Page 127 of Crowned In Blood

I took another deep breath then shook out my hands, trying to get my excitement under control, before stepping out into the hall. When I reached the bottom stairs, Ruth was there to give me away.

I'd chosen her because if it hadn't been for her honesty and trust in me, I would have never allied myself with Marco. And while he'd always told me his goal was to be with me, no matter what or how long it would take, Ruth had given him a way. Without her, I likely wouldn't have the happiness I did in my life now.

Ruth's eyes shone with tears as she grasped my hands. "You look beautiful, Doña. Let's get you to your man."

I gulped and nodded, not trusting myself to speak, then took her arm as we slowly made our way down the aisle.

As I passed our family, seeing their cheerful smiles and the way they clapped for us, more tears came to my eyes, but not a single one fell until I saw Marco.

He was stunningly handsome. His suit was perfectly tailored, with a matching ranunculus from my bouquet and the watch I'd given him as a wedding present.

But it was his gaze that struck me. The love and affection there and the brilliant smile that lit up my entire world.

He thanked Ruth, and we helped her sit down in her chair, then he grasped my shaking hands with his own.

I barely heard the officiant, and if it weren't for Carlos handing us the rings, I would have missed my cue entirely.

"Do you, Catalina Salazar, take Marco Torrino to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

I didn't hesitate for a moment. "I do."

Marco slipped my wedding band and ring onto my finger, a gorgeous mixture of white and black, light and dark, just like us.

"And do you, Marco Torrino?—"

"I do."

The crowd laughed, and more tears gathered in my eyes at his eagerness. I slipped his wedding band on, which matched the same blend of white and black as mine, and had the night of our first date inscribed inside.

"With the power vested in me, you may now kiss?—"

Marco pulled me into his arms and kissed me. Kissed me as if he was starving, like he'd waited his whole life for me, and I kissed him back just as deeply.

"May I now present, Mr. and Mrs. Torrino!"

The crowd roared around us, and it was the only reason we broke apart. Sparklers, rice, and flower petals went in every direction. It was complete and utter chaos, and the most beautiful celebration I could have ever asked for.

As we walked down the aisle, I thought about how good my name sounded with his—Catalina Torrino—as though our union was predestined, something infinite and unbreakable.

And when Marco scooped me into his arms and kissed me once more, I knew it had to be. He was my king, my soulmate, my equal in every way, and I would always be his queen, regardless of anything that came our way, even death or the end of time.

I would always behis, and he would always bemine.

The End of Crowned In Blood