The ceremony was about to begin, and my nerves, surprisingly, had calmed. Standing there at the altar, dressed in my tailored suit, I felt ready ready to embrace this moment, this life, this love.
The crowd fell silent as the officiant stepped forward, a regal woman with an air of authority and kindness, her voice steady and warm as she welcomed everyone.
"Today, we gather to celebrate a union of love, commitment, and destiny," she began, her words resonating in the quiet garden.
My gaze shifted to Aeliana, standing opposite me. She was breathtaking, as she always was, but there was something more today an ethereal glow, an undeniable presence that made her seem otherworldly.
Her smile, soft and genuine, held me captive, and for a moment, I forgot we were surrounded by people. It was just us.
The officiant's words faded slightly into the background as my focus stayed on Aeliana. This was happening.