A Warrior Wedding

by Teresa Gabelman

  “Okay, turn around and let me see you,” her mother said after finishing lacing up the back of the dress. As Jill turned, her mom raised her hand and placed it across her mouth with a gasp.

  “What?” Jill put her hand up to her face. “Did I mess something up?”

  Her mom laughed, shaking her head. “No. You look stunning.”

  “I’m not as good at being a girl like Janie.” Jill grinned. “I bet she looked beautiful on her wedding day.”

  A dark look passed over her mother’s face. “I haven’t talked to your sister in quite some time. Your father refused to let her boyfriend on the property after the day he held the gun on you.”

  “I’m sorry.” Jill touched her mother’s arm. “I didn’t mean to cause any problems.”

  “Jill, you didn’t cause anything.” Her mother frowned. “Chuck was right, and since that day, I’ve done a lot of thinking and realized how badly I’ve treated you.”

  “Hey,” Jill said when her mom wouldn’t make eye contact with her. “It’s my wedding day. Let’s not do this. You don’t need to explain anything to me. It’s the past.”

  Her mom nodded and then her eyes sprang open. “I almost forgot.” She ran over to the dresser pulling out a small box. “Something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue which will match your hair.” She teased.

  Jill took the box and opened it. Inside was a pearl choker with white and light blue pearls. “It’s absolutely beautiful.”

  “It’s very old.” Her mom took it from her and walked around to slip it on Jill. “It has been in my family for I don’t even know how long, but it has been passed down from generation to generation to the daughters in the family.”

  After it was clasped around her neck, Jill turned and walked closer to the mirror. It was perfect and the finishing touch she needed. “It’s perfect.” Jill grinned, touching it, then looked at her blue tipped hair. “And it does match my hair. Slade likes my hair.”

  “And why wouldn’t he,” her mother replied, her eyes lifting from the choker to Jill. “It’s who you are. Now, are you ready?”

  Jill took one last glance at herself and nodded. “Yes.” But as she headed down the steps, her stomach knotted painfully with nerves. Walking into the kitchen, she stopped and stared, a large smile spreading across her face. “You all look so beautiful.”

  Everyone stopped talking and turned toward Jill. Suddenly, the kitchen was filled with screams, questions and laughter.

  “Oh, my God, Jill.” Nicole put both hands on her cheeks staring at her. “You are so beautiful.”

  Jill went over and carefully hugged each one of them. “Thank you guys so much for everything.” She stood back looking at them excitedly. “I know you have questions, but please trust me on this and go with it.”

  “Everything is ready.” Caroline smiled at Jill, then the women. “Follow me please.”

  She knew everyone was dying to know what was going on, but Jill just smiled at their questioning looks. She watched as each left the kitchen looking gorgeous in their simple white dresses, each unique in their own way. Jill wanted to clap her hands in excitement.

  Stepping onto the porch she watched as Caroline matched each woman up with someone. Sloan walked up to Nicole taking her arm gently and walking her toward the woods. Next was Tessa who was matched with Blaze, Pam with Jax, Lana with her own father, and Angelina with Steve.

  Jill stood watching the women. She wondered if they had a clue what was going on. It was kind of obvious, but she knew the plan and they didn’t. Her smile beamed as her dad hurried toward her.

  “You are beautiful.” He hugged her gently. “Are you ready?”

  “Thanks, Dad.” Jill laughed and tried her best not to cry. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too, Jelly Bean.” He hooked her arm into his and followed the line. “Be careful. Your heels might sink in the dirt.”

  “I’m good.” She reached down and lifted her dress, showing her bare feet.

  Her dad leaned his head back, releasing a loud laugh. “I taught you well.”

  Jill smiled with a nod as they continued. They made it to the bend where everyone stopped. Jill and her dad walked past the other couples so Jill could watch everything. Caroline was handing each woman a bouquet of beautiful red roses.

  Sloan led Nicole around the bend where Damon was waiting looking handsome in his tux. Sloan stopped, letting go of Nicole as Damon kneeled in front of her. Bowing his head, he thumped his fist against his heart before looking up at her. “Nicole DeMasters, will you do me the honor of renewing our love?”

  “Oh, my God,” Nicole replied, her voice cracking with emotion. “Yes!” He stood leading her away.

  Jill peeked at the rest of the ladies who had positioned themselves so they could see. Every single one of them were staring in wide-eyed shock.

  Next, Blaze led Tessa to Jared, who also kneeled repeating the motion of bowing his head, thumping his heart with his fist before looking up. “Tessa Pride, I love you more than my own life. Please say you will be my wife.”

  Tessa was crying so hard from watching Nicole and Damon, she could hardly say yes. When she nodded enthusiastically, everyone chuckled. Jared slipped a ring on her finger as he stood, leading her away.

  Jax led Pam to Duncan who was holding Daniel. Duncan kneeled with Daniel in his arms, still able to pound his chest with his fist, his head bowed. Daniel, who was watching Duncan, repeated his moves making everyone sigh loudly. “My heart, will you make me the happiest man in the world and become my wife as you are already my mate?”

  “Yes.” Pam smiled, her golden eyes shining as she looked at the two men in her life.

  Duncan held out his hand as Daniel’s small fist opened up dropping a ring into his hand which Duncan proceeded to put on her finger. He stood, guiding her away.

  Sid walked up next with the biggest grin on his face as Lana and Caroline’s father led Lana to him. Kneeling, he bowed his head, pounding his fist over his heart before looking up. “Lana Banana, my sexy cop. Will you please marry me so I can call you mine?”

  Lana laughed with a nod. “I’m already yours, Sidilicious.” Everyone snickered at the nickname. “But yes, I will marry you.”

  He grinned proudly as he placed the ring on her finger.

  A beaming Steve led a crying Angelina to Adam. Adam kneeled, bowed his head and thumped his heart as the others before him. “My Angel.” Adam looked up, his face pale as he stared at Angelina. “I would be honored for you to be my wife. Will you marry me?”

  Angelina put her face in her hands as she nodded, trying to get control of her emotions. Removing her hands, she smiled through her tears. “Yes!” she cried. “I can’t believe this.” Adam placed the ring on her finger and led her away.

  Jill attempted to keep herself together, but was failing miserably. Her father started walking, holding onto her hand to keep her steady. Her eyes looked around as everyone stood up. Some faces she knew, others she didn’t, and yet it didn’t matter. She looked around and sighed. This was exactly how she had envisioned her wedding when she was a little girl. Her eyes landed on Slade who had stepped forward and waited for her, giving her father the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle, and how sweet was that. She couldn’t look away from him. He was so handsome in his tux as he waited for her. His eyes roamed her body before searching her eyes. She always shivered when he gave her that look, the look of ownership. Some women would balk at such a look, but she thrived knowing that she was his, because the truth was she did belong to him, heart, body and soul.

  Once they reached him, her father gave her a kiss on the cheek then placed her hand in Slade’s. “Take care of my girl,” Chuck ordered with a fatherly nod before turning and sitting down.

  “Yes, sir,” Slade answered and never sounded more serious in his life.

  Jill stared up in Slade’s eyes and everything but him disappeared. The people, their friends, her sickness...it all disappeared for a split
second.

  “I have never seen anything more beautiful than you.” Slade’s deep voice rang out through the woods. “I love you now more than I have ever thought possible and I thank you for agreeing to be my mate...my wife.”

  Jill’s head dropped slightly, her eyes closed for a brief second only to open them to make sure this wasn’t a dream. It wasn’t. Slade was still there staring at her as if she were the most important person in his life.

  CHAPTER 20

  The ceremony was quick with each couple saying I do. Jill gazed into Slade’s eyes as he and the others began to chant. Backing away, each groom stood in front of their mate as other Warriors lined up at the back of them, all chanting as one. In one motion, the Warriors stopped in unison. All the grooms kneeled on one knee in front of their mates, the rest following again in perfect timing. Their right arm crossed, they placed their fists over their hearts. Heads bowed, chanting in a language that was foreign to Jill. She felt their loyalty without knowing their words. She had never been more touched in her life.

  All the Warriors stood, except for the grooms, who remained kneeling with heads bowed to their mates. One by one, each Warrior in attendance stopped in front of each bride stating their name, vowing their loyalty to each. After the last one, each groom stood and walked to their mate.

  Jill shivered, her eyes meeting Slade’s intense gaze.

  “I, Slade Jonathan Buchanan, vow to keep you, Jillian Robin Nichols, safe forever and always.” His words were spoken with such conviction tears slipped from Jill’s eyes. With everything going on, his words meant so much more.

  Jill didn’t hear anything other than Slade’s words. She only had eyes for him. He took her in his arms placing a kiss on her lips that set her on fire. Too soon, his lips left hers and he smiled down at her.

  “I love you, Jillian Buchanan.” His voice sent shivers through her body.

  “I love you...husband.” She laughed and for a moment, everything but that moment was forgotten.

  Soon, they were surrounded by loved ones. Everyone talking at once, Jill remained quiet with a glow of happiness on her face as she savored every single second.

  “This was supposed to be your day.” Nicole walked up to Jill hugging her close. “How did you pull this off?”

  Jill’s eyes sought out Caroline who was waiting patiently with others to congratulate them. “It was my idea, but Caroline put it all together with the help of the men.” Jill held Slade’s hand tightly. “And this is our day.”

  After hugging Tessa, Lana, Pam and Angelina, she let her eyes take in the scene around her. This was her clearing, the one she had sat, played and laid dreaming of a simple, but beautiful wedding. Her heart was definitely full. Dusk was falling and the tiny lights in the trees and bushes made it look magical and, in truth, it was magical.

  Spotting Trevor, she watched as he held up a finger at her, walked away from the crowd and pointed at their vine which was decorated with lights. He swung it as if inviting her. Okay, he wasn’t inviting her. The ass was daring her. Giving him a narrowed glare, she laughed when he shrugged.

  “Jilly!” Seth fought his way through the small crowd surrounding Jill and Slade.

  Slade swooped him up before Seth could jump on Jill. His laughter at being caught in midair echoed through the clearing. “Hey there, little man.” Slade smiled at the boy. “You don’t want to get your sister’s pretty dress dirty, do you?”

  Seth shook his head, his eyes roaming Jill. “No.”

  “Look how handsome you are.” Jill fixed his little bow tie.

  Seth beamed, looking down trying to see his tie. “Mom said I can keep my costume.”

  “She did?” Jill’s eyes opened wide in mock surprise.

  “Yep, and I’m going to wear it every day.” Seth wiggled to get out of Slade’s arms.

  Slade set Seth on the ground and they both watched him run off having the time of his life.

  “I hope I did everything you asked.” Caroline made her way close to Jill and Slade.

  “It’s absolutely perfect,” Jill cried, pulling Caroline into a hug. “Even better than I ever imagined.”

  “Thank you.” Slade also hugged Caroline.

  “It was my pleasure. Thank you for letting me be a part of this.” Caroline glanced around with a proud smile. “I’m going to grab my helpers and get the tables set up to make room for dancing.”

  Jill nodded, feeling her excitement build. “That sounds great. Thank you.”

  “No, thank you.” Caroline tossed her a wicked grin. “It’s not every day a girl can order handsomely dressed Warriors around.” She winked at Jill before walking away.

  ******

  Running around, Caroline made sure everything was perfect. She had spotted Jax and secretly hoped he would ask her to dance. Damn, that man was fine looking in a tux. With one last look at him, she spun and ran into her mom and dad.

  “Slow down, honey.” Her dad caught and steadied her. “We’ve been trying to catch up with you all night.”

  Caroline held onto her dad with a laugh. “I’m sorry.” She kissed his cheek, then her mom’s. “This has been the craziest experience I’ve ever had.”

  “You’ve done a beautiful job.” Her mother looked around with tears in her eyes. “I am so proud of my two girls.”

  “Thanks, Mom.” Caroline glanced at her younger sister, Jamie. “So what do you think?”

  “Who is that?” Jamie answered her question with a question.

  Caroline’s gaze followed Jamie’s landing on Hunter. “Oh, no you don’t.” Caroline stepped in Jamie’s line of vision. “He’s way too old for you.”

  “Yeah, but he’s hot.” Jamie grinned, trying to look around Caroline.

  “Come on, Jamie.” Her mom dragged Jamie in the opposite direction.

  “And I thought you and Lana were a handful.” Her father sighed. “How’s the house coming along?”

  Caroline had waited for the question and there it was. She knew her dad was only being a dad so she smiled. “It’s going,” she answered, then laughed at his downfallen expression. “It’s going well, dad. Now stop worrying.”

  “I’m your father. I worry,” he replied. “You keeping your doors locked and your gun near you?”

  The mention of door locks sent her mind swirling with thoughts of Jax, but she pushed them back. “Yes, sir.”

  He narrowed his eyes at her, working his human lie detector on her. She must have passed, because his face softened. “Okay, I’ll let you be and get back to what you were doing.” He squeezed her hand. “I’ll talk to you later. Love you.”

  “Love you, too, Dad,” she said to his retreating back. Caroline went back to making sure everything was running smoothly. A line was forming where the caterers were set up and the food smelled delicious. She realized she hadn’t eaten anything since that morning and her stomach growled loudly in agreement.

  Greeting a few people, she made her way to the food, but spotted Steve near the cake. “Don’t you dare,” she scolded, watching as he discreetly lifted a finger toward the beautiful three-tiered cake.

  “I know.” Steve spun around, his eyes wide with guilt. “It’s a sickness. I crave icing so badly, have since I was little and can’t keep from doing one swipe of the finger so I can taste it.”

  Caroline really tried not to smile at his confession. In truth, she was the exact same way and wanted more than anything to do just that. “Step away from the cake, Steve.” She used the cop voice she had heard Lana use.

  Steve raised his hands in the air, stepping away from the cake, then smiled before turning toward the food table.

  Caroline laughed, but her eyes went to the cake, her fingers itching to take a swipe. “Don’t do it.” She told herself, forcing her feet to move away.

  “So what are you doing after this eating thing?” Hunter asked one of the pretty caterers, holding up the line.

  Caroline knew the poor girl was a goner when she stared at Hunter in awed fascination. S
tepping up beside Hunter, Caroline grabbed a plate. She knew she was cutting, but she had the job of saving this poor girl from the big bad wolf. “Hey.”

  Hunter growled at his flirting being interrupted. “Hey.”

  Caroline placed three meatballs on her plate as she nodded toward the female bartender across the clearing. “She wanted me to let you know she’s off duty in a couple of hours and to meet her on the trail.”

  Hunter fully turned to Caroline, a ‘that was so not cool’ expression on his face. “Really.”

  Caroline knew he wasn’t asking a question, but she pretended he had. “Yeah, really.” She nodded with wide-eyed innocence.

  They both glanced at the pretty caterer whose furious glare indicated she was no longer interested. Hunter huffed, moving down the line and Caroline followed, putting a few more tasty treats on her plate. When they were away from the table, Hunter gave her a hurt look.

  “That was mean.” He plopped a meatball in his mouth.

  “You were holding up the line and that girl was too innocent for you.” Caroline raised her eyebrow at him.

  Hunter chewed thoughtfully for a minute before glancing at the bartender. “So did you really talk to the bartender?”

  “Seriously, Hunter?!” Caroline’s head snapped back as she walked away from him. “You are too much.”

  “That’s what they all say,” Hunter called after her, plopping another meatball in his mouth, a wicked grin spreading across his face.

  Shaking her head, Caroline swiped a beer from the bartender then headed for one of the tables further back in the clearing. Sitting down, she toed off her high heels with a relieved sigh of pleasure. As she ate, she watched everyone and was pleased to see no problems. Sid and Lana were on the dance floor slow dancing. She could practically feel the heat from where she was sitting. They made a beautiful couple. They all made beautiful couples. Her eyes landed on Blaze who was talking with a pretty red head. Caroline really didn’t know Katrina very well, but she seemed sweet.