Chessie
Scarlett looks as baffled as I feel. We both thought we were going to Waitangi today. The visit to Noah’s Ark was a wonderful surprise… but it looks as if the guys have planned more than a mere introduction to animal rescue.
“We’ve talked about getting married,” Kingi says. “But I know you’ve both been reluctant to set a date because you’re worried about all the pomp and circumstance surrounding a big wedding.”
Scarlett and I exchange a glance and nod slowly.
We’ve spoken many times about the terrifying thought of a big event in front of hundreds of people.
Both of us are quiet introverts who much prefer the company of close friends and family, and we’ve bonded because of that.
We’ve tentatively mentioned the notion of a quiet wedding to the guys, but they both seemed confused, as they’re convinced that all women are desperate for the big dress and the grand event.
“We know neither of you want the fuss,” Orson continues. “So…” He smiles at Scarlett. “We thought we could get married here today, and then just have a blessing and a small party with our friends and family back home.”
Scarlett and I stare at them.
They glance at each other, their smiles fading.
Kingi looks back at me. “It was just an idea,” he says worriedly.
“I was talking to Noah about coming to visit, and he happened to mention in passing that they sometimes hold weddings here, and I thought what a great idea it would be, and Orson said he thought Scarlett might like it too, and it might convince both of you how serious we are… but if you’re not keen it’s not a problem…
” His voice fades away, and his brows draw together.
I look across at Noah King and Cullen, who are standing a short distance away, talking quietly. Noah glances at me and winks. I’m thrilled to have met him after reading his article. I found it so inspiring, and such a touching love story.
Get married here, to Kingi, today? In this beautiful, peaceful place, where animals come to heal and find happiness again?
I meet Scarlett’s eyes, and as one, a smile spreads across our faces before we both turn and throw our arms around our guys.
“Oh my God,” I whisper in Kingi’s ear, “you really want to marry me?”
“Silly, silly girl.” He hugs me tightly. “Of course I want to marry you. I don’t care where we do it, or who’s watching. I just want you to be mine.”
“I am yours, Kingi.”
“Then wear my ring and show the world that you’re my girl.”
I move back a little, tears brimming in my eyes, and nod.
He blows out a long breath, looks at Noah, and says, “Phew!”
Noah grins, and Cullen chuckles and gives a thumbs up to Ian, who I’m guessing is the celebrant.
“I’m so glad.” Orson gives Scarlett a long kiss, then grins at us. “Come on, then. It’s a gorgeous day. Let’s do it.”
*
The ceremony is short and simple. Noah and Cullen are the witnesses. Both the guys have brought rings, and after we’ve exchanged our vows, they slide them onto our fingers, and Ian declares to each of us in turn, “It is my great pleasure to pronounce you legally married.”
Kingi takes my face in his hands. His amber eyes glow in the dappled sunlight, and his expression is full of love.
“Now will you believe me?” he murmurs.
I nod, and the tears finally tip over my lashes.
He just smiles and kisses me, and I slip my arms around him, while above our heads a tui bird sings in the oak tree, its song more beautiful than that played by any wedding band.
*
Afterward, we return to the square in front of the Ark.
To my surprise, it’s all set out for a very small and cozy reception.
They did that super quick! Someone has pulled a large canopy over the square to provide some shade, and staff members are waiting to throw natural confetti made from tiny leaves over us.
There’s a table with a small selection of gourmet appetizers on plates that make my mouth water.
Noah opens a couple bottles of champagne and starts pouring it into glasses, along with orange juice for anyone who doesn’t want alcohol, and everyone picks up a glass as he calls for quiet.
“I first came up with the idea for the Ark after a difficult time in my life,” he says.
“I wanted to establish a center that focuses on love and healing for both people and animals, and I’m proud to say I think we’ve created that here.
I think the atmosphere and location make it an amazing place for a wedding, and I hope it serves as a foundation for a long and happy marriage for all of you.
” He lifts his glass. “A long and happy marriage.”
Around us, everyone repeats it and sips their drink, and then a big cheer goes up, and they all laugh and clap.
After that, we nibble on the appetizers and sip our drinks as we mingle with the staff.
I soon realize that Kingi must have made a significant donation to the Ark when I hear him talking with Hal, the head of the Animal Rescue Service, about using the funding for a few more animal ambulances.
Kingi did that for me. I’m so touched it makes me want to cry.
“Must be an emotional day.” It’s Cullen, the corner of his mouth quirking up as I laugh and wipe beneath my eyes.
“Just a bit.” I smile at him and gesture at the Ark. “This must be a very different job from your previous one.”
He nods. “Ghost and I were part of the Pacific Detector Dog Program. We worked at the New Zealand Aviation Security Service and then moved to Fiji. He’s trained to detect narcotics and firearms. He’s a smart boy, and he was very good at it.”
His gray eyes have the distant, haunted look of someone who has suffered a great deal, and the fact that Ghost is now wary of strangers suggest they’ve been through some kind of trauma. I wonder what happened? I don’t want to pry, and I’m sure he doesn’t want to talk to a stranger about it.
“That must have been a tough job,” I say evenly. “It’s much quieter here, I’d imagine.”
“It’s a great place to work. Very restful.”
“And dogs are amazing. I’ll definitely sign up for the app. I like the idea of having a rescue dog.”
“Yeah, it breaks your heart when you see the animals that come through here. You have to focus on the fact that they all find happy homes and get to live their best lives after coming to the Ark.”
I push up to my feet as Kingi comes over, and Cullen excuses himself.
I watch him go back inside the building, no doubt to see his dog.
“He said that working here you have to focus on the positive things,” I say to Kingi, “that the rescue animals go on to find happy homes. It must be very bittersweet.”
“Life is bittersweet, don’t you think?” He pulls me into his arms and gives me a big hug. “If you think it’s all going to be roses, you’ll end up very disappointed.”
I think he’s referring to the fact that his parents finally separated a few months ago.
His father has moved to the city and divides his time between there and Wellington, with the woman who works at the Beehive.
Huia has stayed at the house, but Rangi is refusing to sign it over to her, and it looks as if lawyers are going to have to get involved.
What should have been an amicable parting has turned sour, and Kingi is furious at his father.
It makes what we’ve done here even more surprising.
He’s raised the idea of getting married a few times, but when I expressed my doubt, he quickly backed down and didn’t mention it again.
I assumed he agreed with my reservations, but clearly he decided that he wanted to marry me, and this was the best way to go about it.
I turn my head and rest my cheek on his chest as it finally sinks in that he really does love me.
When it comes to it, I think, everyone has scars of varying degrees, and we’re all rescue animals looking for our forever home.
Finally, I’ve found mine. Kingi loves me, and we’re married, and we’ve promised to spend the rest of our lives together.
He really wants me! The thought is so shocking, so amazing, that I feel as if my heart is going to explode.
Behind us, someone has started playing some music. It’s Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World. Oh… how appropriate.
Kingi chuckles and I move back a little and loop my arms around his neck. Across from us, Orson and Scarlett start moving to the music too, and we exchange smiles, all aware of the magical location and how special this day is.
“Love you, wife,” Kingi murmurs.
“Love you, husband.” Filled with joy, I lift my face to his for a long kiss as the summer breeze brushes over us, bringing the smell of the ocean.