“Green,” Beau finished for me.
“Weren’t they always green?” Griffin asked, oblivious to what was going on.
“No,” Beau and I spoke at the same time.
“They were dark blue, almost grey. They’ve changed.”
Eve walked up. “I actually heard about that. The more that newborns eyes are exposed to the light, the more they change and adapt to their true color.”
We all stared at her, surprised.
“What? I used to read a lot.” She shrugged, not thinking anything of it.
“They’re like yours, Beau.” I smiled up at him with pride.
“Okay. So far she has a tiny bit of blond hair, green eyes, and dimples. She’s gonna be a heart-breaker,” Saylor said.
“Over my dead body,” Beau grumbled, and I mirrored his sentiments.
JULIETTE
“I can’t believe you’re getting married and mated today. I never thought I’d see the day. My big bad wolf is all grown up.” Saylor wiped away the non-existent tears she pretended to cry. Eve and I laughed at her ridiculous facial expression—a mix between sucking lemons and sobbing.
“Considering I’m a mother to a two-month-old infant and I’ve been in love with this guy for a year, I’m just surprised the day is finally here. It’s been a long time coming,” I said, popping my head back behind the curtain to finish putting on my wedding dress. “You guys ready?”
“Ready!” my two best friends chimed together.
I stepped out from behind the curtain and the mouths of both girls dropped open.
“Wow,” Saylor remarked. “Beau is gonna have a heart attack when he sees you.”
I wore a snow white satin ruched mermaid-styled wedding dress. Small rhinestone beading lined the top of the gown and it accentuated my every curve, flaring out just above my knee.
Saylor had curled my hair to utter perfection and styled it in a half-up half-down hairdo, a small beaded tiara on the top of my head.
Thanks to my werewolf gene, I managed to get back to my pre-baby weight in no time, and I felt like an absolute queen.
“You girls ready?” Laura asked as she entered the room. “Oh Juliette, you’re just gorgeous!”
“Aw, that’s too sweet.” I pulled her tightly into a hug. “Before we go out there, I just want to thank you for raising the man of my dreams. I don’t know where I’d be right now without him.”
My words brought tears to Laura’s eyes and I had to suppress the tears that were beginning to sting in mine.
“Don’t you dare cry. We don’t have time to redo your whole face,” Saylor warned.
“Okay, I’m ready. Lets go.”
BEAU
I stood in between two tall pillars where we’d say our vows—waiting on my love to walk from the doors out into the bright sunny air.
The wedding march began as Juliette walked down the aisle on my mother’s arm. She looked like a vision of true beauty, and my heart leapt knowing that this was the start of our relationship as husband and wife, soul mates.
The ceremony passed in a blur, each one of us repeating vows and then sealing our fate with one kiss. The crowd erupted in cheers, and before we knew it, we were partying at our wedding reception.
Eve and Saylor had designed the entire thing based on a few small details that Juliette and I had picked out. For our colors, we went with green and blue, the colors of our eyes. Eve and Saylor laughed at the corniness of it, but the colors accented each other perfectly, illuminating the ballroom that held the after party. Dancing and snacking went on for hours before the party was coming to an end.
“I’d like to make a toast, before we all turn in for the evening and return to our normal lives.” I stood. “I know that toasts are mostly given by the maid of honor and the best man, but I’d like to do it a little differently today. Before I get started, I want to thank you all for coming today and sharing in a very special moment for our family.”
I reached down and brushed my thumb lightly over Juliette’s cheek, adoration shining through her eyes, and I knew without a shadow of a doubt I felt the same.
“I’ve tried to explain to Juliette before how much she means to me, but I haven’t been able to fully express the extent of what I feel. I’ve spent the past couple months since Gracelynn was born trying to put all these emotions that I carry inside into words.
“When I first found out I was going to be a father, Juliette shared this wonderful book with me—though it took some coercing—filled with journal entries that she wrote for Gracie to read as she grows up. So with that being said, I’d like to read a letter that I’ve written for her.”
“Juliette,
The concept of soul mates is a beautiful thing. To find out there is someone out there who was made specially for you is shocking, if you think about it. Out of the tens of thousands of people walking the planet, we found each other and have created the most beautiful thing in the world, Gracelynn.
When I grew up and joined the pack, I began to see the beauty in a mate. Someone who you can bear all the hard and beautiful moments with. Someone who will test me and reason with me. Someone who I can give my whole heart to and take care of, love until the day we take our last breath.
I thought I had everything figured out, but then, one unexpected day, I walked into a diner and there you were. You shook me to the very core, and I did the one thing that my wolf told me not to do. Something that I have never done before in my life. I ran. You brought me back to you, and I’m so honored and blessed that you did. You have shown me the true meaning of love and sacrifice.
Juliette, you test me in every way. You’re the kind of mate that I never knew I wanted. You’re not submissive and you don’t do as you’re told. You argue and fight back, always thinking you’re right. You think outside the box and have an uncanny ability to come up with the craziest comebacks at the drop of a hat. But on the other hand, you’re fiercely loyal, protective over those you love, you have a heart of gold, and always put others before yourself. You are the greatest mommy to our little angel, and you’re patient with me, even when I don’t deserve it.
I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life showering you and Gracie with love and security. I promise to be true to you and care for you in sickness and in health. I promise to put your needs before my own and protect you both from anything or anyone that threatens to bring you harm. I’m blessed to have you in my life as my mate and other half, and I can’t wait to experience everything together.
Forever and Always yours,
Beau.
Juliette stood from her seat, tears spilling onto her cheeks as she wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me against her.
“How is it possible to love someone so much?” she whispered in my ear, drowning out the clapping from the people around us. It was only us.
I pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes. “I’m not sure, but I’m glad it’s you.”
“Ahem, ahem.” Saylor stood, clanking her butter knife against the champagne glass in her hand. “May I have your attention? That means you two—you crazy puppy-lovers!” She giggled to herself, obviously loving the joke she made on Juliette and my behalf. “As the maid of honor and the bride’s honorary sister, I’m not gonna let the groom take away the maid of honors traditional speech.”
“Uh oh,” Juliette spoke—much louder than she’d intended—which only had the room breaking out into a fit of laughter.
“Juliette and I met in a group home when we were seven years old. She was shy and reserved, and I was, well you know me, loud and opinionated. I remember the first day I knew I liked her.” Her eyes took on a glassy look as she reminisced on their childhood. “We were in the lounge area of the group home. A bunch of kids were fighting over the television remote. Juliette walked right into the room, yanked the remote from their grubby little hands, and turned on Rugrats. They tried to yell at her and complain but she only stuck her tongue out at them and continued watching the TV. I loved her spir
it and I loved that she did what she wanted and didn’t let others bother her. After that, we became best friends, inseparable if you must. Even to this day, we’re the same.” She brushed some moisture off her cheek and continued. “I love this chick so so much. I’ve seen her go through some pretty horrific experiences throughout her childhood and adulthood, and each time I’m more and more in awe with how amazing and strong she is. If anyone deserves to find love and happiness, it’s her. I’m so glad that I’ve gotten to see you grow into the amazing person you are today, and I can’t wait to sit back and watch where your life takes you. I love you, girly!”
Everyone clapped as Juliette and Saylor hugged, tears streaming down both of their faces.
“So much for not ruining my makeup.” Juliette laughed.
“Good thing your reception is almost over. The last thing we want is the bride looking like a hot mess.”
“You’re right, we wouldn’t want that.” Juliette winked as she walked over to me where I was holding a very squirmy little two month old.
“She wants you.” I smiled as Juliette grabbed the green-eyed baby and pulled her tightly into a hug, kissing her chubby dimpled little cheeks.
“Whose mommy’s beautiful little girl?” Juliette cooed as the baby smiled, making everyone near them stop and admire the sheer cuteness of the situation.
Laura walked over to them, giggling at the baby’s happiness. “Saylor ordered me over here to tell you that it’s time for you two to leave or she’ll kick you out herself.”
“Her bossiness knows no bounds.” Juliette laughed, handing Gracelynn to her grandmother. “Thanks for watching her for us. It means a lot to me.”
“My pleasure. You know I just love this little peanut.”
“Night, Mom. We’ll pick her up tomorrow morning.” I kissed my mother on her cheek and then bent down and did the same to Gracie.
“No rush, we’ll just be having a girl’s day.”
We said our goodbyes to everyone we passed on the way out, leaving hand and hand. This day couldn’t have been more perfect.
JULIETTE
“We kind of live together, so you don’t have to carry me over the thresh-hold.” I laughed as Beau picked me up anyway and carried me inside.
“Well, now it’s your first time being in our house as Mrs. Beau Lancaster.” He winked at me, causing my stomach to do little flips.
Beau led me upstairs—pulling me behind him—walking slower so I didn’t trip over the small train of my dress.
“I really need to explore the rest of this house. It’s ridiculous that I don’t even know where you’re taking me, and aside from Gracie’s nursery and our room, I have no idea what is on each floor.”
“Good thing we have all the time in the world then, huh?”
When we reached the fourth floor, I noticed red flower petals and tea light candles trailing from the very top of the stairs, down the hallway, and into a room on the far right.
Beau followed the flower petal trail down the hall and swung the door open. I stepped through, feeling as if I couldn’t breathe—the site spectacular and oh so magical.
The room was decorated as if it was a remote romantic getaway. A large king-sized canopy bed sat in the center of the room. Hundreds of green vines led around the bed, making it seem as if we were in a jungle. Small lighted flowers were sprinkled throughout the vines, creating a soft dim glow around us. The floor in the room was also sprinkled with petals and tea lights, following suit from the hallway.
“Oh, Beau. I love it!” I knew my eyes were lighting up like a kid in a candy shop, but I couldn’t help it. I was surprised at all of the trouble he’d gone into when planning this amazing night.
His fingers intertwined with mine and he led me to the bed.
“Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
Beau walked to the small dresser farthest from us and pulled an athame and a chalice from the drawer. The chalice had two ribbons tied around the base. He brought the items to the bed, preparing to finally complete the mating ritual.
“Please tell me I don’t have to cut you or myself with that knife.”
“That’s something I can’t say, love. It’s quick, and with your werewolf genes, it’ll heal in seconds. Trust me.”
“I do.”
I spoke confidently, watching Beau take the athame and run it along his thumb, no more than an inch in length. He handed me the knife and I did the same, wincing as the blood began to spill over. Each of us dribbled close to ten droplets into the chalice before Beau placed his open wound to mine and held it there.
As the cuts began to heal, our skin sizzled painlessly as if being burnt. When the burning was done, we pulled our hands apart.
The place where our open wounds sat had been replaced with a small mark. Each of us bore a fingerprint from the other, almost as if it was a small tattoo.
“Will this always stay there?” I asked curiously, admiring Beau’s fingerprint marking on my hand.
“As long as we live.”
“Good, I think it’s cute!”
Beau winked at me and untied the two colored ribbons from the chalice.
“These ribbons resemble us and our love. One is yours, one’s mine,” he explained, lacing our fingers together. “As we tie the ribbons around our bound hands, we’ll recite a short phrase and then sip from the cup. Make sense?”
“Yeah, but do I really have to drink that?” I crinkled my nose at the idea of having to drink blood. “You sure we aren’t vampires? I mean, we’re about to drink blood.”
“Yes, I’m sure we aren’t vampires.” He laughed at my obviously disgusted expression. “But this is how it’s been done for centuries.”
“Fine, then.”
“Repeat after me.
We swear to protect and love to stand,
paw to paw and hand to hand,
unite our souls together now,
confirming this our sacred vow.
I repeated and sipped the blood from the chalice just as I’d been told, enjoying the taste more than I would have imagined possible. Beau drank after me. With one quick snap, I felt our souls connect, taking my breath away.
I could feel every emotion that Beau was feeling and vice versa. It was incredible and breathtaking—a moment that I knew each of us would cherish forever.
“Wow.”
Beau slid the tied ribbons from our hands and placed it on top of the dresser, along with the other supplies we’d just used.
As he walked back to me, I could feel the desire he felt and I couldn’t hold it in any longer when he came straight for me. He reached down and pulled me to my feet, bringing his soft lips to mine. In only a matter of seconds, I had deepened the kiss and my body craved more.
Beau took his time unzipping my dress, trailing kisses down my back, and my back arched to meet him.
“Beau.” My words were like a plea and we both knew he couldn’t tease either of us any longer. He turned me around and brought his mouth to mine once more, only breaking away to peel off another article of clothing. He lifted me in his arms, feeling my bare skin against his, and I giggled against him.
“Are you sure it’s okay?”
“Beau, I’m ready for us to finally be together, in every way possible. We’ve waited and I’m glad we did, but I don’t want to wait any longer. I want you.”
I was cut off from talking when Beau smashed his lips to mine, resuming where we had left off.
Beau made love to me, showing me how much I meant to him in every way possible. I adored his reaction to my touch, and he loved how much he affected me too.
The night we had made Gracie, over a year ago now, was beautiful, but this one surpassed that one in leaps and bounds.
I felt the connection and emotions between us, the love we both felt for each other. With every flick of his tongue, a shudder spread throughout me. I arched to meet his every movement in perfect sync and harmony.
It was as if his touch lingered long after h
is hands and lips left my skin. A fire raged within my belly that only Beau could extinguish, and he met that challenge with great ease. I knew that as long as I lived, I would never tire of moments like this.
“God, Beau.”
He chuckled as he lay beside me, running his hands through my blond and recently touched up blue hair.
“That was way better than the last time.” I winked. “You’ve set the bar high, Mister.”
“I could say the same to you, love.”
“Oh, I have other tricks up my sleeves.”
“No doubt.” He laughed. “I love you, my beautiful wife.” He placed a kiss on the tip of my nose. “Sit up and close your eyes, I have one more present for you.” He snickered when I moaned. Though I was loving being spoiled and taken care of, I hadn’t gotten him anything in return.
“Beau, please, I don’t need—”
“—Shut your mouth, Beautiful, and just, for once, do as you’re told.”
I wanted to come up with a snarky response, channel my inner Saylor and all that jazz, but I didn’t. My curiosity was getting the better of me.
With my eyes closed, I heard a few drawers or doors close and open, then close some more. Just when I was sure that he was pranking me or something—because well, if we were being totally honest, that’s what I’d do—I felt something cold on my chest and his fingers grazing the back of my neck.
I opened my eyes and my jaw fell open. Sitting around my neck was the prettiest necklace that I was sure I’d ever seen.
It wasn’t diamonds or expensive gems; it was a dandelion. A full blown fluffy white dandelion captured in a crystal clear resin on a silver chain.
This necklace meant more to me than anything that could’ve purchased from a store.
“Beau...” Tears formed in my eyes.
“I know you didn’t have the greatest childhood and that you have very little memories of your parents, but I wanted to give you something that not only means something to you but to me as well.”
Make A Wish (Dandelion #1) Page 24