The Thistles of Rose

35 • Peace

♕ Rose ♕

Out of sight of everyone, I observe my finished look in the floor-length, gold mirror, clutching the red rose bouquet in my hands.

We moved into our new house a week ago, so we could get settled in nicely before the wedding.

I'm so obsessed with the way it has come together. Everything weaves together perfectly to create it: my gorgeous veil attached to the crystal tiara in my hair, the unfettered butterflies flying around the guests, our new mansion making it all the grander and my baby girl's dress.

There was a lot of material left after all the altercations, so I told the tailor to turn it into a dress for my little girl. Hence, we're matching.

Roman stands with me in a white, jacquard suit and a nine-month-old Aurelia on his hip. She flails her arms around and chatters excitedly, thinking that I'll pick her up.

His bright brown eyes stay fixed on me, so I ask him. "What's wrong?"

He shakes his head. "You just look really pretty today."

That made my heart smile.

"Thank you, my sweet boy." I smile at him and step forward to rest my hand under his chin. Roman lets me press my lips on his forehead and I do the same to Lia, who tries to grab onto my dangly pearl earrings.

In both instances, I hear the click of the camera from the photographer.

"Roman! Where have you been? You're 2 minutes late," Maya rushes over, holding up her sage, satin dress from the bottom.

"Lia dropped her lion toy somewhere. I managed to distract her with the butterflies while I went to find it," he responds, rolling his eyes at Maya.

"Well, go," she shoves the basket of white petals in his hand, "we're all waiting for you."

Maya walks to the stone rail at the edge of the balcony and throws her thumb in the air, indicating that they're ready. The photographer walks down the steps with her camera, ready to catch each moment. The song's melody starts to play and Roman and Aurelia slowly start to walk down the steps, dropping the petals as they go.

I'm bubbling with excitement, right now. It all finally feels so real. From today on, I'll be Mrs Armani, forever wed to my soulmate.

I watch my two children pave the path of peace for me. I could've asked Dante to walk me down but I didn't need anyone to give me away to Luca. I'm already completely, utterly his and I will be for the rest of my existence.

Maya took the other exit and is now standing at the altar. When she nods at me, I stand at the top of the stone steps, my bouquet clutched in my hands and overlooking everyone.

A chorus of gasps and whispers resonate the second everyone spots me. I hold up my dress as I carefully walk down them.

Please don't fall. It's gonna be so embarrassing.

Despite all the eyes focused on me, there's only one gaze that matters. He tries to hide the elation in his grey eyes, but I see straight through them like clear glass. He gawks at me like it's the first time he's ever seen me.

And, he smiles. For the entire group of people to see.

He smiles at me. That alone bought a tear to my eye. This man who, when I first met him, could only frown is now smiling at me in front of people.

Eagerly, he waits under the stone gazebo which has vines tangled all around it and the white butterflies flying to the red roses. His brown curls have been combed back but remain stubborn to him as they brush over his forehead, just the way I like it. The black jacquard suit he wears has roses printed in velvet onto the jacket. But the most attractive feature is his smile.