Page 130 of Duty and Desire

Time for a whole new chapter in my life.

The warm, golden light of the afternoon sun spilled through the trees as Gio took his place at my side, Roger next to him. Claudiastood to my left, an arrangement of roses in her hands, a small velvet bag hanging from her wrist, containing the rings. She’d joked that if I wasn’t going to have a bouquet, she most definitely would. The air was heavy with the scent of blooming roses and lavender, and the tinkling water provided the perfect soundtrack.

The celebrant stood in front of us, a tall man in a dark suit, a rainbow pin adorning the lapel. I repeated the words that would join us, my gaze focused on Gio. We weren’t king and consort—we were two men declaring our love for each other, surrounded by people who loved and supported us.

Then it was time for the vows.

Gio drew in a deep breath.

“I thought love had passed me by, but suddenly there you were, showing me the kind of love that made the world feel different, that made the ordinary seem extraordinary.” His thumb grazed my cheek, and a chorus ofaws rippled through the assembled guests. “I never saw you coming, but now you’re here, I can’t imagine my life without you in it. I promise to stand by you, to be the person you can turn to, no matter what life brings. I’ll write our story, every day, and I’ll write every word with love.”

Murmurs of approval came from all around.

I brought his fingers to my lips and kissed them. Then I cleared my throat.

“I’ve spent my whole life hiding what I felt, who I was. But the moment I met you? All of that changed. You didn’t ask me to be someone else. You simply let me be me.” Tears pricked the corners of my eyes. “You showed me I could overcome my fears. You’re my inspiration, my partner, my everything. I will love you with all of me, for all of my days. I will always be here—for you, with you, and beside you.”

A tear slipped down Gio’s cheek, and he wiped it away. “I love you,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

I leaned forward, resting my forehead against his, shutting outeveryone until it was just we two standing in the sunlight. “I love you too.”

The celebrant coughed, and we broke apart, smiling.

“The rings?”

Laughter broke out when Claudia thrust her bouquet into Franz’s hands. “Hold this, will you?” Franz flushed, and I grinned at him. Claudia pulled open the drawstring on the velvet bag, and handed me the rings. The celebrant said some words over them that I didn’t catch.

I was too busy looking at Gio.

I held my breath as Gio slid the heavy ring onto my finger, and then I smiled when he did the same thing, staring at the gold band I placed on his left hand.

I was more than ready for the words I’d been longing to hear for the past four weeks.

“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you partners for life. You may kiss each other.”

The world seemed to hold its breath for us as our lips met. Time stretched out until all I knew was the profound connection between us. It wasn’t a deep kiss—some part of me was conscious we had an audience—but it was filled with all the intensity of everything we’d been through to reach this point.

It was a kiss of freedom, of hope.

A kiss that promised a future built on love.

Applause erupted from our friends and loved ones, and we turned to greet them. I couldn’t stop smiling.

Gio laughed, a joyous sound I’d never tire of hearing. “Every Fourth of July after this is going to be so tame by comparison.”

“Are you ready for the final event?”

He stilled. “The coronation? I don’t play a part in that, do I?”

I grinned. “You’re Prince Consort now. What do you think?”

I was only sorry he didn’t get to wear a crown too. I think his nonna would burst with pride.

Then I pushed aside all thoughts of the coronation. This was mywedding day, and I was going to drink champagne, dance my feet off?—

And fall asleep in my husband’s arms.

Gio gazed at his surroundings. “It looks amazing.”

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