The Sanctuary (29 page)

“We would love to, but we don’t want to impose on your day.”

Val interjected, “We would love to have you there.” He held my hand. I could tell he was happy for me.

“Are you sure?” Sofia questioned.

“Yes, absolutely,” I insisted.

“We would be honored to be there.” She paused. “Why did you come to Finland?”

I laughed at her question. “I have no idea honestly. I guess you could say something drew me here. Maybe I was being called home.”

“Isn’t it odd how the world works? You came here and met a wonderful man who connected you to us.”

I looked at Val. “I never believed in fate, but now I do.”

We spoke for nearly three hours about my life, my interests, my cousins, and my family. It was a life-changing meeting and a cathartic experience. We shared so much in common, our love of the arts, interior design, architecture, and history. It was natural talking to her. It felt as if I’d known her my entire life.

We stayed until closing. As we waited for our cars to arrive, we continued our conversation. We didn’t want to depart each other’s company.

“After you marry, where will you be staying? I want to stay in touch. I don’t want to lose you again,” Sofia said, gripping my hand.

“We’re leaving in four days for New York. I have to finish some current contracts, but I am also in the process of selling my company. Once everything is finalized and Val’s done touring, I will be calling Finland home.”

Val eyed me but did not say a word. I had not mentioned the buyout to him. I was trying to keep it under wraps until I knew for sure the deal was definite.

“That’s wonderful news!” Sofia exclaimed. “And once you move here, what are your plans?”

“For the first time in my life, I have no plans. I think I will let fate decide for me.”

“That doesn’t seem like you.” Her eyes spoke volumes. She understood my personality.

“It’s not. Perhaps we’ll start a family. I’m not sure about opening a business here. It’s something Val and I have to discuss before I make any decisions. I want what will be best for us.”

“You have a good head on your shoulders, and I am sure you will make the right decision for your family. But if you ever want to work again, the doors to my company are open to you.”

“Thank you, Sofia, that is very kind of you. I appreciate the offer.”

She hugged me warmly as her car arrived. “That’s what family is for. I am so happy you are home.”

As we returned to our house, I could tell Val was happy for me. “I am proud of you.” He kissed me on the cheek and nuzzled me next to him. “I know that was tough, and I know how much it meant to you to feel connected to her.”

“Thank you, Val.” I leaned my head in the nook of his arm.

“Speaking of family, we have a big day tomorrow.” His eyes glistened. “I’ll be out of the house before you wake. I don’t want to jinx us. It’s bad luck to see each other before the wedding.”

“Then you better not come home because it’s after midnight,” I teased.

“And miss out on our last night of single sex?” He laughed and kissed me.

I laughed with him. “You’re right. How can we miss that?”

“Speaking of missing things, did you forget to tell me something?” He raised his eyebrows.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I fluttered my eyelashes and laughed.

“Something about your company?”

“Oh that.” I smiled. “I have a potential buyer. We’re under negotiations. I’ll know more within the month. If all goes well, I’ll have the company sold by July at the latest.”

“Just in time for the release.”

“Exactly.”

“Who’s going to plan the release party then?” he teased.

“I don’t need to own a company to throw my husband a party.”

He laughed and kissed me again. “If I have my way, the only thing we’ll be working on in July is a family.”

I woke the next morning on less than three hours of sleep. Our wedding day had arrived, and I couldn’t loaf in bed any longer. I needed to be out of the house in less than three hours. I wanted a relaxing morning before taking the big plunge.

Amazingly, I felt calm. I thought I would be excited or wound up like I was when I planned events. But this was different. There were no vendors to scream at, no timelines to meet or fires to put out. I had to worry only about myself.

I scanned our bedroom and listened to the sounds of the house. All was quiet and still. Val had already left. The only remnant of his sweetness was the impression of his body on the bed where he’d slept last night. I smiled. The next time I saw him we would be husband and wife.

I quickly washed, observing the things scattered across our bathroom. They were our possessions—not mine, not his, but ours. It felt as if we were already married. I wondered how life would change for us after this morning.

I slipped into my bathrobe and headed downstairs for coffee. It was lonely without him here. I wondered what I would do while we were apart after next month. Had I become dependent on him? I shook my head. It was amazing how three short months could change my personality so drastically. Would I be an independent married woman? Or, more to the point, did I want to be?

The phone rang, snapping me out of my daydream.

“And how’s my sister-in-law-to-be?” Jenni asked on the other end.

“I’m just watching the clock.”

She laughed. “Are you nervous?”

“No, not at all. It’s weird. I’m calm.”

“I’ll be there in twenty minutes. I’ll make sure you’re excited.”

I giggled at her comment. I was sure she would be able to cure any feelings of tranquility I had.

Jenni arrived right on time. I had packed everything I needed and was relaxing on the couch watching television.

“You’re watching TV on your wedding day? What’s wrong with you?” She draped her arms over the couch onto me. “Come on.” She tried to pull me up. “Why aren’t you more excited? This is the biggest day of your life.”

I sighed. “I’ve done this so many times before with my brides that I guess it feels normal for me.” I sat up. “Wait until you see the dress.”

“It came, and you never showed me?” Her voice was giddy.

“It arrived two days ago. I didn’t want to show it off. Val’s been home.” As soon as I started talking about the dress, my spirits perked up. It was the one thing I would not deny myself for my wedding. They could keep all the festivities. As long as I had my dress and a photographer to capture it, my wedding would be perfect.

“Can I see it?” She started unzipping the bag.

“Nope.” I playfully slapped her hand. “You’ll see it soon enough. We have to leave.” I grabbed my dress and purse, and we headed out.

As we drove in the car, a nervous anticipation slowly set in. “Does Val have the rings?” I asked Jenni.

“I think Eero does.”

“Are you kidding me? What if he loses them? He doesn’t want us married.”

“Don’t worry, he won’t. He will respect Val’s wishes. Besides, Dad already warned him not to pull anything today.”

“And my bouquet?” Suddenly, I morphed into a stressed-out bride.

“Relax. Mum picked it up.” She smiled. “So, reality finally kicked in?”

“I feel like I’ve lost control.” I scanned the buildings passing us by.

“You have. There’s nothing you can do but go with it.” Jenni squeezed my hand, “Everything will be fine.”

“And the photographer?” I couldn’t believe I’d forgotten to make the calls I needed to.

“Already called, he’s on his way. Do you think I would let you down?”

“And the reservations for the restaurant?”

“Already confirmed.” She smiled again. “You need to calm down. It’s your day; you need to enjoy it. Stop getting caught up in the details. That’s what I’m here for. I’ve got you covered.”

“Do you want to come and work for me?” I laughed. Jenni was perfect.

We arrived at the registry office; I scanned the street checking for paparazzi before exiting the car. We quickly rushed into the building. I didn’t want any press photographing the wedding. We navigated our way to the small suite reserved for the wedding party. Maaria and Sofia were already there, making small talk. Both women greeted me in unison, hugging me.

Maaria looked at me. “Your aunt told me you are Finnish. Why didn’t you mention it?”

I smiled. “Because I didn’t know until a month ago.”

There was a knock on the door. Jenni opened it. It was a clerk from the office.

“Is Eveliina Laurikkonen here?” she asked.

“That would be me.” I placed my things down on the chair. Jenni and Maaria appeared confused at my acknowledgement of my name.

The woman entered the room. “I have paperwork here I need you to review.”

I gulped. Taking this plunge was more nerve-racking than my upcoming nuptials. I accepted the pen from the woman and glanced down at the paperwork.

The woman continued, “You need to initial here confirming your surname change.” She flipped the page. “And sign here.” She flipped more pages. “And you’ll need to print and sign your name here for the application for citizenship status based on your marriage. Immigration will be contacting you shortly, but it normally takes a few years before it’s finalized.”

I glanced at the paperwork. I didn’t tell Val I was taking his name. The last we spoke about it, I told him I was hyphenating my name because of my company, but that was before I had a prospective buyer. If I sold and moved here, there would be no reason for me to keep my last name. I was a traditionalist at heart. I believed married couples should share the same surname. I signed off on the paperwork and handed it back. The woman quickly escorted herself out, leaving me with my family again.

The three women eyed me for an answer. Sofia began, “I thought you changed your name.”

“Not legally. I used Eve Lauren as an alias. When I was eighteen, I didn’t have the cash to formally change it, and I never got around to doing it.”

“Does Val know?” Jenni questioned me.

“No, he doesn’t. He doesn’t know I’m taking his name either. He thinks I’m hyphenating it.” I picked up my dress and headed into the bathroom. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to change. Jenni, would you mind giving me a hand?”

I entered into the small bathroom and unzipped the bag, removing my dress. The V-neck dress plunged to my chest with darts to accentuate my figure before wrapping in several layers around my waist. It flared out in a simple A-line. It was an elegant, minimalistic retro dress that reflected my style.

Jenni helped me with the little details, zipping me up, helping me put my birdcage veil in place, making sure the dress fell perfectly. I gazed in the mirror. I was a bride-to-be. I’d never thought I would see this day.

There was a gentle knock on the door. It was Maaria. “Eve, it’s time.”

Jenni opened the door; it was now or never. Maaria handed me my bouquet. “You look beautiful.”

I grasped the doorframe. “Is it normal to feel lightheaded?” I asked. Being a wedding planner, I had seen it all, from cold feet to vomiting, but I could never grasp the feeling of how it was to be in their shoes. Now I knew. It was sickening, literally.

“You’ll be fine,” Sofia said to me. “It’s nerves. It will pass.”

Sofia held the door open to the judge’s chambers. I stepped foot inside and spotted Val standing before me. He was all I could see. The walls seemed to disappear, and our family faded into the background. Our eyes locked, and we both smiled. He extended his hand, and I took it as we faced the judge before us.

“You are beautiful,” he whispered.

“And you are very handsome.” I was giddy like a schoolgirl. His tuxedo jacket, which was opened, revealed a black tee underneath. It was the perfect ensemble for our day.

The judge cleared his throat and glared at us to stop talking. We let out a soft laugh, knowing we’d gotten in trouble. It was just our way of doing things.

“We are here today to celebrate the union of Eveliina Laurikkonen and Valentino Ruskanen.”

Val interrupted, “I thought you changed your name.”

I shot him a sideways glance. “Not legally. Your name is Valentino Ruskanen?” I whispered. “I thought you were Finnish?”

The judge looked at us. “Shall I continue?”

“Valo Ruska is my stage name. I’m Italian and Finnish.” He looked at the judge. “Please, continue.”

“If there is anyone here who objects to this marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace.” The judge scanned the quarters.

I watched Eero from the corner of my eye. I expected him to say something, but he stood motionless and emotionless next to Val.

I focused on the judge, who was well into the wedding ceremony. I could recite it off the top of my head. It was standard. I suppose I could have written a different ceremony to make it special, but again, tradition always overruled modern convention for me.

We turned toward each other to say our vows, and my eyes started to water. I hadn’t expected to be so emotional. I often wondered why couples cried at this point. And standing there before Val, I finally understood what it was like to be in love with someone.

The judge continued, “Kindly repeat after me.”

Val shook his head. “That won’t be necessary.” He reached out and held my hand.

“I, Valentino Ruskanen, take you, Eveliina Laurikkonen, to be my beloved wife, my best friend, and my one true love from this day forward. In the presence of our family and friends, I vow to be your faithful partner, always by your side, in joy and sorrow. My home is in your arms. I promise to love you unconditionally, to cherish you, honor you,
and obey you
for as long as we both shall live.”

I smiled through my tears of happiness. He’d put me on the spot. I hadn’t written vows for him. I squeezed his hand and whispered, “I didn’t know we were writing our own vows.”

He winked. “You’ve done this enough. I’m sure you can wing it.” A smile crept across his face. He knew what he’d done.

I took a deep breath. “I, Eveliina Laurikkonen, take you, Valentino Ruskanen, to be my darling husband, my best friend, and my soul mate from this day forward. I give to you my hand and my heart as I pledge my unconditional faith, love, and devotion to you. As I give myself to you, I promise to honor you, to treasure you, to be at your side through the good times and the bad, to love, cherish, and obey you always. I promise you this from my heart, for all the days of my life.”