Rise for Me

EPILOGUE

Multicolored lights illuminated the path leading to the altar. Fragrant, white roses in vases and lit white candles lined the rows of seats. The night sky sparkled with a billion stars, and a gentle breeze caressed the small crowd. Three guitar players strummed a soft, beautiful melody. It wouldn’t be a huge gathering to witness their union, but it would be the people who mattered. His parents arrived just last night, and he kept it a secret from his bride as a surprise.

Roman rocked back and forth in his black dress shoes, hoping Mariah’s parents would attend. It was up to them whether they chose to be a part of Mariah’s life. He left a generous bride price on their kitchen table before departing their home, as was the customary gypsy way.

A sigh of relief left his lips when Lila approached from the back and quietly took a seat on the bride’s side. Her brown eyes lifted to his, and Roman knew everything he wanted for Mariah was about to happen. When the music changed to the bridal march, and Mariah entered the tent on the arm of her father, Roman’s heart swelled with pride and love.

Adorned in his mother’s wedding gown, Mariah radiated beauty, stunning everyone gathered. The ivory lace flowed to the ground and fit her like a second skin. Her hair was piled on her head in a thousand soft curls with diamonds sparkling in the wheat-blonde strands. When she smiled, his heart turned over in his chest. A diamond tiara circled her head with a teardrop ruby centered on her forehead.

The black streak running through her hair reminded him of all they’d been through, and she wore it with pride. Roman thought of his own streak of blond and almost laughed when Mariah winked. She was a vision brought to his life, his destiny, and his heart.

When her father offered Mariah’s dainty hand to him, Roman didn’t hesitate to take it. Both smiling at each other, they never looked at Patrick until he cleared his throat before sitting beside Lila. Patrick and Lila both beamed at their daughter as love overcame difference.

Promises to love and obey were made, but when the part came about in sickness and in health, Mariah’s knowing smile set his world on fire, followed by a kiss that caused everyone to blush. The small crowd of friends and family erupted in laughter and clapping when Roman and Mariah finally turned to face them. Love lit their gazes for all to see, and Mariah’s ruby sent red streams of light over the entire crowd.

Thank you for reading Rise for Me. Please leave a review if you loved the story as much as I loved writing it.

Roman and Mariah are one of my favorite book couples. Continue reading for an excerpt from House of Vampire, the last book in the Kings & Queens series.