I need to breathe. I excuse myself, gasping for air, leaving her with Cora. As I step inside for a moment alone, it all hits me at once. I close my eyes and imagine the gallery, my mom’s face, all of her students' pieces, including Karley’s, on display. When I picture Karley’s work, I think bold, bright, and intricate paintings. They deserve a head start, and this is how I can help them.
I reopen my eyes, taking in the beige and white décor. At the front of the chapel, I find the Elvis impersonator waiting on thesmall brown stage. I head over to meet him, and we exchange quick hellos. He looks ridiculous, and I’d never have chosen him, but Karley deserved to pick one ridiculous thing out of this entire crazy arrangement. If she wants to go full Vegas, I’m here for it.
“Clair de Lune” starts. One of my mother’s favorites, a piece I’ve heard countless times. I’m staring at the doors as they open. The soft tone of the music, plus her standing at the other end, makes emotion clog my throat. She heads toward me, looking so different with the veil down and a bouquet in her hands.I am getting married. She’s going to be my wife.
Even with the air conditioner blowing cool air, my back heats beneath my suit. I worry I’m going to be a sweaty mess by the end of this. I take slow, deep breaths, watching her walk toward me.
There’s something different about seeing her this way, moving toward me, compared to when I first saw her outside the hotel. This feels significant. And in this light, she’s absolutely stunning.
I can see her chest rise and fall; she’s just as nervous as I am, which helps me calm down a bit. As she comes closer, I see her eyes are misty, and I smile, watching her try to blink it away.
“Hey,” I whisper as she reaches me. “You okay?”
“I’m fine. It’s just... the veil.”
My eyes flick to Cora, who narrows her eyes at me, silently telling me to leave it.
Karley passes the bouquet to Cora, and I take Karley's hands in mine. She stands directly in front of me, both of our gazes on Elvis. My heart is pounding, and I concentrate on breathing, scared I might pass out.
I can only assume she’s feeling the same way.
The ceremony begins, and the whole time, I can only hear the loud beating of my heart.
Then, we’re asked to exchange vows. The moment feels surreal, as if the weight of everything, the promises, the future,is suddenly pressing down on me all at once. As I look at her, the way her eyes shine, my nerves settle, replaced by something deeper, something real.
I take a deep breath, recalling the words I wrote on the plane. They come out slower than I expect. “Karley, thank you for taking this journey with me. I couldn’t imagine it with anyone else. I promise to listen to you, to support you in every dream, and to protect you through every challenge. I vow to stand by you, not just in the easy moments, but in the ones that truly matter, and to grow alongside you with love and understanding.”
She clears her throat, looking down at our joined hands before lifting her eyes to me. They’re glassy. I didn’t mean to make her sad with my vows. I just wanted something from the heart.
“Oliver, I never in a million years thought we’d end up here today, standing before each other like this. But here we are. I promise to help you through the tough times, to support you when you need it the most, and to care for you with all my heart.”
Her words hit me with unexpected force. Something about hearing her say my name like that, with such sincerity in her voice, makes my breath catch.
As I slide her wedding band on her finger, I watch as her eyes soften, and for a moment, everything outside of this room vanishes. It’s just the two of us, making this promise to each other.
When she slips the ring on my finger, I stare at it for a second. I take her hand in mine, and her finger touches the wedding band, spinning it slightly.
His words sound muffled and distant, but I don’t miss my cue to say, “I do.”
She says it too, her voice trembling just a little, and it makes my chest tighten.
“I now present you as husband and wife.” Then, with a bright grin and a wink, Elvis says, “It’s time to kiss your bride.”
I step forward, my heart racing as I reach for the edge of her veil. Lifting the delicate fabric, I reveal her face like a present. Lips slightly parted, she’s breathing heavily, her eyes drifting closed, waiting for me to kiss her. I don’t overthink it. I lean forward, closing the distance between us. The moment my lips touch hers, my heart slows. I relax into it, my hand cupping her cheek, but then she pulls back quickly. I blink, confused.
She glances over at Elvis, but I’m focused on her flushed cheeks. I wonder if she didn’t feel that spark between us.
Cora cheers and Karley’s hand tightens in mine. We turn to face her, posing nicely as she snaps some pictures, and in that moment it feels real.
Hand in hand, we walk down the aisle together, my heart racing, knowing we’re now husband and wife.
“This is fucking bizarre,” I whisper to her as we walk out of the chapel. “Can’t wait to get changed out of this suit.”
She laughs, her head tilting to look up at me. “I thought you were going to stay in that for the whole day.”
“You’re kidding, right? I’m not staying in this. Imagine the looks I’d get.”
She squeezes my hand. “It’s okay. You don’t have to pretend you love me now.” Her words land heavy, leaving a hollow feeling in my chest.
