Adriana Hunter - I Just Wanted to Save My Family

What are you doing, Stphan? Were going to be late!

This must be the tenth time Ive tied my tie today, but I cant get it right. I do it often enough, except that today Im not just going to a meeting. Im getting married.

Two little knocks at the door, and my mother comes in. She finds me facing the mirror in my bedroom in the family home, dressed impeccably from head to foot but with my tie still askew. Im starting to lose patience. My mother instantly understands the problem.

Give it to me, darling, your father will fix it.

He taught me in the first place, hes mastered this art. She soon comes back with a perfectly knotted tie, and Im immediately calmer. I catch my mother looking at me in the mirror, full of pride and emotion. This gives me a chance to look at her too, my mother, my mom, the woman who gave me the love that allows me in turn to love. Shes dressed beautifully today, radiant with happiness and more than a little relief: She was starting to worry because I still wasnt married at thirty-nine.

Youll be down soon, wont you?

I just need to arrange my pocket square and Ill be ready. Im marrying the most beautiful woman in the world, so the least I can do is perfect my appearance.

My fiance isnt far away: While Ive battled with my tie, Zena has been dressing in my parents bedroom, helped by her Serbian friend, Yelena. My bride-to-be will wear a dress we bought together in Nancy. Not very traditional! Just like our story so far, in fact

I race down the stairs four at a time. A minute later Zena comes down too. I gaze at her, so beautiful in her long bustier dress that accentuates her spectacular figure. Shes wearing simple pearl earrings and a necklace of fine lace. To my way of thinking, its obvious: A Hollywood star is coming toward me, smiling. The gentle toot of a car horn brings me back to the moment. The rental car has come to take us to the Mairiethe town hall.

All our guests are waiting outside. Its a short list: my close family and my closest friends, about thirty of us in all. Because my future wifes family cant join us for the big day, Im very glad Yelena is here with her.

My father takes my fiances arm, and my mother takes mine, and thats how we make our entrance at Castelginests Mairie. My father has put on his red, white, and blue sash. We are especially lucky: As Castelginests town councillor, he will conduct our marriage ceremony. This makes me very happy, and I hope its a source of pride for a man Ive always been afraid of disappointing.

Come in, my friends! he says in a powerful voice, and our little gathering settles into the Mairies only room. Zena and I stay standing, side by side, facing my father, who has donned his glasses to read to us from the civil code. But before he starts, he puts the text down for a moment and looks at us.

My children, Im the happiest of men this morning: I have the pleasure of officiating the marriage of my son, Stphan, to the woman he loves. Not only am I witnessing my sons happiness, I also have the pleasure of welcoming Zena into our family. I know whats happening in Syria, and Im painfully aware of what your parents are going through. Welcome, Zena, you will be like a daughter to me now.

The exchange of vows will be imprinted on my memory for the rest of my days. Although were speaking to my father, Zena and I turn to face each other, and our Yeses echo in the small hall. Zenas is serious and gentle, mine resonant and vibrant. Caught up in the momentousness of our promises, neither of us smiles.