Page 41 of Marco

I take a deep breath as I stare at my reflection in the full-length mirror. The simple white gown flows gracefully over my body, the lace sleeves just barely brushing my wrists. My hair is pinned back in a delicate twist, a few curled tendrils framing my face.

It's hard to believe this day has finally arrived. After everything Marco and I endured, all the pain and heartache, we've made it here. To our wedding day.

A knock at the door startles me from my thoughts. Marco's sister, Gioia, pokes her head in. "It's time," she says softly.

I nod, blinking back sudden tears. Gioia comes over and gives me a careful hug. "You look beautiful. Marco is a lucky man."

"Thank you," I whisper. Arm in arm, we walk down the hall towards the backyard.

The sun is just beginning to set over the vineyard, bathing everything in a warm golden glow. White chairs are set up on either side of a simple wooden arbor, woven through with vines and white roses. Candles flicker gently.

My breath catches as I see Marco standing tall and proud beneath the arbor, hands clasped behind his back. His black suit fits him like a glove, the white shirt crisp against his tan skin. Our eyes meet and everything else fades away.

Gioia kisses my cheek. "Go get him," she urges. I blink back more tears and begin the slow walk towards my future husband.

Towards the man who fought through hell with me. Who chose me above all else. The man I will give my whole heart to, for the rest of my days.

With tears in both of our eyes, I link arms with my Nonna Giulia, the woman who taught me everything I know and sheltered me from the dark secrets that ultimately led me to today. There is nobody else I could have wished to give me away.

As I reach him, Marco extends his hand. I place mine in his strong grip.

"You look exquisite, my love," he murmurs.

"As do you," I whisper back.

The minister begins speaking but I hardly hear the words. Marco and I are lost in each other's gaze, fingers entwined, souls knitted together.

Finally it's time for the vows. Marco clears his throat and begins.

"Alessia, my light in the darkness. From the moment I met you, my entire world shifted..."

Marco's voice is thick with emotion as he continues his vows:

"You saw beyond the shadows of my past and found the man I longed to be. Your spirit, your courage, your unwavering heart - they fueled me, guided me, as I broke free from the chains that bound me.

You make me laugh without even trying. You get me on a level that nobody else does. When I dreamed of my match—the one who I could truly call my soulmate, it seemed out of my grasp. But then you came into my life and that all changed. Now, I can't imagine a cell in my body existing without you being near. You fill me with life, with a happiness and joy that I thought was left behind in childhood. You are my everything, and I'm so excited to spend the rest of my life with you.

Now, I pledge myself to you fully and completely. I will cherish each moment we have together. I will stand by your side through all life brings our way. I will honor, protect, and nurture the rare, precious gift of your love.

You are my redemption, my salvation. Today I join my life with yours, and take my first steps into a beautiful new world. A world we will build, side by side, with patience, compassion and joy."

Tears blur my vision as I begin my vows to Marco.

"My darling, when I first met you I saw a good man trapped in darkness. My heart broke for the pain you endured, but I also saw your strength, your spirit, your capacity for love and loyalty.

You've proven yourself to be the man I always knew you were inside. As we start our new life together, I vow to be your soft place to land when the world seems harsh. I vow to share in your hopes and dreams, and help you achieve them. I vow to nurture our bond, and the family we will grow. And I will be strong for you, and for our family.

You've given me the greatest gift—the freedom to be my true self. With you I have found a home. And I pledge to make our home one of peace, understanding and devotion.

I love you with everything that I am. I can't wait to experience all that our future holds, with you by my side."

As we exchange rings, our eyes glisten. We speak the final binding words in unison, voices choked with joy.

"With this ring, I thee wed."

His lips find mine, soft yet demanding. His hands hold onto mine, the warmth of our rings seeping into my flesh. Our tongues dance, and I feel his passion, his love, his need. We are one.

The reception room and its rowdy festivities disappear as we make our way to our wedding suite, the door shutting with a soft click behind us. The bed is massive, fit for a king and queen, but it's not the size that steals my breath, it's the anticipation of what will happen on it. I've never felt this way with anyone. It's as if Marco and I are two magnets, gravitating towards each other. Our souls intertwined.

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