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The ceremony began, and the priest spoke the traditional vows, his voice calm and soothing. I barely heard the words; all I could see was Massimo—his strong jaw, his broad shoulders, the way his eyes softened whenever they met mine.
When it was my turn, I looked up into his eyes, and everything else faded away. “I, Sofia De Luca, take you, Massimo Sartori, to be my husband,” I said, my voice steady, my heart full. “To love, honor, cherish, and obey, from this day forward.”
Massimo’s voice was deep and certain as he repeated the vows, his hand squeezing mine. “I, Massimo Sartori, take you, Sofia De Luca, to be my wife. To protect, honor, and cherish, for all the days of my life.”
The priest smiled and announced, “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Massimo didn’t hesitate. He pulled me close, his lips capturing mine in a kiss that was passionate and full of promise. The crowd erupted in applause, but all I could hear was the beating of my heart, and all I could feel was the warmth of his lips on mine.
As he pulled back, he whispered against my lips, “You’re mine now, Mrs. Sartori.”
I smiled, my heart swelling with joy. “And you’re mine, Mr. Sartori.”
The applause around us grew louder, and I felt a wave of emotion wash over me. I held onto Massimo’s—my husband’s—hand tightly. I glanced out at the guests, at my father’s smiling face, his eyes glistening with tears. For the first time, I saw a sense of peace there, a quiet acceptance that warmed my heart.
Everything was exactly as it should be.
The sun dipped lower, casting a golden glow over everything, and in that moment, I knew that this was just the beginning of our forever.