Crowned In Blood

Epilogue

Catalina

T oday was the day I'd always dreamed about.

I'd once thought that dream had died. That when my heart was broken, and it felt as though I'd fallen off a cliff and plummeted into an endless abyss, I'd never find myself again.

But I did.

Then Marco came into my life, and I started to believe that I could be more. That my dreams weren't childish fantasies, but something that could actually come to life with this incredible man who saw and wanted me for who I truly was.

And now it was finally here—the day I'd become Marco Torrino's wife.

I'd always heard weddings were supposed to be stressful, but ours wasn't. Even in the small, chaotic moments, Marco and I would lock eyes and laugh, kiss, take a deep breath, and work through the problem together.

He was my rock, my confidant, someone who understood and loved me on such a deep level that I'd begun to learn how to love myself.

The feelings he invoked in me were ones I never thought I was capable of experiencing: joy, bliss, happiness, ease, calm .

With Marco, my life was peaceful and serene, regardless of what was happening around us. I was lucky just knowing he wanted to stay by my side, but when he asked me to marry him, I felt like I'd won the lottery.

And I had.

Our wedding planner had done an excellent job every step of the way. She’d listened. And the venue we'd booked was perfect.

Marco stood outside beside a lake, waiting for me under a beautiful wooden arch covered in an array of red, white, and pink flowers. Our families, even Julianna and Lilia, were seated comfortably with a beautiful, tall arrangement of the same flowers and candles at every end.

Carlos stood beside Marco as his best man, Joseph and Samuel as his groomsmen.

Jo had been the most incredible maid of honor and had fluffed my dress before walking out the door. Soon, she and my bridesmaids, Naya and Olivia, would head down the aisle.

Then, all that was left was me.

I took a deep breath. I didn't have any pre-wedding jitters. For the first time, I had friends, family, and a man that loved me just as much as I loved him. But I had to calm down and make sure I didn't lose my composure and trip over my own two feet.

I looked at myself one more time in the mirror. My nude-ivory, A-line dress flowed perfectly around my body. The ribbed corset was tied just right, enough to make sure the dress stayed in place, but not so tight that I couldn't breathe. The off-the-shoulder mikado sleeves brought a beautiful architectural simplicity to the otherwise glittery gown, and the thigh-high slit would make Marco's heart race.

My train wasn't too long, my makeup light and airy, highlighting my golden tanned skin, with just a hint of red at the lip. And my hair was perfect in its half-up, half-down style with the diamond encrusted tiara Marco had given me as a wedding gift.

I checked the time.

This music would start in under a minute.

I took another deep breath then shook out my hands, trying to get my excitement under control, before stepping out into the hall. When I reached the bottom stairs, Ruth was there to give me away.

I'd chosen her because if it hadn't been for her honesty and trust in me, I would have never allied myself with Marco. And while he'd always told me his goal was to be with me, no matter what or how long it would take, Ruth had given him a way. Without her, I likely wouldn't have the happiness I did in my life now.

Ruth's eyes shone with tears as she grasped my hands. "You look beautiful, Do?a. Let's get you to your man."

I gulped and nodded, not trusting myself to speak, then took her arm as we slowly made our way down the aisle.

As I passed our family, seeing their cheerful smiles and the way they clapped for us, more tears came to my eyes, but not a single one fell until I saw Marco.

He was stunningly handsome. His suit was perfectly tailored, with a matching ranunculus from my bouquet and the watch I'd given him as a wedding present.

But it was his gaze that struck me. The love and affection there and the brilliant smile that lit up my entire world.

He thanked Ruth, and we helped her sit down in her chair, then he grasped my shaking hands with his own.

I barely heard the officiant, and if it weren't for Carlos handing us the rings, I would have missed my cue entirely.

"Do you, Catalina Salazar, take Marco Torrino to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

I didn't hesitate for a moment. "I do."

Marco slipped my wedding band and ring onto my finger, a gorgeous mixture of white and black, light and dark, just like us.

"And do you, Marco Torrino?—"

"I do."

The crowd laughed, and more tears gathered in my eyes at his eagerness. I slipped his wedding band on, which matched the same blend of white and black as mine, and had the night of our first date inscribed inside.

"With the power vested in me, you may now kiss?—"

Marco pulled me into his arms and kissed me. Kissed me as if he was starving, like he'd waited his whole life for me, and I kissed him back just as deeply.

"May I now present, Mr. and Mrs. Torrino!"

The crowd roared around us, and it was the only reason we broke apart. Sparklers, rice, and flower petals went in every direction. It was complete and utter chaos, and the most beautiful celebration I could have ever asked for.

As we walked down the aisle, I thought about how good my name sounded with his—Catalina Torrino—as though our union was predestined, something infinite and unbreakable.

And when Marco scooped me into his arms and kissed me once more, I knew it had to be. He was my king, my soulmate, my equal in every way, and I would always be his queen, regardless of anything that came our way, even death or the end of time.

I would always be his , and he would always be mine .