Willa smiled, shaking her head, “Come on, they’re about to go in, and you have to get in position.”
Nora and Rachel were downstairs already. They helped me get ready today and then went to help the kids. I couldn’t imagine where I would be without them. Well, I knew where I would be, the same place I was a year ago.
Willa always said that I saved her, her fairy godmother, but I think it was the opposite. I knew from the moment I met her that I liked her, which was rare. Luckily, I followed that feeling. She offered real, honest, genuine friendship, a kind that I don’t think I ever had. Also, the whole introduction to my mate and the life I never let myself dream of was huge. I didn’t want to call it destiny, but there was a reason we met at the time that we did.
“Mommy!” Loreli ran up so fast she almost tripped. Her strawberry curls were tamed under a flower crown. Her white dress swished behind her, and holy c.rap the tears were coming again. I never thought we would get this moment, especially when she was still a kid.
“You look like a fairy princess,” Emmett said, wrapping his little suited arm around Loreleis. They would be the perfect ring bearer and flower girl.
“Thank you for helping me today.” I leaned down and pulled them both into a careful hug, “You both look incredible.” I whispered.
They beamed at me; I stood up, turning to Nora and Rachel, both in sage green dresses similar to Willa’s. I didn’t love the overly matching things, but I agreed it would look better in the photos, “Thank you both for helping them and me, I think we’re all good at going?” That was more of a question.
“The planner just confirmed that they are about to walk in,” Nora said. On cue, the music started, and my stomach clenched. I looked at Willa with wild eyes.
“We can always run to a five-star resort?” She asked.
“There are so many people there watching me,” I said. I didn’t invite them, but apparently, there were other ranked members, pack members, and business partners that made the cut. I didn’t care as long as I got to have an audacious wedding and get married to my literal soulmate.
“And you don’t like that?” Rachel asked, with a wry smile, tilting her head so her signature honey waves slipped over her shoulder.
“You’re right, I do,” I looked at my stomach, “Why am I nervous?”
“I
I got nervous before the royal ceremony,” Willa shrugged, “No matter how many ceremonies, I think it’s okay to be nervous. And this one is all about you. Want advice?” She asked.
I appreciated that she asked, “Sure.”
“I know I’m not married yet,” She added with a smile, “But focus on Holden. In the end, that’s why we’re here, right? To get you married, tied to each other in every way possible.”
“That thought doesn’t twist my stomach as it would have a year ago,” I smiled. I thought of going down the aisle, walking after my friends and my daughter, “Let’s do it.”
Willa led our kids out. Her parents would be waiting for them after they went down the aisle. I needed to thank Caspien and Willa’s parents for stepping in where mine should have been, but I didn’t know how to put into words how their acceptance and love for my daughter extended past her being Emmett’s friend.
Willa returned smiling, “They did well. Now we’re up.”
A knock at the door, and Willa rushed to it. I knew it was Caspien before she opened the door based on the silly smile on her face.
“Hello, Princess,” He smiled at her. Neither of them said anything for a moment.
I coughed, “Sorry to cut in, I’m just trying to get married.”
Caspien gave me a smile that seemed less forced than the ones he used to try, “You look stunning, Cali. Holden is a lucky man.” “Thank you, and he is.”
Griffen came in after, “Olivia is with your parents in the front. I checked on Lilith too,” He said before turning back to his mate, “I packed an extra diaper bag that I’ll bring up just in case of an emergency.”
“Thank you,” Nora said.
What kind of emergency would we need two diaper bags within ten feet of each other? She linked me, and I tried not to laugh at Griffen’s sake. Not today at least.
“My love, it has been ages.” Jack went in and scooped Rachel up.
“My hair, I swear,” She lightly hit his shoulder, but her smile was radiant and unbroken.
“Okay, okay, now is time for me to get my mate,” I cut in.
Jack set Rachel down and looked at me, “Thank you for including me.”
“You’re, unfortunately, one of us now,” I waved him off.
“We’re happy you’re here,” Willa said, smiling at her old friend.
“Also, I needed someone to walk me down the aisle,” Rachel joked, looking away from her mate.
“You didn’t want to be away from me for that long, admit it,” Jack pulled her close, and Rachel swatted him away, “Also, I don’t want anyone else to get the honor of walking with the most beautiful, er, one of the most beautiful girls in the room.” Jack amended. “Good save,” Willa rolled her eyes, “Shall we?”
Nora handed me my flowers as we left the room.
“One last thing from Holden,” Caspien held out a black box. I opened it, finding small furnished gold star charm, “His family doesn’t have too many heirlooms; they are an old line but not in the same way as the royals; these things don’t mean as much to them. This is one of the oldest that he had, and his grandmother insisted you have it.” He took it out and reached for my flowers, “May I?” He asked. I nodded, not exactly sure where he was going with this. I was too preoccupied with owning a family heirloom. “He pinned it to the ribbon wrapped around the flowers, “Something old,” Willa said, admiring it as Caspien returned it.
“S.hit, I forgot about all that. Do you think I’ll be doomed?” I actually felt nervous.
“Your wedding dress is new, and so is that fabulous cape,” Rachel said, admiring it.
“Something borrowed,” Willa took one of her hairpins out and motioned for me to turn around, “They were from Caspien’s family, not just from the hair stylist, I promise.” She stood behind me, “Perfect,”
“Anyone has something blue?” Nora asked.
“I have a handkerchief,” Capien opened his suit pocket and pulled out a dark blue handkerchief with the royal crest.
“What am I supposed to do with that?” I asked.
“Stuff your bra. I don’t know.” Caspien sounded annoyed, and I raised an eyebrow.
I grabbed it, “Thank you, werewolf king, it would be my honor,” Caspien took a deep breath but didn’t say anything as I stuffed it into the bodice of my dress, having nowhere else to put it.
The music changed again, and it was time. Caspien and Willa walked first, followed by Nora and Griffen with the extra emergency diaper bag, then Rachel and Jack. My heart beat against my chest, but it was more excitement than nerves now. The planner nodded to me, and the double doors swung open.
This was my moment.
I focused on my steps, and once I found my rhythm, I looked up. I didn’t notice the flowers we carefully picked or the decorations Caspien’s mom suggested. I didn’t see anything besides Holden standing there in all of his glory in a black fitted tux, pinning me with a stare that only I could decipher.
We were made for each other, not I him, or him me. We were made to become something greater, build something together.
This was just one step in solidifying it, so the part of me still felt human self could be satisfied. I wanted him in every capacity, and I would never have if it weren’t for him. For who he was, what he showed me love could be, how he let me be myself and didn’t try to change me or force me into a category like so many others had.
I learned true partnership, friendship, and family, and even though it was just a piece of paper and another ring, it meant so much more. I offered every part of me to him, knowing he would know what to do with it. I wanted him to have me, and I wanted him in equal measure.
His mouth hung open and his eyes watered. Caspien clapped his shoulder and squeezed it for support. When I got to the few stairs that separated us, Willa took my bouquet, and Rachel helped fan my cape around me.
“What took you so long?” Holden asked, grabbing my hands in his. Sparks shot through me at his touch and my breath hitched at the look in his crystal eyes.
I shrugged, “I’ve been waiting for you actually.” I raised an eyebrow, and he rewarded me with a dazzling smile.
I almost forgot to say my dos. I was so encapsulated by Holden.
I wanted to make traditional vows. I said it was because I wanted to do it the human way, but I knew I wouldn’t have been able to get them out anyway. Holden told me that it didn’t matter, that every vow he said to me he would keep, and it didn’t need to be in front of a damn group to make it legitimate.
“Cali Quinn do you take Holden Earheart to be your lawfully wedded husband as long as you both shall live?”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.