Page 163 of Bastian

And when it’s my turn, I hold my breath and let Benjamin lead me down the aisle to my forever.

And there he stands.

Perfect.

Handsome, and all mine.

Dressed in a House of Arnault tux, black from head to toe, with the most blinding smile on his face and our precious baby boy in his arms. Once I get closer to where he is standing waiting for me, he hands Royal to Shaw, and takes my hand in his.

Benjamin and him exchange looks before my friend lifts my veil, revealing my face, kisses my cheek, and steps in place next to Shaw.

“You’re a vision, darling.” Sebastian whispers as we move to stand in front of the judge that is marrying us. Looking up at him, I forget there’s people around us. I forget that helicopters are surrounding the White House, trying to capture the moment, and that a cameraman is standing at the far corner, filming this moment for the country to witness our ceremony.

This is our moment, but the people of this country felt like it was their moment as well. That is how much Sebastian, their president, is adored.

“And you look so handsome.” I hold him tight, loving how perfect he always feels standing next to me. A perfect fit.

The officiant clears his throat, smiling warmly at us before he begins to speak. “We’re here today to witness the union of Sebastian Aumary Kenton and Arianna Luna Parisi in marriage. Today, you begin a new life together, founded in love, laughter…” The officiant’s voice fades into the background as I stare into Sebastian’s blue-gray eyes that shine with all the love he has for me. I do hope the love I feel for him is reflected in my own eyes as he’s looking at me.

Suddenly, every single memory we have shared hits me full force, replaying in my mind. The first time I ever saw him looking intimidating and so handsome at the plane track. The quiet moments we shared. Our time in Paris and in Greece. The two of us dancing while I stood on his feet. The good moments, and even the bad ones, flash through my mind, reminding me of all that is our love. Chaotic. Sweet. Hopeless. Imperfectly perfect. Strong and brave.

One of a kind.

Like a gold rose.

If death came knocking on my door, I would die a happy woman because I was loved fully and loved the same way. I learned to love with my entire heart. He taught me that.

Looking at the man I love more than life, I mouth the words ‘I love you’, which causes the most beautiful smile to appear on his face as his eyes shine with love. He mouths ‘I love you’ back to me.

“Do you, Sebastian, take Arianna to be your lawfully wedded wife and to live together as one, to treat her with love and respect, and to build a marriage that grows stronger and more loving as time passes?”

Looking at no one else but me, he says. “I do.”

The officiant turns to me. “And do you, Arianna, take Sebastian to be your lawfully wedded husband and to live together as one, to treat him with love and respect, and to build a marriage that grows stronger and more loving as time passes?”

A lone tear falls from my eye, and Sebastian gently wipes it away, careful not to ruin my eye makeup. “Yes, I do.”

The officiant smiles before turning to Sebastian’s best man. “If you have rings, please take them out now.” Benjamin hands Sebastian a ring, and Quinne does the same to me.

“These rings represent the promise of love and commitment. As you wear your ring, let it remind you of the love you feel here today.”

We look at each other and no one else as the officiant continues the ceremony. “Sebastian, please place the ring on Arianna’s finger and repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion as we join our lives together today, tomorrow, and for as long as our love shall last.” Holding hands, Sebastian looks into my eyes and repeats each word, and I know he means them.

Just like I do.

“And Arianna, please place the ring on Sebastian’s finger and repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion as we join our lives together today, tomorrow, and for as long as our love shall last.”

I repeat each word while hypnotized by Sebastian’s gaze.

“By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride, Mr. President.”

Sebastian does just that. He takes me in his arms and kisses me for the first time as man and wife while the people we love cheer around us.

Pulling back with lips tinted by my lipstick, he grins. “I can’t wait to get you out of that dress and start working on baby number three.”

I laugh into his chest before I lean back and stare up at the man I just married. I knew one thing for sure, and that was that he was my home.

I married the man of my dreams. We had two beautiful babies.

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