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My stomach is filled with butterflies as the limo pulls up to the Cathedral Catholic Church twentyminutes later. I take a deep breath to calm myself, but I’m beginning to think it’s an impossible task.
When I glance at Oliver, he winks and gets out of the car. After opening my door, he helps me out. The steps to the church are lined with roses and about a dozen men. The photographer is at the top of the stairs, documenting my every move per Viktor’s instructions.
“Is it really necessary to have that many men?” I ask Oliver.
“Are you really asking me that?” I rib him with my elbow, doubling the width of his smile.
When we stop at the top of the stairs, I take another deep breath to calm the butterflies.
I never thought I’d have a big, elaborate wedding.
“There’s still time to make a run for it.” I almost elbow Oliver again, but he continues talking, saving his ribs from the carnage. “I’m kidding.”
We stand outside the doors for a few seconds, “I’m so grateful for you. You’ve been my rock since the beginning. Thank you for walking me down the aisle.” I share.
He smiles. “It is my honor.”
When Viktor asked me to marry him again, I was so over the moon I didn’t consider who would lead me down the aisle. Of course, most girls ask their fathers—if they’re alive. For me, that didn’t feel right. Don’t get me wrong, I love my dad, and he is invited to the wedding, but after everything he put me through, it would be wrong to bestow that honor.
After the last fight Dad and I had about money, things have not been the same.
“It’s time,” Tina calls from inside the church foyer.
The procession starts. Tina and Aisling, the flower girl, lead the way, followed by Angus and Niko, the ring bearer. Everyone stands when the music changes to “Turning Page” by Sleeping at Last.
The moment I’m inside, our eyes connect, and the room grows quiet.
It’s just the two of us.
Every step I take brings me closer to the love of my life. A few tears escape him when I reach him. Forever impatient, he steps down to meet Oliver and me. I shake my head, and he smiles.
Oliver stops him so he can pull my veil back.
“Who gives this bride?” asks the priest.
“I do,” Oliver answers.
Quickly, Viktor takes my hand and leads me up to the altar. We gaze at each other, not really listening to what the priest is saying or doing. It’s like we’re the only people in the church. His love for me is written all over him. Being with him now is like a dream I never knew I would have.
“You fell in love by chance, but you’re here today because you’re making a choice. You are choosing each other. You have chosen to be with someone who enhances you, makes you think, makes you smile, and makes every day brighter. You are about to make promises to each other that you intend to keep. You will vow to take care of, stand up for, and find happiness in each other. I believe you have written your own vows. You may read them now,” the priest orders.
“Ava, when I met you, I didn’t know what to make of you.” I smile as Viktor starts reading. “Not in a million years would I have imagined that a single moment would change the trajectory of my life forever. You are the most amazing woman, mother, and partner. You make me want to be a better man every day I wake up. Tough times will come, they always do, but when they do, I want you by my side. I vow to always be faithful, protect and support you. To love you until my last breath.”
When a tear escapes me, Viktor dries it with his thumb.
“Your turn,” the priest tells me when I get caught up in the moment.
“Viktor, from the moment I met you, I was intimidated by you. I didn’t know what to make of you.” He chuckles. “You are everything I didn’t know I wanted. Our life together has been a rollercoaster, but you make me feel safe and loved every day. You’re a wonderful husband and father. I vow to love you but not to always obey you.” I wink as everyone laughs. “I promise you will never lose me. This is forever, for as long as we both shall live.”
We face the priest when he says. “You have chosen to wear rings as a reminder of these promises. People often say wedding bands are a perfect circle, with no beginning and no end. But these rings did have a beginning. The earth formed these stones, and they were made beautiful by men. Love is like that. It comes from humble beginnings, and through a combination of serendipity and effort, imperfect beings shaped it into something extraordinary. It is a process of making something beautiful where there was once nothing at all. As you look at these rings over the years, I hope you remember that. You’ve created something invaluable, and just as I know you’ll protect these rings, I’m confident you’ll protect the commitments you’ve made to one another today.”
The rest is a blur. We exchange the rings without glancing anywhere but at each other. Life couldn’t be any sweeter. We have everything we need to live a beautiful existence. Children we adore, a family who are always present, and at the end of the day, we have each other. We aren’t perfect, but I wouldn’t change a thing about us. Viktor has given me something I never thought I’d have, a family. Even though it took us a long time to get here, our journey is what has made us who we are and what we have. Together, we can face anything.
ChapterForty-Four
Viktor
