Sea of Memories

by Kelly Risser

  “Do you think that’s a good idea?” Evan interrupted with a frown.

  “They won’t hurt her, Evan. They are not bad men.” She placed a hand on his arm, and his frown softened slightly. “Trust me. I would not put your sister in harm’s way.”

  “And his parents?” Deanna asked.

  “They’re napping.” Ula turned and started back to the staircase. “Come on and I’ll show you to your room.”

  “Um, we may need separate rooms.”

  “Can’t,” Ula said. “Unless Deanna wants to room with Katie and Kim. Or, maybe Deanna can room with Kim and you can share with Katie. I’m afraid I’m out of space.”

  Evan shuddered. “I haven’t shared a room with my sister since we were kids. I’ll come up with something to tell my parents.”

  Ula stopped on the step, turned, and faced Evan with crossed arms. “Evan Mitchell. You are twenty-one years old. You saved two species from killing each other. I think that you are perfectly capable of telling your parents to bugger off. You are in love with your girlfriend and will sleep in the same room with her if you like.”

  “Not so loud,” Evan whispered as he winced. At the same time, a loud snore permeated from the closed door at the top of the stairs.

  “You’re right.” Deanna snickered. “They might hear us.”

  “I don’t think anyone could hear anything above that retched snoring.” Ula started walking again. “How does your mom put up with it?”

  Now, Evan laughed. “That is my mom.”

  They were all giggling as Ula showed them their room, which was the one furthest away from his parents, but closest to the master bedroom.

  “This was Stonewall’s room,” Evan said hesitantly.

  “It was.” Ula opened the door to a bright, airy, and lovely guest room. “But we remodeled it. I think you will be quite happy in here.”

  “It’s very nice,” Deanna said. “Thank you.”

  “Do you need anything right away?” Ula asked, hoping they would be self-sufficient like the other guests.

  “No,” Evan said. “We’ll unpack, and then we were going to go and visit the Sirens at the club. Don’t worry about us for dinner.”

  What had been an old, rundown shack with a strip bar feel was now a renowned restaurant. The Sirens spent a lot of time remodeling the place, changing the menu, and getting the word out. Vesh and Ula had eaten there a few times. It was one of her favorite places to go when they went out, which wasn’t often.

  “Just holler if you need anything.” Ula closed the door behind her as she left.

  In the hall, she almost ran into Vesh, who was bringing up Kieran and Meara. “Look who I found wandering in the cove.”

  Ula squealed and threw her arms around Meara. It had been months since she saw her niece. She looked relaxed and happy. So did Kieran. “Are you ready?”

  “Yes.” Meara and Kieran gave each other goofy smiles. They were so in love. A year ago, Ula wouldn’t have predicted it. Then again, she didn’t think she’d find the love of her life either. What a difference a few months made.

  “Your room is at the end of the hall,” Ula said. “I was just showing Evan and—”

  The door behind Ula flew open and, in a blur, Evan had Meara wrapped in a hug. Kieran laughed and joked, “Better watch it, Mitchell, I might get jealous and feel the need to rearrange that pretty face.”

  “Like you have any reason to be jealous. This girl is crazy about you.”

  “Hmm… and this boy is crazy about me,” Deanna said, blowing Evan a kiss before hugging Kieran.

  “It’s like one big, happy reunion,” Vesh quipped.

  “Because it is one,” Ula said.

  “The hall’s getting a little crowded.” This came from Evan’s mom, Lydia, who had just come out of her room looking well rested. “Can I get a hug from the bride?”

  Meara laughed as she made her way past the others to hug Lydia and Darren. “I’m so happy that you could make it.”

  “We wouldn’t miss it, sweetheart.” Lydia gave her a mom smile and tucked a few loose strands of hair behind her ear. “Your mom would be so happy for you.”

  “Let’s meet the groom,” Darren said, glancing between Kieran and Vesh.

  To make it easier, Kieran moved to Meara’s side and offered his hand. “I’m Kieran. You must be Mr. Mitchell?”

  “Call me Darren, please.” Evan’s dad gave Kieran an easy smile. “Mr. Mitchell was my dad.”

  “Darren,” Kieran said and motioned to Vesh and Evan behind him. “I understand the guys are taking me out tonight for one last hurrah. You’re joining us, I hope?”

  “Wouldn’t miss it.” Darren glanced at his wife, and she made a motion for him to go. “What time?”

  “Later,” Evan said. “Like nine PM? Deanna and I are going out to dinner.”

  “Can we join you?” Lydia asked, and then frowned slightly. “Where’s your sister?”

  “She went for a boat ride,” Ula said. “They should be back soon. I’ll make sure she eats. We’re still waiting for Kim anyway.”

  The Mitchells left, and Vesh took Kieran to show him the yard work. Ula found it sweet how proud Vesh was of his gardening skills. He did have a knack for it. They may have to split their time between Azuria and this house in Aberdeen. Not that Ula would mind. She missed living on land.

  “So…” Meara grabbed Ula’s left hand and held it up with a smile. “Mind telling me what this is all about?”

  “Um… well.”

  “Vesh proposed to you, didn’t he?” Before Ula could answer, Meara crushed her in a hug. “I’m so happy for you!”

  “Thanks.” It was a relief that Meara was not upset or mad. “I didn’t want to say anything until after your wedding.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I didn’t want to ruin your day.”

  “How would your engagement ruin my day?” Meara looked genuinely puzzled.

  “I didn’t want to take the spotlight from you,” Ula said. “A bride’s wedding is her special day.”

  “Ula, that’s crap.” Meara shook her head. “You know how uncomfortable I am in the spotlight. Why would you think I want an entire day focused just on me?” Before Ula could respond, Meara added, “Have you picked a date?”

  Might as well just say it, Ula thought. “Vesh was thinking we could get married after your rehearsal, while the minister is still here.”

  “That’s what he thought, huh.” Meara crossed her arms and pursed her lips. Ula couldn’t tell if she was mad or not. “No.”

  “No?” Ula was genuinely shocked. As much as she felt bad about stealing even a little of Meara’s event, she really didn’t think her niece would mind if it was after their rehearsal.

  “Absolutely not.” Meara’s lips quivered just before her face broke out into a huge grin. “Because you’re going to share our wedding day with us.”

  “What?” Ula was truly shocked. What was Meara talking about?

  “You did all this work and planning. All of our friends and family will be here. What difference does it make if two couples get married instead of one? Frankly, I’d love to share my wedding day with the two of you. What do you say?” Meara got down on one knee, batting her eyelashes and taking Ula’s hand again. “Will you get married with me?”

  Laughing, Ula shook her head before saying, “Yes. I will get married with you.”

  At that moment, Vesh came up the stairs, carrying luggage. Behind him was Kim, talking to Kieran. When they saw Meara kneeling in the hall holding Ula’s hand, they stopped talking and stared.

  “What just happened?” Vesh asked slowly. “Meara, are you trying to steal my girl?”

  “We’re getting married together,” Meara said and stood. She waved at Kim and mouthed ‘hi’.

  “Together?” Kieran asked, not understanding.

  “Vesh and Ula are engaged,” Meara said, lifting Ula’s hand to show him. “So I proposed that the four of us get married together.”

&nb
sp; Vesh grinned. Kieran shrugged. “Fine by me.” Turning, he high fived Vesh. “Double bachelor party!”

  “I’m feeling like the fifth wheel here,” Kim complained and squeezed past the guys to run over. “But I want to congratulate you both.”

  “What’s going on?” Katie came up the stairs, her nose pink from a day in the sun. “What’d I miss?”

  Ula explained while Kieran put Kim’s bags in the girls’ room. The guys left to go grab dinner before going out. Meara and Ula had previously decided that instead of a bachelorette party, the girls would stay in, do each other’s nails, eat junk food, and watch sappy romance movies. First up was Dirty Dancing, and they all swooned over Patrick Swayze and sang along to the songs.

  It was well after midnight when they gathered up the wrappers, blankets, and used tissues—some of the movies had sad parts—and headed up to their rooms. Since the men were still out, Ula took the opportunity to draw herself a bath and soak in the fragrant water. By the time she crawled into bed, she was so tired that her eyes closed almost immediately.

  She woke with a start when Vesh wrapped his arms around her and gave her a sloppy kiss on her cheek. He smelled faintly of alcohol. “Thank you for asking Meara,” he whispered loudly in her ear. “The double ceremony is brilliant.”

  “It was her idea,” Ula whispered back.

  “I don’t care. I love it.” He kissed her again. This time longer and on her mouth. “And I love you.”

  Vesh first told her he loved her months ago, but Ula still got a jolt of pleasure whenever he said those three words to her. “I love you too.”

  “I’m getting married in the morning. Ding dong, the bells are gonna chime—” For some reason, Vesh found old musicals highly amusing. At this hour, with him singing in her ear, Ula did not.

  “Vesh?”

  He stopped singing. “Yes?”

  “Go to bed.”

  ****

  The next day, most of the men were nursing hangovers. The women didn’t feel much better after the mass quantities of junk food they consumed. Thankfully, there was little on the agenda until the rehearsal that evening. Ula called Destiny and broke the news that it was going to be a double wedding, sending the wedding planner into a flurry of panic. Assuring her that the addition did not cause any more work or change the plans, Ula got Destiny to relax. At the end of the call, she even offered to request the Maid of Honor bouquet be upgraded to a bridal one. Ula didn’t really care either way, but she thanked the woman profusely.

  A handful of Sirens arrived in the late morning, along with David, Brigid, and Paddy. The other Ronac Selkies were waiting to participate in the second, more private ceremony back in Ronac. Kieran’s family came about an hour later. This time, Alexios was with them. One of Kieran’s friends was overseeing the Alkana clan in their absence.

  As the guests who were present enjoyed a picnic lunch, the last-minute touches were being applied to the house and grounds. Crews worked around them to set up tents, tables, chairs, floral arrangements, and a gazebo where the couples would say their vows. The weatherman predicted clear skies, but even if he were wrong, David would make sure the weather was perfect for his daughter’s wedding. It was one of his unique magical abilities.

  Kim and Meara chatted happily next to Ula while Jamie and Mary sat with Evan and Deanna. Everyone was enjoying themselves, but Ula found it hard to eat.

  Rehearsal and then the real thing, she thought. I can do this. Her stomach jumped in nervous agreement.

  Ula and Meara agreed to help each other get ready the way they had when they dressed for the dance in Ronac over a year ago. This meant Ula would visualize Meara’s wedding gown, as well as her makeup, hairstyle, and jewelry. In return, Meara would do the same for her. It was ridiculously fun to create a fancy gown using only magic, and a bridal gown would be the ultimate challenge.

  “Let me do yours first,” Ula said. “After all, this was originally your day.”

  “Okay.” Meara couldn’t stop smiling. She was practically giddy. “Where would you like me to stand?”

  “Where you are is fine.” Meara was standing in the middle of Ula’s room. The men were using the yacht to get ready, leaving the house to the women. Right now, only the two of them were in the room. The others could come in later, once the brides were ready.

  Ula instructed Meara to close her eyes, and then she envisioned the gown that she had been mentally preparing for the last month. It was strapless, a midnight blue silk at the bust line with tiny, sparkling stones that looked like stars. The blue gradually lightened to the color of the ocean in a tropical cove. At the knees, the material flared into layer upon layer of lightweight white netting, the fluidity of the fabric making it look like frothy waves. The entire effect was stunning. Moving her fingers like a conductor, she twirled Meara’s hair into fat curls on top of her head, and then visualized small rhinestones strategically placed throughout to add a little shimmer when she turned her head. She painted her eyes a smoky plum and her lips a deep berry. Last, she added a pearl necklace with tiny sand dollar accents—that was kind of Meara’s thing—and matching earrings.

  The door flew open, and someone gasped, “Oh, wow!”

  “Tyrese!” Ula scolded, more startled than upset. “What are you doing in here?”

  “I couldn’t wait any longer,” Tyrese complained, plopping down on the bed next to Ula. “You were taking too long.”

  “We’re getting ready for our wedding,” she told Kieran’s sister. “That takes time.”

  “Weddings.” Tyrese clasped her hands together and sighed. “I can’t believe you’re both getting married. A double wedding is so romantic.”

  “And convenient,” Ula said.

  “Can I look now?” Meara asked.

  “One minute!” Ula led Meara to the full-length mirror. “Open your eyes.”

  When Meara did, she laughed and twirled. “I love it. This is gorgeous!”

  With a twinkle in her eyes, she turned back to her aunt. “Your turn.” She looked at Kieran’s sister. “No comments, Tyrese, until I’m finished.”

  Ula closed her eyes and waited. She felt material slide along her skin and tighten on her curves. Her hair lifted and twisted. Jewels settled at her collarbone and hung from her ears. Meara was much more efficient than Ula was. Her niece had her dressed and ready in minutes.

  “You can open your eyes,” Meara said.

  “Oh…” Ula was lost for words. The reflection was her, but a hundred times more lovely. Part of her hair was braided loosely along the crown to mimic a headband. The rest flowed into thick pin curls at the base of her neck. While the hairstyle was amazing, the dress was a work of art. A pale, sea-foam green, cut straight across her chest. Although her shoulders were bare, the long, straight sleeves started level with the dress and narrowed at her wrists. The material slid along her figure and accentuated her curves, flaring just about her knees. The bottom of the dress was edged with fat, floral-like ruffles. On her head was a glittering crown of silver and diamonds. She touched it lightly.

  “A queen must have her crown,” Meara said with a smile. “Do you like it?”

  “I love it,” Ula said. “I’ve never felt more elegant.”

  “You both look stunning.” Tyrese stood. “Are you ready for Katie and Kim to come in?”

  “Yes,” Ula said. “Send them in.”

  Tyrese, Kim, and Katie were the bridesmaids for both brides. While they waited for the girls to enter, Ula visualized their dresses and laid them on the bed. Meara took care of the jewelry. While the brides’ dresses had color, the girls would wear white sundresses. It was the opposite of traditional, but then again, this was no ordinary wedding ceremony.

  “Oh my gosh, Meara!” Kim started to cry when she saw her childhood friend.

  Meara waved her hands in front of her face and fought tears of her own. “Don’t make me cry. I’ll wash off my makeup.”

  That made Kim laugh, and soon, they were all giggling. Tyrese was
the first to notice the dresses on the bed. “Are these ours?”

  “They are.” Ula smiled. “Go ahead and get ready.”

  The girls looked pretty in the summery dresses. Because the dresses were casual, they kept their hair down. Meara braided the sides, though, and wove flowers in. The jewelry she picked out was simple too. They each wore a gold chain with a single sand dollar charm and pearl stud earrings. The symbol meant so much to Meara. It represented her past, present, and future.

  “Well, girls,” Meara said. “Are we ready?”

  “If you are,” Tyrese said. “So are we.”

  Katie ran ahead to let everyone know the brides were coming down. Since the ceremony would take place in the backyard, they would wait in the kitchen until it was time to go out. That would put them at the rear of the seating area, the perfect place to start their walk down the aisle with David, who was escorting them both.

  “There you are!” Destiny flew at them, her right hand pressed to her headset. “Yes, seat them in the front on the bride’s side. Do you really have to confirm that, Kevin?” With a shake of her head, she said, “Sorry about that. It’s so hard to find good help.”

  Taking Meara and Ula’s hands, she drew them forward. “What lovely brides you are. I have your bouquets right here, and then we’ll go out the side door and take a few pictures.”

  “Is there time?” Meara glanced at the clock nervously. They were five minutes from the start time.

  “There is always time for the bride. Or in this case, brides.” Destiny handed Meara a bouquet of stargazer lilies and white baby roses. Ula’s bouquet was orange tiger lilies and red roses. “Excuse me.” She gave them a wide smile before she turned and pressed her headset. “Send Pierre around the side for bridal portraits.” She paused and swore. “I don’t care. Do it now.”

  “Let’s go, ladies.” On stiletto heels, Destiny sashayed through the hall and into the garage. A utility door on the opposite wall led to the side yard.

  Pierre turned out to be a short, balding man who was brilliant with a camera. He showed them the first couple of images, and they were perfect, capturing their excitement and nervous anticipation. He took a few of each bride alone, some of the bridal party, and some with just Meara and Ula. Ranging from serious to silly, he captured all of their moods.