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Her long black hair’s been curled, elegant rings pooling over her shoulders like waterfalls. There’s a glimmer of gold in her eye makeup, making her dark irises pop even more than usual. Her lips are rouged, her cheeks are a lovely pink. Dangling silver earrings—a wedding gift from Mother—frame her face. Around her right wrist is a solid bracelet made of white jade—a wedding gift from A-Ma.
Eve glides down the aisle, the long train of her dress floating behind her. I don’t know that much about fashion, but anyone could tell that this is arguably the most magnificent dress to ever be created. It’s got a sweetheart neckline and fitted bodice to accentuate all of Eve’s graceful curves. The front is made of white lace, the pattern so delicate and fragile it looks like it’s made of snowflakes. There are pearls sewn into the train of the dress, and the long, sheer veil pinned to the back of Eve’s hair is lighter than air.
Pops stops right in front of the steps before the stage and kisses Eve on the cheek, whispering something in her ear. It’s likely something sweet, judging by how Eve smiles and kisses him back.
I leave my post on the stage and descend down the steps to offer her my hand. She takes it, our palms fitting together like two pieces of a puzzle. I’m walking on clouds as I guide her up on stage.
The reverend clears his throat before he begins, the music dying down as he does. A silence falls over the audience, all eyes on me and Eve.
“My dear family and friends, welcome. We are gathered here today to witness the binding of two souls, Evangeline Lee and Nathanial Winthrop. Two souls who are perfect for one another. It’s in momentous occasions such as these when we’re reminded that love knows no boundaries, knows no limits. It can stand the test of time, make families whole, and bring new meaning and colors to people’s lives. Through the ups and downs of life, love gives us hope, comfort, and safety.”
The reverend turns to me and nods, signaling that it’s my turn to begin speaking.
I spent literal days and nights writing my vows. I’ve got everything written down on cue cards, which are tucked into the inner pocket of my tuxedo jacket. I don’t reach for them. Staring at Eve, the most beautiful woman on earth, I realize I don’t need them. Everything I want to say to her, everything I wish to vow to her, I know with the utmost certainty in my heart.
“Eve,” I say, “I love you. They’re three simple words that I want to tell you every single day. I didn’t understand the meaning of happiness until I found you again. And now that I have, I promise never to leave you. I promise to cherish you. I promise to support your dreams. I promise to care for you, and love you, and dote on you until my dying breath. Every second with you is a blessing, and I don’t plan on wasting it. Being by your side is a privilege, and loving you is my honor.”
A-Ma sniffles in the front row. “Aiyah, so romantic.”
A couple of people chuckle, but the crowd grows silent once again as Eve starts her vows.
“Nate, I love you too. I’ve loved you for a very long time, and I’m so unbelievably happy that we get to spend the rest of our lives together. You drive me forward and make me better. Seeing you work hard makes me want to work hard. Making you happy makes me happy. I vow to be there for you through thick and thin. I promise to care for you even when we’re old and gray. I want to wake up every morning to see your face, to make you laugh at the silliest of things. I don’t ever want to be without you. And I promise to treasure you until my very last day.”
“Do you have a tissue?” Pops whispers to Mother, all choked up.
The reverend smiles at Alexander, who takes a step forward to hand us the rings. We slip them onto each other’s fingers and hold hands. The cool metal against my warm skin feels amazing. There’s electricity in my blood, and a drum soloist playing inside my ribcage.
“Evangeline, do you take Nathanial to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
There’s a brilliant glimmer in her eyes. “I do.”
“And Nathanial, do you take Evangeline to be your lawfully wedded wife?”
Wife. That has a nice ring to it.
“I do.”
The reverend nods. “Then by the powers vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
The audience breaks out into thunderous applause as I wrap my arms around Eve’s waist, dip her backward, and kiss her, sweet and true.
