The cathedral doors swung open, and sunlight spilled across the marble steps like liquid gold. I blinked against its brightness, my hand tucked firmly in Theo's as we emerged from the sacred shadows into the waiting world. The cheers erupted before my eyes could fully adjust - a joyous thunder of celebration that rippled through the crowd gathered along the path. Rose petals rained down around us, catching in my veil and clinging to Theo's formal attire, tiny fragments of crimson and pink against our wedding finery. My husband - the word still felt new and precious on my tongue - squeezed my fingers, and I looked up to find his amber eyes already watching me, crinkled at the corners with a happiness so pure it made my chest ache.
"Ready for this part, wife?" he whispered, his breath warm
