My arms will be your home.

My life will be dedicated to bringing a smile to your lips and joyful tears to your eyes.

May God bless you always, as He has blessed me by reuniting us.

May we always find the words to communicate through all of life's surprises- good and bad, happy and sad, easy and difficult.

May you feel the depth of my love, knowing you are truly the woman I was meant to love for the rest of my life.

May you always see your innocence and fire- the reflection of your inner beauty-through my eyes."

Damian drew a shaky breath as he pressed the ring over her first knuckle. He looked into her Pacific-blue eyes, swimming with the most beautiful, heartfelt tears he'd ever seen, and smiled.

"Savita, I give you my heart forever.

I have nothing of greater value to offer.

I promise I will do my best always to be the man you need and deserve.

I promise to love what I know about you, to trust what I do not yet know, and to respect you in all knowledge to come.

Through all of our years together and in all that life may bring us, I promise to continue to encourage, guide, and challenge you to try new things, and I hope you will trust that I will never harm you."

Damian seated the ring snug on her finger and smiled as he claimed his bride as his own.

"I feel so honored and pleased to call you mi princesa.

I will love, honor, and cherish you and the gift of your love forever."

Hearing a loud sniffle behind Savannah, he turned to see Marisol, tears streaming from her eyes and an expression of magical awe on his munequita's face. A wreath of tiny roses sat atop her long black hair, and she wore a beautiful puffed-out, long blue dress. She looked down at the blade poking out from his trouser leg and smiled approval at her embellishments, he supposed. He motioned for her to join them and then took the hands of both of his girls as he added: "I also promise to be the best father I can be to Marisol and any other children we may be blessed with.

May our family always feel the sense of joy we feel today.

I thank God every day for you both.

Thank you for allowing me inside your lives and hearts.

I love you both from the depths of my soul."

Savannah took the ring from Father Martine and placed it against the tip of his ring finger. He felt her hand shaking-or was it his? He smiled his encouragement, and she relaxed.

amian, I know in my heart you will continue to be my faithful friend.

On this special day and in the presence of our relatives and friends, I give to you my sacred promise that I will always be with you to support you, in times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow.

"I promise to love you completely each and every moment, to console and comfort you during difficult times, to laugh with you and to grieve with you, to share with you life's simplest and most enduring pleasures, to be truthful and honest with you, and to cherish and mirror your patient guidance and love."

Focus, Savannah.

She took a breath and gazed down at Mari, who had remained beside them as they continued to exchange their vows, before turning to Damian once more.

"I promise to be the best mother I can be to Mari and our future children and to work beside you to keep our family strong.

I promise to slay any dragon foolish enough to mess with my family."

She paused and grinned at him, remembering their shared fairy tale in the cave at Laguna Beach before growing serious again.

"And I vow to replace each bad memory with a hundred happy ones.

From this day forward, Damian, I give you my hand, my heart, and my love."

Her voice cracked as she finished. Thank God she'd made it through the vows before being overcome with emotion. Savannah blinked away the tears as she seated the simple, vintage Mexican-silver band on his brown finger. She'd found it in an antique store and hoped it carried a happy story like the one attached to the ring she now wore on her finger. Seeing the faded skin on his pinky finger where the ring had been worn since she'd known him would take some getting used to.

A tear splashed onto his finger, and she lifted his hand to her mouth, pressing her lips against the ring she'd given him to seal her vows and kiss away the tear. Later, she'd show him the inscription when they were alone.

Semper Fi, mi amor.

Anita came toward the couple carrying the two lit candles, handing one each to the bride and the groom. As Savannah and Damian walked toward the altar where the unity candle sat, Savannah stopped and turned around, gesturing for Mari to join her and Damian to help them light the candle that would unite their family as one. She glanced over at him as they blew out the candles representing the end of their lives apart. Their flame would now burn brightly as one family.

Back in their places, Father Martine continued the ceremony, "At this time, Savannah and Damian would like to symbolize their union with a Mexican wedding tradition called the lazo, or lasso, ceremony. The lasso of the double rosary symbolizes the inseparable nature of the newly married couple."

Savannah had watched brides and grooms being lassoed before this altar many times, but the symbolism had never included the context in which she now found herself being lassoed to Damian. Karla and Adam looped the giant rosary first around Damian's shoulders and then, completing the figure eight, over Savannah's head and shoulder. When their wrists were attached to the lazo, Savannah flashed back momentarily to the first time she'd allowed Damian to restrain her with rope. Adam and Karla had been there, too. She fought to stay in the moment, not wanting to miss anything.

"Damian and Savannah, this loop is symbolic of your love and will bind you together every day of the rest of your lives. Remember the holiness necessary to preserve your new family can only be achieved by mutual sacrifice and love."

Teresa came forward as Father Martine concluded the lazo ceremony and presented him with the prayer book and the rosary. Father blessed the gifts and gave them to Damian, reminding him that he was now the spiritual leader of his family.

Father Martine motioned, and Gunnar came forward to present both Damian and Savannah with a bag she knew held thirteen gold coins. "At this time, we will perform another traditional custom called Las Arras." He explained the ancient origins of the custom, but she and Damian had agreed to modernize the tradition. "Each bag holds thirteen coins, one for each month and one to give to charity. In exchanging these coins, Damian and Savannah will pledge 'Lo mio es tuyo y lo tuyo es mio'-'What is mine is yours and what is yours is mine.' I bless these coins knowing they are also symbolic of the unlimited good the universe has in store for this loving couple-unlimited love, joy, peace, and prosperity. I accept this for Damian and Savannah, and so it is. Amen." They exchanged the coin bags, the coins making a tinkling sound for all to hear.

Adam and Karla removed the lazo and handed it to Savannah as a memento of her becoming the mistress of Damian's heart. Forever she would cherish this visible symbol of the promises they made today.

Savannah turned to Rosa who extended the small bouquet of six red roses. Savannah said to Damian, "Someone else needs to be honored for getting me here today. Please join me?" He smiled and nodded, taking her hand and giving it a little squeeze. As the couple departed toward the side of the church, Karla began her angelic rendition of Ave Maria.

For you, Maman.

They made their way to the side altar and to the statue of the Madonna that had drawn her into this sanctuary-in both senses of the word-all those years ago, both as a child beside her mother one special Christmas Eve and again exactly twelve years later as a pregnant and scared young woman. Savannah placed the bouquet at the base of this statue of Mother and Son.

"Thank you, mi Madonna, the symbol of both mother and child, for your oversight and guidance. Please let Maman know how happy I am and that all is well." Tears blurred her vision.

"Savita, are you okay?" Damian's voice beside her drew her attention, but she couldn't meet his gaze yet. When she finally turned toward him, her gaze still downcast, she saw for the first time he wore a blade rather than the shoe prosthesis. She glanced up at him, "When...?"

"Today. It was time."

"Oh, Damian, I'm so proud of you!"

"While you were hiding from me in that room in the back, Marisol already started decorating it for me."

Curious, Savannah bent down looked more closely to find two butterflies with blue translucent wings and black tips in the bow of the blade, just like the butterflies she'd seen at the cave a few weeks ago representing her maman and John, the man who had died at her father's hands trying to rescue them.

Thank you for letting me know you're here, Maman.

Damian and Savannah returned to their places in front of Father Martine, so he could continue the liturgy. At the offering, Adam and Karla walked toward the back of the church with Marc and Angelina to collect the gifts of bread, water, and wine. Angelina carried the two engraved goblets that would be used during Communion.

At the conclusion of the liturgy, Father Martine addressed those gathered to witness their special day. "This circle of love is now complete." Father Martine continued as he blessed their union and motioned for them to stand and face each other. She looked up into her beloved's warm brown eyes. "Savannah and Damian have agreed to love one another with all of their hearts, to be one another's only intimate companion, and each other's inspiration. It may seem like only yesterday that they started their lives together and allowed this incredible love to bloom, and yet they know why they were meant to be here today. Though life may not always be as perfect as it is at this moment, Damian and Savannah vow always to keep their love as pure as it is today, promising to be there in laughter and tears, sickness and health, comfort and fears, in poverty and wealth until the end of eternity."

Father Martine paused as Damian brushed a tear from her cheek. "In the presence of these witnesses, and in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and by the power vested in me by the State of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."

Without hesitation, Damian leaned forward and wrapped her in the protection of his arms. As his mouth lowered to hers, she closed her eyes. He surprised her by taking hold of her head and blowing his breath into her mouth before sucking their co-mingled breaths back into his. He didn't take it so far as he had the first time they'd done a breath-play exchange, but when he plunged his tongue deep into her mouth, her bag of coins fell to their feet. He chuckled and pulled her against him.

Someone cleared his throat-it sounded like Adam-but Damian continued to lay claim to her mouth. She regretted when he pulled away, but the promise in his eyes of what was to come later tonight let her know this was just a taste of many delights awaiting her.

Father Martine chuckled before he announced to those present in the church, "Ladies and gentlemen, senoras y senores, may I be the first to present Mr. and Mrs. Damian Orlando."

The congregation applauded as the recessional Ode to Joy began to play on the newly repaired pipe organ in the loft. Recognizing the organist's hand, she didn't need to turn to see that Anita had left her place here in the wedding party. She smiled, knowing her dear friend brought forth the beautiful music that filled the church.

Memories of huddling in a corner of the choir loft, seeking a place to hide and sleep after escaping the horrors of her childhood, brought Savannah full circle. Being able to donate some of Maman's money to bring joyful music to the church once more warmed her heart.

"Shall we, my lady?" Damian crooked his arm for her and placed his hand over hers as he led her to the vestibule. They entered into a small chamber she'd never been in before where Father Martine had asked them to wait so they could sign the certificate and make everything legal.

"I can't get my fill of you, savita." Damian crushed her against the wall, pressing his mouth to hers once more.

A male chuckle brought them back to the present some time later. "You two really need to get a room-but not until after your reception is over. Your madrinas y padrinos have worked long and hard to make everything special for you."

She blushed and turned to Father Martine, whose eyes exuded happiness. "Let me be the second to kiss the bride." He came to her and kissed her on both cheeks. "I'm so happy for you, little one. Seeing you so happy gives my heart great joy. As I remember back to this day, I will be able to counsel others who think there is no longer any hope for them. You two offer an amazing testament to others, and I hope you won't hide that light under a bushel."

He then turned to Damian and shook his hand. "Take good care of her, or you'll have me and many others to answer to."

"I'd take a bullet for this woman, Padre."

Savannah cleared the frog from her throat. "You already did, Damian."

They signed the nuptial papers and the state's paperwork before following Father Martine into the vestibule where the wedding party remained, waiting to take photos. Then they would all proceed to the church hall for the reception.

How truly blessed was she?

Chapter Thirty-One.

Marc had never been more nervous in his life-not so much because of what he was about to do but of how Angelina would respond.

He breathed a heavy sigh, expending some nervousness. He and Angelina would leave in an hour for the special date he'd spent all week planning. For her, though, he wanted everything to be a surprise.

One lesson he'd learned from their separation was not to leave Angelina out of equation when making important decisions, but he liked keeping his girl guessing. However, they had discussed plans to move into her place in Aspen Corners after Damian's wedding; he just hadn't told her how long after that would be. First, he needed to do something he'd put off way too long.

She'd moved back to his Denver house temporarily after he'd left Adam's, in part to continue to be there for the fallout of the interrogation scene three weeks ago. He glanced around the bedroom. On the first of June, he would sign the deed to this house over to Adam and Karla. Marc and Angelina had been packing boxes the last two weeks, but most of his furniture would stay here or go into storage. Very few pieces were his or Angelina's style and even fewer would fit into her tiny rental house.

Tonight-well, tomorrow, depending on how one viewed it-he hoped to be making plans for the rest of their lives. He patted his pocket to make sure he had everything he needed, not that he hadn't performed that check a dozen times already.

Dio, don't let me get cold feet again.

The shower door opened and closed. She'd return to the bedroom soon, so Marc went to the dresser and pulled out the red satin sash he'd first put on her that night in her house when he thought he'd only have one night with her. Now he hoped there would be many more nights together-the remainder of their days. Could he win her over by blowing her expectations out of the water? Or would his need to lay more ghosts to rest in the coming days ruin the moment?

Angelina entered the bedroom with one towel wrapped around her body as she dried her hair with another. She spotted the sash in Marc's hand. Her smile caused his heart to rev up, not to mention his cock. So beautiful when she smiled. Beautiful on the inside, too. How did he get so lucky to find someone willing to put up with his shit?

"I thought you said we were going out."

"We are."

She glanced at the sash again, and her hand stilled in drying her hair before she lowered the towel and met his gaze.

"Wear something sexy but romantic. I'm taking you to a new Italian restaurant."

"Blindfolded?"

"Not only blindfolded, but I'll be blocking your sense of hearing, as well."

Her breath hitched. Apparently, the idea of a public scene and escalated sensory deprivation excited her. Fascinating woman. She would certainly keep him on his toes planning innovative play scenes for decades to come.

If he should be so blessed.

Marc took the brush and ran it through her long, silky hair. Sometimes she would count the strokes-much as she would during a spanking-but today she seemed lost in the sensation. They hadn't had sex since she'd moved back into the house, partly because of his recent ordeal and partly because he didn't want things to become physical before they resolved some issues. They had continued to cuddle and he made sure her body's needs were met.

Surprisingly, though, he'd found that touching her in non-sexual ways, even doing something as mundane as brushing her hair, only heightened his desire for her. He'd been working out in the weight room at the club. Soon he would stoke the fires again.

She pivoted and stilled his hand, still holding onto the towel that hid her body from him. "You have no idea how sensual it is to have someone mess with your hair." He shrugged, but was surprised she'd felt something, too. When she reached for her makeup bag, he stayed her hand.

"No makeup. You're beautiful without it."

She quirked a brow, but he didn't explain further. She never overdid her makeup, always using just enough to enhance her natural beauty. But she'd be sleeping in it tonight and wouldn't appreciate the way her mascara would smear after having the blindfold on for so long. Besides, she was beautiful without it.

She rose and walked over to open the top drawer of the dresser. He'd made sure only her sexiest lingerie was there.

"You won't be needing a bra or panties-just the garter belt and silk stockings."

She glanced at him over her shoulder. "My, you've planned everything down to the last detail."

"I've planned as far as I can without your input. The time will come during our date when you will have to determine how this scene ultimately plays out."

She grinned. "Planning to push boundaries tonight?"

I'm definitely going to be pushing the boundaries for one of us.