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“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”
My parents both stand up, and behind me, they say, “We do.”
Unwillingly, my stomach flutters at the sound of my parents’ voice. My smile, while continuous, masks the sudden wave of emotions. I beg myself not to cry. Nothing will change between my parents and me. If anything, they’re welcoming a son. So why does this feel like an end of an era? Like I’m flying the coop but used my wings years ago to attend Yale.
“William Rockford Romano, will you have this woman to be your lawful wedded wife, to live together after God’s ordinance in the Holy Estate of Matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep you only unto her as long as you both shall live?”
“I do.” Will grins.
“Amelia Grace Edwards, will you have this man to be your lawful wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the Holy Estate of Matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep you only unto him as long as you both shall live?”
My lips curve upward as I murmur, “I do.”
Andy and Ava both join us, handing us each a platinum wedding ring. The rings are exquisite, and I wondered how the hell my family pulled this entire wedding together without me knowing. More importantly, how did Ava keep this a secret.
“The marriage ring seals the vows of marriage and represents a promise for eternal and everlasting love.”
The minister continues to read out the passage for Will to repeat.
Will turns to face me, his blue eyes twinkling as he takes a deep breath.
“I, William Rockford Romano take thee, Amelia Grace Edwards, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish forever, for as long as we both shall live.”
He slowly slides the ring onto my finger, lifting it gently to seal it with a kiss.
The minister directs his attention to me, repeating the passage.
I stare into Will’s loving gaze as I say the words to make us one.
“I, Amelia Grace Edwards, take thee, William Rockford Romano, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish forever, for as long as we both shall live.”
My hands reach out for Will as I slide the ring on his finger, sealing it with a kiss as he had done. We continue to hold hands, the warmth of his touch making it impossible to let go.
“We who have come together today and have heard the willingness of William Rockford Romano and Amelia Grace Edwards to be joined in marriage. They have come of their free will and, in our presence along with God, have declared their love and commitment to each other. They have given and received a ring as a symbol of their promises. Therefore, by the power vested in me by the laws of the state of Nevada, I take great pride and pleasure as I declare them husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride.
Will tilts his head and cups my face to whisper, “I love you.”
“I love you too, husband.”
Our lips touch together softly, making our first kiss as husband and wife absolutely perfect. My heart is beating steadily, all for the man who I can now officially call my husband. We pull away, grinning like fools, as I squeal with excitement while squeezing his hands.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I now present to you Mr. And Mrs. Romano.”
There is applause from our family, Uncle Rocky being the loudest with a whistle in tow.
We both turn around, grateful for the love and support all in this room. My sisters run up to hug me first—all four of us embracing, which of course, onsets Mom’s tears. Uncle Noah and Kate’s family come next. Kate is wiping a tear from her face with a tissue Jessa handed her earlier.
“You made me cry. Everyone knows I don’t cry,” Kate teases.
“That’s a lie, Mom,” Sienna calls her out. “You cried when we watched that movie with the stepmom and the mother diagnosed with cancer.”
“Well, excuse me for having a heart,” Kate complains, to only pull her daughter in for a hug.
“You look beautiful, Amelia,” Uncle Noah tells me with a proud grin. “Who would have thought you’d wear a wedding dress one day? I thought you’d get married in your Batman cape.”
I touch his arm gently with a small chuckle, then hug Nash who is standing beside him. “Hmm, that would have been interesting.”
Uncle Julian and Aunt Adriana come up next with their family. Luna and Willow both hug me tight until their mother begs for my attention.
