Chapter 262: The Best Words
- DEX -
Everything is exactly as I planned it with the help of one of the event coordinators here. The decorations are simple and elegant. Very little is needed when the surroundings are this beautiful.
But as I wait for Raya to finally appear, a bundle of insecurity rises and lodges itself in my throat. Was this the right thing, surprising her like this? Will she be disappointed if something is missing that she’s always dreamed of on her wedding day?
When Rory arrives, I know Raya will be following shortly after. My hands start shaking, so I clasp them together to get it under control. This is it. This is the day I make Raya my wife.
The soft music begins that is meant to accompany her arrival, and I take a deep, steadying breath. Trees sway around the bridge and gazebo while time slows to capture the sacred moments that are about to unfold. And then she appears, and my breath is gone completely.
Raya looks every bit the angel I call her. The only thing missing is wings, because the rest of her is completely ethereal.
When our eyes meet, I feel the connection between us all the way to my toes. She’s smiling, little wisps of blonde hair framing her beautiful face, intricate Italian lace flowing around her.
My heart skips with the instinct to meet her halfway and take her in my arms, but I force myself to wait. Each step she takes closer makes my heart soar higher until my chest is so full of love and adoration, it might burst before she can make it to me.
After what feels like a small, thrilling eternity of watching her walk over the bridge on her father’s arm, Raya’s feet join mine on the floral rug. We’re both here, in the center of nature’s chapel, under the watchful eyes of creation, coming to declare ourselves as one. So when I take her hand from Will’s, it’s with a silent vow that I will never let it go.
We stare at one another with mirroring smiles, and I can’t think of anything more perfect than this woman looking at me like she is right now. Our future together is in those blue eyes. The children we’re going to make. The life we’re going to share. It’s all there.
"Hi," she says with a soft giggle. It takes me clearing my throat before I can find my voice again to reply.
"Hi." My thumb runs over her hand as the warning of tears prickles behind my eyes. "You look so beautiful."
"Welcome, Auraya," the officiant says, and it surprises me. For a moment, I forgot he was even standing here. I forgot any of the others were here. "Are we ready to begin?"
——————
- RAYA -
Dad pats my hand while we hang back for a few minutes, giving Rory and Patricia time to make it to the ceremony location before we do.
"You look beautiful," he says at my side.
"Thank you," I smile, trying to focus on my breathing so I don’t hyperventilate.
The anticipation of this has to be the worst part. It’s exciting, but I’d almost rather have come here with Dex, walked down the aisle with him, faced the surprise with him at my side.
"Ready?" Dad finally asks, and I nod.
He guides me, which is fortunate because right now I’m not sure I would be able to walk on my own without visibly shaking.
Dad must feel me shaking and sense my nerves, because he pats my hand again. "It’s going to be okay." It’s meant to be reassuring, but I don’t answer him. I can’t.
When the destination finally comes into view, I breathe a sigh of relief. Dex is waiting for me right in the center of what looks like floating flowers and romantic lights overhead. Everything is so magical, but I can’t fully appreciate it. All I care about, all I can see and focus on, is Dex.
He’s wearing a navy vest with a white collared shirt underneath that’s unbuttoned at the neck. His sleeves are rolled up to reveal those impressive forearms, and his hands are clasped together. Navy slacks. Brown dress shoes and belt. Hair pulled back.
Each detail of him is quickly taken in, but the complete picture—Dex with that smile as he stares back at me with more love than I could have ever imagined receiving from a man—makes my knees weak.
I don’t see anyone else but him, and when he finally takes my hand, all of the trembles cease. I’m safe. I’m finally here with him. Nothing could be better.
The officiant begins speaking, welcoming everyone and talking about how beautiful and sacred a union like this is. It’s all wonderful, but it’s nothing compared to the poetry our souls are exchanging. Those are the silent words and promises that go so much deeper than anyone else’s words can.
Dex reveals rings for us to exchange, and he slips mine on, repeating the script that has been written for us while he gives me so much more with his eyes—with the emotions that are overflowing from them. And I do the same, brimming with joy when I get to slide the ring on his finger that symbolizes our infinite, undying love.
"By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
It’s like coming up for air. Those might be the first words I’ve actually heard during this whole ceremony. And they’re the best words.
Dex draws me close and pauses a breath away to smile. Finally, I’m in his arms. Finally I get the reward of being allowed to stay by him for the rest of the day... for the rest of our days.
"My wife," Dex whispers against my lips.
"My husband," I smile back, letting the magic of those words sink in. Wife. Husband. He’s officially mine.
Then Dex kisses me—my husband kisses me—sealing these promises to each other with lips soft and sweet and wanting, and I imagine just staying here with him. Kissing him, losing myself in this perfect exchange, letting everything else cease to matter. Dex Mobius is my husband. That’s all I need.
But then our family cheers, and I’m reminded that there are others here who want to celebrate with us. Lips reluctantly parting, my husband’s warm honey-brown eyes meet mine.
"I love you, Auraya." His forehead drops to rest against mine, and I sigh happily.
"I love you, Alexander."
Gemma is the first to approach us. She kisses both of my cheeks. "Welcome to the family, sweetheart."
Then Saul, Vanessa, my dad and Patricia. We receive warm wishes and love from each of them, and the whole time Dex is right next to me—this safety and home that I never have to part from. This is the greatest day of my life. That’s all I keep thinking.
When Luciano and Rory are next to congratulate us, a rush of new emotions rises. The four of us have been through so much together this week and the past several weeks, but this feels like the victory at the end. We survived. We made it through.
The rest is going to be easier from here, like we’re four children who have reached the top of a big hill and now get the joy of running freely down the other side. The view is breathtaking from up here, and I know with certainty that this is what’s next for them, too. The four of us are going to be partners in this strange, beautiful mystery that has brought us all together.
Rory hugs me, and the childhood we shared, the difficulties along the way, all merge into this one moment when our hearts are healed and the future awaits.
"Don’t cry, Raya," she chuckles, pulling back to reveal the tears that are streaming down her face as well.
"I can’t help it." I sniff and allow her to pat my cheeks dry. "I love you so much. Thank you for being here."
"Thank you for being here," she says in return, her smile fading into a thoughtful one. "And thank you for not giving up me. For helping me. For wanting me here."
"Always. No thanks necessary."
"Mr. and Mrs. Mobius," Luciano says with a crooked smile, arm wrapping around my sister like it’s the most natural thing in the world. "Let’s celebrate."
