The formality of the words, proper and official, wash over me. But I'm not listening to them. Not really.
Those words don't feel like us. They don't capture anything about who we really are or what we've been through together.
Oliver gives me another kick in my belly, as if reminding me that those words don't mean anything about what we'll be building together.
When all the formal words are finally said, Roma takes out the two rings from his pocket.
Roma hands Anatoly's ring to him first.
Anatoly takes my left hand in his, looking down at the spot where my old ring used to be.
"With this ring, I wed thee," Anatoly says, his voice deep and steady as he slides it onto my finger.
The weight of it feels different now. Not like chains or an obligation, but like an anchor—something that keeps me safe in the storm. "This time, because we choose each other."
My fingers tremble as Roma hands me Anatoly's ring. Instead of the signet ring with the double-headed eagle that he married me with in the first place, this one is a simple unadorned gold band.
I take a shaky breath before taking Anatoly's hand in mine.
"With this ring, I wed thee," I say, my voice catching with emotion.
The gold band slides easily onto his finger, gleaming in the summer sun.
"By the power vested in me,” Roma says. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Tolya, you may kiss your bride."
Anatoly cups my face with both hands. His eyes ask a silent question—as if even now, he wants to make sure I'm certain. As if I haven't already proved a hundred times over that I'll choose him time and time again.
I answer by rising on my tiptoes, my belly pressing against him, and meeting his lips.
THE END
