Chapter 9 - The Vow in the GardenOn a magnificent, sun-drenched Saturday in June, our wedding took place in the Rose Garden of the Boston Public Garden.
Arbors of cascading white roses, blooming hydrangeas, and trailing ivy framed the stone altar.
Over two hundred of our closest friends, colleagues, recovered pediatric patients, and Dean William Carter sat beneath the clear blue sky.
I walked down the petal-strewn grass aisle on the arm of Dean Carter, who beamed with immense, fatherly pride in his bespoke black tuxedo.
I wore a custom-tailored ivory lace gown with off-the-shoulder sleeves and a cathedral-length veil that danced in the summer breeze.
Julian stood at the altar in an immaculate black tuxedo, his eyes filled with such breathtaking adoration that my heart soared with gratitude.
When Dean Carter placed my hand into Julian’s, Julian looked into my eyes with infinite gentleness.
"Emily," Julian spoke during his vows, his voice clear and steady. "You taught me that true greatness is found in the courage to love and heal others despite the scars of the past. I vow to honor you, cherish you, protect you, and stand beside you through every season of our lives, for all eternity."
May you like
"Julian," I replied, my voice sweet and resonant. "You gave me a sanctuary of pure trust, an honest partner, and a love that is brave, patient, and unshakeable. I am yours, completely and forever."
When the minister pronounced us husband and wife, Julian pulled me into a passionate, breathless kiss beneath the warm golden sun, while our guests erupted into thunderous, standing applause.
