Chapter Forty-Two - Desiree
Neon-blue tears flow from my eyes. The stained-glass windows of the abbey project colorful patterns across Leigh’s white dress and light up Wilder’s face as he gazes at her with pure adoration, like she’s the moon and he’s the sun, shining only for her.
Vane silently offers me his handkerchief. The silk is incredibly soft, likely centuries old, and smells like Little Death—chocolate, cherries, and Vane himself. I breathe in deeper.
Vane rests a hand on my thigh, then whispers, “Enjoying yourself over there?”
I laugh through my tears, earning a wide-eyed look from Jaxson, seated next to his boyfriend, Anselm—a tall, strawberry-blond, Green Witch with a tidy beard.
We met before the ceremony in an awkward but sweet shuffle of introductions.
He seems like the nicest guy. He works in town at Psyche Psychiatric and apparently is the one who introduced Leigh to medical-grade suppressants when she was a patient under his care.
In some way, Anselm was always destined to play a role in all our lives.
Jaxson’s warmth, the way he draws people to him like moths to a flame, is who he is at his core, and I’m so glad he found someone who stands in the light with him.
We’ll always love each other, but I belong in the darkness.
I belong with Vane. He is my heart’s match, and I will stand by him until the end of the world.
Even then, we will be scattered dust blown by the same wind.
At the altar, Wilder and Leigh kneel before flickering candles and scattered crystals, heads bowed. The royal officiant places a golden chalice on the altar between Leigh and Wilder. My mom’s lips move as she mutters blessings under her breath.
Leigh takes the chalice first. She sips, then hands it to Wilder.
I look at my brother and my new sister-in-law and am so disgustingly, sincerely happy for them my heart could burst. One day, this moment will become a cherished memory that’ll come with a pang of sadness, which is already beginning to develop in my chest. I place my hand on top of Vane’s and give it a firm squeeze.
“Now, stand,” the robed officiant orders.
Wilder rises and offers his hand to help Leigh rise. Beaded silk shifts and rustles as she stands. They turn to face one another, holding hands and smiling, ready for their vows.
“I love this part,” Anselm whispers.
I smile, because so do I.
Honestly, weddings are my favorite. Black may be my signature color, but I’ve always dreamed of wearing a white dress and exchanging vows with the one I love.
I sigh, lost for a moment.
“Everything okay?” Vane asks quietly.
I nod, but it’s a lie. Vane and I are already married. Besides, vampires don’t get married in Parthenons, abbeys, or grand ceremonies like this. It feels silly even to want it. Or does it?
“I want to have a wedding ceremony like this one,” I finally admit under my breath. “With flowers everywhere. With you.”
A slight flush creeps up his neck, but then a slow, delighted smile spreads across his sensual lips. “As you wish.”
I gasp. “Seriously?”
His expression is neutral, but his eyes are dancing. “Seriously.”
I tune back into the ceremony, warmth spreading in my chest.