Page 79 of Giovanni the Savage

This doesn’t feel like it’ll end. For the first time, I don’t feel a nagging feeling of guilt or fear; all I feel is contentment. My brother is safe, and Giovanni is back. Everything feels like it’s falling into place, and my world feels complete.

Giovanni rubs my stomach gently. Our world will be even more complete when we welcome our baby.

EPILOGUE

Six months Later

The soulful tune from the piano starts playing, and I know that's my cue. I clutch the bouquet tighter and inhale as the tall doors of the church open. My insides are singing with excitement as I take my first step.

The pews are filled, and the church rises as I walk through.

This is the day I've been waiting for, the day I'll finally get to say “I do” to the love of my life and spend forever with him. I place a protective palm on my stomach, thankful that my hormones chose to spare me today.

The church's large windows are well-decorated, and rose petals are scattered on the aisle. I look to my right to see Lucas shooting me a wide grin and Ashley sending me a thumbs-up with teary eyes.

My smile widens when I look up to the front of the church and see my groom waiting for me in all his glory.

He's wearing a black suit with a red tie that matches my bouquet, and he has a wide grin on his face. His eyes stay glued to mine as I walk down the aisle.

The slow song ends right when I reach him. He reaches out and pulls me to himself.

"You look beautiful, baby," he whispers.

"You look very handsome, husband," I say, and he kisses me lightly.

The priest clears his throat and straightens, earning soft giggles from the crowd.

He begins the usual introduction, but I’m too lost, staring at the perfect man before me. The man who has brought me more joy and happiness than I've ever had. The man who will be the perfect father to our child.

"Do you have any written vows?" the priest asks.

"No," Gio replies. "But I have something to say from my heart."

My heart flutters, and I reach up to catch a stray tear.

Cheers to thinking the hormones spared me today.

"Luna," he starts. "You've been more of an angel to my life than a human. The past year I've spent with you has been the best. We've had our ups and downs like every normal couple. But those months have taught me to love you harder and cherish you even more because it showed me how short life is. As we go on this journey of forever, I want you to know that I plan to love you and protect you, till we die."

The church applauds him, and butterflies take flight in my stomach. My heart leaps with joy, and every crevice is filled with love.

"The bride?" The priest turns to me.

I sniffle and clutch my bouquet tighter.

"My savior," I start. "That was the first thing you were to me when I first saw you. Without even knowing me, you protected me. You've taught me love and shown me that it's worth fighting for. Thank you for not giving up on us, and our love. I'll love you all the days of my life, because you make it easy to."

A louder applause erupts, and I see Gio's eyes glaze over.

"I love you," I coo.

"I love you so much more," he replies.

He slips the most beautiful diamond ring on my finger, and I slip a ring on his.

"By the power vested in me by the Most High, I now declare you husband and wife. Mr. and Mrs. Giovanni Matthieson. You may share a kiss."

Giovanni takes one step forward while still gazing dreamily into my eyes. He cradles my face gently and tilts his head down. His lips brush mine slightly before he takes my bottom lip into his mouth for a soft kiss.

This kiss feels like a promise, a promise of forever. My heart is so full because everything has finally fallen into place. My brother is safe, and I'm married to my dream man with a baby girl on the way.

For the first time in my life, I'm not scared about the future. I want to see the joy it will bring.

---