My hair was dark and shiny and my eyes looked bright and happy. My cheeks were a flushed golden pink and my lips were pale pink with a slight sheen to them. My hair was twisted in a loose up-do, the curls tamed and perfect.
“It’s perfect. Grazie Pierre,” I stood to hug him. Surprised, he hugged me back.
“Wait,” said Diana disappearing to her jewelry box set on her vanity table in her bedroom. I sat back down on the chair in her bathroom and waited. Pierre crossed his arms over his chest and Amelia was wearing a slight smile.
Diana returned with a string of diamonds in her hand. “These were my mother’s,” she said, wrapping the diamonds around my head like a headband.
“I can’t where these. They’re special to you,” I tried to remove them but she grabbed both of my hands and clasped them in hers.
“Exactly, that’s why I want you to wear them.”
“They’re beautiful,” I gasped, fighting back tears. “I wish I could have met her.”
Diana gave me a sad smile. “My mother was wonderful. She was so kind and giving. She worried about everyone but herself. She was the best. I miss her every day.”
“Jonathon doesn’t like to talk about her,” I confessed.
“Jonathon blames himself for our parents’ death. I think he always will. That’s just his personality. He takes the blame for everything.”
“I know,” I sighed sadly. “I wish he wouldn’t do that.”
“Me too,” she said, braiding her long hair into a beautiful side ponytail. “Oh wait I got you something. A wedding present,” she returned to her room and pulled a small box out of her end table. She came back and handed me the small box wrapped in white paper. I gave her a small smile before ripping the paper off.
“Oh my God,” I laughed hysterically. I held up the skimpy red lingerie. Once I started laughing I couldn’t stop. Diana and Amelia started laughing too. “Jonathon’s going to love this,” I said around my giggles. Diana had to cover her mouth.
“I don’t need the visual, please,” Diana continued to laugh.
“This isn’t going to cover anything,” I giggled, holding up the practically transparent fabric.
“I thought that was the point,” said Diana now serious. “I don’t know how this stuff works.”
I patted her hand. “You did good, Diana. Don’t worry. Now, I just have to get the nerve to wear it.”
“Kylie, you’re gorgeous. Just look in the mirror.”
“Thanks Diana, really. For everything. The most beautiful dress, a wedding that I know will be beyond perfect, and for being the best soon to be sister-in-law ever.”
She kissed my cheek. “I did it all because I love you and know you’d do the same for me.”
“You know it,” I smiled. “You never know, maybe your wedding will be next.”
“Maybe,” she sighed and got that faraway look that she sometimes had.
When I looked at my watch I was surprised to see that nearly two hours had passed. Butterflies flitted in my stomach again. It was almost here. My vows. I suddenly couldn’t wait. I didn’t have cold feet, if anything my feet were a little too warm. Jonathon had been perfect and the past months had been wonderful. I had moved past my grief and become my normal self again. Although, I was struggling a lot today. First, my father wasn’t alive to walk me down the aisle. I was thankful that at least I still had my brothers. They flew in last night and I had yet to see them. I wouldn’t get to see them until I took their arms to meet Jonathon at the end of the aisle. Second, Isaac was supposed to be my Man of Honor but he too was dead. His empty presence would ring sharply next to me. He was my rock, my best friend, and he was gone. And third, if I hadn’t lost the baby he would be here in my arms now. But fate had other plans and I didn’t have my baby. But what was done was done. I couldn’t change the past any more than I could predict the future. I had to hold my head high and go on. This was my day after all and nothing was going to bring me down.
Diana seemed to notice the time and jumped. “We have to get you in your dress and in the car if we’re going to make it in time.”
I smiled, “I’d hate to be late on my wedding day.”
She pulled the dress of the hanger and shooed Pierre out of the room. Amelia came over and helped Diana with the dress. There was more poof to the dress than I had originally thought and it was awkward to get in. Diana zipped it up and surveyed her handy work.
“You look stunning,” said Amelia pecking me on the cheek.
“I feel stunning,” I surveyed the beautiful dress in the mirror. I hoped Jonathon approved. I looked over at Diana. “Where’s your dress?”
She looked down and seemed to notice for the first time that she was still wearing her night things. “Oops,” she exclaimed and quickly changed into her dress. Hers too was white, only it was a one-shoulder organza dress with a black belt. It came to just above her knees. It was beautiful and I told her so. “Thanks,” she said. “It’s not too much? I can change if you don’t like it.”
I took her hand and squeezed it. “It’s beautiful Diana. You did a great job with all your designs. I don’t know how you did it.”
She mock rolled her eyes. “I’m a vampire I can do anything.”
I laughed.
“We have to go,” Amelia pointed at the door.
I smiled. “This is it.”
“This is it,” they echoed.
* * *
I rode in the back of the limo with Amelia, Diana, and Pierre. No one had told me where the wedding was being held. I was a bit scared of where we may end up. But I trusted my new family and knew it would be beautiful. It would be perfect, no matter what, because of the man that would stand next to me. As long as I was marrying Jonathon, I could be getting married in a bathroom and I wouldn’t care. It’s the person that matters, not the place.
The car wound through the streets and nerves were beginning to upset my stomach and sweat was breaking out on my forehead. Diana noticed and leaned over wiping the sweat off my brow. “Don’t worry.”
I smiled. “I’m nervous. I don’t want to fall or do something equally stupid.”
“You won’t,” she said. “And even if you did start to fall both your brothers will be there with you and not to mention a roomful of vampires with insane reflexes. You’ll be fine. And… um… speaking of your brothers… there’s been a complication so to speak.”
“A complication,” I screeched. “What do you mean? Are they not here? I’m going to kill them if they mess this up.”
“It’s nothing like that but they happened to run into Vivian and Viola.”
“And?” I prompted her to get on with it. This was my wedding day and I had more important things to worry about than my stupid older brothers.
“They’re soul mates.”
“What?” I gasped, the color draining from my face. I couldn’t have possibly heard her right.
“Aiden and Viola and Adam and Vivian are soul mates,” she said plainly.
“You have got to be kidding me,” I grabbed my head. I could feel a headache coming on from all the stress.
“I wish I was,” she said.
“So, they know now? They know everything?” I asked.
“Yeah,” she sighed.
I sat back against the leather seat. “I guess I should be relieved, but I’m not.”
Diana and Amelia gave me a sympathetic look. Amelia patted my hand. “At least you won’t have to live a lie anymore. It’s for the better that they know, because once you’d have been turned you would have had to cut ties with them.”
“I know,” I groaned, pinching my eyes shut. But I couldn’t shake the feeling in my stomach that this was very, very, bad. “How much longer until we get there?” I asked.
“I’d say about twenty minutes.” Amelia gave me a huge smile. I was about to become a permanent part of the family. There would be no getting rid of me now.
My heart skipped a beat. This was truly it. This day marked the beginning
of the rest of my life. A life spent with Jonathon. Forever.
* * *
The garden was beautiful. Not as beautiful as Katherine’s garden, but beautiful nonetheless. I had said I wanted to be married outside and I got what I asked for. This was perfect. Everything was so lush a green. There was even a fountain and some kind of crumbling relic in the distance. It was peaceful. It suited Jonathon and me. Diana and Amelia each hugged me before I was whisked away to my brothers. I assumed Amelia went to take her seat next to Patrick and that Diana, as my only maid of honor, was waiting with Joseph, Jonathon’s best man.
I felt a twinge in my stomach at that. My Man of Honor wouldn’t be here. I’d never see him again. Just like my dad. I’d had over a year to get a grip on the death of my father but Isaac’s death was still like a fresh wound.
Pierre and Christian, whom I discovered were soul mates, I had no idea there were gay vampires but I guess I shouldn’t have been shocked, fussed over my dress making sure it was perfect and not a thread out of place. Deciding I was presentable they stepped away and finally let my brothers near me.
“Hey little sis,” Aiden kissed my cheek as he and Adam appeared.
“How come you never told us about all this vampire stuff?” asked Adam, kissing my other cheek.
“Sorry,” I said. “I was sworn to secrecy. But now you know.”
“Now we know,” they echoed.
“It’s a relief not to have to hide it anymore,” I took their arms. The music was starting and Diana and Joseph were disappearing underneath an archway of green. I couldn’t see anything beyond it but I knew that somewhere behind it Jonathon was waiting for me.
“Here is your bouquet. Jonathon said to tell you that it was his mother’s favorite flower.”
“Oh,” I gasped, taking the beautiful bouquet from Aiden. “It’s beautiful,” I breathed. And it was. The bouquet cascaded down with beautiful white orchids. My throat swelled. Jonathon had done his job perfect. I knew I could trust him to take care of the flowers and now I was holding a bouquet of Katherine’s favorite flowers from her beloved garden. In a way it was like she was here with us.
They gripped my arms and pulled me towards the opening. My heart hammered a mile a minute in my chest. I took a deep breath to steady myself. I’d hate to pass out walking down the aisle. The music suddenly switched. This was our cue.
“Ready?” Aiden asked me.
“Yes,” I breathed and we stepped into the most beautiful scene. I thought I had stepped into an enchanted garden. We were draped all around in greenery and flowers. There was even a ceiling of green. It was magical. The aisle was a blanket of white petals. The seats were white fabric with a black bow tied around them. Everyone’s eyes were on me; mine were on Jonathon and his expression. His eyes were only for me and mine were only for him. It was as if the garden was empty except for the two of us. We were the only people that mattered. I had never seen anyone look so gorgeous in a tux before. He was so flawless. He smiled slightly and I smiled back. I knew I was beaming but I couldn’t control myself.
I tried to pace myself but I still found myself getting ahead of my brothers. Slow down, Kylie, I silently told myself. I heard Jonathon’s chuckle in my head.
Stop it. I said.
Never.
And then I was there.
This was it.
No turning back.
One more step and I would be standing next to my husband. Adam and Aiden each kissed my cheek before giving my hand to Jonathon and taking their seats.
Jonathon’s silver eyes sparkled. “You look beautiful,” he whispered.
“You look handsome,” I beamed and turned to face the minister. I was surprised to find him human. Jonathon took my other hand in his and we faced each other as the minister cleared his throat and began the ceremony. I hardly heard what he said. I was too busy drowning in Jonathon’s eyes.
“Jonathon Matthew Pulmer, do you take Kylie Elizabeth Lyons to be your wedded wife to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love, comfort, honor and keep her for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful only to her so long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” said Jonathon his voice deep with emotion as he slid a beautiful slender wedding band onto my finger. It matched the engagement ring perfectly. It was simple but beautiful. Small diamonds went all the way around the band. But I couldn’t take any more time to appreciate it because was my turn to say my vow.
“Kylie Elizabeth Lyons, do you take Jonathon Matthew Pulmer to be your wedded husband to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love, comfort, honor and keep him for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful only to him so long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” I breathed, fighting back tears. This was the moment my whole life had been leading to. This was the start of everything. This was the beginning of the rest of my life. I slid the thick silver band onto his finger. I had had the ring made specifically for Jonathon. I had the symbol of his power carved around the thick band. I thought the ring was beautiful and hoped he did too.
“With the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife,” the minister turned to Jonathon, “and you may kiss your beautiful bride.”
Jonathon’s hands cupped my cheeks and then his mouth met mine. Our first kiss as husband and wife was everything I imagined. It was as perfect as everything else. After a moment he pulled away to the hoots and hollers of our family and friends, mostly Mason, leaving me dizzy.
“May I present to those present, Mr. and Mrs. Jonathon Pulmer.”
Jonathon took my hand and brought it to his lips. “My wife,” he breathed.
“My husband,” I echoed, smiling up at him as we started down the aisle while the guests threw white petals onto us.
* * *
The sun was starting to set and the reception was kicking into gear. I had yet to change into my second dress and I really didn’t care. I hated to leave my husband’s side. In fact I was purposely avoiding Diana because I knew she would want to pull me away. I had practically run away from her after pictures were taken. But I knew it wouldn’t be long until she caught me. After all, I knew she was bound to have Pierre and Christian after me.
Jonathon and I had snuck away from the party to be by ourselves for a moment. I felt like we had passed from person to person all evening without a breath in between. There was a gazebo in the center of the garden and that’s where Jonathon and I had found ourselves. He held my hand playing with my rings. “Are you happy?” he asked.
“I’ve never been happier. You?” I asked, suddenly worried.
“Best day of my life,” he kissed me. I leaned against him, enjoying the momentary silence. I knew it wouldn’t last though. It was only a matter of time before someone found us. Sure enough, I saw Diana come around the corner.
Spotting us, she stopped and put her hands on her slender hips, “Kylie, stop running from me. We have to change your dress.”
I groaned and Jonathon said, “Why? I quite like this one.”
“You’re a boy, you know nothing,” Diana snapped.
Jonathon chuckled.
“Come on,” she tugged on my hand.
I turned to Jonathon, “Wait here?”
“Of course,” he smiled. “Hurry back,” he added.
“Oh, I will,” I mumbled, staring daggers at Diana as she pulled me away from my husband. She shook her head and pulled me along. Jonathon disappeared behind a wall of green as Diana led me through a dizzying field of greenery and flowers. She pulled me into a small white tent. Pierre and Christian were inside. “Really, I don’t need to change. I love this dress. It’s perfect.”
Christian huffed and rolled his eyes, “I made two dresses. You wear two dresses.”
“But this one is so pretty,” I whined.
“You haven’t even seen the other one,” he stated.
“Ugh, fi
ne. Just hurry I want to get back to Jonathon.”
Christian pulled the dress out of a garment bag. I suddenly felt terrible for complaining. This dress was just as beautiful as the one I was wearing but in a completely different way. This dress was much more simple. It was elegant and vintage in design. It had tulle ties at the shoulder and a V-neck. It clung to my body like a second skin. It was a good thing I was slender. It had a white sash at the waist. Noticing my appreciation Christian flipped it so I could admire the back. Soft white buttons went down the back and then the dress trailed into a short but elegant train. This dress, true to word, would be much more manageable. Diana quickly finished buttoning it and turned me to face her.
“You look so beautiful,” she whispered.
“Thank you,” I hugged her. Pierre shooed her away and began plucking at my hair. He let it down and pulled it over so it all rested on my right shoulder. He left the diamond headband and added a peacock feather. I smiled.
“See? That didn’t take so long now did it?” asked Christian.
“No,” I replied. “Thank you so much for everything, Christian. You too Pierre. You’ve given me the most beautiful dresses and the most beautiful wedding. It really is a dream come true.”
Pierre pulled me into a hug. “You deserve it,” he said and then Christian hugged me.
“Now get back to your man,” Christian grinned.
“Diana, can you take me back to the gazebo? I’m afraid I might get lost otherwise.”
“Sure,” she stood. Her heels had to easily be five inches but she walked effortlessly. I couldn’t help but feel a little envious. Once the gazebo was within sight she left me. I walked up the gazebo steps and found Jonathon where I had left him, but he was now joined by a man, and a woman. Both were obviously vampires.
“This is Raphael, a friend of mine for many years,” Jonathon pointed to the male vampire. Raphael was gorgeous, though in my opinion his looks couldn’t touch Jonathon, with dark hair almost to his shoulders and the same silver eyes that all vampires had. “And this is his soul mate, Evangeline,” he said, indicating the woman though she couldn’t be much older than me. And judging by her strained appearance she had been recently turned. She too, was beautiful. Her hair was long, almost halfway down her back, and darker than mine. Almost black.
Forever (Fallen Series Book 3) Page 5