Page 86 of Arranged with Twins
“I’ve been ready since the moment I realized I loved you.”
The officiant, a local magistrate who speaks excellent English, begins the ceremony with words about love, commitment, and the choice to build a life together. His accent adds charm to the proceedings, but I barely hear the formal language. Instead, I focus on Sienna’s face and the happiness that seems to glow from within her.
“Do you have personal vows you’d like to exchange?” asks the magistrate.
I clear my throat and look directly into Sienna’s gaze. “I spent most of my life believing caring about someone was weakness, and love made you vulnerable to your enemies. You taught me love is the only strength worth having.”
Her eyes glisten with unshed tears.
“You’re my wife, my equal, and my forever.” I squeeze her hands gently. “Nothing will ever change that, and no one will ever come between us.”
“Leo.” Her voice falters slightly with emotion. “A year and a half ago, I thought my life was over before it really began. You showed me that I was wrong. It was just beginning.” She takes a shaky breath before continuing.
“You gave me the courage to choose myself, trust my own judgment, and believe I deserved love without conditions or compromise. You’re my husband, my partner, and my home.” Her smile widens despite the tears now flowing freely. “I choose you today and every day for the rest of our lives.”
The magistrate pronounces us married, and when I kiss my wife, the small crowd erupts in applause and cheers. For Sienna, it seems like the world has gone quiet. Her expression tells me this moment exists in a bubble of perfect peace with just us.
The reception flows seamlessly from ceremony to celebration. Tables arranged under market umbrellas offer local specialties and wines from the surrounding vineyards. Elizaveta and Lev hold court in a portable playpen, charming guests and providing endless entertainment with their babbling and attempts to crawl over the wall and escape.
Vincent approaches the playpen where his grandchildren are napping after their lunch, and I quickly follow, feeling protective. His expression softens as he looks at them, genuine affection replacing the calculating look I remember from our business dealings.
“They’re beautiful children,” he says when I join him. “Elizaveta has Sienna’s stubbornness, I think, even at this age.”
“She does.” I study his face, looking for signs of manipulation or hidden agenda. Instead, I see what might actually be grandfatherly pride.
“I know you don’t trust me.” He doesn’t look away from the sleeping babies. “I can’t blame you for that. I made choices that put my daughter and grandchildren in danger.”
“You did.”
“I’m trying to be better.” He finally meets my gaze. “Not for forgiveness, because I know that ship has sailed, but because they deserve grandparents who actually care about their wellbeing more than their own interests.”
“Do you care more about them than your own interests?”
Vincent considers the question seriously. “I’m learning to. It’s harder than you might think, unlearning forty years of selfishness, but I’m trying.”
“That’s all Sienna asks for.” I glance toward where my wife is laughing with Nadia and Ilya. “She wants you to put for the effort to be worthy of their love and never break their hearts the way you did hers.”
“I’m trying,” he says again.
“What about Katherine?” I glance to where his wife sits alone at a corner table, nursing a glass of wine and checking her phone. She’s been civil today but distant, participating in the celebration without embracing it.
“Katherine may not be capable of change, but that’s her choice to make.” He seems pained by that. “She’s always been more concerned with appearances than substance. When I think about how far she went with Adrian…” He trails off before finally adding, “The marriage will never be the same.”
I shrug. “That’s your business. As long as you understand any relationship with our family depends on genuine care for Sienna and the children, not what you might gain from the association, I won’t interfere.”
“I understand.” He looks back at the sleeping twins. “I lost everything I thought mattered. Maybe that was what I needed to figure out what actually does.”
Later, as the sun begins to set over the Tuscan hills, Sienna and I dance to music provided by the string quartet. She fits perfectly in my arms. “No regrets?” I ask as we sway to the gentle melody.
“Only that it took us so long to get here.” She leans back to look at me. “I guess maybe we needed all those obstacles to appreciate what we have now.”
“Obstacles like your parents trying to have me killed?” I grin, though there’s not any real humor in the words.
“Among other things.” Her laugh is light and free. “Just look at us now. Married by choice, raising our children together, and building something real.”
“I love you, Mrs. Denisov.” The name suits her perfectly.
“I love you too, Mr. Denisov.” She stretches up to kiss me softly. “Thank you for choosing me.”
