Miss Historian and Her Lady Guide (The Love We Found)

I DO

The day dawned with a soft, golden light filtering through the trees, casting a warm glow over the gardens of an old Spanish colonial house in Vigan. The scent of jasmine and sampaguita filled the air, mingling with the salty breeze from the nearby sea. It was the perfect setting for a new beginning — the day Roxan and Dana would exchange vows and promise each other forever.

Friends and family gathered in the garden, their laughter and chatter a harmonious backdrop to the sounds of rustling leaves and distant waves. A canopy of white and pastel flowers hung overhead, and a path lined with lanterns led to a simple altar framed by the arching branches of an ancient tree.

Roxan stood before a mirror in a room upstairs, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. Her dress, a delicate off-white creation with intricate embroidery, seemed to shimmer in the morning light. She had chosen a design that was a modern take on the traditional baro't saya, honoring both her heritage and her new beginning. Her hair was adorned with small, white sampaguita blooms, the same flowers she remembered from her grandmother's garden.

Taking a deep breath, Roxan adjusted her earrings and glanced at herself in the mirror, feeling a rush of anticipation. This was the moment she had never dared to dream of — a wedding that celebrated not only her love for Dana but also the love stories they had fought to uncover, the hidden histories they had vowed to bring to light.

Her maid of honor, Maribel, stepped into the room, her eyes widening with admiration. "Roxan, you look stunning," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "Dana's going to lose it when she sees you."

Roxan laughed, her nervousness easing a little. "I hope so," she replied, her smile growing. "I can't believe this is really happening."

Maribel grinned and handed her a small bouquet of white and lavender flowers. "Believe it," she said softly. "Today is your day — yours and Dana's. And it's going to be perfect."

Roxan nodded, taking a deep breath. "Thank you," she whispered, feeling a surge of gratitude for all the people who had come together to make this day special.

---

Outside, Dana was standing under the shade of a large acacia tree, adjusting her suit jacket. She wore a tailored barong Tagalog, a mix of traditional and contemporary styles, embroidered with delicate patterns that seemed to dance in the sunlight. Her heart was racing, not with nerves, but with an overwhelming sense of joy.

Her best man, Luis, clapped her on the shoulder with a grin. "You ready for this?" he asked, his tone teasing but affectionate.

Dana laughed, a sound filled with happiness. "More than ready," she replied. "I've been waiting for this day my whole life, even if I didn't know it until I met her."

Luis nodded, his smile softening. "You two are perfect together," he said. "And I couldn't be happier for you."

The officiant, an old family friend, signaled that it was time. Dana took one last deep breath and made her way to the altar, her heart swelling with love and anticipation.

---

The music began, a soft melody played by a string quartet. The guests turned to face the back of the garden, where Roxan appeared, her arm linked with her father's. As she began to walk down the aisle, Dana's breath caught in her throat. Roxan looked like a vision, her face glowing with happiness, her eyes shining as they met Dana's.

Dana felt a wave of emotion wash over her. She had always known that Roxan was beautiful, but today, she seemed almost ethereal, as if she had stepped out of a dream.

Roxan's heart was pounding as she made her way down the aisle, her gaze never leaving Dana's. She saw the love and admiration in Dana's eyes, and it filled her with a sense of peace, a certainty that this was where she was meant to be.

When she finally reached the altar, Dana took her hands, her touch warm and steady. "You look... incredible," Dana whispered, her voice filled with awe.

Roxan smiled, feeling a tear slip down her cheek. "So do you," she replied softly.

The officiant began the ceremony, speaking words of love, commitment, and the importance of choosing each other every day. Roxan and Dana had written their own vows, and as they spoke them, their voices were filled with emotion.

"I promise to love you fiercely and fearlessly," Roxan began, her voice strong and clear. "To honor the love we share and to cherish every moment we have together. I vow to support your dreams, to stand by your side, and to be your partner in all things. You have brought light into my life, and I promise to keep that light burning, no matter what comes our way."

Dana's eyes were wet with tears as she listened, her heart swelling with love. When it was her turn, she took a deep breath and began.

"I promise to be your safe harbor," Dana said, her voice trembling with emotion. "To love you in every season, through every joy and challenge. I vow to share my life with you, to build a future together, and to never stop believing in the magic of our love. You are my heart, my home, and my forever."

There wasn't a dry eye among the guests as they exchanged rings, each symbolizing their commitment to a lifetime of love and adventure. When the officiant finally declared them married, they leaned in, their lips meeting in a kiss that was filled with promise, joy, and the sweet, undeniable truth of their love.

---

The reception was a celebration of color, music, and laughter. Under the open sky, Roxan and Dana danced their first dance as a married couple, moving slowly to the rhythm of a song that had become theirs over the course of their journey. As they danced, the world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them, wrapped in the warmth of each other's arms.

Their friends and family cheered, clapping in rhythm, and soon everyone was on their feet, joining in the dance. The garden was filled with joy, the kind that seemed to ripple outward, touching everyone present.

Later, as they sat side by side, watching the sunset paint the sky with shades of pink and gold, Dana turned to Roxan with a soft smile. "We did it," she whispered. "We made it here, together."

Roxan leaned her head against Dana's shoulder, feeling a deep sense of contentment. "Together," she echoed. "And this is just the beginning."

Dana nodded, her heart full. "Just the beginning of a beautiful, endless story," she murmured.

They sat in comfortable silence, watching the sky darken and the stars begin to appear, knowing that whatever came next, they would face it hand in hand. Today had been perfect, a celebration not just of their love, but of all the love that had come before them and all that would come after.

As the first fireflies began to dance around them, Roxan took Dana's hand and squeezed it gently. "To the rest of our lives," she whispered.

"To the rest of our lives," Dana replied, sealing the promise with a kiss under the stars.