Nevara laughed softly through her own tears.
“You made mine seem terribly inadequate.”
“You haven’t said them yet.”
“That is the problem.”
The officiant smiled. “Nevara, you may give your vows.”
She drew a slow breath before meeting my eyes again.
“When I first met you, I thought you were arrogant, impossible, and entirely too accustomed to getting your way.”
A ripple of laughter moved through the guests.
“You were correct,” I said.
“I know.”
Her smile widened before becoming more tender.
“I did not expect you to become the person I trusted most. I certainly did not expect you to become the man who would take in two children and raise them as if they were your own.”
The emotion in her voice deepened.
“You have spent your life believing love must be earned through sacrifice. I
