Page 67 of Robert

Years where he had spent loving her and never knowing if it would be returned. She was going to spend the rest of her life making it up to him. From now on, he would never have to question her commitment.

Staring at herself in the full-length mirror, she admired the dress. It was a floor length cashmere overlaid with the most delicate lace she had ever seen. And it was a Romano’s original, which meant it was pricey, but worth every penny.

He had bought her a different set of rings, icy emerald and hot rubies surrounding the stunning oval shaped diamond, with matching necklace and earrings to match. She had protested, but he had refused to listen to her.

“You deserve the best and that’s what you’re getting.”

She had left his apartment, this morning to come to her place to get ready. The stylist had just left and the only thing to do was to put the snazzy little hat with the half veil at the side of her head. She turned to see her mother standing just inside the doorway, looking glamorous in pearl pink, the dress was elegant and suited her to perfection.

“I came to see if you’re ready. Darling, how perfectly exquisite you look.” Moving into the room, she surprised Sonya by giving her a quick hug. “He would have been so proud of you, and I am honored to be getting the chance to walk you down the aisle. Thank you.”

Her eyes moistened and she had to clear her throat to respond.

“You’re welcome.”

“The car is already here, and your husband believes in going all the way. He sent a long stretch limo.”

Sonya laughed softly, feeling gloriously happy.

“He wanted to give me the full effect.”

“And I do believe it has started snowing.”

Sonya stared at her, before rushing to the window to look out. Sure enough, flurries were drifting down from the sky, making her wedding day somewhat perfect.

“I cannot believe it. I prayed that we would get snow and it’s happening.” Spinning around, she went to get the matching cape her husband had insisted on gifting her and pinned it around her shoulders. “I’m ready.”

*****

“Please be seated.” The minister beamed at the guests who had packed into the fairly large chapel after he had finished blessing the couple. “The bride and groom has stated their wish to say their own vows.” He looked at the couple and with a nod, indicated that they should go right ahead.

Robert went first. He had stood right here next to his best man, Jackson Colby and felt a quick dart of happiness shimmered through his body as he caught his first glimpse of her.

Slowly, pulling off her elbow length gloves, he handed them to Jerri and took her hands, linking their fingers. His eyes met hers, and there was no question as to his complete devotion.

“Finally.” He said loud enough for even the ones sitting around the back could hear and the laughter erupted. “Sonya Elizabeth Faulkner, I have loved you for so long that it feels like a comfortable suit that I am accustomed to wearing.

Loving you has sustained me throughout the years, kept me on my toes, was mostly my inspiration and what drove me to accumulate wealth.” His fingers tightened on hers. “It was also a source of deep sorrow when I wondered endlessly, if I would ever get a chance with you.” His eyes were feverishly bright as he stared into hers.

Suddenly, they were alone because she was the only one that mattered. The only person he saw. “I adore you.” He smiled at the tears brightening her beautiful dark brown eyes, causing them to shimmer. “I will spend the rest of my life loving you, supporting you, cheering you on, being your best friend, your lover, your confidante.

It will always be you – it’s always been you and I stand here before family and friends and publicly declare that I will love you for better or worse, through sickness and good health, until I draw my last breath. I will love you beyond the grave.”

It took a minute for her to compose herself enough to say her vows and by then, tears were rolling down her cheeks. Taking a second, he accepted a handkerchief from Jerri and used it to dab at her cheeks gently, before reclaiming her hand.

“Robert Anthony Faulkner,” she began huskily. “I love you so much. I have no idea what I ever did to deserve you, but I promise that I will spend the rest of my life being worthy of you. I am proud of you.” She smiled tremulously.

“I am proud to call myself your wife and for the rest of what years I have left, and I have prayed earnestly for many, many years – I am going to show you how much I do love you.

I will honor you, be with you through everything. You are my best friend, my man, my lover, my all. The heart of me, the best of me…” Her fingers were tight on his. “And I will love you until I draw my last breath.”

The silence following the potent vows was pregnant, as other couples stared at each other and recalled their own vows. Hands reached for hands and fingers were linked as emotions ran rampant.

Clearing his throat, the minister asked for the rings.

*****

He whisked her away in the middle of the reception that was held at a hotel his company owned. After their photos were taken, the strawberry and vanilla cake cut and their first dance as a couple, there was the same limousine waiting to take them to the private airfield where his jet was fueled and waiting.

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