Ask the Sinners

On an autum night

  My breath was taken away when I saw Banica walking towards me. Her wedding dress was all white except for a large red flower that bloomed over her heart. Delicate ribbons swung down from the back of the flower and wound around her hips. She caught me looking and smiled under her veil.

  She reached the platform I was on, and Arte took her bouquet. Banica clasped my hands in hers and looked at me shyly.

  "Do you, Prince Carlos Marlon, take Lady Banica Conchita to be your wife wedded by law?" the priest asked.

  I didn't break my gaze away from her. "I do." A wave of warmth rose to my face, but I ignored it.

  "And do you, Lady Banica Conchita, take Prince Carlos Marlon to be your husband wedded by law?" he asked her.

  Her smile grew wider and more confident. "I do."

The priest raised his hands up. "By the powers vested in me, I now pronounce you, husband and wife."

Everyone who was watching clapped and stood up. Two thin shrieks of joy cut through the cries, and two children bolted from the sidelines.

"Lady Banica!" they both shouted.

Arte broke away from her brother and glared at me, sticking out her lower lip. "You better not hurt Lady Banica," she warned. "Or else there won't be enough of your body left to find."

A bead of sweat rolled down my back, but I only nodded at her words. At her threat.

"You don't have to worry about me," I said. "I love Banica."

The threat melted from her eyes, and she smiled. "Okay!" With that, she went in to hug her friend and brother.

I watched from where I stood. Banica was holding the twins tightly, excitement radiating from her. She had a fond smile on her face, and just looking at her made me happy.

Five years ago, I never would have guessed that this would actually work. And while I had been wrong after just a few months, I was still surprised that I was standing here today. There wasn't anyone else I'd have rather married.

Pollo looked at me. "Thank you for marrying Banica," he said in his most serious voice. However, he still looked like a child, so it didn't work all that well. He grinned. "And now you're a part of our family."

I reached over to pat his head. Pollo liked me a little more than Arte did, which meant we talked more. He had seemed to forgive me for something I hadn't even done, but I didn't dare ask what it was.

"I'm very glad to be a part of your family," I told him honestly. "So thank you."

He grinned wider, showing the slight gap between his teeth. Then he went back to Arte, grabbing her hand. She turned, the softest smile on her face. I hadn't ever seen her look like that before. Typically, she always looked a little unhappy.

But not today. Today was a joyful day, one to remember until the end of time came.