Chapter 23
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
WREN
Walking down the aisle, I have to blink back tears.
Sire said he had everything planned, and as always, he keeps his vows.
Golden candelabras flicker on the stairs to the pulpit.
The chapel lights are dimmed. Blue hydrangea petals blanket the aisle runner.
Glass votives flicker beside empty pews.
Large sprays of my favorite blue flowers bloom with white roses, spilling in arrangements behind my handsome groom, while my small bouquet shakes in my excited hands.
This is what Sire’s mom can do on a moment’s notice, and she honors me by giving me away, too.
“You go on and cry, because my mascara is already shot all to hell,” Nadine side-whispers. With her arm hooked in mine, she escorts me down the aisle. “I swear, you, my son, and your love are sweeter than baby’s breath.”
“Thank you.” I try not to choke up. “Thank you so much for everything.”
This morning, Nadine met me at a wedding dress shop, where she had already chosen a dozen gowns in my size for me.
“We don’t have time for major alterations,” she said. “So, I hope you don’t mind. I picked one in almost every style.”
I didn’t mind. I was touched. Delphine joined us. So did Zar. It was my first time meeting him. He’s all tall, dark, and handsome with Texas swagger. And he really loved the simple, strapless white lace gown I chose.
“Darlin’, Disney can go to sleep,” Zar drawled. “Because you are a true princess.”
“So chic. So elegant,” Delphine agreed. “The tiny bodice with the long train, and the color against your glowing skin? Oui, tu es belle. You will wear a veil, no?”
Yes, I’m wearing my hair down and pinned back with a long, white lace cathedral veil sweeping behind me. I didn’t want a judging audience of parishioners at our wedding, but I wanted to give Sire something traditional. Something to respect his calling.
Slowly, I march his way, and he must like it.
He stands at the altar in the dark grey suit I love, quickly swiping away a tear.
Don’t. He makes my tears escape, too, streaming to my smile.
I don’t recognize the beautiful song the acoustic guitar musician is playing. But I recognize Sire’s brothers and their queens. I’m surprised they aren’t sitting in his row, all on the groom’s side.
Fighting a sob, I chew my trembling lip because…
Sire knew my side would be empty.
I have no one else.
So, Nash, Grant, Delphine, and Zar stand on my side like my honored attendants, while Axel, Jace, Loch, and that must be Nick—God, he’s cute—stand with Sire.
The guitar fades when I stand before him, my heart fluttering like a leaf. The minister in her black suit and white shawl tenderly asks, “Who presents this bride?”
“We do.” Nadine cups my hand. “We’ll never give Wren away. She’s our family forever.”
Family.
Forever.
All the times I was given away and not wanted. All the school events when no one came to see me. Every time I saw a mother hug her child, and I had no one.
Finally, I belong.
More tears spill down my cheeks, and Sire reaches for me, but Loch rushes over, offering me his handkerchief.
“Thank you,” I stammer, dabbing my eyes.
“Show off,” Grant whispers, making us laugh.
I pass my bouquet to Nadine to hold before she joins my line, and the rest is a blur. All I do is hold Sire’s hands so tight while mine shake. I stare into his indigo eyes. I vow to share my life with him before he promises me his soul.
Tears meander down my smiling cheeks, knowing our love is forever. But someone tell my soul.
Why do I have a deep fear I’ll lose him?
Gently, he brushes my tears away. In my haze, I realize it’s time for the ring exchange.
I panic. I’ve had no money, no time. I pat my dress like it has pockets and…
“Ahem.” Nash clears his throat, gently touching my arm with his whisper, “He made this out of paperclips for you.”
Paperclips? No, it’s a man’s platinum wedding ring.
“Read the inscription,” Sire softly orders.
I guess he planned this, too? Glancing down, I’m barely able to focus through tears.
WREN CHAPEL
My name will be inside Sire’s wedding band forever.
Sweetly, he smirks. “As my wife, you get two of my fingers.”
Smiling, I gaze down, sliding the band over his wedding finger, my tears falling over the finger he sacrificed for me, too.
I don’t know how I’m able to echo the minister’s vows, but I do. “With this ring, I join my life with yours. I am yours, body, heart, and soul, from this moment forward.”
I blink, staring up at him. This feels like a dream.
But it’s not enough.
He’s my best friend, too.
So, I blurt, “And I vow to sing all the lyrics to your favorite songs because it makes you happy, and I love you.”
“With the way you sing, little one?” Jace mutters. “He’s madly in love with you, too.”
“He’s right. I am madly in love with you, Wren Chapel.” Sire gazes down at me, our ringed hands clasped. Love and warmth fill his eyes. Something heated stirs in them, too.
“Can I kiss her yet?”
He rushes the minister. With her final words, blessing us as husband and wife, I’m surrounded by applause and Sire’s big hands, clasping my face.
This is a dream come true.
His kiss starts tender, like he’s worshipping at my feet, reverent and restrained for the ceremony. Then it climbs, hotter, harder, and hungrier.
His lips. His tongue. His heat. I’m throbbing between my thighs. I shouldn’t be this aroused in my wedding dress.
He grabs a breath. “I love you, Wren, my wife.” He nips my bottom lip before passion seals his to mine again, his next kiss flipping my world.
I clutch his jacket, needing him, demanding him. The low, aroused groan he emits makes me forget where we are; I don’t care.
I belong with Sire.
My husband.
With panting breath, he pulls away, his burning eyes locked to mine while he tells everyone, “Leave.”