Chapter 14 - THE WEDDING WHERE EVERYONE COULD UNDERSTAND
Their wedding took place beside Biscayne Bay.
Not in a cathedral.
Not in a mansion.
But in a garden overlooking the water.
The ceremony was fully accessible.
Professional interpreters stood near the officiant.
Captions appeared on discreet screens.
Guests were encouraged to learn a few basic signs before the wedding.
Cole walked Isla down the aisle.
He wore a dark blue suit.
His hands trembled slightly.
Isla squeezed his arm.
You okay?
He smiled.
I'm giving my sister away to a man who owns too many black suits.
She laughed.
At the front of the garden, Matteo waited.
He wore charcoal gray.
No tie.
No visible security.
Just a man looking at the woman he loved.
When Isla reached him, he signed:
You look beautiful.
She smiled.
You look nervous.
He nodded.
Terrified.
She laughed.
They exchanged vows in American Sign Language.
The interpreters voiced them for hearing guests.
Matteo promised honesty.
Partnership.
Respect.
And the courage to choose a better life even when it was difficult.
Isla promised love.
Truth.
Patience.
And the freedom for both of them to remain themselves.
When the officiant pronounced them married, Matteo kissed her.
The garden erupted in applause.
Some guests cheered.
Others raised their hands and waved them in the air in a visual celebration.
Cole cried.
Gabriel pretended not to.
May you like
Isla laughed.
And Matteo held her as though the world had finally become quiet in the right way.
