by S. K. Yule
“Yeah, I guess you are.” Ebony hugged her back and a deep feeling of rightness flowed throughout her as if saying everything was as it should be.
“You still don’t have to get married though you know? I mean, I could help you and baby Avril.”
“Baby Avril?” What makes you think it’s a girl and what makes you think I’d name her Avril?”
“Well, because you would obviously want to name your little girl after the most gorgeous, loyal best friend you will ever have!” Avril laughed and Ebony joined in until tears streamed down both their faces.
“Seriously though Avril, I’m not marrying Ashe because I’m pregnant. In fact, I didn’t even realize I was pregnant until you just mentioned it. I love him. I want to be with him for the rest of my life, which, by the way, brings me to something you might not want to hear.” How in the world would Avril react to finding out her best friend was a vampire?
“Well, as long as you’re sure. I just want you to be happy, honestly.”
“Oh, I know Avril. I want the same for you.”
“Wait a second, don’t even start with that. There is no way I’m getting married, from now on just sex with hot guys. No commitment to the male chauvinistic bastards. They are only good for one thing.”
Ebony knew she wouldn’t be able to change her friend’s mind at the moment, but hoped that one day she would find a guy that would knock her off her feet as effectively as Ashe had her. “Okay, whatever.”
“And, what is this thing I might not want to hear?”
Ebony sighed, stood and walked over to the window, gazing outside. When her eyes started watering she figured it was a result of the sun on her newly over sensitive eyes. She took a deep breath and told Avril the whole story about her illness, why she hadn’t told her and how she wasn’t sick any longer thanks to Ashe. She just hoped her friend could find it in her heart to forgive her.
“Ebony?” Avril watched as Ebony slowly turned to face her. “You know I love you and yes, I wish you had told me. You can tell me anything, you know? But, if Ashe has saved you from dying, then I owe thanks to him. I would never want you to suffer and would have encouraged you to save yourself if possible. I’m just so sorry that you had to go through everything alone.”
“You are truly the best friend ever. I was so worried you would be mad at me for not telling you or just totally freaked out because I’m a vampire now. Thank you for being you.” Ebony hugged her friend once again.
Avril pushed her away playfully. “Okay. Enough is enough. We have a wedding to plan, so let’s get to it! Have you told Estril yet?”
“No, I was going to after I told you.”
“Well, let’s go. I bet she will be great helping us out with the plans.”
Ebony and Avril found Estril in her room. Ebony couldn’t help but notice that Estril seemed very distant lately. Sadness seemed to cling to her. Of course, Estril hid it well and was happy about the news. They talked for what seemed to be hours about the plans for the wedding. Estril declined Ebony and Avril’s invitation to come downstairs and eat with them, deciding to stay in her room. Then Avril realized she was still in her pajamas and went to change. They both gave Estril a quick hug before leaving. Ebony waited for Avril to get dressed then they both headed for the kitchen for toast and coffee.
* * * *
Later that afternoon, Avril decided to head home. She promised she would be back for the wedding. She had to be after all, she was the Maid of Honor. She also promised to be around and help with the wedding plans. Ebony was a little sad to see her go. She had enjoyed her company. She would miss her, but she was also looking forward to all the time alone she would be able to spend with her husband-to-be.
That evening Ebony lay wrapped in Ashe’s arms while he recapped the whole ordeal of telling his brothers the news while she giggled. They were both shocked as they knew Ashe and Ebony would always be together, but never thought they would get married. They were very happy for Ashe and Ebony but vowed they would never get caught in the marital trap and Ashe had laughed at their ignorance. They had no idea what they were missing out on. Of course, he hadn’t either. Maybe one day the right woman would come along for each of them and change their minds. One that would kick Aiston in the butt and make him tow the line and another that was strong enough to tangle with Aldin, mentally and physically.
They talked and made love all night and decided they would go and pick Ebony’s things up from her house the next day. She had decided to make her house into a bookstore. It was such a logical thing for her to do since she worked in the library because she loved books. The bottom would need some remodeling to hold the shelves of books and the upstairs would serve as storage.
She was still reluctant to let Ashe pay for the inventory and remodeling, but he wouldn’t give in and insisted that if she had such a problem with him paying for it, she could consider it his wedding present to her. She agreed since she knew he wouldn’t take no for an answer anyway. The man was so stubborn. She couldn’t be upset though because she would have only had enough money to get things started then would have had to rely on the profits to finish little by little. He was going to spoil her rotten, but she would never take money for granted. She didn’t care if he didn’t have a penny, she would still love him.
Once she put her plans into action the next day, time seemed to fly by at the speed of light and before she knew it the bookstore was open which she lovingly named A & E Books. It flourished and she was able to hire full-time help so she could focus on her wedding plans.
Chapter Twenty-One
Was she really getting married today? Ebony stared at her image in the full-length mirror. The dress was perfection. It was traditional with its long, lacy train yet modern with its rich ivory color. Its silky material hugged her bosom and waist before flaring gently out at her hips and flowing to the floor, giving it a bit of sexiness as well. She had liked her gown so much from the Midnight Ball that she had asked Tina to make her wedding dress as well. She had definitely made the right decision. It was right out of a fairy tale. Move over Cinderella.
“Wow, girl! You look great!” Avril had been in on most of the wedding planning and had stayed with her for the last several days, helping with last minute details. “I don’t know how Ashe is going to make it through the ceremony without throwing you to the ground and giving you a good ravishing.”
“Yes, you look absolutely gorgeous.” Estril had also been irreplaceable the last few days making sure everything was perfect. Although, Ebony was a little sad as Estril had informed them that she would be leaving soon after the wedding. Ashe, Aldin, and Aiston had, of course, been in a tizzy and insisted it was too dangerous for Estril to be running around all over God’s green earth on her own. Estril had remained firm on her decision insisting it was something she must do.
Ebony hadn’t quite understood as Estril didn’t seem to know exactly where she was going. She just explained that she felt it was time for her to get out in the world on her own for awhile. Ebony’s intuition told her that there was more to it than that, but Estril was a grown woman and could make her own decisions. The brothers had finally caved as they really had no choice in the matter. They were not happy but agreed to it if Estril promised to check in on a regular basis to let them know she was okay.
Ebony smiled at her best friend and her new friend. She had come to love Estril over the last few weeks as if she were a sister. In fact, all three of them had become so close Ebony had decided to have two Maids of Honor. They had spent countless hours picking the perfect shade of red for Estril and Avril’s gowns, and Ashe, along with Aiston and Aldin, would wear black tuxes with the same matching red cummerbund and bow tie. Their boutonnieres would, of course, be black roses and the black roses in her bouquet were stunning and sprinkled with tiny sprigs of baby’s breath. The guest list included most of the attendees from the Midnight Ball.
“Well, I guess this is it. I can’t believe I’m getting married.” Ebony’s ner
ves kicked up a notch and fluttered through her, sending a shiver down her spine. She was getting a pretty good handle on her extra perceptive vampire senses, but they still sometimes got a little out of control. She took a deep breath to calm herself and faced Avril and Estril. “You know I love you two, and I want to thank you for helping me out so much with all of this. I couldn’t have done it without you.” She went and grabbed two small boxes off her dresser and handed one to each of them.
She had been staying in her original room the last few days, insisting that she and Ashe should not sleep together again until their wedding night. She had come up with the idea a few nights after he had proposed. He hadn’t been happy about it, but had begrudgingly given in. Her brilliant plan had effectively turned around and bitten her on the rump, and she was relieved the celibacy would end tonight. She missed his strong body pressed up against her and couldn’t wait to be back in his arms where she belonged. It had been a noble idea, but a stupid one. She never wanted to miss another night in his bed unless it was absolutely unavoidable.
Excitement overtook nervousness as she thought about what his reaction would be to her news. Her wedding gift to him would be the baby. She wondered if she would have a little boy that looked like his father with black, wavy hair and turquoise eyes. That thought was a little disconcerting however, when she realized later she would probably have to beat the women off of him with a stick. Boy or girl, it didn’t matter as long as he or she was healthy. If it was a boy though, she sure hoped he didn’t have Ashe’s stubbornness. She smiled at the thought.
Avril’s gasp reluctantly brought her back to reality. A gold chain with a locket was hanging from her friend’s fingers. It had taken Ebony all day to pick out the gifts for Avril and Estril. The identical gold lockets held the picture of the three of them together she had Ashe take one day when they were in the middle of wedding plans and too busy to notice.
“It’s beautiful.” Avril flipped the locket open and looked at the picture. “Oh! It is absolutely perfect.”
Ebony glanced at Estril and noticed the smile playing at her lips that didn’t quite reach her eyes as if she were happy with her new found friends, but sad because . . . well she wasn’t for sure why. “I have one, too. I thought this way we could always be together even when we are apart. You know, us women have to stick together.”
“Thank you so much!”
“Yes, it is quite thoughtful of you. I will treasure it always.” Estril fastened the locket around her neck and let it fall under the silk of her red dress as Avril did the same. The girls hugged, cried, redid their makeup, and then it was time for the wedding to start.
Avril and Estril went down the staircase and to the ballroom while Ebony waited at the bottom for the wedding march to introduce her. Aiston and Aldin both had offered to walk her down the aisle, but she had refused. She appreciated the gesture and thanked them both, but knew her father would be with her in spirit. In fact, she was sure both her parents were watching over her today, smiling down at her, raining happiness on this most important day. Before she had time to start crying, she heard the music, took a deep breath, and started walking slowly down the white runner, covered with black rose petals leading to her destination.
Ashe’s breath hitched as she neared. He took her hand and kissed the back of it when after an eternity, she finally reached him. “You are exquisite.”
His whispered compliment rolled through her as she appreciated his appearance. He was tall, dark and gorgeous in his black tux with his black as sin hair curling at his nape. He was a beautiful, masculine man, and he was all hers. She whispered back in reply. “You look pretty good yourself.”
“I can’t wait to peel that dress off you.”
Her cheeks heated at his comment, and she wasn’t sure if it was from embarrassment or excitement.
Probably the latter. She was such a shameful hussy where he was concerned. She started to reply when the minister cleared his throat indicating they should keep silent so he could start the ceremony.
An hour later Ashe and Ebony sat at the main table laid out with beautiful gold trimmed dinnerware. She had to agree that Avril and Estril had indeed put together a beautiful wedding and reception. She was proud that she had such caring and talented friends. She didn’t want to be vain, but she gave herself a small pat on the back for her part too. Everything had gone off without a hitch, and it was all perfect down to the last detail.
She looked at Aiston and Aldin sitting to Ashe’s left and smiled, thinking it might be nice to have brothers as well as another sister. Although, Estril had warned her about there pig headedness and overprotective nature, it wasn’t anything she couldn’t handle after dealing with Ashe’s stubbornness. She doubted that any man could come close to competing with him where that was concerned. She now found that trait endearing in him and had come to realize that it was more him trying to protect her than actually being stubborn, and she couldn’t fault him for that. She could never doubt his love for her when he had fought so hard to keep her safe. They would, no doubt, have many arguments on this subject which she knew would end with them in bed making up. Maybe arguments would be a good thing?
She glanced at Ashe and smiled when she looked into the turquoise eyes she was growing so accustomed to drowning in. He reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, leaned in to kiss her cheek, and whispered in her ear. “When do you think we can get out of here? I can’t wait to have you to myself!”
His warm breath tickled her ear, and a shot of desire sizzled through her veins, heating her skin. “Ashe, you know we have to at least have a first dance, and I’m starving.” She laughed at his feigned hurt expression.
“I’m starving too, but not for food.” He gave her a small nip on her earlobe and watched her skin flush with need. He’d teach the little witch to laugh at him.
Turning the tables on him, she leaned in and placed a soft, lingering kiss on his lips before trailing her mouth down his jaw to his ear and sliding her hand up his thigh under the table. “Ashe, we can’t be rude at our own wedding now can we?” She chuckled to herself. Two could play this game.
He placed his hand over hers, effectively stopping its journey upward on his thigh then shifted in obvious discomfort. He whispered in her ear. “I’m going to get you for that.”
“I’m counting on it, but right now we have obligations.”
“Fine, one dance and a few minutes of mingling, but then we grab a plate of food and eat upstairs in our room.”
“We have to cut the wedding cake, too!” He grabbed her hand and headed for the floor. He held her as they danced their first dance together as husband and wife. It was only a few moments before everyone else joined in. As soon as the music ended, he grabbed her hand once again and practically dragged her around the room chatting with and thanking everyone for coming then proceeded to the table with their wedding cake. He admitted it was an impressive piece of work even to him. The cake was four tiers high with several one layer round cakes fanning out in a circle pattern. There was smooth, white icing on all the cakes topped with different variations of closed and open black roses.
Ashe picked up a glass and banged a spoon against it until Ebony thought it would break. Thankfully it didn’t, and everyone focused their attention on the bride and groom. She felt the urge to giggle at her new husband’s impatience to get her alone but stopped it before it could escape. After all, she really didn’t mind.
“Thank you all for coming and celebrating our marriage. I must say, I am the luckiest man in the world to have such a beautiful woman who loves me. I am proud and honored to have Ebony as my wife.” Ebony watched Ashe as he made his short speech and willed the tears away before they could escape down her cheeks.
Ashe picked up the silver knife with the red ribbons, handed it to Ebony then placed his hand over hers as they sliced into the delicate, fluffy center of their wedding cake. They pulled a small wedge onto a plate, broke off a piece and held it close to each oth
er’s mouths, all the while hearing jeers to smash it into each other’s faces. Ebony, delicately bit into the piece Ashe offered her then smiled.
A few seconds later, Ashe wiped the cake off his face that Ebony had smeared all over it while everyone in the room clapped and laughed. He leaned in close to her. “You’re going to pay for that one too, my little wife.”
“Ooooh. Is that a promise?” Ebony couldn’t contain her joy any longer and laughed until she cried.
After the cake cutting, Ebony tossed her bouquet over her head and behind her into the group of excited women. Wouldn’t you know that Avril was the one to catch it? Ashe repeated the same thing with Ebony’s garter. Aiston was the lucky winner of that one and actually blushed before hurrying out of the room. Ashe was surprised because he didn’t think his brother even knew how to blush.
“Enough. I’m done waiting, Ebony.” Ashe grabbed Ebony’s hand and stopped by the feast laden table that had enough food to feed a small army. Slices of tender beef and chicken dripping with a delicate sweet sauce, shrimp cocktail, various steamed vegetables, and hors d’oeuvres decorated one end, while scrumptious cakes, cheesecakes, and puddings adorned the other end.