The Return (Book 2 of It's Not Forever) COMPLETE

Chapter 32

A/N: Gaara's point of view until further notice :3

   
My heart is pounding so fast I think it's going to burst through my ribcage. Kankuro, Shikamaru, and Sai have been with me while I've been getting ready and their banter has distracted me, but now it's almost time for the ceremony. I'll be marrying Kaida and it'll make me so happy, so why am I so freaked out right now? Kankuro must've noticed my unease and pats me on the shoulder.
"You're going to do fine brother. You get to marry the annoying girl."
"I'm not as scared now as you were when she lit you up." I mutter causing him to smack me on the back of the head.
"Shut up about that."
"Kaida lit you on fire?" Sai, being the only one who didn't know, asks.
"Gaara got her drunk and she lit me on fire for bumping into me."
We all laugh and he scowls.
"Thank you Kankuro." I tell him.
We never got along when we were younger, mostly my fault, but hearing him reassure me made me feel a bit less jittery. Naruto knocks on the door and peeks his head in to tell us that it's time to go. The ceremony is going to be held at the shrine in the middle of the village, so everyone can see it. Honestly, I wish we could've had a small private wedding, but that can't happen as Kazekage. I know Kaida wanted the same as well. An idea forms in my mind and I scribble something down on a piece of paper.
"Shikamaru, you're faster. Go take this to Kaida and let me know what she says."
He raises an eyebrow but doesn't question me. I send Sai after Naruto, who shouldn't be too hard to find, then fill Kankuro in on my idea.
The door opens a few minutes later to reveal Sai and Naruto. Apparently he had been hiding in the kitchen from Sakura after he accidently stepped on her foot or something. I tell him my idea and that it depends on Kaida's response. Shikamaru walks in and nods, so I tell him to open the door. Kaida walks in dressed in a pure white kimono with her hair done in some elaborate style I couldn't even hope to understand. Temari and Ino come in close behind her and close the door. My eyes are glued to her instantly and all of my worry dissolves away. My focus is brought back to attention by Ino waving her hand in between us.
"Alright everyone, if we want this to happen before the ceremony we have to hurry."
Naruto stands at the front of the room with me standing to his right, with Sai, Kankuro, and Shikamaru next to me. Ino and Temari shove Kaida out of the room, then two walk in and take their places and Kaida walks in. My eyes are still glued to her and I can feel a lump in my throat. Her eyes are watery too but are glowing with happiness. She stands next to me and I take her hands as we look up at Naruto. Sadly, somehow that boy got allowed to officially perform weddings. He runs through his little speech, then allows me to speak my vows.
"Kaida, you're my love and my life, the most beautiful and amazing girl I've ever seen. We've been together through life and death and I wouldn't trade any moment of it. I can't promise you that dark clouds will never hover over our lives or that the future will bring us many rainbows. I can't promise you that tomorrow will be perfect or that life will be easy. I can promise you my everlasting devotion, my loyalty, my respect, and my unconditional love for a lifetime. I can promise that I'll always be here for you, to listen and to hold your hand, and I'll always do my best to make you happy and make you feel loved. I can promise that I'll see you through any crisis, and dream with you, build with you, and always cheer you on and encourage you. I can promise that I'll willingly be your protector, your advisor, your counselor, your friend, your family, and your everything til death do us part. I love you Kaida."
I realize that she is crying along with the other girls and my own face is a little wet. Naruto sobs, shocking everyone, and he tells Kaida to do her vows. She clears her throat and wipes under her eyes before speaking.
"Gaara, when I met you, I had no idea how much my life was about to be changed, but then how could I have known? A love like ours happens once in a lifetime. You were a godsend to me, the one who was everything I had ever hoped for, the one I thought existed only in my dreams. When you came into my life, I realized that what I had always thought was happiness couldn't compare to the joy loving you brought me. You are a part of everything I think and do and feel, and with you by my side, I believe that anything is possible. Because of you, I laugh, smile and I dare to dream again. Thank you for the miracle of you. You are, and always will be, the love of my life. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I will love you, without reservation, cherish you and hold you in the highest regard. I will support you and comfort you, through life's joys and sorrows. I will encourage you, inspire you, and be honest and faithful to you. I will stand by your side, in sickness and in health, for the rest of my life. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life. I love you Gaara."
She started crying more during her vows, and Temari and Ino are openly sobbing behind her. I hadn't noticed that Naruto is hugging the girls too and crying. He looks over his shoulder to finish the speech.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride!"
I pull her close to me and our lips connect, starting a whole new round of sobs and cheers to echo in the room. We part and I can feel the smile on my own face mirroring the one on her own. Naruto clears his throat and stands behind us again.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you Lord and Lady Kazekage Subaku no Gaara."
I take her hand again and pull her into another kiss. A knock on the door draws our attention and the girls scurry to hide out of sight as Kankuro peeks his head out the door.
"Come on guys, it's time for the ceremony." He smirks and we head outside. Kaida and the girls sneak out of the house a minute later and act as if they're on their way from the hotel.