43.2 Katerina

"Over the course of their relationship, Alexander and Katerina have developed a strong bond based on shared values and mutual respect. With a solid foundation from which to grow, they have made the decision to take the oath of marriage and spend the rest of their lives together. Let us revel in the joy and love on display here today. May we treasure these memories as Alexander and Katerina, under the eyes of God, prepare to begin their new life together."

I felt Dad give my hand a gentle squeeze, getting my attention. He smiled softly at me, though I could see his green eyes filling with tears.

"Who gives this bride today?" Father Gabriel asked. Dad smiled, wiping a lone tear away before saying, "I do." He softly unhooked my arm from his and laid it gently on Alex's awaiting hand. He leaned over and gave me a kiss on the cheek before turning to Alex and giving him a fatherly hug before turning around and walking to the seat next to Mom, who smiled at him and gave his hand a gentle squeeze with her empty hand.

"Before we begin, I would like to ask if anyone has cause to object to the forming of this union. Speak now or forever hold your peace." We held our breath as we waited for someone to object. When no one interrupted, we let our breaths go as we looked at the priest. He smiled and addressed our guests, saying, "Marriage is a venerated institution, deserving of deep reverence. Today we observe the union of Alexander De Luca and Katerina Montgomery in holy matrimony, a commitment they have chosen to undertake with all the sincerity that it warrants. While marriage is a sacred and serious tradition, it is also cause for tremendous joy. Married life is full of surprises, adventures, and memory-making – all made possible by the enduring power of love. When Alexander and Katerina finalize this union, they will begin a new life of partnership, one defined by shared hopes, dreams, and successes."

I felt Alex squeeze my hand softly. I looked over at him, and he looked back with a small smile. Who would've thought that I would ever marry this man? I never in a million years thought that. I never envisioned my life turning out this way. I always thought that I would marry Jericho, and together we would have a beautiful family, a great career, and a 9-5 job. But nope, here I was standing at an altar, just moments from saying "I do" to spending the rest of my life with Alex. Life sure had a funny way of making the impossible happen.

I shook my head, and Alex raised a brow in question. I softly chuckled, but he rolled his eyes, making me grin as I turned my attention back to Father Gabriel. "Alexander and Katerina, as you learn to live as one, you will encounter many challenges that can help you grow. Spend time doing the things that make life precious. Cooperate with each other, always make time to laugh together, and never lose appreciation for the love that you share. Remember, too, to adhere to the vows that you will make today. Seek strength from each other, give hope to each other, and let your trials help you grow together. They say love can build bridges and climb mountains — and they're right. You will find that as it grows and matures over time, your love for one another will prove both fulfilling and empowering.

Yes, there will be challenges in life, but the strength of your bond will offer you protection against life's storms. Always make your relationship a priority and continue to nurture each other. Through a commitment to love, and with the power of faith, together you will be able to navigate any obstacles that come your way."

Though we've faced challenges already, I know that there will always be more, and each time, it will put our relationship to the test. But I also know that if we trust and work together, those challenges will be nothing because we always have a trusting relationship and mutual respect for each other. We didn't start off as other couples did, but to us, our relationship has never been perfect. To me, that was enough.

"Under the eyes of God, I solemnly bear witness to these matrimonial proceedings. I will now finalize the sacred covenant you shall both enter into on this day. The rite of marriage is an ancient institution, an important ritual that binds two people together for the rest of their days. Today, as you form this union, you're choosing to take a vow that is as sacred today as it was to your ancestors," Father Gabriel's voice broke me out of my thoughts. He smiled as he looked at Alex and me.

"The Bible makes note of the power of partnership in Ecclesiastes. It reminds us that 'Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?'"

I bit my lip, knowing what was coming next. I felt my heart begin to race in my chest as he said, "Alexander De Luca and Katerina Montgomery, I invite you to express your sacred vows to one another. Please face each other as you declare these vows before God and in the presence of your family and friends. Alexander, you may start."

As we faced each other, Alex took a deep breath. He held one of my hands in his and pulled a folded paper from his breast pocket before unfolding it. "Katerina, when we first met, I never imagined this day would come. But now that we are here, I couldn't have imagined choosing anyone else but you to go through life's journey with." I smiled as his hand began to shake. "I love your laugh, your smile, your caring nature, and that face you make when something is so cute, you just have to squeeze it. I promise to support you, to honor you, and to love you unconditionally, even when we may disagree on something. Like whether The Bachelor or Monday Night Football is more important to watch." I chuckled at his words. "I knew from the very moment I laid eyes on you that you were my forever. Someway, somehow, I was determined to make you mine. From this day forward, my heart is entirely yours. As we continue to grow in our lives together, I promise to give you all of my words when needed and to share in the silence when they are not. I promise to pick you up if you are down, to love you unconditionally, and to lay my bare skin on you when it is needed most."

I swallowed the lump in my throat as my eyes began to water. He reached up to wipe the lone tear that had rolled down my cheek with the pad of his thumb before continuing his speech. "I promise to care for you and our families for as long as we live, to adventure with you always, to say 'I love you' before falling asleep each night, to be the best dad I can be as we grow a family together, and to always know in the deepest part of my soul that when challenges arise, we will always find our way back to one another. Katerina, you are my everything, and this is my promise to you."