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MARCO
Ashlyn floated toward us, every inch the glowing angel that Joseph claimed she was. My pretty princess was breathtaking in her white ballgown, the sweetheart neckline giving me the slightest glimpse of her tantalizing cleavage and the fitted waistline accentuating her gorgeous curves. Pale pink, organza flowers tumbled down the bodice, delicate petals of fabric falling gracefully into the full skirt. She was nothing short of radiant, her brilliant smile and glittering sapphire eyes filling my world.
I was dimly aware of her father’s presence at her side, but as she approached, all I could see was her: my sweet babygirl, coming to promise herself to me forever. My heart swelled, pressing against my ribs almost painfully. I could hardly believe this day was real, that this perfect woman was mine.
Mine and Joseph’s, ours to share for the rest of our lives.
My best friend placed a hand on my shoulder, sensing the rush of emotion that threatened to overwhelm me. My eyes burned at his show of support, linking us almost as tightly as we were both bound to Ashlyn. They were both mine, my family.
She finally reached us, and her father placed her hands in ours, giving his blessing over our union. I wrapped my fingers around her dainty ones, holding her with tender care. She beamed up at me, joy pulsing from her to wash over me in a warm golden glow. I basked in it, and my love for her swept through my soul in a searing wave.
On the periphery, I heard Jayme welcoming everyone to the wedding before Kelsey read a poem that she’d written for us. Ashlyn sighed happily, and a diamond tear slid down her cheek. I hadn’t been able to take in the words—she commanded my full attention—but she seemed moved by her friend’s speech.
Time moved slowly, and I languished in each surreal moment of this miracle. Everything came into sharp focus: the warmth of Joseph’s hand on my shoulder, the fragility of her fingers in my gentle grip, the glittering shine of joyous tears on her pink cheeks.
Then she spoke her vows, and I forgot how to breathe.
“I, Ashlyn Meyers, take you both, Joseph Russo and Marco De Luca, to be my husbands. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love, honor, and obey you all the days of my life.”
I noticed Joseph’s fingers tighten around hers when she promised to obey, and my foolish grin turned a touch savage. Yes, she would be our good girl, our sweet wife. We wouldn’t have it any other way.
It was Joseph’s turn next. “I, Joseph Russo, take you, Ashlyn Meyers, to be my wife, and these things I promise you: I will respect, trust, and care for you; I will share my life with you through the best and worst of what is to come, as long as we live.”
They had chosen a more traditional arrangement for their vows, but my proscribed words had evaporated from my mind. Instead, I spoke the truth from deep in my soul.
“Ashlyn, I didn’t know what love was until you came into my life. I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but you’re mine. I promise to cherish and protect you forever.”
More precious tears slipped from her shining eyes, and she mouthed “I love you” as Jayme announced that it was time to exchange rings.
Ashlyn wore her engagement ring on her right hand for the ceremony, so her left was free to accept her wedding band. This time, I spoke before Joseph, sliding the filigree platinum and diamond ring onto her slender finger.
“I give you this ring as a sign of our love and commitment to each other. I promise to support you, care for you, and stand alongside you for all of our days.”
Joseph freed her engagement ring from her right hand and placed it on her left, sliding it into place above the wedding band. “This ring is symbolic of my never-ending commitment, love, and devotion to you. I will cherish you forevermore.”
Ashlyn released a beautiful sound that was somewhere between a delighted giggle and a sob, a visceral release of joyous emotion. She took our two rings from Jayme and turned her attention to me first.
“Marco, this ring is a token of my love. I offer you all that I have, all that I am, and all that I will be.”
My eyes burned as she slid the band onto my finger, marking me as hers forever.
She held my gaze for a long moment before turning to Joseph, mirroring the same words for him that she’d vowed to me as she gave him his ring.
He didn’t wait for Jayme to tell him he could kiss his bride. He wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her up, spinning her around in a moment of pure happiness. She laughed and pressed her lips to his, and I watched the two people I loved get swept up in a passionate kiss. I was utterly content, not at all greedy to claim her mouth for myself. Joseph and I would never get jealous or fight over her because she gave herself to us equally.
When her cheeks were flushed and her lips were swollen from his fierce kiss, she reached for me. I pulled her into my arms, and Joseph gave her to me freely. I crushed my mouth to hers, and she opened on a delighted sigh, utterly blissful in my iron hold.
As I kissed her with wild, hungry abandon, Jayme pronounced us married.
Married. To Ashlyn. To Joseph. All of us.
They were all mine, and I would never let them go.
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