Oh shit. The knot tightens in my throat.

Ana’s eyes meet mine, and beneath her veil her face lights up like a summer’s day, her smile electrifying.

Oh, baby.

They walk up beside us and Ana passes her bouquet to Kate, who stands with Mia. Ray raises Ana’s veil and kisses her cheek. “I love you, Annie,” I hear him say, his voice hoarse, and, turning to me, he gives me Ana’s hand. Our eyes meet, his glistening, and I have to look away because his expression may be my undoing.

“Hi,” I say to my bride, because that’s all I’m capable of right now.

“Hi,” she replies, and squeezes my hand.

“You look lovely.”

“So do you.” She grins, and all my nerves melt away, as does the music, and it’s just Ana and me and Reverend Michael. He clears his throat, commanding everybody’s attention, and the wedding begins.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the joining in matrimony of Christian Trevelyan-Grey and Anastasia Rose Steele.” The good reverend smiles benevolently down at both of us, and I tighten my hold on Ana’s hand.

He asks the congregation if anyone knows of any impediment to our marriage. Elena’s text flits through my mind, and I’m annoyed with myself that I let it. Fortunately, Ana distracts me by glancing back at the crowd. When no one says anything, a collective sigh of relief flutters through the gathering, followed by muffled chuckles and titters. Ana peeks up at me, her eyes sparkling in amusement.

“Phew,” I mouth.

Ana stifles her smile.

Reverend Michael asks us each in turn to declare that there’s no legal reason why we can’t be joined in marriage.

As he addresses us about the seriousness of our commitment to each other, the burning sensation returns to my throat. Ana watches him, absorbed, and I notice she’s wearing elegant drop pearl earrings I’ve not seen before. I wonder if they are a present from her folks.

“And now I invite both of you to offer your vows to each other.” He looks encouragingly at me. “Christian?”

I take a deep breath, and gazing at the love of my life, I recite my vows from memory, my words ringing out over the throng: “I, Christian Trevelyan-Grey, do take thee, Anastasia Rose Steele, to be my lawfully wedded wife. I solemnly vow that I will safeguard, and hold dear and deep in my heart, our union and you. I promise to love you faithfully, forsaking all others, through the good times and the bad, in sickness and in health, regardless of where life takes us. I will protect you, trust you, and respect you.”

Tears glimmer in Ana’s eyes and the tip of her nose turns a fetching pink.

“I will share your joys and sorrows, and comfort you in times of need. I promise to cherish you and uphold your hopes and dreams and keep you safe at my side. All that is mine is now yours. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this moment on, for as long as we both shall live.”

Ana wipes a tear from her eye, and I take a deep breath, relieved that I’ve remembered the words.

“Ana?” the good reverend prompts her. From beneath her sleeve she takes a small slip of pink paper and reads:

“I, Anastasia Rose Steele, do take thee, Christian Trevelyan-Grey, to be my lawfully wedded husband. I give you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner, in sickness and in health, to stand by your side in good times and in bad, to share your joy as well as your sorrow.” She gazes up at me and continues her vows without reading, and I stop breathing. “I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals and dreams, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, to share my hopes and dreams with you, and bring you solace in times of need. And to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.” She blinks back her tears, and I fight mine.

“You two will now exchange rings as a symbol of your abiding love for each other. A ring is a constant circle. It is unbroken and everlasting, a symbol of perpetual unity. So, too, will be your commitment to each other and to this marriage, from this day forth, until death do you part.

“Christian, place the ring on Anastasia’s finger.” Elliot hands me Ana’s ring and I position it at the tip of Ana’s left ring finger.

“Repeat after me,” Reverend Michael says. “Anastasia, I give you this ring as a sign of our enduring faith in each other, our unity and our everlasting love.”

I repeat the words, loud and clear, and slip the ring fully onto Ana’s finger.

“Anastasia, place the ring on Christian’s finger,” Reverend Michael says. Elliot flashes a grin at Ana and passes her my ring.

“Repeat after me,” the reverend continues. “Christian, I give you this ring as a sign of our enduring faith in each other, our unity and our everlasting love.”

Ana’s words sound out sweetly for the rest of the congregation to hear, and she slips the ring onto my finger.

Reverend Michael clasps both of our hands in his and says in a booming voice to our audience, “Love is the reason we are here. Marriage is founded on love. These two young people have pledged their everlasting love to each other. We honor them and wish them strength, courage, and trust to grow together, to learn from each other and to remain true to each other on the path that life takes them.

“Christian and Anastasia, you two have agreed to be married and to live together in matrimony. You have declared your love for each other and promised to uphold that love with your vows. With the power vested in me by the state of Washington, I now declare you husband and wife.” He releases our hands and Ana beams up at me.

Wife.

Mine.

My heart soars.

“You may kiss the bride,” Reverend Michael says with a huge grin.

“Finally, you’re mine,” I whisper, and pull her into my arms, flush against me, and plant a soft kiss on her lips. There are tiny buttons at the back of her dress and I fantasize about slowly undoing them. I ignore the cheers and applause from our guests, as my body comes alive. “You look beautiful, Ana.” I caress her face. “Don’t let anyone take that dress off but me, understand?” I gaze down at her, trying to convey a sensual promise. She nods, her eyes darkening with desire.