Page 128 of Before Broken Vows
Theo stands there in his black suit, looking more handsome than should be legal. His eyes lock with mine, and suddenly the room fades away. The guests, the flowers, the music, it all dissolves until there's nothing but Theo and me and the space between us that I'm slowly closing.
I don't need to look at my feet. I don't need to think about my steps. All I need to do is walk toward him, toward the man who has always been my destination, even when I was running away.
With each step, memories flash through my mind. Our first meeting in that crowded Athens bar, fun trips around Greece, laughing uncontrollably at YouTube videos, and the painful years apart. But also Xander's birth, the moment Theo first met his son, and now this, our second chance.
When I reach the altar, Theo extends his hand. His fingers are warm when they close around mine.
"You're like a goddess," he whispers, so only I can hear.
The priest begins the ceremony, but I barely register the words. Theo's thumb strokes the back of my hand in slow, soothing circles. Xander fidgets, shifting from foot to foot, but beams up at us with pure happiness.
Then it's time for the vows. Theo goes first, his voice strong and clear. "I promise you this: no matter what comes, I will protect you and Xander with my life. You're my home, my fire, my reason. I'm not a man who trusts easily, but with you, I finally understand what forever means."
When it's my turn, I tell him the truth.
"You found me when I didn't want to be found. You saw me when I was trying to be invisible. And you loved me when I was convinced I didn't deserve it." My voice breaks. "I promise to be your partner, your confidant, your safe harbor. I promise to love you fiercely and to build the family we both deserved. I promise to be the woman worthy of the devotion you've always shown me."
We exchange rings, Xander proudly holding up the pillow without dropping anything. And then the priest pronounces us husband and wife, and Theo is pulling me into his arms.
His kiss is not the chaste, ceremonial peck I expected. It's deep and claiming, his hand at the back of my neck, his body pressed against mine. It's a kiss that says: Mine. Finally. Forever.
When we break apart, our guests are cheering and applauding. But all I hear is Xander shouting, "YAY!" jumping up and down.
Everyone laughs and cheers.
As flower petals rain down, Theo lifts Xander with one arm and takes my hand with the other as we walk back down the aisle.
The reception glows with string lights and candles, casting golden halos around everyone I love. The tables overflow with traditional Greek dishes, and I can smell the sweet baklava from the dessert table.
Flowers cascade from tall centerpieces, the band plays perfect dancing music, and waiters weave between guests with trays of champagne.
I dance with Calli, both of us barefoot now, laughing like we're kids again. She spins me, then nearly trips and blames the champagne.
I can't stop smiling.
"You know," she shouts over the music, "I've never seen Theo smile this much. It's almost disturbing."
I glance at Theo, who's talking to Enzo Bonventi, the head of the Italian mafia. "Yeah, Mister Serious is letting loose tonight."
I spot Ares and Katerina in a quiet corner. His arm is around her waist, his lips close to her ear as he whispers something that makes her smile. It's such an intimate moment that I look away, feeling like an intruder.
"Mama! Mama!" Xander tugs at my dress, breaking through my thoughts. "Dance with me!"
I bend down. "Of course, baby. Show me your best moves."
We swing and twist, his tiny shoes slipping slightly on the dance floor as he giggles. I spin him around, his laughter washing over me.
When the song ends and something slower starts to play, Xander runs off to Elena, who has a plate of cake waiting for him. I watch him go, my heart feeling so full.
"May I have this dance?" Theo's voice is in my ear, his hand on my waist.
I turn into his arms as a slow song begins. "You may have every dance for the rest of our lives."
His fingers spread against my lower back, drawing me closer to him. I rest my cheek against his chest.
"Have I told you how beautiful you look?" he says into my hair.
I look up at him and smile, roll my eyes. "Only like 10 times."
