Epilogue
Sorcha
Six months later
Sorcha looked at herself in the full-length mirror. The white chiffon dress, with feathered trim and gold beaded bodice, hugged her frame before flaring out around her hips. She couldn't believe in just a little while she'd be walking down the aisle to her men. They were having a hand-fasting since marriage between three people was illegal.
“You look beautiful,” Acadia said from behind her.
She left her hair hanging loose around her shoulders, and she had a wreath of flowers on her head. She felt a bit like a fairy princess. “Thank you,” she told her friend.
“I'm going to go find my seat. It's almost time,” Acadia told her.
Sorcha nodded. When the music started, she took a steadying breath and walked out of the room she was in.
Although they were having a hand-fasting, they incorporated some wedding traditions into the ceremony. As such, her father waited to walk her down the aisle.
It had taken a bit for all three sets of parents to understand and come to terms with their relationship, but her father had said it best. As long as they were happy, who gave a fuck that it wasn't conventional.
“You look beautiful, honey,” her father said and kissed her temple.
“Thank you, Daddy,” she replied.
“Now let's get you to your men,” he said and offered his arm.
Sorcha slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow, and he escorted her out to the backyard, which had been transformed into a fairy garden complete with twinkling lights.
Her gaze locked on the two men waiting for her at the end of the aisle where Saffron, head of her coven, waited to officiate.
Her father kissed her cheek and handed her off to Zaine and Finley before taking his seat next to her mother.
Sorcha smiled at her men then they turned to face Saffron.
"Welcome, beloved friends and family. We've gathered here today beneath this open sky to celebrate and bless this union between these three souls. Their love is not conventional, but love knows no boundaries.
"As I bind their hands, I will invoke the spirits of air, fire, water, and earth to bless their union.
"I call upon the spirits of air, whose energy brings communication and clear connections between heart, mind, and body. Bless us with the promise of growth and fresh beginnings.
"I ask the spirits of fire, to bring the warmth of home and heat of passion, and a promise of light in darkness. Bless this union.
"I call upon the spirits of water, that their love be deep, forgiving, exciting, and passionate. We ask for the blessing and promise of healing, flexibility, and change.
"I ask the spirits of earth, to bring blessings of steadiness and stability, and the promise of a true home.
What is your name?" Saffron asked each in turn, and they responded.
"Zaine, do you come here to be joined with Sorcha?"
"I do, for she is beloved of my heart," Zaine replied.
"Finley, do you, too, come here to be joined with Sorcha?"
"I do, for she is beloved of my heart," Finley replied.
"Sorcha, do you come here to be joined with Zaine and Finley?" Saffron asked.
"I do, for they are beloved of my heart," was Sorcha's reply.
"The throuple will now exchange rings," Saffron said.
They each had a white gold ring with an infinity symbol on it, though Sorcha had two, one from each of her men.
Saffron continued. "Their love has grown over time, and as each new day passes, their love will continue to do so. Bless this throuple, that they may tend to their love as we tend to all things on this earth, with nurturing care and patience.
“Help them to grow a love as boundless as the sky, as steadfast as the mountain, as bountiful as the field, as passionate as the sea, and as assuring as the light. All spirits, all of the earth, and all of us here, bless this throuple with company and hope in their darkest days, and laughter and joy in their brightest.
“Bless them that their love may continue to grow, always, with each new day."
She picked up a ribbon and first bound Sorcha and Zaine, then repeated the gesture with Sorcha and Finley.
"In this circle, joined by those you know, in front of gods and spirits, known and unknown, the welcome blessings of the four elements, I announce you hand-fasted, united for as long as your love shall last.
"We thank the spirits of the earth, gods and goddesses, and our guests and family for joining us here today. We give our love and thanks to the spirits of air, fire, water, and earth. Thank you for blessing this day and union, and we wish you farewell."
Sorcha, Finley, and Zaine echoed her thanks to the spirits.
"To all gathered, I give you Zaine Bennett-Rathmore, Finley McLaughlin-Rathmore, and Sorcha Rathmore-Bennett-McLaughlin," Saffron said as she slowly unwound the ribbons and handed them to the throuple.
All in attendance clapped and cheered for them and Sorcha had to wipe tears from her eyes. Turning to their guests, her hands clasped in Zaine's and Finley's, Sorcha felt peace wash over her. Saffron was right, love knew no boundaries, and theirs was a love to last a lifetime.