Mateo stands up straighter the second he spots me. His eyes lock onto me, tracking my every movement.
My heart pitter-patters in a flurry of nerves and excitement as the first chords of Twenty-One Pilot’s rendition of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” trickles through the outdoor speakers.
I clutch my bouquet to my chest as the weight of the moment barrels into me like a freight train.
Like most little girls, I envisioned my father walking me down the aisle, but he isn’t here to do that. And while it took me a long time to come to terms with his death, I know he’s here in my heart and in spirit.
I also know he would undoubtedly bless this union, so when my groom beckons me to him with a crook of his finger, I don’t hesitate.
Not for one single second.
It takes every ounce of self-control I posses to not sprint down the aisle.
“Te ves hermosa esta noche, mariposita—you look beautiful tonight,” Mateo murmurs once I’m standing before him.
“You do too.” My chest heaves in anticipation.
Mateo strokes my cheek tenderly before stepping back so the officiant can begin.
The officiant clears his throat. “Family and friends, we are gathered here today to celebrate the uniting of two hearts. Tonight, we will witness the joining of Mateo Reyes and Seraphine Reynolds in marriage. If there is anyone present who has just cause why this couple should not be united, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.”
He pauses. When no one speaks, he continues, leading us through the questions of consent and into our vows—which we opted to write ourselves.
“Seraphine, Dios me dio una segunda oportunidad contigo y no la voy a desaprovechar. Eres mi corazon, mi alma, mi luna y mi sol. Te voy a respetar y a cuidar y voy a crecer contigo en las buenas y en las malas, como tu amigo, amante y compañero. Si yo alguna vez pense que eras fragil como las alas de una mariposa, estaba equivocado. Eres fuerte y hermosa y agraciada y no puedo esperar a pasar el resto de mi vida contigo amándote.”
I sway toward him slightly as the rumble of his deep, accented voice rolls over me. “I don’t have a clue of what you just said, but whatever it was, I love you and I absolutely take you as my husband.”
Mateo fights a grin as the officiant leans down and whispers, “Not quite there yet, my dear.”
“Oh.” I duck my head. “Oops. Sorry.”
“Do not apologize, mariposita,” Mateo says, skimming a knuckle along my jaw.
More than anything, I want to plant my lips on his; but we’re definitely not to that part of the ceremony.
“What I said was, God has given me a second chance with you, and I will not waste it. You are my heart, my soul, my sun, and my moon. I will respect you, care for you, and grow with you, through good times and hard times, as your friend, lover, and partner. I once thought you were fragile, like the wings of a butterfly. I was wrong. You are strength and beauty and grace, and I am looking forward to a lifetime of loving you.”
His vows in Spanish had me swooning, but hearing him pledge himself to me in front of God, our friends, and family in English has me ready to get him alone so we can seal our vows with our bodies instead of words.
I tamp down the urge and instead recite vows of my own. “How lucky am I to call you mine? Your love for me and trust in me make me a better person daily. You’re everything I never knew I needed and fill a void in me I never knew existed. You were there for my darkest moments. You believed in me when I didn’t. When I was spiraling out of control, you grounded me. Because of you, I know I am enough. I know I am worthy, wanted, and loved—and I can’t wait to make sure you know the same, day in and day out, for the rest of our lives. I love you, Mateo, and I am proud to call you my husband.”
After we exchange rings and the officiant prays over us, the moment I’ve been waiting for is finally here. “By the power vested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife; you may now kiss the bride.”
Mateo wraps an arm around my waist, pulls me flush against him, and kisses me like his very existence depends on it. Cupping my cheek with his free hand, he moves his lips against mine in a sensuous dance. This kiss is not only a sealing of our marriage, but a promise of what’s to come.
We part—reluctantly—and are introduced as Mr. and Mrs. Reyes. Butterflies fill me at the sound, their wings flapping at warp-speed.