Mikolaj waits for me beneath the archway of an empty trellis. He’s wearing a simple black suit, his hair combed back. He looks slim and stark, and impossibly handsome. My heart flutters like a bird at the sight of him.

As soon as I reach him, he takes my hands in his.

There’s no priest or minister. My parents hate that we’re not doing this in a Catholic Church, but Miko isn’t religious, and I don’t want anyone to say our vows but us. Mikolaj and I are marrying each other because we want to, for no other reason and under no one else’s authority.

Miko holds my hands tight and looks down into my eyes.

“Nessa, I’ll love you every second of my life. I’ll love you for exactly what you are, and whatever you become. Anything you want, I’ll make it happen for you. I’ll never hold you back. I’ll always tell you the truth. I’ll keep you safe and happy, at any cost.”

I swallow hard, not knowing if I can make myself speak. My throat is tight with too much emotion.

“Mikolaj, I love you with all my heart. I promise, you’ll be the only man in the world to me. I’ll be your lover and your best friend. We’ll do the hard things and the fun things. We’ll make our choices together, for the good of us both. I’ll always put you before anything else, so that nothing can come between us.”

I give one last quick glance over at my parents. I’m letting go of their approval, their influence. I meant what I said—Mikolaj is my priority now.

Still, I’m glad to see they’re smiling at me, at least a little. They want me to be happy.

I look back at Mikolaj and I am happy. Fully and completely.

He pulls me into a kiss and the rest of the world disappears.

We’re creating a new world now, with us at the center.

* * *

The End