he shook with joy.

“It’s time for the vows.”

Ezra nodded at the minister, then pulled out a black pocketbook. We’d gotten a matching pair to write down our vows. I was aware that he’d begun to brainstorm his vows from the day we got back together. I may or may not have seen a locked note on his phone that said Wedding Vows.

The pastor handed the microphone to Ezra.

His voice shook with every word. “Lysandra, I think the best way to start this is by saying that… you are one hell of a woman.”

That earned the chuckles of many people in the cathedral, including me.

“From the moment I first saw you, I haven’t been able to push you out of my thoughts. You’ve been my constant companion even when there was distance between us. Your smile, your intelligence, and your courage have been a source of strength for me in my darkest moments. Although it could be argued that you are the night and I am the day, you have been my light. With a simple grin, you’ve been able to illuminate my life. Your presence is strong and filling. Words would never do justice to explain who you are. I love you, not just for your beauty, but for your spirit. And here, in this beautiful day, I vow to always take care of you, listen to you, and love you in our worst days. I promise to be your friend, your lover, and your husband until death do us part. Although, I believe that even in death, you will be my eternal lover.”

It took everything in me not to let my tears roll. It took the makeup artist two hours to get my hair and makeup perfect. I refused to be stuck on another chair for any longer. I was determined to enjoy my wedding to the fullest.

“Now, the bride’s vows.” The officiant gave me the microphone.

I cleared my throat. “This is something that I hadn’t shared with anyone before… I have to say that I had never imagined getting married. My childhood contributed to that idea. My mother left me. My father left me. My stepfather was—let’s just say, not the best.”

I felt like I’d throw up as I recalled the memories of my past.

“But you destroyed any repugnance I held toward the idea of love. You showed me that true love does exist. That love heals and doesn’t break. Love is difficult, but in the end, it will always prevail. I think all I can say is… thank you for teaching me how to love. You’ve been selfless and patient. You saw me before I could see myself. You helped me become a better woman. You were the brilliance that scared my haunting ghosts away. And as I stand here, before you, I recall one of the first conversations we had. I had accepted that the cracks in my soul would never be healed, but that was a lie. I was proved wrong when you helped cure them. Thank you. Thank you for believing in me…even when I didn’t. I promise to be your friend, your lover, and your wife. Till death do us part.”

When I returned the microphone back to the minister, he said, “If anyone has any lawful reason to object to the union of Ezra and Lysandra, keep silent and forever hold your peace. Thank you.”

Our guests, Ezra, and I laughed. Ezra reached for my hand as we waited for the words we’d been yearning to hear for so long.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife.”

There’d been a thundering roar of clapping beside us. People whistled, yelled, and stomped in our favor.

He was a reflection of everything I had been feeling that day. His face was brilliant. His ocean eyes shone. His smile was radiant.

“Ezra, you may kiss your bride.”

And he kissed me.

epilogue

LYSANDRA

“Ewww,” Dorian drew out.

“Mom, can we please skip this part?” Larissa asked with her nose scrunched.

“You guys act like it’s such a bad thing,” I retorted.

“It’s gross!” Dorian squealed. He frowned as he gagged exaggeratedly.

Ezra sat down in his armchair beside me, handing me a cup of hot chocolate. “And just for that, you have lost your hot cocoa privileges. I might as well eat the pan dulce that your mom made for you, little ones.”

“No!” Dorian screeched.

“Come on, Dad,” Larissa begged.

A chuckle slipped from my lips. Ezra was great at provoking our kids for no reason.