Chapter 19 - THE VOWS UNDER THE OAKS
By mid-summer, the grand gardens of Sterling Manor were bursting with vibrant color—roses, lavender, and white jasmine climbing high up the ancient stone walls.
Under the shade of a magnificent three-hundred-year-old oak tree on the south lawn, two hundred guests gathered not for a tense estate auction, but for a celebration of love and life.
The wedding of Julianna Sterling and Arthur Vance was a affair of simple, breathtaking elegance.
I walked down the petal-strewn aisle dressed in a gown of ivory lace, holding a bouquet of white roses and wild jasmine. Walking beside me, giving me away with tears of pure joy streaming down her face, was my sister Elena.
At the altar stood Arthur, looking dashing in a tailored navy suit. Standing right beside him as the ring bearer was young Leo, wearing a miniature suit and carrying the velvet ring pillow with immense pride.
When I reached the altar, Arthur took my hands in his. His touch was warm, solid, and real—a daily miracle I would never take for granted for as long as I lived.
The elderly priest smiled, his voice echoing over the quiet, attentive crowd.
"Arthur Vance, do you take Julianna Sterling to be your lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"
Arthur looked down at me, his eyes overflowing with deep, unwavering devotion. "I do. I took this vow in my heart a long time ago, and not even the grave could break it."
A soft, emotional murmur rippled through the guests.
"And do you, Julianna Sterling," the priest continued, "take Arthur Vance to be your lawful wedded husband?"
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"I do," I answered without a second of hesitation, my voice clear and strong. "With all my heart, for all my life."
As Arthur slipped the simple gold band onto my finger, he pulled me into his arms and kissed me under the shade of the ancient oak, while the crowd erupted into cheers and applause that echoed all the way down to the shimmering sea.
