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“Paul Crane and Nadia Sokol chose to share this special day with those close to them. You were invited here to witness one of the most important days in their lives. If you had the pleasure of spending any time with them, you are left without doubt of their loving bond as a couple. It was indeed clear to me that they were committed to spending the rest of their lives together. Paul and Nadia, this ceremony is your promise to each other that no matter what challenges you face, you are not alone. You will have each other. Today, you become one. We will seal the bond by reciting the vows you will hold true in your marital commitment. Do you, Nadia Sokol, take Paul Crane to be your husband.”
“I do. I vow to love, honor, obey, and cherish him, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, till death and after.”
Xander smiled at me and handed me the band of gold I’d chosen as Paul’s ring.
Paul squeezed my hands to calm me as my trembling fingers slid the band on his finger.
“Do you, Paul Crane, take Nadia Sokol to be your wife.”
“I do. I vow to love, honor, and cherish her, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, till death and after.”
Paul slid a band on my finger, a marquis diamond ring with a blue center like his eyes.
“Now, we will have a reading of the E. E. Cummings poem, ‘I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart)’, by the bride and groom.”
We serenaded each other with a small passage from the poem as we gazed into each other’s eyes. Our love was a sonnet, a poem, a melody of beauty. It was a loving bond aligned with all that gave us life. And in this poetic vow we were devoted, fearless of love’s consuming nature. And even apart, we were never alone because we would carry each other.
We ended by reciting the last lines in unison, “I carry your heart. (I carry it in my heart).”
He mouthed, “I love you.”
My heart swelled.
“If anyone objects to their union, speak now or forever hold your peace,” our officiator said.
Of course, no one dared.
“I now pronounce you man and wife. May I present, Paul and Nadia Crane.”
Paul pulled me into his arms and crashed his lips down on mine. My gasp was lost as his tongue slipped inside and against mine, stroking, tantalizing, arousing. My desire for him took over my senses, and I kissed him back with just as much unrestraint.
The courtyard erupted in cheers, and he broke our kiss with a chuckle and cupped my face, tracing his thumb over my swollen lips.
“You’ve got a long night ahead of you,” he whispered.
“You can do whatever you want with me.”
“I know I can, and I will.”
“I can’t wait.”
“Apparently, you can.” His tone had a hint of frustration. “Two weeks was much too long.”
I grinned. “I’ll make up for it.”
We twisted and turned to each hug and handshake. I strained my ears over the hum of the music and crowd as people flooded forward, introducing themselves as relatives, friends, and business associates. I tried to give each person an enthusiastic “Thank you for coming.”
Paul touched my arm. “Pace yourself, Mrs. Crane.”
My chest fluttered, and I grinned. “I love being called Mrs. Crane.”
“I know you do.” He hugged my waist, and I closed my eyes. This is perfect.
“Nadia.” Darling came forward and kissed my cheek. She looked beautiful in her rose sheath dress. “When you stopped in the aisle, we all thought you were about to make a break for it. Paul had to drag you the rest of the way.”
My brows rose. “I wasn’t going to run away. I love Paul very much.”
Darling laughed. “I’m messing with you. You have to stop making it so easy for me.”
