I learned later that my sweet little nephew hid Maira’s flower basket somewhere….she settled for waving at people.
I felt like my heart was going to bust out of my chest as I walked down the aisle towards Caleb. All the waiting. All the time I was uncertain. It all led to that walk towards the rest of my life.
“You look radiant.” Caleb whispered to me as we faced each other.
“You look like I want to take that suit off you.” I whispered back to him.
I wondered where our priest was, turns out he missed his flight and would be doing the ceremony via speaker on Annalise’s phone. I blame Apollo for that.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…well. You’re gathered there. I’m stuck in the airport. But I digress. We here to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony..”
Five minutes later…
“I have been thinking this past month what I want to say to you today. I kept thinking of how this really all started because I wanted you to bare my child.” He paused “Back then, I wanted to keep it professional, so to speak. I had no intention of things going this way. No intention of falling for you. You were a complete surprise to me.” Caleb told me softly.
I stood there, listening and trying not to ruin my makeup. Listening to my future husband say his vows to me is a moment I waited for since the moment I understood what romantic love is.
“It is weird, my life before I fell in love with you kind of feels like this haze to me. Almost like it wasn’t real. You have changed things for me. I truly mean that. My views on my existence. My purpose. I no longer ask myself why I am still here. I no longer want someone to drive a stake through my heart so I can fade to nothing.” Caleb told me quietly.
My heart broke, thinking he used to feel that way. I grasped his hands, squeezing them with mine. I mouthed “I love you” to him as I felt tears welling up in my eyes.
“I do not feel that way anymore.” He assured me “I want to spend the rest of your life with you. I will do everything in my power to make you not only happy, but to feel loved every single day. That is my vow not only to you, but to any children we have. I will protect you. Take care of you when you need it. I will be with you until the end, no matter what.”
I wanted to cry so badly. I thought words like that were only spoken in those hallmark movies on TV. But they were said to me. They are real.
“I’m not really sure how to follow that up.” I said, laughing slightly to distract myself from ugly crying. “You know, there was a time in my life when I never thought I’d find someone. I didn’t really talk about those thoughts with anyone, but I had them.” I admitted.
Caleb nodded and I took a steadying breath. “Even though we weren’t close, you’ve been around during some of my darkest times. I always somehow knew I could go to you if I had a problem. You even put up with me calling you Dr. Cullen when I was drunk.” I joked, which received some laughs from my brother and Aubree.
“I know I can trust you to protect me and to love me. To take care of me…when I allow it, I am kind of stubborn.” I admitted, I could see Naya slapping her hand over Apollo’s mouth out of the corner of my eye. I bit my lip so I didn’t start laughing and redirected my focus totally on Caleb.
“You awakened a passion inside of me that I didn’t know existed. I’m not just talking about a physical type of passion but it’s a passion to love you. I miss you so much when I’m not with you. I can even feel it when you enter a room. I can’t put this all into words as good as you. Just please know that I love you Caleb and I will until my last breath.”
There was a brief moment of total silence where Caleb and I just looked at each other. It was like we were the only two beings in the world in that moment.
“I can’t wait to officially start our life together and to see what the future brings us.” I said, ending my vows.
“Beautiful. Now it’s time to exchange the rings.” The priest said from the phone. I almost forgot about him.
—Warning, this post contains pixel nudity under the cut. I sent them to a bar and things got crazy.—
We spent another hour picking out bridesmaid dresses by the time we were done – it was dark outside. Naya suggested we go through a drive through for dinner and then go to a bar.
That’s when things got weird.
Soon after we walked in the door, I heard Lilith hiss and set her sights on some guy who I later recognized as Thorne Bailey Jr. Famous and cocky like his father before him who was around during my Mom’s time.
“Uhh….why is he naked now?” I asked Lilith, very confused.
“I commanded him to take off his clothes for public humiliation.” She explained like she was telling me the temperature outside.
“Why are there swirly things around his head?” I asked also. I blinked, trying to see if I was seeing things.
“It’s part of him being under my command.” She said before walking off, leaving us with a naked stranger.
“Why is he following us?” Aubree questioned Lilith.
“Right now, he’s a bit mindless and open to suggestion.” She told Aubree.
“Make him dance on the bar next.” Aubree told Lilith, laughing.
“Uhh, no. I don’t want to see that little vienna sausage flipping around in front of my face.” Naya said with a shake of her head.
I grabbed another drink while the Naya and Lilith went to dance. Thorne sat down beside me and I did my best to ignore him until he got up to go find the others.
I looked over and saw Rahmi, who had been quiet since we left the car, taking pictures of Thorne on her phone.
“You’ve surprised me.” Aubree told her in approval.
“You posting those online?” Lilith questioned, while swirling her drink around in her glass. A drink she doesn’t even need.
“Nope.” Is all Rahmi said as she put her phone back in her pocket.
I’ve never seen Lilith’s – or any vampires- dark form before. Caleb said he doesn’t even have one, which he always found odd.
“So you think all vampires should be burned to ashes, do you?” Lilith questioned Thorne. Apparently, Mr. Bailey had gone on a talk show recently and spoke out against vampires.
She snacked on him. In a bar. A crowded bar but everyone was too busy drinking and dancing to notice except the rest of our group.
I dealt with it like a rational adult. With a glass or two of liquor. Things got really fuzzy after that.
I remember wanting to call Caleb, to tell him about what was happening…
“Heyyyy, Dr. Cullen! Yer sisster made me see a peenisss.”
I don’t remember much after that.
Though I do remember him carrying me and telling someone he was going to stake his sister himself.
Now, I’m going to go take more aspirin and go back to bed.
It’s finally official! I’m a wife! I’m Caleb wife! I feel like like I’m floating on a cloud. After the picture taking, we went back inside to change into our reception clothes. I noticed the sky was starting to turn cloudy again.
After we cut our cake, I ate mine and even shared a bite with Caleb. We sat at our table, chatting about the wedding guests. My brother was starting to look really tired. Aubree approached our table, wanting to talk to me.
Caleb decided to have his own piece of cake and go help Maira with her homework.
“So, what’s up?” I asked her after we got back from the bathroom because we both had to pee. Champagne goes right through me.
“I think I might be pregnant.” Aubree told me.
“You…don’t look too excited with the idea.” I stated, raising an eyebrow.
“It’s not really a good time in my career for this.” She confided in me “But, I’m not even sure yet. So maybe I’m just jumping to conclusions.”
“I have the feeling August doesn’t know about this.” I commented.
“He doesn’t. I don’t want to say anything until I know for sure. He really wants kids so I don’t want to get his hopes up or for him to seeing how I’m feeling about the idea.” Aubree explained.
“You’ll have to tell him though if you find out you are. It’ll be okay. These things happen for a reason. Maybe you’re more ready than you think you are or maybe it’s just not your time yet. It’ll be all good.” I assured her.
Caleb and I took a picture with our siblings as the weather turned once again. I was worried about the tired bags forming under Apollo’s eyes. He explained he’s just really tired. Traveling with a toddler is not easy.
“Finally. I get to dance with my wife.” Caleb whispered to me, pulling me to him forcefully but not enough to hurt me. It just caught me off guard a bit, but in a thrilling way.
“Ready for our honeymoon?” Caleb asked me after pulling me back up from a dip.
“You bet I am.” I assured him. “Is it a long trip there?”
Caleb smirked “You are sneaky.”
“What? It was a legitimate question to ask.” I replied innocently.
“Hmm….I know you are still trying to figure out where I am taking you but I suppose I will give you this. Yes, it is a long trip. We are heading to another hemisphere.” Caleb said slowly, watching me like he was seeing wheels turning behind my eyes.
“I see.” I said quietly, thinking of what that could mean he’s taking us.
“You can nap on the plane. You will need you rest for later.” Caleb whispered into my ear before placing a feather light kiss on it.
Is it natural to want to strangle your husband but also want to kiss him at the same time?
Today is the day! I can’t believe it!! Kind of a bummer that it started out with rain, but it’s supposed to clear off later.
We chose Windenburg as the location our wedding, due to it’s lovely famous Victorian Wedding Chapel. Plus, the town has personal ties for me. It’s where Mom lived for many years before she married Dad. Her old house is still in this town as a protected landmark.
I also can’t believe how much my nephew has grown since the last time I saw him. I swear they’re feeding him miracle grow…
“Don’t you dare bite your finger! I’ll get your hair fixed, stop stressing!” Aubree scolded me. My hair has been a mess today, I think it’s the weather.
Rahmi handed me a piece of gum to chew on instead of my finger, much to Aubree’s relief.
My bridal party consists of Aubree, my maid of honor, along with Naya, Rahmi and Lilith. Caleb’s groomsmen are Apollo, as his best man, August, Annalise and Lurch (Annalise’s butler). Then we have AJ as our ring bearer, though he already threw the little pillow in a toilet and Rahmi’s daughter, Maira, as our flower girl.
I can’t wait to see Caleb waiting for me at the end of the aisle. I’ve been looking forward to this for some long but I kind of just want it to done with too, so I can finally be married to him.
A hour and a half later….
“I can’t believe you changed your mind on your dress.” Naya told me while finishing zipping up my dress.
“I couldn’t help it. I saw this one online and just fell in love with it.” I explained to her as there was a knock at the door.
“I really wish Mom and Dad were here to see this.” Apollo told me after hugging me. I wish that too, but I feel like there here – somehow.
“You got all your something borrowed, something yada yada?” Apollo asked me.
I laughed a little. “Yes. Something new, the dress. Something borrowed, I have on a pair of Lilith’s shoes. Something old are the earrings I’m wearing, they were Mom’s. Something blue is my underwear.”
“You know, I’m sorry I asked.” Apollo said blankly after making a face at me.
“You did ask…”I told him.
“Yeah, but I’m not one of the girls. I’m your brother.” Apollo said before moving to stand by me, he slung his arm over my shoulder. “You look pretty. Now let’s get you married before something happens.”
“APOLLO!” Naya scolded as she picked up AJ and we headed towards the door.
Yesterday, I went to the Bridal Boutique in Del Sol Valley with Aubree, Naya, Rahmi and Lilith to pick out my wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses.
“I hope they have champagne here.” Lilith commented as we walked towards through the reception area.
“You can’t get drunk though…” Naya commented.
“Not for me, for the rest of you. It will make this day more tolerable.” She explained to Naya.
It was kind of cool getting us all together and introducing them to Rahmi. I feel like she needs more friends, but maybe I’m being too nosy.
They sat down to talk while I went to the back to try on the first dress.
“So?” I asked them. I liked the dress a lot but it didn’t have a “the one” feel to it.
“Eh….” Rahmi said softly.
“It’s definitely a contender.” Naya chimed in.
“It’s elegant yet sexy. You want Caleb to be ready to rip that thing off you once you two get alone.” Aubree told me her opinion.
Oddly, Lilith didn’t have a problem with Aubree talking about her brother like that. “He wants to anyway, trust me. She could wear a sack cloth and he’d be still be ready for the honeymoon.”
I blushed and cleared my throat as I went to try on the next dress. Thanks for the image, Lilith.
I heard a chorus of “no’s” behind me.
“It’s pretty but it’s not you, Vera.” Aubree finally said after I made a face at them.
I sighed and went back to change into another dress. Champagne was not provided at the boutique and I was wishing it had been.
Several dresses later…
Only the vampire remained awake.
“I told you we need booze for this day. Not that it isn’t a wonderful occasion. I’m thrilled you’re marrying my brother but it can be stressful from what I’ve seen and experienced in the past. Today proves it.” Lilith told me.
“I see what you mean.” I said after turning around to face Lilith and the sleeping beauties.
I had noticed while I was looking over the dress in the mirror that I didn’t see Lilith in the mirror. I’ve known you can’t see vampires reflections but for some reason it never hit me before. Despite Caleb’s well kept appearance, I never see him near a mirror.
“YESSSSSSSSSS!!!” Naya and Rahmi screamed at the same time. I guess Lilith had woken them up.
“That’s it for sure.” Aubree said and nodded her head in approval.
The funny this is, I totally agree with them. I finally found “the dress.”
Tonight was a big milestone on our way to the altar – our engagement party!
“You okay?” Caleb asked me after we got out of the limo.
Oddly enough, that was my first limo ride in my entire life. Mom didn’t do the limo thing once Apollo and I came along.
“Yeah. I guess I’m just kind of stunned Lilith wanted to do all this and pay for it.” I explained.
Lilith had arranged and paid for everything for the night. She had rented a huge ballroom, the theme threw me a little since it’s still summer but once I really looked at the place – it’s stunning.
“Lilith is more of a person of action when it comes to remorse.” Caleb told me as I lightly rubbed his cheek. “Plus, I think she just wanted to do this. She really is excited about us getting married.”
I was very happy to see Aubree had already arrived. It’s hard to believe we’ve been friends since the first week of high school.
I also got to talk to Lilith for a little bit and let her know that I’m not upset with her for what happened at the club, while also thanking her for throwing the party.
The party couldn’t be complete without having my little brother there. Naya got to come too, which made me happy. They left AJ a trusted babysitter in one of the many spare rooms connected to the ballroom. Of course, I had to go get my nephew cuddles.
There was a DJ on duty but he seemed to wonder away from his booth a lot. Regardless, people still seemed to enjoy the music.
“I think it’s about time to eat, I’m starving.” I told Caleb as we looked at all our guests.
“Go get your plate first then I will let everyone know it is time to eat.” Caleb told me.
“Caleb…” I started to argue but Caleb gave me a look that said he wasn’t going to change his mind. This time, I let him have his way. I really was that hungry.
To my surprise, Ukupanipo showed up at the party. Was he invited? I assume so. Other than flirting with me at one time, he has always behaved himself. Turns out he knows Apollo as well. Which makes sense, they both live in Sulani and they’re both mermen.
Time came for the toast and Caleb insisted on making it, sans a glass. Since he doesn’t touch alcohol. Instead, he held up his thumb like Bob Dole.
“Thank you all for coming tonight to help Vera and myself celebrate our engagement and upcoming nuptials. Having our families and friends here, supporting us, means more than either of us can express.” Caleb told our guests.
We posed for pictures taken by the same person who did our engagement photos.
We ended the night with dancing along side family and friends. The night shockingly went well. For some reason, I expected something bad to happen. Maybe I’m a bit paranoid.
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“Winterly Ballroom” is by plumbob-grls and can be found on the gallery.
