Chapter Seventeen
Emilio POV
The icy winds howled outside the cozy cabin, the sound echoing off the surrounding mountains like a warning.
Inside, the warmth of the fireplace flickered against the walls, casting dancing shadows that mirrored the tumultuous feelings in my heart.
I found this intimate place and called for an officiant to meet us here.
Entering the room, I saw Bethany standing by the window, gazing at the ethereal beauty of the snow-capped peaks and the shimmering Northern Lights that painted the night sky in hues of green and violet.
This was a place of magic, a sanctuary far removed from the constraints of her life back home.
Her presence always ignited a spark of warmth within me. I could never understand how she had that much power over my heart. I moved closer, wrapping my arms around her waist, resting my chin on her shoulder.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” I murmured, my breath tickling her ear.
“It is,” she replied softly, though her voice betrayed the turmoil brewing inside her. “Feels surreal – being here with you ready to take our vows.”
Sensing Bethany wished her family could be here, that they could be so accepting of this, made me question if this was the right thing to do.
As much as I wanted to marry Bethany, casting her feelings away like how she’d been treated her whole life seemed selfish of me to let her go through with this.
I turned her gently to face me, my dark eyes searching within hers for the truth behind her hesitation. “We don’t have to go through with this.”
Bethany POV
“I just wish Luca would have just accepted you and me together,” I whispered, my heart racing at the thought of defying my brother without him interfering or facing repercussions. I could barely look Emilio in the face.
I sighed, feeling the weight of guilt pressing down on me like the heavy snow that blanketed the ground outside.
Luca, always the protective guardian, had made it clear that he disapproved of Emilio.
“He’s not good enough for you,” he had said, his tone filled with authority.
But I knew better; it wasn’t that Emilio wasn’t good enough for me, it was that I wasn’t good enough for Emilio.
Emilio cupped my face in his hands, his touch tender yet firm. “Our love means everything to me Bethany. If that means not going through with this for the sake of your sanity then so be it. I’d rather you be happy than regret marrying me. It’s just a piece of paper.”
His words struck a chord within me, resonating with the quiet longing I had carried in my heart.
“I’ve never wanted anything more than to be your wife.
I’d give up everything for this to be forever,” I admitted, my voice barely a whisper.
“I just can’t help thinking how I destroyed your life and after everything Luca has done for me – I took away the one person he relied on.
You were more like a brother to him than I am a sister. ”
“You didn’t destroy my life, I did that on my own.” Looking into my eyes with such determination in his gaze and the unwavering belief he had in our love, he confessed something I needed to so desperately hear, “But I don’t regret it. If it led us here. I won’t regret it.”
I let out a breath with a newfound strength surging within me. “ástin mín, let’s get married.”
The smile on Emilio’s face gave me reassurance that we would live a happy life.
“Follow me,” he said taking my hand.
“Where are we going?”
“Let me at least do one thing.”
Grabbing our coats, we made our way out of the room.
Opening the door to head outside, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
The moon hung low in the sky, illuminating the landscape with a silvery glow, making the snow sparkle like diamonds.
As we arrived at the clearing, Emilio stood behind me as we looked up into the night sky.
The Northern Lights danced overhead, casting a surreal light that made the world around us feel ethereal.
Emilio turned me around to face him, pulling me closer as our breaths mingled in the frigid air.
I watched as he got down on one knee and spoke such loving words, “Bethany DeCarlo. The light of my life, the center of my world, the woman I will die loving. Will you marry me?” His voice low and full of reverence.
Emilio reached into his pocket, pulling out a small, delicate ring with a pear-shaped diamond, the band glinting in the moonlight. “It’s not what you deserve. It was a last minute purchase, and once we are back in the city, I will get you a proper one.”
“Yes,” I answered. My heart swelled as he slipped the ring onto my finger, the simple yet beautiful design a symbol of our commitment. I didn’t need the fancy material things or to be draped in diamonds, this was more than enough. “Emilio, it’s beautiful,” I breathed, tears welling in my eyes.
“Just like you,” he replied softly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear as he got to his feet.
I would have been satisfied getting married in this very moment, right now under the night stars. We kissed – the world fading around us.
Emilio POV
It wasn’t the traditional wedding I ever thought it would be, but our love wasn’t the traditional kind.
As the sun began to rise over Kvernufoss, its golden rays illuminating the cascading waterfall, I stood at the edge of the misty clearing, my heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and anticipation.
Deeply invested in the Icelandic heritage, Bethany planned our ceremony outdoors as she claimed it was to “connect us to the elements of earth, water, air and fire.” I didn’t give a shit what kind of ceremony she wanted as long as she was happy.
The sound of rushing water filled the air, creating a symphony of nature that perfectly matched the fluttering in my chest. Dressed in a crisp, navy suit that contrasted beautifully with the lush greenery surrounding me, I adjusted my tie, the cool breeze sending shivers down my spine.
The towering cliffs of moss-covered rock loomed above me, forming a breathtaking backdrop for the momentous occasion that lay ahead.
I took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh, earthy scent of the landscape, and pictured Bethany standing before me, her smile radiant against the stunning natural beauty.
Today, under the watchful gaze of the waterfall and the vast expanse of the sky, I would vow to love her for eternity, embracing the adventure that awaited us.
Bethany POV
As the first light of dawn broke over Kvernufoss, illuminating the majestic waterfall and casting a gentle glow on the lush greenery surrounding me, I stood nervously in the secluded glade, my heart racing with excitement.
The cool mist from the cascading water kissed my skin, mingling with the delicate floral scent of the wildflowers that adorned the area.
Dressed in a flowing, light pink gown that danced around my ankles, I adjusted the lace-trimmed veil that framed my face, glancing at my reflection in the mirror.
Admiring having done my own hair, the front sections braided and pinned back as the rest of my hair flowed freely in waves under the veil.
The sound of rushing water outside the cabin placed near the waterfall provided a soothing soundtrack as I took a moment to breathe deeply, allowing the beauty of the landscape to ground me amidst the whirlwind of emotions.
I envisioned Emilio waiting just beyond the curtain of water, our love made tangible in this breathtaking setting.
Today, in this enchanting haven, I would make a promise that would bind our hearts together forever, surrounded by nature's splendor and the magic of the moment.
A knock at my door by the girl at the front desk told me it was time.
I chose Kvernufoss Mountain due to the seclusion yet serenity the location gave.
It was perfect for our intimate celebration given it was only Emilio, myself, the priest, and our witness.
As I made my way toward Emilio who was beside the priest, I couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear.
With the backdrop of the cascading waterfall, this moment couldn’t have been more perfect.
Even though this was an elopement, I wanted this ceremony to be deeply tied to Iceland’s cultural heritage. As we stood face to face, Emilio took my hands in his, our fingers tightly entwined in front of us while the priest began to speak.
“Jim, do you promise to love, to stand by, and to cherish Freya no matter what?” The priest voiced.
“I promise to love you, to stand by you, to cherish you, no matter what.” Emilio was never emotional; this was the first time I heard him get choked up.
Tears streamed down my cheeks as I replied, “And I promise to love you fiercely, to support you, and to choose you every single day.”
Underneath the vast, open sky, we exchanged our vows, pure and heartfelt, sealing our commitment in the sacred space of that moment.
“I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Emilio placed a soft kiss on my lips as his hands were placed on my hips.
In this moment, it was just the two of us, bound by love and the promise of forever.
We had chosen each other, against all odds, and nothing would ever change that.
We snapped out of the moment just as we heard someone clapping their hands.
As we both turned our heads, we saw a man, with half a slightly disfigured face, smirking in a sinister way.
“That was beautiful,” his raspy voice buzzed through the air.
Emilio without looking at me stood in front of me. “Bethany, run.”