“I give you my word, I give you my heart, this is the battle we’ve won. And with this vow, forever has now begun…”


She was told she wouldn’t remember her wedding day. There were so many things she’d have to do, and so many people she’d have to greet, that everyone assured her it would all be a blur. But as Marie waited to walk down the aisle, with Ryan beside her, there were certain things she knew she’d never forget.

She knew the image of Sofia walking down the aisle, holding the hands of her two older cousins, would stick with her forever. And how, when Sofia reached the front, she refused to take her seat as any one-year-old would do. She reached up and clenched her little fists in the air, tears welling up in her eyes, wanting nothing more than to be picked up by her dad. And Marco obliged, as any self-respecting father would. He bent down and picked her up, cradling her against his chest. He mumbled a few quiet words to her, and she turned to kiss his lips. After being mostly comforted, Marco placed Sofia in his mother’s lap and returned to his spot at the altar, with his hands in front of him.

Marie also knew she’d never forget the way Ryan placed his hand on her back as she was caught up in the spectacle of her daughter and soon-to-be husband. He offered a toothy smile, reassuring her that everything would go down without a hitch. And as they walked, Marie would surely never forget the look on Marco’s face. Because as everyone was staring at her, she was staring at Marco. His face went from stoic and even, to a huge smile at his first glimpse of her, to shaking his head, to chewing on his bottom lip, and to tears of complete and utter joy welling up in his eyes.

What she didn’t know was that Marco knew he wouldn’t ever forget that moment either. She was perfect. Although he loved her in a pair of sweats and one of his t-shirts, he also couldn’t deny that it was impossible for him to take his eyes of the beautiful woman walking towards him. When the minister asked who was giving her away, Ryan responded and lifted her veil. She was beaming, and Marco had never been more jealous of a man in his life, than he was of Ryan at that moment; because while he would have to wait to kiss and hold her, Ryan got to kiss her cheek.

“You’re beautiful,” Marco whispered, finding it to be the hardest task in the word to take his eyes off of her.

She returned his glance and nearly broke into a hysterical sob. And when she looked back at the minister, he was grinning himself.

“We’re here today to witness the joining of the lives of Marie Thatcher and Marco Scandella. They are the lucky ones. In this random and ordinary life, something extraordinary has happened to them. They fell in love. And now they stand before you today, to celebrate the desire they have to love each other for life.” The minister paused, and within the silence, Sofia shrieked out excitedly. Both Marco and Marie turned back to her, and she was smiling and pointing at her parents.

“When Marco first brought Marie to church in Montreal two summers ago, I recited a most fitting piece of scripture, and I’d like to reiterate it for you today… Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves… And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. Today Marco and Marie have prepared some words, so if you would turn and hold hands. Marco, you’ll go first.”

Marco reached for Marie’s hands, unable to take his eyes off of the diamond engagement ring he’d given her nearly a year ago. Just as he sucked a deep breath in, the minister interrupted.

“Oh and this should be interesting because as of yesterday, Marco had forgotten he was supposed to prepare something.”

Everyone in attendance laughed heartily, and Marco blushed, feeling more pressure than ever. This only rivaled his draft day and first NHL game. He looked up and focused on Marie, drowning out everyone else until it was only the two of them.

“No words will ever be significant enough to begin to explain the ways in which I love you. And if I knew the Father wouldn’t attack me on this altar for stepping out of turn, I’d kiss you right now.” His heart nearly broke as she giggled, sniffling away her nerves and tears. “Marie, darling, the first moment I realized I could love you forever was the night I found you on my porch, shivering in freezing weather; and I knew that you left everything for an unknown. You uprooted your life when I could not, and I knew I needed you. You have shown me unconditional love and support and I could not have survived the past two years without you. You are my strength. You are everything that is good in this life. You are crazy for marrying me, a man who can never amount to the level of wonder, and grace, and poise that you have. I can think of no better way to spend my life, than to show you all the ways in which I love you. And even then, I know that still won’t be enough,”

What was once the verge of tears, was no longer. Marie was bawling. Behind her, she could hear her mother and Sandra doing the same. Marco squeezed her hands, and she looked up at him again. Another round of tears ensued, and she rolled her eyes, wishing she could stop.

“Mama!”

Tears were cut short as Sofia yelled out over the crowd.

“I’m okay, Sof.” She shook off her nerves and grasped Marco’s hands so tightly, she felt she was liable to take them off his arms entirely. “Marco… when we first met, I kind of hated you.” The crowd laughed again, but Marie paid them no attention. As far as she was concerned, it was just her and Marco. “I hated you because you were strong, because you knew what you wanted… you had a path. And now all of those reasons, are the reasons why I love you. I am not easy to love, and you have seen that more times than not. But you make it look so easy. And now you’ve just showed me up with a speech you improvised and you’ve got me frazzled, and I can’t even remember what I wanted to say… Marco, I may be your strength, but you’re my safety; my protector. And until I met you, I didn’t realize how badly I needed that. I am only this strong because you give me your confidence, love, and support to be that way. You’re my other half… my better half. The only person I want to fall asleep with, and the only one I want to wake up next to. You’re my best friend, my soul, the father of my daughter, the love of my life… And we need to get this show going, because I really need you to kiss me,”

They both glanced up at the minister, praying he’d hurry things up. And catching their not so subtle hints, he began, “Marco, do you take Marie to be your wife?”

He looked back at Marie and grinned, “I do.”

“Marie, do you take Marco to be your husband?”

“Yes, I do.”

“May we have the rings?” The minister looked to the side as Giulio stepped up, handing one to Marco, and one to Marie. “These rings are a symbol of your love, which has no end. May these rings always remind you of the vows you have taken here today. Marie?”

She twisted the gold band in one hand, and held Marco’s left hand up. As she slid the ring onto his finger, she said almost inaudibly, “I Marie, take thee Marco to be my husband, to have and to hold in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, forever and always.”

Marco couldn’t take his eyes off of her. The words that fell from her lips sounded like the most beautiful language he’d ever heard. He too took her wedding band and slid it on her left ring finger. “I Marco, take thee Marie to be my wife, to have and to hold in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, forever and always.”

“By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Marco you may now kiss your bride,”

Everyone began to applaud, and for a moment, all Marco could do was smile at Marie. They’d made it. He cupped her face in his hands and leaned in, opening his mouth to kiss her slowly. He took his time as though it would be the last kiss they ever shared.

When he pulled away, he set his forehead against Marie’s, “I love you.”

Marie beamed as more tears threatened to break free. “I’m pregnant,” she whispered back.

---

Marco had danced with Sandra. Marie had done the same with Ryan. And now it was time for the two of them to dance together for the first time as a married couple. Marco didn’t even put up the energy to judge her for choosing an *NSync song to be their first dance music. He was still wrapped up on that little bombshell she dropped on him at the end of the ceremony.

“I’m going to be a father again?” He whispered in her ear. He had one hand on her hip, stroking the lace of her wedding gown, while he held her other hand out to the side. They floated around the dance floor, illuminated by fairy lights in the outdoor rafters.

“If everything goes well. I’m six weeks,” she whispered back, tucking her head against his chest. She looked out, seeing everyone’s eyes glued to them.

He stroked her hair and spun her around, “why didn’t you tell me sooner? And how are you planning on keeping this discreet when there’s an open bar, and you’re the bride?”

She looked up at him and beamed. She’d seen him in a suit before, but tonight he looked better than ever. “You wouldn’t tell me where we’re going for our honeymoon, so I waited to tell you we’re expecting. It only seemed fair,” she stuck out her tongue playfully. “As for keeping up appearances, I’m having the servers bring me champagne flutes full of apple cider. It’s darker than champagne, but I’m hoping everyone’s too drunk to really look at it.”

“When will you tell our mothers?”

It was almost strange that in a single moment, Sandra had become her mother too. “Not until I reach at least sixteen weeks. If I have a miscarriage, I don’t want to have to disclose that too,”

“Don’t talk like that. You’re not going to have a miscarriage,” he cupped his hands over her cheeks and kissed her slowly. For the moment, they stopped their slow dance. “I can’t wait to have you tonight,”

He didn’t really have to wait too long. In reality, it was Marie who was doing most of the waiting. She waited for the reception to be over. And when that happened, she waited in a limo as they were driven to the airport. While most women changed during the night, Marie was spending every possible moment in her wedding gown. She wanted Marco to peel it off of her, embracing her body once they reached their destination. But then at the airport, when she thought she’d figure out where they were going based on her boarding pass, she ended up having to wait even longer. Instead of flying business or first class on a commercial airline, they were driven directly to the tarmac and ushered onto a private plane.

“Marco,” she playfully complained. “I just want to know where we’re going,”

Marco pecked her lips and handed a tip to the driver, who now began the task of helping the flight attendants load the luggage beneath the plane. “Stiamo andando a Italia,” We’re going to Italy.

Her Italian was still a little shaky, but Marie understood enough. She grabbed onto his arm and began jumping. The pilot, who was now by the stairs leading up into the cabin, beamed at her excitement.

“Congratulazioni Mr. e Mrs. Scandella. Saremo presenti a undici ore in Italia,” We’ll be arriving in Italy in eleven hours.

“Grazie,” Marco smiled as he helped Marie up the wobbly metal stairs.

Once they were inside the plane, Marie made a beeline for a window seat and stared out of it. Still in her wedding gown, Marco was still blown away by her beauty. Although she no doubt looked like a woman, she was excited like a child going to Disneyland. And it warmed his heart to know he could make her feel that way.

He took off his jacket and sat down beside her, taking a second to arrange his coat over her as he noticed goosebumps on her arms. She clutched it around herself, “where in Italy?”

Marco had to smile again. In fact, he was sure he would never stop smiling. “Venice, San Marino, Florence, and Rome.”

“All in two weeks?”

“We’re only in San Marino for a couple days. It’s very small.”

“Then why make the stop?” She asked very innocently. But she noticed the look on his face and she grinned, looking back out the window. “You don’t have to disguise your reasoning, I want to meet your Italian family.”

The plane began to move down the runway, and she leaned her head on his shoulder. “Have I told you, you look absolutely gorgeous in that dress?”

“Several times,” she smiled, taking a deep breath in.

“Have I told you that I’m having trouble breathing, just looking at you?”

“That’s a new one,”

Now Marco’s cheeks hurt from smiling so much. He reached into the carry-on bag by his seat, and Marie lifted her head to see what he was searching for. Finally, he pulled out an envelope, devoid of a mailing address and postage.

As he brought it to his lap, Marie now noticed the envelope was addressed to “My Future Wife”. He cleared his throat and looked down at it. “I wrote this when I was seventeen. Which means you were only twelve, which is a little strange. But I’ve been waiting to be able to give it to someone, and now I can.”

“Marco…” she began.

“Pretend I’m not here, and read it. Please I – I’m having trouble putting everything I’m thinking and feeling into words right now because I’m just so enamored with you. I think that letter will tell you everything I want to say but don’t know how.”

Marie’s hands shook as she took the envelope from Marco and slid her finger beneath the sealed edge. She pulled out the paper and could hardly believe that was she saw was Marco’s writing. In an age where communication was so instant, she didn’t even realize she had never seen his handwriting, other than his signature.

To my dearest sweetheart,

I realize that while I write this, you and I have never met. And I find it strange that we have only known each other for such a short amount of time, comparatively, and now we are wed, and you are reading this letter. I know future me will probably grow impatient while you read this, wanting nothing more than to lay you down and make love to you as you deserve, so I will try to be brief. Although I have so much I want to say, so if at this point, future me is doing his very best to distract you, you have my permission to punch my future self and use this letter as your evidence.

Marie giggled and looked up at Marco. He was focused on his lap, as though he was soon going to be embarrassed by something his younger self had said. So she returned to her reading.

I suppose I will move along, but I apologize if my thoughts come out fragmented. Bear with me, sweetheart. I want nothing more than to memorize every single curve on your body, to hear a laugh that I can only presume will fill me with the most ultimate joy, to taste you in our most intimate of times, to be the person you need when your world feels like it’s crushing you with unbearable weight.

In our life together, I may foul up, as I am a man and have found we’re prone to do that every now and again. But sweetheart, I promise to touch you until I memorize your form. And even when I do, I promise to always touch you like the goddess you are. I promise to make an ass out of myself if that’s what makes you laugh. We live in such a serious world, and I hope I never have to go a day without hearing your laugh. I promise to always pleasure you, and to be the selfless lover you deserve, getting the opportunity to taste your arousal and know I have had something to do with it. I promise to be your everlasting support system, to be your shoulder to cry on when you feel like you can’t stand this life anymore.

Marie moved on to the second page and swiped a tear away just as it fell from her eye. Marco brought his arm around her shoulders and stroked her arm soothingly, pressing his lips to the side of her head.

Sweetheart, if and when we decide to have children and start a family, I promise to never take you for granted. I promise to be the father our children need, and the husband you need, regardless of everything going on in the world around us. I will never neglect you and make you feel like a second–class citizen. You are my wife, my equal, my better half. As a note, if we are in the position to be questioning whether or not to have children, let me state my case. I have seen my father, for seventeen years now, sacrifice so much of himself for his children. He is the embodiment of what I feel a man should be. Sweetheart, let me convince you. Even if I am NHL bound, I would give up and sacrifice that life just to be the father of your children. If the distance was too much, and the pressure too intense, I would push it all away because as much as I love the game, I will undoubtedly love you more. Hockey is just a game, but you are my life. I’m not sure how to tell you how much I love you. I could say it in three different languages but those words would be empty. For the rest of our forever, I will work to show you because that’s the only way I know, and please hold me to that sweetheart.

When we find ourselves old, I must admit that I hope I go first. Living this life without you would seem impossible. And I promise to wait for you on the other side so that we can be together again. But if you totally hate this idea and think you would not survive without me, and wish to go first… if that is what would make you happy, I will comply. I would rather suffer the loneliness than have you feel even an ounce of pain.

Marie turned the page once more. Marco’s arm was still around her shoulders, and his lips still on her head, breathing in her scent.

If you survived this letter with little to no distraction from me, do me a favor sweetheart, and kiss me now. Lord knows I need it.

She smiled, despite the tears, and searched for Marco’s lips, laying a long, deep kiss on them.

I’m finding I have exhausted my vocabulary but still feel like I have not said enough. However, I will try to wrap it up. But I’m going to be crass and I hope that’s all right. I don’t think I would have married a prude. At the moment I’m writing this I know I’m only seventeen, but I also know that being able to pleasure my wife will give me the utmost satisfaction. I only ask one favor of you tonight, our wedding night. I will take care of everything else, making sure you reach a blissful orgasm over and over until you see stars. And I am a man of my word, and intend to make that fantasy your reality. But tonight all I ask of you, is before I have time to find my release, that you let me pleasure you in a way that gives you complete control… to straddle me with your beautiful body, to sit on top of me, and allow me the chance to take in your alluring scent, and taste you as I have previously stated. Let me lick and suck and pleasure you to completion, until your legs quiver and you scream for me…

Alright sweetheart, I will let you go now. Just remember that I am hopelessly in love with you. I love you, I love you, I love you.

Forever your husband, friend, lover, and confidant,

Marco

Notes

"This I Promise You" by *NSync