Wind (a novel)

Chapter Sixteen - Forever By Your Side

The day dawned with a soft light that filtered through the trees, painting the sky in delicate hues of pink and blue, and casting a warm glow over the small church nestled at the foot of the hill.

It was the same church that had been the center of Paulo and Annie's lives as children, the place where they had once run barefoot, laughed with abandon, and dreamt of futures entwined. Today, this humble sanctuary would witness the fulfillment of those dreams, dreams that had been lost, found, and finally brought to life by the grace of God.

Inside the church, the air buzzed with excitement. Family and friends from all walks of Paulo and Annie's lives filled the wooden pews, faces alight with joy. Paulo's parents were seated near the front, his mother already dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief, overcome with emotion. Annie's parents sat beside them, their faces beaming with pride for the daughter who had finally found her way back to the love of her life—back to Christ.

The floral decorations were simple yet beautiful—peach roses and lavender, with sprigs of eucalyptus that filled the air with a subtle fragrance. Candles flickered gently on the altar, where Pastor Vicente stood with a serene smile on his face, awaiting the couple he had known since childhood.

Paulo stood at the front of the church, his heart pounding with nervous excitement. He wore a classic gray suit, perfectly tailored, though it wasn't the fabric or the fit that made him look as though he were glowing. It was the joy that radiated from within, the joy that came from knowing today was the day he would make Annie his wife.

He glanced over his shoulder at the people gathered. Their former youth group members were there, some now married themselves, others with children, all smiling at the sight of Paulo standing at the altar. These were the friends who had prayed for them, who had encouraged them when life seemed to pull them apart. To see them gathered here, sharing in this moment, filled Paulo with gratitude.

And then, the music began.

The doors at the back of the church swung open, and Annie stepped inside. For a moment, Paulo's breath caught in his throat. She looked radiant, more beautiful than he had ever seen her. Her gown was simple yet elegant, a flowing white dress that shimmered with each step she took. A delicate lace veil framed her face, but it couldn't hide the joy in her eyes or the smile that spread across her lips as she met Paulo's gaze.

As she walked down the aisle, her father beside her, time seemed to slow. Every step felt like a new beginning, every heartbeat filled with a love that had only grown deeper with each passing year. Paulo's heart swelled, his eyes misting with tears he didn't bother to hold back.

The moment Annie reached the altar, her father placed her hand in Paulo's, giving him a nod that said more than words ever could. Paulo's grip on Annie's hand tightened as he led her up the small steps to stand before Pastor Vicente. The world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the two of them and the God who had brought them back together.

Pastor Vicente smiled warmly, his deep voice reverberating through the church. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Paulo and Annie in holy matrimony, a bond ordained by God and built on the foundation of love. This love—your love—is a testament to God's faithfulness, for He has brought you together. Together again after years apart, and through Him, your love will endure."

Before the ceremony officially began, Pastor Vicente had one more special moment planned. He turned to Annie with a gentle smile.

"Annie, today is not just a day of celebration, but also a day of renewal. Before we proceed, you said you wished to rededicate your life to Christ?"

"Yes, Pastor." Annie nodded, her eyes brimming with tears. She turned to Paulo, her hand still in his, and whispered, "I'm ready, my love."

The entire congregation watched with reverence as Pastor Vicente led Annie in a simple but powerful prayer of rededication, guiding her as she reaffirmed her faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. It was as if she was marrying God first before Paulo, saying her vows in front of all to hear.