EPILOGUE:
ALEXANDRA
The familiar gold onion domes of the Russian Orthodox church stirred Alexandra’s memories of their first wedding. Today, she and Viktor would renew their vows during what they were both calling ‘the real wedding.’ Without Boris’s death and Viktor’s mistrust to sully their day, both hoped that this ceremony would solidify their relationship as husband and wife.
Alexandra’s wedding dress was just as dazzling as the one she’d worn previously, and Viktor’s suit just as dashing, as they stood at the white-draped altar. Alexandra was only disappointed when she noticed Elena was absent. Even though Elena had acted strangely during their past few visits, Alexandra dearly wished her best friend could be there for her big day.
The couple stood opposite each other, with a white-bearded priest slightly behind them. The priest finished his opening remarks and gestured toward them with a knobby hand.
“Viktor and Alexandra, the vows you are about to make are a way to share your love and commitment to each other in your own words. These vows are your way of openly declaring your promises to one another, as well as to all who are in attendance. Viktor, you may go first.”
Viktor shifted his weight and withdrew a folded slip of paper from an interior jacket pocket. He gazed deeply into Alexandra’s eyes and, with a soft smile, unfolded the paper and began to read.
“Alexandra, I love you with all my heart. When we first stood at this altar many days ago, the day was stained with blood and I was not able to give my heart to you completely. As I got to know the gorgeous, kind, strong woman who I had married, I began to feel something I hadn’t known before: hope.” Viktor paused and looked to Alexandra with tenderness, then continued.
“Because of you, Alexandra, I dare to dream. You taught me that fear is not the key to respect. You have brought warmth and love into my life that I did not know possible. I love you beyond words. No hug will ever be tight enough, no kiss passionate enough, to quench my hunger for you. Now that you have ignited the flame in my heart and stoked it into a wildfire, I cannot get enough of you.”
Alexandra began to tear up. She listened, each word penetrating her heart and soul.
“On this day, I promise to love you without condition. I promise to serve and protect you, through good times and bad. I promise to lift you when you fall, and honor you each and every day of my life. This is my solemn vow—now, and forever, to strive to be the husband you deserve.” Viktor folded the paper up and carefully tucked it back into his pocket.
Alexandra felt like someone had placed a cinder block on her chest as she struggled to maintain her composure; love overflowed her, and she was so happy that it was hard for her to remember to breathe. She had never heard Viktor speak like that, and it moved her to no end.
The priest smiled at her and said, “You can go now, Alexandra.”
She did not need a paper. She had committed every word to memory—a mantra to live by.
“Viktor, I am honored to share my life with you. From this day forward, you have every ounce of my love, unconditionally. I have no greater gift to give. Your trust is my strength, your heart is my shelter, and your arms are my home. I promise myself to you, and you alone, with unending loyalty. I promise to love you under any circumstances, in sickness and in health, laughter and tears, until the end of time. You are my partner forever in the adventure of marriage that lies ahead.”
The crowd was teary-eyed and sniffling now, but Alexandra and Viktor didn’t notice. Their eyes were locked, the world had melted away, and all that existed was their love in this perfect, special moment. They had overcome fear and uncertainty, their conflict forging an unshakeable bond.
“You may exchange rings,” the priest announced. Viktor carefully slipped a wedding band onto Alexandra’s finger. He caressed her hand as he did so, and Alexandra’s stomach tied itself up in excited knots. She, in turn, slid a ring onto Viktor’s finger.
“Do you, Viktor Sokolov, take Alexandra Volkin to be your lawfully wedded wife?” the priest asked.
“I do,” Viktor said.
“And do you, Alexandra Volkin, take Viktor Sokolov to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
“I do.” Alexandra beamed, anticipating what was to come next.
“By the power vested in me, under God and under law, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Viktor drew Alexandra into an embrace she returned without reserve, and they held each other tight, and kissed deeply. The crowd erupted with cheering and applause so loud that the priest needed to wait a moment before blessing their wedding and giving his closing remarks.
After the ceremony, the couple slipped into the crowd and basked in the well-wishes and congratulations offered to them from all sides. Alexandra hugged her mother and father, and was elated to see her father shaking Viktor’s hand.
“Sergei, I owe you an apology,” Viktor began, but was cut off.
“Nonsense. You could have done much worse, and even when you had the opportunity to do harm, you instead chose to respect me. Without your help, my name would not have been cleared, and something might have happened to my daughter. You have helped to save us, Viktor, and for that we are eternally grateful. Consider the Volkin family allies with yours for as long as there is breath in our lungs and blood in our veins.” Sergei had spoken with heartfelt gratitude, and Alexandra’s heart warmed anew to see her father and her husband so fully reconciled.
While Viktor and her father continued talking, Alexandra scanned the crowd again. There was, of course, no Uncle Tolya this time—Alexandra wondered if and when he would be caught—but there was also no Elena. She sighed. It just wasn’t the same without her best friend at her side. Hopefully, Elena was safe, and hopefully they were still friends. The lack of closure gnawed at Alexandra now that she thought of it again.
“You okay?” Viktor’s voice shook her from her thoughts.
“Yeah, just… I don’t know where Elena could possibly be.” Alexandra frowned. “I can’t help thinking of it.”
“Let me help you with that.” Viktor swept her into his arms and dipped her back for a kiss. The gesture was so smooth and so passionate that Alexandra felt dizzy with love. She kissed him back greedily, and swooned. People were looking, but let them look—it was her wedding day.
“Now and forever,” Viktor whispered against her mouth, “I will cherish you.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Alexandra whispered, smiling at him. She’d found her forever—everything else could wait.