Marriage by Bravery - Book 3

Chapter Nineteen

Luca

I felt my breath catch as her music cued and the doors of the ballroom opened to welcome my bride. It was as if time slowed in that moment while I watched her walking towards me, head held high with confidence in the decision she was making to spend her life me. She looked every bit like queen she was as she approached with that easy, unintentionally sensual stride of hers. My eyes stung from what suspiciously felt like tears causing me to blink furiously in denial that this woman could bring me to the point of weakness so often and so easily. Half the time not even realizing what she was doing to me. Simultaneously my body stirred in a way only Kimberly could provoke, I had to will myself to calm down and not embarrass us both before the ceremony even began. I forced my eyes away from her body, to focus on her face. Though it was covered by a veil I could still see her grinning broadly underneath, as my father escorted her up the aisle. I couldn't help but smile as well,  only further confusing myself with this roller-coaster of emotions I was experiencing. She finally reached her designated place and my father placed her hands in mine signaling the official start of the wedding ceremony.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Luca Nari Giordano and Kimberly Savanna Howard."

I found myself listening intently to every word the officiating minister said, internally promising myself and Kimberly to honor them always. Then came the time to exchange rings.

We watched in a amusement as the ring bearers, our one year-old nephews, came toddling down the aisle guided by their parents. Traditionally they would have entered before the bride but it would have been impossible to keep them standing in one place for the entire ceremony. Damiano diverted and started towards my mother, but Lia quickly got him back on track then as if on cue Matteo decided that it was time to go potty, he stopped right by our feet, stooped down and proceeded to go very loudly in his diaper. Mortified, Damian snatched him up quickly and tossed the pillow with Kim's ring secured to it in my direction, before making a beeline for the door. I caught it by reflex, just in time to hear Damiano crying after his brother who was being toted away by their father. The twins were rarely separated and this day would clearly be no exception to their rule. Lia shoved my ring at Kim and tried desperately to soothe the baby as she hurried out of the room. Our guests chuckled in good-nature and I had to bite my lip in to avoid laughing as well. We exchanged our vows confidently and clearly, for everyone witnessing our union to hear. When it came time for us to to say our I do's, there was no hesitation in either of us and that settled something in my soul that I hadn't even known was off kilter.

"I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

I pushed her veil back from her face, finally being able to look into my wife's happily sparkling eyes. She took my distraction as her cue to steal the show, pulling me towards her and planting on my lips a kiss so intense that it left us both momentarily dazed. I grinned when I regained my senses and was pleased to see Kim wearing a goofy smile of her own.

"Well come on everyone, let's party!" She shouted.

My cousins whooped and cheered while the rest of the guests applauded and whistled as Kim and I made our way out of the room as Mr and Mrs Giordano.

The reception was held in gardens of the estate. It went off more or less without a hitch. The twins were happy to be out of their wedding suits and toddling from adult to adult sampling whatever foods were left unattended. Zidana bounced in her father's lap cooing and giggling loudly at the boys' mischief, it would be mayhem when she finally learned to walk and could be a part of their posse.

As was customary, Kim and I greeted guests and made small talk. We cut our cake and fed each other a small chunk. Then the master of ceremonies called us out for our first dance as man and wife to Kim's favorite song, For You by Kenny Lattimore. As we swayed in each other's arms I couldn't help but resonate with the words of the song. Kim had come along and completed me, so much so that there wasn't anything I wouldn't do or give for her. That thought in mind, I leaned down to capture her lips in a tender kiss. She hadn't been expecting it so she was briefly surprised before she melted against my body and returned my kisses with some of her own.