Page 117 of Saved By A God
I once said it would never happen, but apparentlyneveronly lasted until today.
“Yes,” I whisper. “I’m ready.”
Mom presses one last kiss to my cheek while Gianna smooths the train of my dress, then Mom comes to stand in front of me, and she lowers the veil over my face.
Do not cry. Do not cry. Do not cry!
“Perfect,” Gianna says, sounding emotional all over again.
Mom gives me a loving smile. “We’ll be right behind you.”
Dad offers me his arm, and I slide my hand into the crook.
Gianna opens the door and signals to everyone that we’re ready, then the music stops.
Silence hangs in the air for a few seconds before the song Enzo and I chose begins to play.
AsI Get To Love YoubyRuellefills the air, I walk beside Dad, and with every step, my heart beats faster and faster, and I fight the tears with all my might.
When we reach the beginning of the aisle, Dad stops, and everyone remains seated. I wanted it that way so no one’s view would be obscured.
The pews are filled with the most important people in my world, all of them looking at me with smiles, tears, and so much love it makes my perfect day… perfect.
Then my eyes land on Enzo, where he’s waiting for me in front of the altar, dressed in a black suit that makes him look even more powerful than usual.
My heart skips a beat at the sight of him.My Enzo, the man who has stood beside me through every version of my life, and now he’s standing in front of the church and our family, waiting to become my husband.
The moment his eyes lock on me, his expression changes. The tight control he always has vanishes, and he looks at me as if I’m every wish he’s ever made, and today they’re all coming true.
His lips part, and pride, wonder, and love tighten his features, and I know, with every part of me, that he isn’t just taking in the dress or the veil. Like me, he knows this moment is filled with every promise, every dream, and all the love we once held back and now get to give each other every single day for the rest of our lives.
My smile trembles as tears blur my vision because I finally get to marry the man I love.
When we reach the altar, Dad keeps me beside him for a little longer. Slowly, I turn to him, and his eyes shine as he gently folds my veil back.
God, there’s so much pride on his face, so much love, that I can’t hold back the tears any longer, and as he leans down and presses a kiss to my forehead, they roll down my cheeks.
“You were mine first,” he whispers, obliterating the last of my self-control.
“Oh God,” I sob. “I’ll always be yours, Daddy.”
Dad looks at me for another second, like letting go is the hardest thing he’s ever had to do, then he takes Enzo’s hand and places it over mine.
I do my best to rein in my tears and take deep breaths while Dad and Enzo just look at each other for a moment, then Dad says, “I give you the most precious thing I have, Enzo. If your love for her ever changes, give her back to me with the same respect I’m showing you now.”
Enzo’s fingers close around mine, warm and sure, but his eyes stay locked with Dad’s. “In front of all that’s holy and the family, I swear to you that I will treat your daughter with respect and love until my last breath.”
Dad holds his gaze, then nods once before stepping away and taking his seat beside Mom, who’s crying silently.
Enzo lifts my hand to his mouth, pressing a kiss to my knuckles while his eyes stay on mine, then he whispers, “Hi,bella mia. You look absolutely breathtaking.”
A laugh breaks through my tears. “Hi.” I give his hand a squeeze. “I’m glad you’re being forced to wear this suit the whole day because, damn, you look incredibly handsome.”
A few soft chuckles ripple through the pews, and Enzo’s mouth curves, but the look in his eyes remains tender as he asks, “Are you ready?”
“Yes.” I glance at our joined hands, then back at him. “I’ve been ready for years.”
His thumb brushes over my fingers, and his smile deepens until it makes the green flecks in his eyes stand out.
