“Que bella.” Josefina sniffles.
“Mija.” My mom comes over and pulls me into a hug that Lily catches on camera.
I hold out my hands and motion toward Lily and Josefina, who both join our hug.
“Be careful with her hair.”
“And her dress.” Josefina watches out for the satin train.
My sister must have stalked my Pinterest account because every detail, from the lace veil to the white dress she randomly had in her closet, matches what I pictured for myself.
Piano music playing outside pulls us out of the moment.
Lily places the camera on a side table. “That’s our cue! Julian should be walking out now.”
I stay glued to the window, but Lily pulls me away before I get a chance to sneak a peek at my future husband.
Que bella: How beautiful
My sister herds us outside the room and down the stairs before stopping in front of the double doors leading out to the deck and yard beyond.
Flowers and candles line the pathway straight to the gazebo, which has been decorated like another one of my dream boards. Julian remains oblivious to my ogling as he stands beneath the dangling flowers hanging from the top of the gazebo, wearing a deep blue suit that blends into the lake behind him.
That’s my future husband.
My vision turns misty, and Lily warns me about ruining my makeup for the tenth time tonight.
She reaches into the pocket of her dress and pulls out a yellow rosebud. “I thought your bouquet could use a little piece of Dad since he couldn’t make it.” She tucks the rosebud in the center.
My eyes itch. “I thought you didn’t want me to cry.”
“Sorry! Remember to take your time and walk slowly so you don’t fall on your face and break another arm.”
“Hilarious.”
She straightens my veil with a giggle before heading outside to join the small crowd gathering around the gazebo. There are less than twenty people at our impromptu wedding, and I couldn’t be happier.
All I need is Julian, an officiant, and a couple of witnesses for the paperwork, all of whom are from our family.
Rafa tips his chin in my godson’s direction, and Nico runs his hands over the piano keys once before he hits the first few notes.
“Don’t you dare cry,” I chant as I step outside.
Everyone’s heads turn in my direction. I can barely hear the music over the thumping of my heart, and the only thing keeping my feet moving is the man standing underneath the gazebo, staring at me like I hung the moon shining above us.
My heels click against the wood steps as I step underneath the gazebo Julian hand-carved, taking in the candles and flowers covering every surface.
Julian lifts my veil while Lily reaches for my bouquet, freeing my hands for him to grab.
He leans in and whispers against my ear, “Eres la mujer más hermosa de todas.”
Goose bumps break out across my arms, and I lean back with a smile, taking him in.
I’ve seen Julian look happy, but right now, he practically glows from the emotions pouring out of him.
“Ready?” He gives my hand a squeeze.
I glance at Josefina, who must have gotten an officiant’s license at some point, before tilting my head toward the mastermind behind this whole operation.
“You had all this planned out, didn’t you?”
He lifts my hand and kisses it. “Jaque mate, cari?o.”
Butterflies scatter, making my stomach feel light and bubbly.
“We are gathered here today to witness the marriage of two soulmates destined for one another. And while some couldn’t physically be here today with us, we know they’re here in spirit.” Josefina tips her head toward the side.
Eres la mujer más hermosa de todas: You’re the most beautiful woman of all.
Jaque mate, cari?o: Checkmate, sweetheart.
I follow her gaze to the table beside the gazebo, where someone placed a photo of our fathers hugging in front of Lake Wisteria.
Since I don’t want to put my waterproof mascara to the test, I blink a few times before I turn toward Julian again.
The world stops around us as we stare into each other’s eyes. I barely pay attention to the speech Josefina recites, too caught up in our own moment to care about the traditional vows. Julian and I already shared our private promises hours ago after he made love to me following his proposal, so this display is more for our families than anything else.
I follow along and repeat after Josefina whenever Julian squeezes my hand.
She tucks her phone into the pocket of her dress and announces, “You may now kiss the bride.”
My heart threatens to burst from the rush of emotions overwhelming me, but I’m not given a moment’s reprieve before Julian loops his arm around me and claims his first kiss as my husband.
Best checkmate ever.