The wedding march softened and a sweet melody of flutes and vielles slowly builds up as I took my place on the gorgeous stage under a canopy of white and purple azaleas. The backdrop was stunning, the spring night surrounded by candles, the stars, and our loved ones. In the air, petals of chrysanthemums fly in the wind, and the smell of rosemary, roses, and chamomile is delightful.
The atmosphere was whimsical, fairytale-like, something only Disneyland could offer.
The grand doors at the end of the castle opened and the wedding march started again. My chest tightened and I straightened my wedding tuxedo, smoothing my hands down the lapels of my blazer and tried to remember my vows.
Everything had to be perfect.
The groomsmen and bridesmaids strode out. The ladies split up with us at the stage and they stood on either side, waiting for the bride to be announced.
Then I froze.
Right there, on the other end of the aisle, was my wife, my partner, my Queen.
Helena smiled beautifully behind her delicate veil the moment she caught my gaze and I felt my heart swell with love and adoration for her. Whatever bit of nerves that I felt evaporated and I let out breath.
I could almost hear my heart click at how right and perfect this was. This moment, this place, the woman walking towards me with purpose and grace that a ballerina would beg for.
Our appointed cameraman hovered near the stage, capturing every moment, recording everything.
Helena walking slowly down the aisle with the flower girls tossing flower petals in front of her and another child carrying the ring on a red cushion.
When she was within my reach, I extend my hand out to her. Helena switches her bouquet to her right hand and take mine. I bows and kisses the ring on her finger all the while my eyes never waver from hers. I looks deep into her soul, and I swear she can't breathe with me smothering her with so much love.
The rest of the ceremony passes in a blur. The rings are blessed, and we each exchange them. I can see in her eyes that she is thinking the same: that this ceremony would hurry along, so we can kiss and officially belong to each other.
"In the name of God, the Holy Spirit, and the Church, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife," As soon as the words are out of the priest's mouth, I encircle her waist with my hand pulling her flush against me and kisses her lips like I have never kissed them before.
And I pressed my lips to hers, sealing my life's fate and purpose.
Around us, claps and shouts of elation erupt, The guests popped streamers while others were whistling and encouraging us.
"Ivan," she whispers pressing her forehead to mine. Before the crowd claims us, she guides my hand to her bump and deliver the news she had been itching to say "I am pregnant. I am with child. Your child. Our child."
She was pregnant!?
But before I could reply a gunshot sounded. I gave Helena and others a confident nod and our stance shifted.
We all knew this would happen but I didn't think it would happen so soon.
'Why on my wedding day. Can't they come after a year or maybe never!?'
We all knew our fate and what we had to face. But I won't lose my love. I won't let the prediction of that dog come true.
