Page 17 of Breath By Breath

“I know you will,” my mom tells him. “Welcome to the family, Stanley.”

He swallows hard. “Thank you.”

Mom turns to me and kisses my cheek. “Love you,” she whispers and steps back.

Stanley swoops in and takes my hands in his. “Love you,” he mouths.

“Who here gives this woman away?” the minister asks.

“She’s a strong, independent woman,” my mom says, her voice loud and clear. “However, her late father and I do.”

I smile as I lose my battle with tears. I should have assumed she’d mention Dad. I watch her as she walks to her seat. Next to her is a picture of my father in the seat that should have been his. My eyes leak with tears, and I pull my gaze back to Stanley.

“He’s here, baby.”

“I love you.” My voice cracks, but it’s also loud enough for everyone to hear.

“That’s good, wife. That’s real good because I love you too. Now, let’s change your name, yeah?”

I nod, unable to find my voice through my tears. Stanley leans in and kisses the tip of my nose. I shudder a breath and square my shoulders. I give him another nod, which he returns with a panty-melting smile.

The minister welcomes everyone and begins to talk about marriage and love. I’m trying to listen to him, but I’m finding it difficult. Stanley has my hands in his, and his thumbs keep tracing over my knuckles. His gaze hasn’t left mine, not once.

“Now, the bride and the groom have prepared their own vows.”

“Lena.” Stanley clears his throat. His eyes mist with tears, and my heart melts. “I love you.” The guests laugh. “I don’t know if it's magic. I don’t know if it’s a higher power, but whatever brought you to me, I will forever be grateful. My love for you was instant and the most real thing I’ve ever felt. We took our time. We let that love grow, we nurtured it, and here we are. Forever isn’t long enough with you. I’ll love you this lifetime and all of the next. I promise to be your partner. I want to be your shoulder on the bad days, and I want to revel in your happiness on the good days. My heart and soul are yours, and I can’t wait to see what we do next.”

I exhale and try to get my tears under control. “I love you too.” I take a moment to find my words. “You came into my life when I was floating. I needed a safe place to land, and you offered me that. You’re not only the love of my life. You’re my best friend. I will be your partner and walk beside you through whatever life sends our way. I know you’re going to do amazing things, and I’m honored that I get to share those wins with you. There will be losses, and I’ll be there for those too. For every second of our forever, I want to be your safe place to land. I’m honored to call you my husband, and I know that wherever life takes us, it’s going to be a journey filled with love and happiness.” I repeat his words back to him, “My heart and soul are yours, and I can’t wait to see what we do next.”

He leans in and kisses me. “I love you so damn much, Mrs. Riggins.”

“We’re not there yet, son,” the minister jokes.

“Can we get there?” Stanley asks. His voice is strong, and the love shining in his eyes would have me falling to my knees if he didn’t have a tight grip on my hands.

“The rings?” the minister asks.

“Yeah, we’re gonna need those,” Stanley says, and the guests laugh again.

I smile at him as he turns and accepts my ring.

“Repeat after me,” the minister instructs. We each take our turn and take our vows, before sliding the white-gold bands onto our fingers.

“Now, you may kiss your bride.”

“Finally.” Stanley expels a heavy breath, sliding his arm around my waist and hauling me into his chest.

When his lips touch mine, sparks fly just as they always do. Only this time, it’s different. It’s more because I know that he’s my husband. I know that no matter where life takes us, he’ll be by my side, and there is nothing in this world that I want more than that.

Slowing the kiss, Stanley rests his forehead against mine. “My wife,” he murmurs.

“My husband.”

“Fuck, I love that. Say it again.”

“I love you, husband.”

“Mrs. Riggins, you are my world.” He kisses me again, not showing an ounce of care that our friends and family are watching us. In this moment, there’s just the two of us.

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