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He loved her.
So much so that it took his breath away.
He shifted his weight slightly, his hands flexing once before stilling again as he greedily took her in, trying to memorize the image.
By the time she reached the front, the room had fully receded into the background again, leaving only the two of them and the moment that had been building since the doors first opened.
“Hi,” she said, revealing her nervousness.
Cassius shot her a lopsided grin. “What’s up, Princess?”
Severo turned slightly toward him, his hand still resting over Aella’s.
Cassius met his gaze, straightening just enough to acknowledge what Severo was asking without words.
“Take care of my daughter,” her father said quietly.
Cassius didn’t hesitate. “I will.”
“Who gives this woman away?” the officiant inquired.
“I do,” Severo said confidently, then placed Aella’s hand into Cassius’
“You’re breathtaking,” he murmured, the words slipping out before he could stop them.
Aella’s lips curved, her eyes soft but steady. “You clean up well yourself.”
“Family, friends, and honored guests, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Aella Torrisi and Cassius Farina. Marriage is not entered into lightly, but with intention, commitment, and a willingness to stand beside one another in all that life demands.”
Cassius brushed his thumb over Aella’s knuckles as the officiant turned to him.
“Cassius Farina, do you take Aella Torrisi to be your wife, to stand beside her in loyalty, to honor her, protect her, and build a life that reflects both your strengths and your shared devotion?”
“I do,” he said so quickly it was almost embarrassing.
“Aella Torrisi, do you take Cassius Farina to be your husband, to stand beside him in loyalty, to honor him, challenge him, and walk with him through all that life demands?”
Aella’s gaze didn’t waver from Cassius.
“I do.”
Her words were soft but unwavering.
“This couple has a few of their own words to share,” the officiant announced before allowing Cassius and Aella to have the floor.
“Elle,” Cassius began first. “I think the most honest thing I can say right now is that I never saw you coming. I could have never imagined crossing paths with a woman that I loved more than my next breath. Then you blew into my life like a whirlwind and forced me to rethink what I thought happiness looked like. No version of life exists for me that doesn’t include you. If I had to, I’d choose you again and again. I will always choose you. I love you.”
Aella’s eyes widened, swimming with tears as Cassius broke protocol and brushed his lips against hers.
“Well, I don’t know how I’m supposed to follow that up,” she said, getting a chuckle out of the crowd. “But I’ll try. Cassius, when we met, I’d never met someone so annoying, arrogant, and sure of himself. I was so sure that I could never like, let alone love, anything about you, and then you proved me wrong. Right before my eyes, you became a man I adore, cherish, and would do anything for. You challenge me, and you’ve pushed me to become a better version of myself daily. More than anything, you’ve shown me that love is real. Cassius Farina, you irrevocably own every inch of my heart, and I’m glad to surrender it. I love you more than you can imagine, and I’m more than ready to start a new life as your wife.”
The officiant proceeded to the rings.
Cassius took Aella’s first, his movements deliberate as he slid it onto her finger, his touch lingering just a second longer than necessary.
“With this ring,” he said quietly, “I promise you my life.”
Aella followed, placing his ring with steady hands.
