How on Earth did I manage to land this man?
The reception was held in a giant tent in the estate’s yard. There were several ceremonial events, including the throwing of the bouquet, garter removal, and a few first dances. Onyx and Azura danced toUnchained Melodywhile Azura danced with her brother toForever Young.
During their dance as brother and sister, Azura chatted to Martin about his feelings regarding the estate.
“So, how are you feeling about all this?” she asked.
“Hmm?”
“About the house, leaving it, I mean.”
“Oh, I’m fine,” he replied, swaying back and forth. “Not like I don’t miss Mom and Dad. I hope you know that.”
Azura smiled, her eyes filling with tears again.
“I know, Martin,” she said softly. “I will always know that.”
“I just love our house on Nova Aurora so much and being a shifter,” he said, shaking his head happily. “It’s like a whole new life, you know?”
She did know.
“It makes sense to me. I’m happy for you.”
They finished their dance, and she placed a quick peck on his cheek. He grinned as he escorted her back to the table with Onyx, who was beaming beyond comprehension.
Azura sat next to her husband and then squeezed his thigh.
“I don’t think I’m going to have any more tears left after tonight,” she whispered into his ear.
He kissed her, then whispered back.
“Then you might want to get ready for this.”
Azura frowned, and then Onyx rose to the podium. She thought that they had finished with all of their planned events for the night, but there was something Onyx had kept to himself.
Onyx tapped the microphone, gathering everyone’s attention.
“Good evening, everyone,” he began. “I hope you are all enjoying the festivities tonight. Azura and I are honored and grateful you could all be here.”
Azura’s heart was pumping with anticipation and with love so palpable that she could feel it burning upon her skin.
Onyx looked at his bride. He was holding a champagne glass and smiling so sweetly.
“I wanted to make a special toast tonight in honor of those who could not join us but are most certainly here in our hearts,” Onyx said, his voice breaking slightly. “Azura and Martin’s parents passed away two years ago, and I know that, more than anything, Azura would want them both to be here.”
Sadness rose in Azura’s throat, mixed with an abundance of love. She watched her husband speak, choking up but unafraid of the vulnerability.
“I wish that they could give her and Martin that gift, but they can’t. I wish that I could have met them, but I can’t. So, I will do what I can to be the man they would have been honored to call their daughter’s husband.”
Onyx held up the glass of champagne while the rest of their guests copied in unison. He looked at Azura, bursting at the seams with love.
“Here is to the Morrows. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for raising this spectacular human being and graciously welcoming me into your family.”
Everyone cheered one another, and then they let out loud applause. Onyx drank his drink and then ran to his beloved, pulling her in for a deep kiss.
Azura felt all her pain melt away as she held onto his lips. The sound from their guests faded, the lights from the spotlight drifted into darkness, and it was only them. Forever and ever, it would be them.
“Where the hell did you come from?” she asked when they parted.