Page 51 of Happily Ever After
We must have put on quite a show. I glance over at Rhia; she's grinning from ear to ear. Yeah, we never do anything the traditional way, do we?
To calm my racing heart, I let my head fall back and for a few seconds take in the vibrant sky which continues to deepen in color. The first stars begin to appear one by one, twinkling overhead as if winking at us.
Tiero is watching. Ma and Da are among them too, of that I have no doubt. I feel their presence here with us, their love and pride cloaking us like a warm, intimate hug.
Ade squeezes my hands as if he can read my mind. He probably can; he's uncanny like that.
Smiling, I connect our gazes again. Looking at the man who is everything to me, my mind is blank when moments ago it was filled with all the things I wanted to say.
Taking a deep breath, I become more serious.
"Today, one year ago, it was uncertain whether I would live or die." Remembering the heaviness of that day, I swallow the lump in my throat that wants to lodge there.
"It was a day of goodbyes, andthemost heartbreaking day of my life. Up to that point, I thought I understood heartbreak, but it had only prepared me for what was to come.
"Saying goodbye to Tiero felt like it ripped my heart apart, just to literally be replaced with his an hour later. What little was left of my heart prior to the operation was completely annihilated when I had to say goodbye to you, Ade."
Of course the tears are back. How could they not? They're streaming down my face in rivers as those last few minutes before the anesthetic kicked in play in my mind.
"Neither of us knew whether I would return to you," I struggle to say as my throat seems to fully close over.
"I knew," Ade whispers, tears glistening in his eyes.
I shake my head. "We hoped… we prayed I would. But there was no guarantee that the heart transplant would be a success, or that I would make a full recovery. Everything hung in the balance, shrouded by uncertainty.
"I was so distraught, I couldn't even bring myself to say goodbye to Rhia or all the people who came to Italy to support us," I reach out my hand to Rhia, who wipes away her tears before taking it and squeezing it tightly.
"If I had, it would have felt so final." I let go of Rhia's hand and take Ade's once more, my fingers caressing his knuckles.
My eyes connect with his, and I take a deep breath, trying to banish the emotions overwhelming me.
"Your face… your eyes were the last thing I saw, and I was so grateful for that. We had had so little time together, but if that's all I had been granted, then I would have died a happy woman because you, Aiden Leonard Burg, were everything and all I ever wanted in life. And at least I had that.
"But God was gracious, and I woke again. For me, it was just a blip in time. For you and our family and friends, it must haveseemed like an eternity of fear and uncertainty, and I'm so sorry I put you through that."
Ade shakes his head, wanting to protest, but his ability to speak is choked as the tears finally spill over, and one tear after another rolls down his cheek.
I let out a laugh. "Oh gosh, I didn't want to turn this into a sob fest. Thankfully for all of us, I woke up again. And I did it to the most beautiful sight… your eyes on me, Ade, and your hand holding mine."
"Always," he mouths, still unable to speak.
"Always," I repeat. Because it's true. His eyes are always on me, and mine on him. And we will always hold each other's hand.
"We faced everything together, before and after the surgery. And we've grown so much as a couple. While some of our experiences were downright frightening, we've grown stronger for them. And for that, I will always be grateful.
"And, thank God, we've made so many wonderful memories too, moments together and with our friends that I will cherish forever.
"You are my life, Ade, my love, my best friend… beside Rhia," I quickly add when she clears her throat from behind me, making me giggle. It's much needed after the seriousness of my previous words.
"You're my constant source of joy. We've proven we can do this together. And I am excited to be walking life's path with you hand-in-hand. We are one unit—a close one—and we will navigate life together. I'm up for all the adventures coming our way, and the challenges too.
"Throughout it all, I promise to stand by your side, to support you, encourage you, and love you unconditionally. I vow to cherish every moment we share, to laugh with you in times of joy, and to hold you close in times of sorrow. I give you allof me… my heart, my soul, and my unwavering commitment… forever."
Ade squeezes my hands, and I'm ready to throw my arms around his neck again and resume our earlier interlude.
My arms lift, but this time Father Josef is quick to lift his hand to halt us. Clearing his throat, his voice cuts through the ambient sounds of the beach, steady and clear.
"Your love and commitment to each other shine brightly, and your vows were truly beautiful and heartfelt. Now, let's formalize your union with the official rites."
