13. Alejandro
Chapter 13
Alejandro
Standing under an arch of orange blossoms, I snap down the sleeves of my tuxedo and fold my hands in front of me to hide the tremors. The pianist begins to play “Ava Maria” and I promptly start to sweat. I’ve made poor decisions in my life, but this is by far the absolute worst.
I inhale as much oxygen as I can squeeze into my paralyzed lungs.
I’m consumed with an avalanche of regret.
Wait…
Maybe it isn’t too late. If I just jog down the aisle and talk to Emily, tell her exactly how I feel, maybe she will say yes, and we can share vows that are real.
Wishful thinker.
In less than a week, I’ve lost my mind. I’ve become a dreamer. A fantasizer. A die-hard romantic. And there isn’t a damn thing I can do to change what I’ve put into place.
I made Emily a promise, and I’m going to play my part.
Then, once this is over, I will be able to breathe again.
“Ava Maria” ends and “Here Comes the Bride” begins. The room full of strangers rises to their feet.
My aching heart grinds to a halt as my Emily steps through the doorway, gifting me with a smile brighter than the sun. She is stunning. A vision of beauty in a long, curve-hugging white dress.
The actor I hired to play the part of the priest leans over the makeshift pulpit. “Wow. If you’re not going to marry her for real, I will.”
I swivel his way, giving him a look that has him rocking a few steps back in his rented cassock.
Mine. She’s mine.
With the elegance of a queen, she slowly makes her way towards me. Her blue eyes stay locked with mine, sparkling like sapphires.
My lips begin to tremble as I fight back a wave of tears.
I’ve never seen such beauty.
My emotions heave through my gut like ocean swells in a raging storm. Sadness threatens to annihilate me…but I push it all back.
I made a commitment. And I’m going to stay true to my word.
True to my Emily.
Even as I stand before her with my insides igniting into a blistering hot raging inferno…I know I will burn to the ground in a pile of ash to be whatever she needs.