Forevermore, page 9
CHAPTER 10
RAVEN
Blue approached me where I was hiding behind a large oak tree. She had on a pretty blue dress that fit her body without being skintight. The sleeveless cotton fabric reminded me of T-shirt material. I’d told everyone that I wanted them casual. While Blue’s dress was certainly casual, she didn’t usually wear dresses in the daytime. Seeing the men in their sports jackets and women in dresses made this feel too formal, and I was about to pass out.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
I waved a fly away from my face. “Oh, I’m fine. I’m about to marry a Vampire who hasn’t shown up yet, and neither has the guy who’s supposed to walk me down the aisle.”
“We don’t care if anyone’s late. It’s not like we have anything better to do.” She leaned against the tree beside me, and the wind blew back her feather earrings. “I have to hand it to you for picking out a memorable setting. This is the first time I’ve ever heard about someone having a mating ceremony in a graveyard.”
I looked toward the sea of headstones in front of us. “I’ve always liked this place. A church doesn’t feel right. The both of us would spontaneously combust at the altar.”
Blue chuckled. “Well, if one of you does any combusting today, at least you’re in the right place.”
Footfalls approached.
“Are we doing this or what?” Wyatt asked.
Blue turned and folded her arms. “File a complaint. Do you mind going back to the group before you piss off the bride?”
While he walked off, I peered around the tree at him. “Why are his clothes all wet?”
“Who knows? I’ve stopped asking questions when it comes to Wyatt. Shepherd said something about having to hose him down. I guess we’ll hear the full story later.”
“He’s here!” Gem yelled excitedly.
Curious who she was talking about, I pivoted around and looked up a winding road that ran throughout the cemetery. My father’s Harley rumbled as he made his way toward us. Claude walked out to greet him.
Gem suddenly flashed up to us and thrust the bouquet into my hands. “Isn’t it thrilling? The weather is so nice, and the sun is out.”
I took the beautiful cascading bouquet that Gem had given me as a surprise. Even though I wasn’t into bouquets, it was the perfect arrangement. The rest of the flowers she’d ordered were supposed to be delivered straight to the mansion, where we planned to eat cake and drink.
As my father slowed down, I wanted to laugh. Crush had on a black riding helmet, goggles, and a skull T-shirt. When he parked the bike, Harley—who was also wearing goggles—excitedly barked from the sidecar.
“Dear God, he’s gonna smell ripe,” I mused.
Ren, his best friend, parked his bike behind him. He had on leather chaps and a helmet with a face shield. I could still tell it was him from the designs painted on his bike and the tattoos on his arms.
I breathed a sigh of relief.
“I guess he really likes those biker rallies,” Blue remarked. “Are you ready?”
I played with my ruby necklace. “Not until the groom shows up.”
While my father dismounted, Claude helped the dog out and took the goggles off him. Viktor walked up and greeted the two men while I lurked below the shady tree like a mushroom. We didn’t have chairs or decorations, so this was about as informal as it got.
Viktor suddenly turned around and pointed in our direction. I ducked out of sight and clutched my flowers, wondering why the hell I was so nervous.
“Guess I’ll leave you two alone,” Blue said. “Good luck.”
I barked out a nervous laugh.
The grass rustled beneath Crush’s heavy boots as he approached. “There you are. I was…” He covered his mouth.
“What’s wrong?”
Crush shook his head, eyes lowering to my silver gown and sheer black cape with the feathers on the shoulders. “You’re beautiful.”
“It’s not a white dress, but you know me.”
He shook his head. “It’s the prettiest damn dress I’ve ever seen.”
I gave him a nervous smile. “What took you so long?”
He cupped my face with one hand and kissed my cheek. “I’m sorry I’m late, Cookie. We were supposed to be here two hours ago, but there was an accident on the interstate and traffic was backed up for miles. I would have cut through to the service road, but I had Harley with me.”
“Woof!” Harley bounded into sight and wagged his tail. When he shook his head, slobber flung everywhere.
“All right, that’s enough,” Crush grumbled. “Go sit down.”
“Someone better make sure he doesn’t relieve himself on any of the graves.”
“Don’t worry. I took him for a long walk before we got here. He’s all empty.”
“More than I needed to know.”
Crush leaned around the tree to look at the small gathering. “So where’s the groom?”
I sighed. “Maybe he changed his mind.”
Just then, a motorcycle revved in the distance. Crush stepped to the side, eyes narrowing, and I peered around the tree.
Christian looked like a dark knight on his mechanical steed. A black coat rippled behind him as he pulled up beside Crush’s bike.
Harley ran full throttle at him, barking like a hound on a foxhunt. Before Christian could park, he glimpsed the dog coming for him and then rolled on the gas. While he sped off, the dog chasing after him, I heard Switch and Wyatt howl with laughter.
Crush chuckled. “I guess that’s that.”
When I gave him a sharp look, he put his fingers in his mouth and whistled loudly.
After one final bark, Harley trotted toward us, tail wagging.
“You and that dog were made for each other,” I said, trying not to laugh.
When Christian turned around to head back, I hid behind the tree so he wouldn’t see my dress. It was the only surprise left I had to give him since he had already seen the tattoo.
Crush reached in his pocket and pulled something out. He squatted down and clipped a bow tie on Harley’s collar. “There ya go, boy. All spiffy.”
“Where’s yours?”
When my dad stood up, one of his knees popped. “Last one.”
“You couldn’t find a solid black shirt?”
He grinned, his silver tooth catching the light. “I think it fits right in with a graveyard wedding. Maybe I should have worn my skull rings to match.”
It got quiet. Real quiet. The wind rustled through the trees, their leaves shaking with excitement. I knew Christian had made it to the group and they were waiting.
I cleared my throat. “Now what?”
Crush smoothed his goatee. “You don’t have any music?”
“I didn’t want traditional.”
He leaned around the tree. “Everyone ready? Because ready or not, here we come!” Crush took my right arm.
I handed him my bouquet so I could adjust my sheer cape. I briefly looked myself over, making sure the black feathers on my shoulders weren’t sticking out in the wrong direction. Then I touched my ruby necklace and felt a lump in my throat. There was a brief moment when I’d forgotten about all the violence in my life, when for that split second, I felt like an ordinary girl in love.
And I was in love.
I just wasn’t ordinary.
Crush handed the bouquet back to me, and we both stepped into view.
My heart stopped when I looked past the small gathering and saw Christian. I had fully expected him to show up in a T-shirt and jeans and hadn’t paid attention to him on his motorcycle. All I saw was a dark coat. No, not a coat. Christian had on a long black cape with a silver clasp that fastened around his neck. It draped over his shoulders, revealing the rest of his outfit. I’d never seen him look so handsome. His fitted black vest had silver buttons, and I knew he’d chosen the blood-red silk shirt for me.
I loved that we hadn’t discussed our outfits ahead of time. Though we didn’t coordinate, we complemented each other. Why did he look so different? Initially I thought it had to do with his sharp outfit and trimmed beard, but then I realized it was something else—his smile.
I’d never seen Christian smile at me like that before. Not like that. Not with tears shining in his eyes. Not with color in his cheeks.
A kaleidoscope of white butterflies circled between us, and Crush leaned close and gestured to them. “That’s your mama.”
I wasn’t a crier, but dammit, I was really close and didn’t want to lose my shit in front of an audience. Since there was only a small group, they formed a semicircle around the groom. All of the Keystone family was present. Niko smiled in my direction, and though he couldn’t see my dress, he must have seen something in my light. Perhaps terror mixed with joy. Kira and Switch stood alongside Ren on the left. Hunter watched excitedly from on top of his father’s shoulders. Behind Christian was my mother’s grave, and beside it was mine. Someone had used their jacket to cover it up.
The sun behind me must have been killing him, yet Christian never took his eyes from mine. The oak tree behind him stretched out as if trying to shade us from the blue sky.
Gem swiftly clapped her hands together. My heart raced, and everything was a blur. I barely noticed anyone’s clothing or expressions. The only thing that existed was Christian holding his hand over his heart.
When we finally reached him, Crush gave me another kiss on the cheek and then stepped in front of us.
Christian drank me in with his eyes. “I’ve never seen anything so gorgeous.”
Was he talking about me or my dress?
“Dearly beloved,” Crush began, directing everyone’s attention to him. “We’re gathered here because my daughter said yes and then asked me to marry them.”
A few chuckles sounded.
Crush clasped his hands in front of him. “In my book, you don’t need a preacher or elders or officials. When you make a promise to someone, that’s it. Done deal. I’m just here as a witness. Raven and Christian didn’t want the Mageri or any official involved. This is between them, and I respect that. I don’t think paper makes anything more official than the promises you make to each other. I’ll admit I never liked Vampires. Once I found out my daughter was half, I let go of those prejudices. You can’t just love half of a person. Doesn’t mean I trusted you,” he said to Christian. “You were a peckerhead from day one and went out of your way to disrespect me. But you proved your loyalty to my daughter, and that’s something. I still needed to know you wouldn’t hurt her. After all, that’s my baby we’re talking about. Doesn’t matter how old she gets, I’ll always look out for her for as long as I draw breath. I won’t ever let any man steamroll over her opinions, her heart, or her spirit. She’s been through too much, and she deserves the best.”
I smiled at him. This wasn’t a rehearsed speech. He was speaking right from the heart.
“And something else you should know,” he continued. “Raven is loyal. She loves fiercely, and it takes a long time for her to warm up to new people. I guess some of you already know that. If she’s willing to stand here today, she’s made up her mind that she’s chosen the best person for her.” Crush quickly wiped away a tear and then immediately wiped his forehead, probably hoping nobody noticed. “Do you two have anything to say to each other?”
I glanced up at Christian. “I think we said it all to each other last night.”
Christian winked at me.
Our vows were private—not for the consumption of a live audience. The promises we had made to each other were personal, sacred, and ours alone.
My father stroked his goatee as he steered his gaze back to Christian. “You owe me a favor, and I’m calling on it.”
Christian touched the clasp on his cape, and his brow furrowed.
“I want you to make a promise that you’ll never hurt Raven physically or emotionally. Sometimes relationships don’t work out, and that’s fine. Just promise me she’ll never be hurt by your hand or your words.”
Christian inclined his head. “On my word, I’ll never harm Raven.”
“Do you promise to protect my daughter, put her needs above all else, take care of her when she’s having a bad day, and always make her feel empowered by your love and not ruined by it? Do you promise to battle any demons that would harm her even if they’re your own?”
Christian lifted his gaze to my father. “I do.”
My father’s gaze softened as he looked at me. “Do you promise to not be a hard-ass all the time and give him the benefit of the doubt? Because let’s face it, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Do you promise to love him the way he deserves to be loved, to hold him accountable when necessary but also forgive, and to still come see me once a week?”
I felt like hugging him but refrained. A lot of these vows were lessons he’d learned from his own failed relationship. “I do.”
“Then by the power vested in me, which isn’t much, I now pronounce you man and woman, husband and wife, Vampire and my only baby girl. You can kiss the bride.”
I handed my father the bouquet to hold.
Christian smiled handsomely as he cradled my head in his hands. “You’ll always be my Precious.”
I rested my hands on his chest. “And you’ll always be my heart.”
I wet my lips when he leaned in. His kiss melted time—warmer than the sun against my back, sweeter than the smell of summer, softer than the breeze.
“No tongue,” my father added.
Christian branded me with that kiss and made me his.
Applause erupted around us along with a few wolf whistles. We smiled at each other and then turned away to accept all the congratulations.
“We should get back,” Gem said, nudging Niko. “Let’s leave these two lovebirds alone for a little while.”
“You don’t want me to throw the bouquet?” I asked, taking it back from my father.
Blue backed up. “No way. Don’t throw that thing at me. I’ll be in the car.”
I pointed to my gravestone. “Whose jacket is that?”
Wyatt strutted over and snatched it up. “I thought walking toward your own tombstone was a little morbid. If you two ever renew your vows, do it someplace fun. There are too many freshies in this place.”
“Perhaps you should help them to the netherworld,” Christian suggested.
Wyatt slung his jacket over his shoulder and swaggered off. “That’s a therapy session I ain’t got time for. See you at the party.”
“I still want to know why he’s all wet,” I said.
Christian enfolded me in his arms. “I’ve never seen a more fetching bride. And to think you’re all mine.”
“Where did you get this outfit?”
“Needed something to cover up all this sexual goodness. Wouldn’t want you jumping my bones in the graveyard.”
I touched the silver clasp and ran my fingers down his silk shirt. “You should dress like this more often. Aren’t you hot?”
“I’m a Vampire, lass. I don’t get hot unless you’re naked.”
My father cleared his throat. “Are we all done?”
I’d almost forgotten he was there. With my head resting on Christian’s chest, I gave my father a tender look. “You did real good. No cussing or anything.”
Crush turned away and stopped at my mother’s grave. He touched the top of the raised headstone and stood that way for a painfully long moment.
“Why don’t we go back to your place first,” Christian suggested to him. “You can get an overnight bag and take a shower since you smell like a heap of garbage and sweat.”
Harley sniffed my bouquet and then sat down.
“That’s a good idea,” I said, realizing we didn’t have any dog food at the house. If Crush went home alone to get his things, he was likely to blow off the party and fall asleep after a long bike ride. “We’ll swap out your bike for the truck. I’ll drive and give you a break since you’ve been on the road all day. It’s not like we’re in a rush.”
“Sounds good.” He took a shaky breath and then sighed. “I just wish your mama was alive to see this.”
I handed Christian my bouquet and hugged my father. “That’s why we’re here. I know how much you loved her. I knew this wouldn’t be easy for either of us.” I let go and wiped a tear from his cheek.
Crush touched one of my curled tendrils that Gem had styled. “I hope he loves you half as much as I do.”
My lip quivered.
Crush snapped his fingers, calling the dog’s attention, and ambled back to his bike. Ren waved at him before taking off.
I wiped away a tear and saw mascara on the back of my hand. “Dammit.”
“What’s wrong?” Christian asked.
“I thought this would be a piece of cake and we could drink afterward. I didn’t think it would be a complete shit show of tears.”
“I never thought I’d marry a woman who uses the phrase shit show, but here we are.”
I took the dark calla lilies from him. “Can I have a minute alone?”
“Aye.” Christian kissed my forehead and let that kiss linger. “I’m glad I saved that little girl all those years ago. She fixed a heart I never knew I had. Take all the time you need. I’ll give you absolute privacy,” he said before striding away.
What he meant by that was he would block out all the sound coming from this direction. Anything I said at my mother’s grave would be for my ears only.
I knelt down and placed the flowers in front of the gravestone. I had only a dim memory of my mother since she died when I was little. I couldn’t even remember if she was a good cook. The real absence was felt in the years that followed. Mother’s Day was always a trip to the cemetery. I didn’t have anyone to talk to me about all the personal things girls go through. My father had done his best to keep her memory alive even though it pained him to talk about her. I had clung to every memory, but as the years rolled on, I’d built a new relationship with her from our graveyard chats. I had spent many days and nights visiting her, talking about my problems and imagining her as a perfect parent. Maybe that was one reason I was so hard on my father all those years ago. It was hard for him to compete with a ghost.
