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She smiled and winked. “I do.”
More chuckles rang out from the guests.
“To have and to hold for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health?”
“I do.” She gripped my hand tightly.
“You wished to say a few words, sir?” The priest acknowledged our earlier conversation.
“Yes.”
Bria’s eyes widened at the surprise, and I smirked at her.
“Bria, ours was an arranged marriage. One that would benefit our families and bring peace between the heads of our companies. It wasn’t supposed to be a love marriage. In just a few days, I’ve come to not only love you but respect you. You have many gifts, none are as coveted as your spirit and passion. While ours has been a rocky start, we’ve already been through some of the worst that anyone could imagine happening in a lifetime of marriages. Now, we can look forward to better times and we’ll do it with each other at our side.”
Tears pooled in her eyes, and a few slipped down her cheek.
“Will you join me of your own free will to be my partner and lover?” I wanted her to have a choice. This was the last one she could make and say that it was solely her decision.
Without hesitation. “Yes, I want to be your wife.”
She laid a hand on my arm to say something more.
“There will be bad days, there will be good days, but I’m confident that I can be your partner and lover. While there will be days where we’ll fight like cats and dogs, I pledge to always start each new day fresh—together. As a team, no one can stop us from accomplishing our goals. For better or for worse, I’ve come to love you and wish to spend the rest of our days as one unit, a team, forever.” She nodded that she was finished.
I choked up at her words. I wasn’t expecting I love you, but I was going to take it and never let her regret it.
“Now the rings.” The priest held out a hand for us to take them from the ring bearers.
“With this ring, I thee wed. I promise to cherish and take care of you forever.” I knew that there would never be another woman for me.
She took the ring. “With this ring, I thee wed. I promise to cherish and stand by your side forever.”
“You may kiss your bride,” the priest announced.
“Bout time.” I planted a kiss on her lips that expressed all of my passion, hopes and dreams. Laughter and hooting and hollering came over the crowd.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife.” He used the sign of the cross in blessing.
“Now, may I present Mr. and Mrs. Romano.”
Cheers erupted throughout the tent, as I kept kissing my wife.
We were married.
The priest had pronounced us husband and wife even though we weren’t in the same church and things weren’t quite the same as what we’d rehearsed the night before.
We walked down the aisle and executed the dip and kiss for the photographer, then we were off to the back for pictures. The pictures were with both of our families and I was so happy that she was by my side smiling and radiant.
Even though this was her day, she continued to check on me, making sure that I was doing okay and giving me reassurance which was something I’d never really had before.
Her kisses and tender touches did more to soothe the pains of my heart than anything else ever could.
My mother was affectionate. My father on rare occasions would even give me a hug. But nothing like this, not someone who really wanted me and was there for me.
I wanted to get a moment alone with her but that never seemed to be possible. Which probably turned out for the best because I would’ve taken her, she would’ve let me, and then we wouldn’t stop until we had our fill. Based on past experience, it could've taken hours.
We joined everyone else at the other set of tents for the reception. We had decided to move the reception to the house as well, simply so that the lack of travel between places was condensed and no one would have enough time to do something or set up another explosive.
