by K E Osborn
“Red… for strength and courage, good health, prosperity, and longevity,” Alana says.
“We give thanks for the sacredness of this moment,” the officiant says.
“Orange… for open hearts, sensitivity, and understanding.”
“Above you are the heavens and below you is the earth.”
“Green… for compassion, affection and caring.”
“Like the heavens, may your love be unending and be a source of wonder and delight.”
“Yellow… for enthusiasm, spontaneity, and equality.”
“Like the earth, may your love be a firm foundation from which to grow and nurture your marriage.”
“Light Blue… for sincerity, easy self-expression, and honest communication.”
“May your marriage be blessed with love, peace, and happiness.”
“Purple… for clear vision and wisdom, for peace and harmony in all ways.”
“In Celtic tradition, these ribbons were often kept in place for days after the ceremony. As you would expect being tied together literally… twenty-four-seven can present quite the task. However, it was used to encourage the new couple to work together as a team. Today Vespa and Kaden will be spared this tradition,” the officiant says as Alana gently lifts the ribbons off our joined hands. “While honoring the intention that they will continue to work together as a team and join together, lifting each other through every barrier life brings them, these ribbons will be placed in this sacred box as a reminder of the vows they will make today.”
Effa looks so in tune with everything that’s surrounding her. She looks so fucking beautiful I want to take her here and now, but I have to wait. Just a little longer. Tonight I will have her all to myself and fuck am I going to enjoy it.
The officiant looks to me with a slight nod, and I take a deep breath as I look at Effa and prepare to say my vows. Tightening my grip on her wrists, I smile. “I promise to encourage your passion because that’s what makes you unique and wonderful. I promise to nurture your dreams because through them your soul shines brightly. I promise to help shoulder our challenges, for there is nothing we can’t face if we stand together. I promise to be your partner in all things, not possessing you but working with you as a part of the whole. I promise to encourage your ideals, your gifts, and talents because even though you’re a little eccentric, it’s what I love the most about you.” Everyone chuckles as she grins tilting her head in agreement. “I want to acknowledge that because of you, the light within my sister continues to shine brightly, and I’m eternally grateful. And lastly, I promise you perfect love and perfect trust, for one lifetime with you could never be enough. This is my sacred vow to you, my equal in all things.”
Effa smiles wide and grips her hands tighter on my wrists as her eyes mist up, but she does well to hold her tears in. She sniffs clearing her throat. “I promise to enrich your days with love and laughter because that’s nothing less than you deserve. I promise to complement your dreams because, through them, your talent is endless. I promise to help carry your burdens, for the weight of them is mine to shoulder, too. I promise to be your partner, your confidant, your rock and your solitude, always. I promise to love and cherish your family. Because their light shines so bright inside you. I promise to love you so fiercely, with so much passion that you will always know how deep my love runs for you, even if we are miles apart. Lastly, I promise you perfect love and perfect trust, for one lifetime with you could never be enough. This is my sacred vow to you, my equal in all things.”
My body quivers with the surge of love flowing through me. She always knows exactly what to say, and I couldn’t love her anymore right now if I tried.
“Tyler, the rings,” the officiant asks, and for a second I furrow my brows wondering who the hell she’s talking about before Tank steps forward placing his hand in his pocket and pulls out the rings. I grin finally knowing his real name. He shakes his head as if to tell me to shut the hell up, and I chuckle as he hands the officiant the rings. Effa and I let our hands go, and Effa takes my ring from her as she looks me in the eyes with the brightest of smiles as we exchange our rings.
I take her hand and slide her ring on her finger making her mine officially, the feeling of placing that ring on her finger and showing the world that she truly belongs to me completely, undeniably, is like nothing in the world. As a tear falls down her cheek, I can’t help but grab her waist and pull her, holding her body to mine as I look deep into her eyes waiting so fucking impatiently for the next part as the guests all chuckle watching on.
“I’m nearly there, Kaden, hold on… you’ve kissed a thousand times, maybe more. But today the feeling is new. No longer simply partners and best friends, you have become husband and wife, and you can now seal the agreement with a…”
I don’t wait for the word as my hand races up into Effa’s hair, lacing with her loose tendrils as my other hand clenches on her waist. She gasps as I yank her forward and press my lips to hers, needing her, wanting her. Our lips join, for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Mercury, and it’s like it is the first time all over again.
Fireworks explode. The earth shifts on its fucking axis. I’m sure somewhere in the world we’ve set a volcano into an eruption with the force of the electricity pulsing through us right now. It’s magical, it’s energizing, it’s fucking unicorns and rainbows. Just like it will be every time with her. The crowd erupts into a fit of applause.
The officiant exhales and says, “… kiss.” She finishes her sentence as she lets out a small chuckle while I kiss Effa like there’s no tomorrow. “May I present Mr. and Mrs. Mercury,” the officiant calls out, and I finally break free as Effa giggles when I separate from her and look her in her eyes.
Effa looks perfectly happy, and I can’t imagine a time I’ve felt happier.
She is my light.
My life.
My home.
I know we’re going to make it, we’re going to be one of the lucky ones. We’re going to grow old together. We won’t always have it easy, no one ever does. But I love her, with all that I have, and there’s nothing that’s going to get in our way.
Nothing at all!
EFFA
Bliss. Utter, complete, undeniable bliss.
That’s the state I’m in right now.
I’m married, I have a home in Ligonier. My bandmates and half the crew also have homes in the town we’ve chosen will be our respite place from the crazy chaos of our lives, and the town that has taken us in with open arms and loving hearts. They love having us, and so far the tabloids still have no idea that we’ve taken up residence here. The town is our safe haven. It’s like being back home in Nimbin, a quiet country town in Australia, with peaceful country folk and it’s utter bliss.
Since moving down here, the Luminous Foundation has been formed, and everyone has their part to play. I was overwhelmed when they all decided to lend their support including the crew, band members, and security team. We have support groups, support homes, and we have speakers who talk to students in schools about the dangers of date rape and leaving drinks unattended or accepting drinks from strangers. The Foundation is building from strength to strength, and I could not be more proud of my team, and I’m sure we have more work to do.
But today, today’s been the highlight of my life. I’m married. I got to spend the day with family and friends at an amazing place, and now the town square is lit up, the street lined with tables and festive decorations. Ligonier has put on a most amazing display of town love and affection for Kaden. As I sit at the bridal table looking up at the globes hanging above us glittering in the light, flowers hanging from them delicately in a boho chic kind of way, it makes me excited that everyone pitched in and made this day so special for us. It’s a real town celebration, and I’m glad I’m able to share it with everyone here. I couldn’t be more humbled if I tried.
Kaden glances at me and smiles. “You look happy,” he murmurs, and I grin leaning my head on his shoulder and sigh.
/>
“Undeniably, unbelievably happy, Kaden. This is the best day of my life.”
He moves his hand onto my leg and squeezes. “I’m so happy Kiera made it to our wedding.”
I look up at him and smile brightly. “It made the day all that much more special to have her here with us to celebrate our day just like she wanted.”
I glance over to Kiera sitting under a tree, Raoul next to her. The closeness between them is comforting, and I grin as I watch Raoul lean in and gently kiss her lips. Chewing on my bottom lip, I turn to look at Kaden and see him watching the scene play out too, and surprisingly he doesn’t look annoyed, and more importantly, he doesn’t react. If anything, he looks relieved. Kind of like maybe he’s glad that Kiera is finally happy. It relaxes me as I cuddle into Kaden’s side. I decide not to say anything as he then turns to look at Gran who’s busy dancing up a storm with Dad. I shake my head and chuckle. They have so much energy. It’s getting really late and I know I’m completely shattered. I have no idea how Gran is still going so well. She amazes me.
“So, what’s next for the band?” Kaden asks, and I shrug.
“I have no idea, we need to talk to Luke. He’s still trying to figure out where he stands with all of us moving here. He’s spending all of his time in the States, so he’s trying to figure if he can move here too, and do occasional visits to Australia. But he has kids, and it’s hard for him. So I get it.”
Kaden nods. “I know how much you girls don’t want to lose him.”
I shake my head. “No. We really don’t. We’ll do anything to keep him with us. Whatever he needs.”
“Well, for tonight we don’t think about that. Tonight we think about us, and our future. And about how in half an hour I don’t care what people say, I’m taking you home and getting you out of that fucking gorgeous dress. I love it on you, but fuck if it wouldn’t look better in a pile on my floor.”
I smirk as a shudder runs down my spine, my clit instantly throbbing with the thoughts of what tonight’s wedding night will bring. “Well, Mr. Mercury, why wait? Let me go and say my goodbyes to the girls, and you can take me home.”
He grins salaciously and nods. “Yes, ma’am.” He leans in kissing me quickly as I stand up and walk over to Kristy, Andi, and Casey who are busy drinking with the rest of the crew.
“Hey guys, I’m going to head off soon. It’s been a big day and—”
“Oh, yeah, heading for some wedding night bliss more like it,” Tank calls out loudly making everyone turn around. I chuckle as Kristy shakes her head and stands up grabbing my arm and linking hers through mine.
“Shut up! She’s a married woman now, Tank. It’s all legal like, and she’s allowed to be completely slutty with her man,” Kristy berates.
“Yeah, exactly my thoughts.”
Everyone laughs as I glance to Kristy in her pink dress and smile. “Thank you for today. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
She snorts, rolling her eyes. “What are best friends for?”
I glance around and furrow my brows. “Have you seen Alana, I want to thank her, too.”
She shrugs and looks to Kammie’s. “I think I saw her go in there. Maybe to use the ladies. Let’s go. I gotta pee anyway,” Kristy chirps unashamedly.
I giggle as we move across the street heading for the diner that’s doubled as our bathroom and a quiet nook for tonight’s festivities. We walk in, and there are a few stragglers, but we can’t see Alana. So we head for the bathroom, our arms linked together tightly.
Turning the corner, we head down the darkened hall and catch a glimpse of a couple at the end—she’s against the wall, and he’s pushing into her—and they’re kissing passionately.
I look to Kristy and giggle, but she has her brow raised. So, I look back and immediately spot the yellow dress. Letting out a gasp as we step closer, it’s then I realize the girl is Alana.
But who’s the guy?
My gasp must interrupt them because they break apart, and he turns to face us. My mouth drops open, but quickly turns into a beaming smile when I realize who it is getting hot and heavy.
Alana and Luke?
Luke and Alana!
Luke’s eyes open wide like he’s in complete shock at being caught. Alana chews on her bottom lip but then smiles.
“This is the best wedding present… ever!”
Gambling Awareness
Although Mercs did not have a gambling addiction, gambling can go from having some fun to an unhealthy preoccupation with serious side effects. If gambling becomes a problem, it can strain relationships, interfere with work and lead to financial disaster.
There may be feelings like you can’t stop, but with the right help, anyone can overcome a gambling problem or addiction and gain back control of their life.
If you or someone you know has a gambling addiction and need help, please do not hesitate to contact groups such as Gamblers Anonymous.
Drug Addiction
Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. The initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people, but repeated drug use can lead to brain changes that challenge an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to take drugs. If you or someone you know has a drug addiction and need help, please do not hesitate to contact groups such as Narcotics Anonymous.
Cancer Awareness
Often when you or someone you love is affected by cancer you can feel upset, frightened and overwhelmed. This can make it hard to understand and remember the information you are given by your health professional. If you or someone you know is affected by cancer and need help, please do not hesitate to contact groups such as the Cancer Society.
Check out this series by
KE Osborn
The Recoil Series Box Set
Click here to purchase
or
purchase titles individually
#1 Bestseller in Amazon Category Rock Music
Pick
Plucker
Snare
Fret
BLURB
Danger.
Death.
Fear.
Loss.
Four words that can change the course of your path.
Even fame and fortune can’t save you from chaos.
The rockers from Recoil have done it tough.
The lead singer, Danger, deserted them at their peak of fame for the woman he loved.
But when that crashed and burned, Danger longed for the success he knew he could have with his band.
But reforming and going on tour is not as clean cut as it may first seem.
The press will hound you and those you bring into the fold.
You might not see eye to eye with the people you hire.
And when their tour ends dramatically, what’s left after the music ends?
Chaos.
Heartache.
Misunderstandings.
Surprises.
When boundaries are tested will these four rockers find what they truly desire?
Will they find their happiness in music, life... love?
Check these links for more books from Author K E OSBORN.
READER GROUP
What access to fun, prizes and sneak peeks?
Join my Facebook Reader Group.
Click here
NEWSLETTER
What to see what’s next?
Sign up for my newsletter.
Click here
GOODREADS
Add my books to your TBR list on my Goodreads profile.
Click here
AMAZON
Click to buy my books from my Amazon profile.
Click here
WEBSITE
Click here
TWITTER
Click here
INSTAGRAM
@keosbornauthor
EMAIL
Click here
&n
bsp; FACEBOOK
Click here
Australian author K E Osborn was born and raised in Adelaide, South Australia. With a background in graphic design and a flair for all things creative, she felt compelled to write the story brewing in her mind.
Writing gives her life purpose. It makes her feel, laugh, cry and get completely enveloped in the characters and their story lines. She feels completely at home when writing and wouldn’t consider doing anything else.