Chapter 34 #2
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."
"Well, that makes 11." He smiles.
He leans down and kisses my neck softly. "You know I can't wait to get you alone. To peel this dress off you. Slowly."
"What are we still doing here then?" I ask teasingly.
"I love you, baby."
"I love you too," I say, and he spins me out and pulls me back, then dips me low, earning applause from nearby guests.
As the night wears on, we dance and laugh. I lose track of time in Theo's arms. When my feet begin to ache, I slip away to grab water from a nearby table.
Standing in the quiet corner, I watch my family. My husband mingling with guests, my son giggling with Elena, and Calli dancing with one of the eligible bachelors in attendance.
My hand rests on my stomach. The doctor confirmed it just yesterday.
Tears prickle behind my eyes. Happy tears. I wipe them as Ares approaches.
"Have you seen Dimitri?"
"Uhh," I say, looking around. "No, not recently."
Ares scans the crowd, a slightly concerned expression on his face. I nod to Theo, who comes over with Calli.
"What's up?" Theo asks.
"I'm looking for Dimitri," Ares says, looking around. "Have you seen him?"
Theo, relaxed and slightly buzzed, laughs. "He was talking to a girl in a red dress earlier. Probably found a quiet spot."
Calli laughs. "I saw them sneaking off toward the vineyard. He'll resurface."
Ares shakes his head. "Fucking Dimitri. You think he would disappear on your wedding night, Theo."
"Come on, brother." Calli grabs Ares' hand and twirls under his arm. "Relax. Live a little."
The music starts to play my favorite song. Theo looks at me instantly, remembering.
He reaches for my hand. "Come on, Mrs. Kastaris, show me what you've got."
My eyes fill with tears as we dance, all of us together.
This life, this love, this family.
We've fought like hell to have it.
And soon, Theo will learn we're not done.
We're just getting started.