They handed over their ID and paid for the marriage license, then they waited outside the little chapel for the legal official. Samira’s chest jangled with nerves and excitement. Was she really about to do this? Marry the man of her dreams, who she’d thought she’d lost forever? It was like a dream come true!
The chapel was beautiful inside – it was old-fashioned, but very bright, with marble floors, cream walls, and a high ceiling. There were four rows of pews on either side of the aisle, gold drapes at the huge windows, and massive bunches of white lilies hanging from each of the marble pillars.
She had no idea how much this was all costing, because Ivan was taking care of that. Every time she asked about prices, he would just kiss her and tell her not to worry. She knew he was extremely wealthy, but that actually had nothing to do with her love for him. It just made things easier.
She laughed out loud as she suddenly realized she was about to spend the rest of her life with a handsome, charming, gorgeous billionaire.
“What?” he asked, smiling.
“Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about how much I love you.”
“I love you too. So much.”
They shared an affectionate smile.
She smoothed down her dress. “You sure I look okay?”
“Samira, you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. I can’t wait for you to be my wife. I want to spend forever with you and take care of our little boy together.”
“This is the happiest day of my life, Ivan.”
“Me too. Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get hitched.”
She laughed. “Okay.”
The legal official informed them they were ready to begin, and he ushered Ivan down to the end of the aisle to stand by the marble altar. There was a witness sitting at the front – provided by the chapel – so all Samira and Ivan needed to worry about was getting their vows, rings, and kiss right.
Samira stood by the door, holding a single gala lily, and – as the classical stringed music started – she embarked on her short stroll down the aisle alone. A pang of sadness struck her as she suddenly wanted her parents to be here – for her dad to be walking by her side. But they’d been tragically taken from her at a young age by the Iranian regime that she never wanted to return to.
She pushed away her sadness and grinned as Ivan turned to watch her walking in time with the music. They both laughed at the craziness of the situation. But it was somehow incredibly romantic. All they needed was each other. That was the irony of getting married in Las Vegas – which was all glitter and no gold – but their marriage was all gold and not much glitter. It was Ivan and Samira stripped bare, and that was all she wanted.
She halted next to him. The legal official was dressed in a white tux and he smiled warmly at them both – clearly pleased to be doing this for a living.
“Hi,” she whispered to Ivan, unable to stop grinning.
“Hi,” he said, trying not to laugh.
Samira felt as if she was floating. Or dreaming. A few days ago this man had been dead to her, but now they were about to get married!
The official spoke softly. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Samira and Ivan.” He proffered a little tray toward Ivan. “Ivan, please take Samira’s ring.”
Ivan took ahold of Samira’s hand and slid the wedding band halfway down her finger.
“I’ll get you the biggest rock of an engagement ring when all the crazy is over,” he whispered.
She laughed. “I’d like that.”
“Okay, Ivan,” the official said. “Please say your vows to Samira.”
Ivan gazed into her eyes. They’d worked on their vows separately in the plane on the way over, so she had no idea what he was going to say… “Samira, I’m so happy to take you as my wife. I’ve loved you since the day I saw you there on that LA beach, and I’ll continue to love you forever. You’re like the Los Angeles sunshine, warming my soul with your beautiful radiance. You light up my life and bring out the best in me. I promise to always be the best person I can – to ensure that you’re happy and satisfied in every way. Forever.”
Samira’s eyes prickled with tears of joy, but she swallowed the emotion, refusing to cry.
“Thank you,” she said, gazing into Ivan’s gorgeous love-filled eyes.
“Your turn, Samira,” the official said.
Samira picked up Ivan’s ring with shaking hands and slipped it over his finger. She gazed deeply into his eyes, feeling as if their souls were merging.