Page 254 of Savior
I simply bow my head in thanks, unable to speak as I try to keep my emotions in check.
The wedding march begins to play, and my heartbeat races faster, thundering in my ears. My eyes dart to the end of the aisle once more. Everyone stands to face the rose garden where Vanna is about to make her entrance. Her journey towards me, where we will then vow to love each other, forever.
As my bride steps out from behind the wall of roses, her eyes immediately lift and lock with mine. A tidal wave of emotion robs me of breath, at the very sight of her. I’m frozen in place, completely enchanted, much like the night I first laid eyes on her.
Her white dress is form fitting at the top, off the shoulder with a sweetheart neckline. The white fabric, more flowing just below her hips. Her dark hair is long and wavy, shinning in the light of the setting sun. She’s holding a Boquete of peonies in hues of pinks and whites, wearing a matching flower crown, which gives her that Pagan Goddess look, that is so Vanna.
She walks towards me, alone. There’s no one here to give her away to me, but like I told her, that’s okay. She doesn’t need to be given away, when she’s already mine. She was mine the moment we met. Now, we’re just sealing the deal. Making it official. Making a beautiful start to our Happily Ever After.
As she comes to stand before me, Cherry takes her flowers so that I may take her hands, lifting them to press against my lips.
“You’re so goddamned beautiful.” I whisper. She smiles up at me, sweetly.
“Dearly beloved… And prospects…” Viking begins, “We are gathered here today to witness the union of Dean Keegan and Giovanna Vettriano. To celebrate with them, as they proclaim their love for one another and the bond their souls have formed.” Viking settles his gaze upon us. “Dean and Vanna, as you seek to enter this state of matrimony, know that within this circle, you are declaring your intent to be hand fasted before your friends and family. The promises made today and the ties that are bound here, greatly strengthen your union. You shall be eternally bound to each other. Do you still seek to enter this ceremony?”
“We do.” Vanna and I reply together.
“And how do you enter?”
“In perfect love and perfect trust.” We respond in unison.
“Then it’s time.”
I stare at my beautiful bride before me, as we listen to Viking’s Pagan words.
“Blessed be this union with the gifts of the East and the element of air, for openness and breath, communication and heart, as well as purity of the mind and body. From the East you shall receive the gift of a new beginning with the rising of each Sun, and the understanding that each day is a new opportunity for growth.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the South and the element of fire, for energy, passion, creativity, and the warmth of a loving home. From the fire within, you generate light, which you will share with one another in even the darkest of times.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the West and the element of water, for your capacity to feel emotion. In marriage you offer absolute trust to one another and vow to keep your hearts open in sorrow as well as joy.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the North, the element of earth, which provides sustenance, fertility and security. The earth will feed and enrich you, and help you to build a stable home to which you may always return.
Dean and Vanna, I bid you look into each other’s eyes, and take each other’s left hand.”
We do so as Viking drapes the braided cord, Vanna made herself for our handfasting, over our joined hands. With each vow, a knot is tied.
“Will you honor and respect one another, and seek to never break this vow?”
“We will.”
“Will you trust and be faithful to one another, forsaking all others?”
“We will.”
“Will you share each other’s pain and seek to ease it?”
“We will.”
“Will you share the burdens of each other so that your spirits may grow in this union?”
“We will.”
“Will you share in each other’s laughter, and look for the brightness in life and the goodness in one another?”
“We will.”
Viking ties the final knot in the braided cord wrapped around our joined hands. “Will the Best Man and Maid of honor please place the rings in our couple’s right hands.” He instructs.
