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.