Another Love Story

Chapter Twenty-One

Over the next couple of months, Lucas and Delilah worked hard to plan their dream wedding, with a little help from her parents, uncles and godmother along the way. Roman's mother had moved away quite a while ago, though she called every other day to hear how the plans were coming along, and to give them any ideas she had come up with. At the end of the two months, with the venue, caterers and everything else booked and paid for in full, now it was just a matter of waiting for their big day to arrive. The ceremony would take place at a large cathedral in the next town over, it was going to be amazing. The young couple thought it was crazy that, a month from now, they'd be husband and wife. It would be the beginning of the rest of their lives together, and they couldn't wait. The time passed quickly and before anyone knew it, the day had come. Ten minutes before the ceremony was scheduled to begin, Lucas arrived at the venue, accompanied by Roman, Logan and Rose. The groom made his way to the altar and stepped up onto the platform where the officiant stood, this was the man who was going to marry him and Delilah. Roman, his mother and Lo got the guests in and seated. Then, five minutes before the ceremony, Dee arrived. She was accompanied by Virgil, Patton and Aria. When the music began playing, reality set in and nerves began to creep in.

"I-I don't know if I can do this... I mean, I love him and this is what I want but what if he only asked me because he felt pressured. He might just be going along with this so he doesn't hurt my feelings. What if he ends up changing his mind in a few months time? I won't be able to handle a divorce, I don't want to lose him."

A wave of calmness washed over her thanks to Aria's magic.

"You're just nervous and overthinking things. Those are all what ifs, worst case scenarios. Look, Dee... Lucas loves you. He really does. He proposed because he wants to be your husband. He wants, more than anything, to be by your side forever. You two are meant for each other, I'm sure of it. I know it's a big step and it's scary, but it's worth it. Marrying your father, well... it was the best decision I ever made. That and the decision to have you, of course."

She smiled slightly.

"Good save, dad... and yeah, you're right. I'm worrying for nothing. Lucas and I are going to get married and live happily ever after together. It'll be amazing. Okay... I'm ready."

Two guards, who were there to make sure everything went smoothly, opened the double doors at the entrance to the venue. All of the guests stood as Delilah was walked down the aisle by Virgil. Aria and Patton followed behind them and then took their seats. When he saw his soon-to-be wife, Lucas' jaw figuratively dropped. This whole thing was now becoming as real to him as it had just become for her. No nerved overcame him though, he was just happy. Really, really happy. And tearful. Now, with the bride and groom at the altar together and all of the guests seated, the ceremony began. The wedding officiant spoke.

"Welcome. We are gathered here today to witness the sacred union of Delilah and Lucas. We gather here to honour and celebrate the love shared between these two people, as they come together to start their new life with a solemn vow, surrounded by their closest family and friends."

Delilah smiled, looking to the side where her parents stood.

"There are no vows more meaningful and powerful than those which will be shared here today. Your wedding vows are a sacred declaration of your love for each other, the foundation of your relationship as a married couple, and the life you want to build together."

The couple smiled at one another, loving expressions on each of their faces.

"Now, please face each other as you declare these vows to one another. Delilah, you may start."

They both turned to face each other, Lucas gently holding her hands in his. As Dee began to speak, tears filled her eyes.

"I, Delilah, take you, Lucas to be my lawfully wedded husband. I promise to stay by your side through the good and the bad times, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. I vow to stay true to you and love you unconditionally for the rest of my days."

Tears slipped down her cheeks and Lucas gently wiped them away, now tearing up himself.

"Lucas, please now make your vows."

"I, Lucas, take you, Delilah to be my lawfully wedded wife. I promise that from this day until my last I will love you, care for you, and celebrate you. You are my closest friend, my other half, and the one that I will treasure forever. I will dedicate my energy to bringing you days filled with laughter, joy, tenderness, and unwavering love."

The officiant nodded. Then, he proceeded with the next part of the ceremony.

"Do you, Lucas, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you promise to love her, protect her, and stay true to her for the rest of your lives?"

"I do."

"And do you, Delilah, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to love him, protect him, and stay true to him for the rest of your lives?"

"I do."

He smiled, picking up a cushion which held two golden wedding bands.

"It is now time for you to exchange rings. These rings symbolise the eternal commitment that you make to each other, and the never ending circle of your love. May these rings always remind you of the commitment you are making here today... Delilah and Lucas, please repeat after me."

And so, they both repeated what he said simultaneously.

"I, Lucas, give you, Delilah, this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment to you."

"I, Delilah, give you, Lucas, this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment to you."

They each slipped one of the rings onto the other's finger.

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Lucas wasted no time, wrapping an arm around his now wife's waist and pulling her close to him, kissing her tenderly.

"It is with great honour and delight that I present to you Mr and Mrs. Prince."

Lucas had decided to take Delilah's last name, breaking typical tradition.