I shook my head, speechless. “No, I don’t have one,” I muttered, looking back up at Isaak. “Are you sure you want me to have this?”
He nodded and handed me the earrings. “Thank you,” I whispered, feeling so overwhelmed with emotion that I could barely speak.
I removed my earrings and wore the ones that Isaak gave me, my mother’s earrings. When they were in place, my heart felt heavy, and my stomach rolled with butterflies.
They were the only thing I had of my mother’s, and for the first time, I felt close to her. It felt like she was here, watching me. Closing my eyes, I imagined just that.
I imagined her in a white dress, standing behind Isaak, smiling at me, her eyes filled with so much love.
I saw her blowing me a kiss and then waving at me. I saw her glancing at Isaak, her eyes holding the same deep love. In my vision, she placed her hand over his back and kissed his lips ever so lightly.
And then she disappeared. Like she was never here. But I could still feel her presence.
Opening my eyes, I stared at Isaak with tear-filled eyes. “I wish she was here. I wish I knew her, Isaak. I wish she was here right now, holding me,” I said, my fingers whispering over the earrings.
He took a deep breath, like he was controlling his own emotions. Isaak rubbed my arms soothingly before replying. “I know. I wish she was here right now too. But Ayla, you might not see her, but she is here. I’m sure she’s watching over you. Your mother loved you so deeply. You were her everything. The light in her fucked-up world. Never forget that.”
I nodded, pressing a hand over my heart. My breathing calmed, and I sniffled, blinking away the unshed tears. Evaline silently handed me a tissue, and I mouthed a quick thank you.
When Isaak moved again, Lyov opened his box. Inside was a hair pin. “This was Alessio’s mother’s. If you don’t have a something borrowed, you can use this. I thought it was fitting for you to use Maria’s hair pin. She is my Angel, and you are Alessio’s. I would be honored if you include her in this wedding.”
I took the hair pin, feeling grateful for this. “Of course, Lyov. I’m the one who is honored. Thank you,” I replied, handing the hair pin to Maddie. She placed it in my hair and fixed my curls around it.
“She would have loved you,” Lyov continued when Maddie was done fixing my hair.
“I have no doubt that I would have loved her too. Because of her, I have Alessio. For that I am forever thankful,” I whispered, kissing his cheek in appreciation.
After pulling away, I looked down at my wrist. The bracelet that Evaline gave me sparkled in the light. “Looks like I have two something borrowed.”
Everyone smiled, the previous emotional moment breaking away.
“You have your something blue?” Isaak asked.
I nodded, smiling in the process. “Alessio’s eyes.”
My cheeks heated when both Isaak and Lyov raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in their eyes.
“It’s time, babe,” Maddie said.
My eyes went to hers as she quickly fixed her hair. All my girls were ready. Both Evaline and Nina were wearing a beige ankle-length dress. They were simple and sleeveless. The dresses weren’t tight but instead flowy around their hips and down.
Maddie’s dress was a little different. Same design and color but there were golden beads over her bodice. She was my maid of honor.
Taking a deep breath, I looked at Isaak and Lyov. Their faces were serious, their backs straightened, and their chests puffed out proudly.
Maddie handed me my cascading bouquet, made with white and pink peonies. As both men presented me with their elbows, I swallowed nervously, sucked in another deep breath, and then took their arms.
I tightened my hold on their arms as we took a step forward. My heels wobbled with my first steps, but with Isaak’s and Lyov’s help, I finally steadied myself and was able to walk with no problem.
We walked out of the room and then down the stairs, which was decorated with flowers. So many flowers covered each step and the banister. We could barely see the woods. Only pink and white flowers were visible. On each step, there were two candles on either side.
We walked down the stairs effortlessly and then continued out of the house, to the back garden where the ceremony was being held.
The door opened, and we stopped. I could hear the piano playing, a melody I didn’t recognize, but it sounded just as beautiful.
“Ready?” Isaak patted my hand. I nodded, and the three of us took a step forward. Together, we walked out.
I was blasted with sunlight, warmth spreading through me. I blinked, my heart accelerating.
It beat faster at the sight in front of me. Nothing else mattered. I didn’t see anything…no one except the man standing at the end of the aisle.