Page 89 of Stolen By the Enemy

The sixth dress that I try on feels different, though. It gracefully sweeps the ground as I walk, creating a sense of elegance.

The bodice has intricate lace on it, adding a touch of romance to the ensemble. The neckline is modest yet charming, framing my collarbone with subtle sophistication.

The dress takes on a classic A-line shape, cinching at the waist to highlight my figure. As I move, the fabric ripples delicately, lending a dreamlike quality to the entire look.

The back of it is complete with a row of dainty buttons. Finally, after almost two hours in this store, I feel like a bride.

Emelia and Lori gush over the dress when I show them. It seems to be a unanimous agreement that this is the dress I’ll be wearing.

While the store assistant takes my measurements for alterations, the ladies quiz me on how I’m feeling about the wedding, and Marco in particular.

“We didn’t have a great start.” I laugh, but they’re looking more concerned than amused. “But I promise, this is what I want. Marco isn’t as evil as he seemed. He’s had a hard life, and we understand each other.” I try to calm their worries.

“So, you’re happy to be marrying him?” Emelia asks me, her hand on her stomach and her eyebrows raised.

“I really am,” I say, taking a sip of the champagne I was given. “I promise.”

“And you think he’s going to treat you right?” Lori asks now.

She’s usually quiet, but I can tell that she is genuinely asking, not simply because my brothers might be wondering.

“Even when he was angry, or trying to make this deal happen, he was never terrible to me,” I tell her. “In fact, I’ve felt like he’s actually been quite protective of me. I trust him”

They both look happier now, and we spend the rest of the day finding their dresses, shopping for shoes, and doing all of the last-minute pampering that’s needed for a wedding.

***

It’s finally time.

I can’t believe I’m walking down the aisle to meet my groom on the other end.

I have Enzo on my right arm and Luca on my left, and I’ve chosen Coldplay’s, “Us Against the World”, as my song to walk to.

Marco is looking at me with pride, and I can’t help but smile at him.

His strong and protective stature fills me with peace and his smoky gray eyes stare straight into my soul, letting me know this couldn’t be more right.

The ceremony doesn’t take as long as I thought it might. We chose to write our own vows, though, so when the time comes, Marco starts.

“I promise to be your partner in all things, to share in your laughter, and be a shoulder to lean on when tears come. In a world that sometimes feels chaotic, I promise to be your constant companion, to stand by you when life is easy, and to hold you up when it gets tough. Your triumphs will be my celebrations, and your challenges will be our battles to face together. Your strength is magnetic, but it's the vulnerability you share with me that I hold closest to my heart. I vow to cherish your true self, the one that trusts me with the depths of your being. When life hands us victories, we'll dance in celebration. And when it throws challenges our way, I'll stand by you, ready to face them as a team. I vow to listen—really listen—to your dreams, your fears, and everything in between. I promise to always speak with love, even when the words get tough. You're my home, Grazia, and I promise to respect and celebrate the person you are. Your dreams are my dreams, and your aspirations have my unwavering support. I'll grow with you, always striving to be the best version of myself for you and for us. Today, as we take this step forward, I give you not just my love, but my unwavering commitment. With every beat of my heart, I promise to protect, honor, and cherish you, mi chica.”

I believe he means every word, and I have to wipe away a tear that has escaped down my cheek.

I take a deep breath and pull out the piece of paper with my vows on them.

“I promise to be there for you no matter what, to be your partner in crime, your biggest supporter, and the person you can always count on. Whether we're celebrating the highs or weathering the lows, I'll be right by your side, sharing laughter in moments of joy, providing a shoulder to lean on during tough times, and offering a listening ear whenever you need to share your thoughts and concerns. I vow to appreciate every part of you, including the little quirks and unique qualities that make you who you are. Your individuality is something I cherish, and I promise to give you the space to be yourself, to grow, and to express your true self without reservation. As we set out to build our future together, I am eager to fill it with love, genuine happiness, and the kind of laughter that makes our hearts feel light. Our journey may not always be a smooth ride, but with you, every twist and turn becomes an adventure worth experiencing. Today, I am choosing you as my partner, my confidant, and my true love. I am immensely grateful for the depth of the love we share, and I am excited about the life we are about to create together.”

Next is El Lazo. At the altar, both our hands reach for the lasso suspended above us. Marco takes one end of the lasso, and I hold the other, our fingers brushing lightly.

The priest's voice fills the air with blessings, emphasizing the intertwining of our lives and the challenges we're about to face.

We weave the lasso around each other's hands. Each loop signifies a promise, a commitment to navigate life's twists and turns together.

Marco and I embrace and share our first married kiss, the lasso now a tangible symbol of our journey and the eternal bond we've just declared.

Cheers from our loved ones surround us, marking the beginning of our shared path as a married couple.

The entire party moves from the chapel into the main hall, where tables are set up around the dance floor.

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