by Tl Reeve
It was a beautiful day, sunny, but not overly hot. Although, every single one of them who were working to make Hayden and Nico’s dream ceremony come to fruition, would need a shower before it started.
“How much longer till you think we’re done?” Kal asked as he continued to set up chairs where they were working.
Emma glanced around. Almost everything was done. Victor and Tate had arrived right after Keeley and were setting up the prepared the food. The flowers had been delivered. Rapier was just setting up the last table, while the rest of his team added the tablecloths and centerpieces.
“Let me check,” Emma replied taking her list out of her back pocket.
You don't need to check, you have everything memorized, Utah signed.
He was right. Emma got extreme pleasure from crossing off items from her to-do list. It gave her a sense of accomplishment. Suddenly a pack and pride of males stood behind her back, breathing down her neck as she reviewed her list.
“That’s done,” Rapier said pointing to item about stocking the bathrooms. “That one, too.” He pointed to another.
“Chairs are done,” Kal pointed out the obvious since Emma had watched him place the last chair down seconds ago.
The group of large males moved, circling around her. Good thing she wasn’t claustrophobic. Their wide shoulders and big bodies blocked the sun and made it feel overly warm.
“I can’t find my pen,” she exclaimed patting her other back pocket, where she swore she’d put it the last time she had checked stuff off.
Kal chuckled.
Emma realized as the sun brightened the area, the group had stepped away from her one by one, except Kal who pointed behind her.
Emma turned to find Bodhi, her mate, and smiled.
“I think the boy has something of yours,” Kal said, ruffling her hair before walking away from her.
“Pinky,” the dark growl of Bodhi’s voice made her shiver. “You missing something?”
It was then Emma recognized Bodhi held her beloved, pink, pom-pom pen.
“How’d you get that?”
The sexy smile he flashed and wink he gave her had her belly fluttering. “C’mere,” he said crooking his finger at her.
All the activity around them disappeared, and Emma’s focus was solely on her mate. She put one foot in front of the other, closing the distance between them, until they were inches apart.
The bright early afternoon sun glittered off something shiny on her pen. Before she could figure out what it was, he started talking. “Pinky?” Bodhi took a knee before her.
Ahh ... what the hell?
“When I first saw you lost and trying to get to your history class, I knew you were the one for me. Whatever followed, I knew my world would be changing for the better, and I accepted it. Just like I accepted, I'd have to wait for my gentle, shy, little bear to realize how special and loved she is.” Bodhi plucked something off the pom-pom and held it out to her in his palm. “I pledge to you, from this day to our last, I will always love you, support you, and protect you and any pups we are blessed with.”
“Oh, Bodhi,” she cried, covering her face with her hands as she dropped to her knees in front of him.
“Look at me, baby,” he demanded.
Unable to fight him any longer, Emma dropped her hands, and her gaze found his. The look of love, acceptance, and need in his eyes left her breathless. “Bodhi—”
“Do you love me, Emma? Determination filled his voice.
“You know I do.” Her breath hitched.
“Then there is only one answer, isn’t there?’
“Yes,” she sobbed, reaching for him to confirm to herself that this was really happening and not just another one of her silly fantasies. “Is this real?”
“Yeah, pinky. It is real.” Bodhi shifted her, adjusting her so her back rested against his wide chest. “No tears, mate. Today is a happy day.” He placed a gentle kiss on her shoulder where one of his many marks resided. “Do you want to see your ring before I put it on your finger?”
“My ring?” She shifted slightly, so she could see his face.
“It’s customary when asking one to marry them, to provide a ring.” The ring lay in the palm of Bodhi’s hand. The band was platinum with a beautiful pink diamond, surrounded by a halo of tiny diamonds.
It was ... perfection.
“Is that mine?”
“Yeah, pinky, it is. Give me your left hand,” he urged.
Her hand shook as she held it out, while Bodhi expertly slid the ring onto her ring finger. “It fits.”
Bodhi chuckled. “Of course, it fits. I'd never propose without a ring that wouldn't.”
“Today is the best day,” she whispered as the sunlight reflected off the stones of her ring. “I love you, Bodhi.”
“I love you too, pinky.” He kissed her temple. “The day isn’t over. It’s about to get even better.”
“I know! I’ve got to get back to the house to get ready.”
“You’re not going back to the house. I’ve made arrangements. Inside the community center, you’ll have access to a shower, so you can clean up. I brought all your things. When you’re done, your dress is waiting for you. And, one of the girls from Robyn’s will do your hair, while another takes care of your make up.” Bodhi stood so they were face to face. “This just isn’t Nico and Hayden’s mating ceremony.”
“Bell and her mates decided to go through with it?” Excitement rushed through her. She hoped Christoph, Bell, and Jackson would agree to making it official.
Bodhi laughed. “No, although, if they said yes, it would be a trifecta.” He leaned in to place a gentle kiss on the tip of her nose before he went on to explain. “We’re joining Nico and Hayden today. Uncle Kal told me you needed to make an honest wolf out of me. No more fucking under the full moon without the sanctity of a legal union.”
“Today? Bodhi ... no, this was for Hayden and Nico. We can’t possibly barge in on their day,” she declared.
“We can. And, we will. It’s all being taken care of, pinky. Nico knows, and he approves.”
She made a face at him.
“Trust me?”
“Always,” she admitted.
“I’ve got one more thing to ask you.”
“I’m not sure my heart can take anymore,” she proclaimed, laying her hand over her wildly beating heart.
“Jace has requested to walk Hayden and you down the aisle. I know you weren’t the happiest with him the other night when I told you about my childhood. So, I told him I’d have to talk to you.”
Kal’s earlier advice about Jace came rushing back to her. Emma knew if she told Bodhi no, he’d back her a hundred percent. Right or wrong. Jace was currently her least favorite Raferty, and yet, he was going to be her future father-in-law and one day, her children’s grandfather. It was the right thing to do. For Bodhi. For her. For Loraine and Blake and their future babies.
“Tell him yes. I’d be honored.”
Bodhi let out a sigh. It made her happy she to know she’d made the right decision.
“He’ll be happy.”
“If you’re happy, Bodhi, that’s all I care about.”
“Ahh, pinky, I’m the happiest wolf in the world right about now.” He glanced down at his watch. “In less than two and half hours, you’ll be my wife, and I’ll be your husband.”
“Let’s go get married,” she said, jumping into his arms, kissing him.
Jace stood between Emma and Hayden, ready to escort both girls down the aisle. Hayden has hastily explained Jace’s lack of shirt. She told Emma all the men would be without them for the ceremony. It was tradition, just like Hayden had insisted she removed her shoes.
Peeking down at her feet, Emma moved her toes around in the warm, soft grass, trying not to giggle in glee as the last of the guests took their seats.
In front of them, stood a long line of friends ready to head down the aisle before them. Even though Emma believed her friend was doing the wro
ng thing, she honored Raquel's request for not wanting to be paired up with Utah. It had been a little tricky since she had everyone matched up. At the last minute, Hayden and she decided to have the single females walk down the aisle one at time, followed by the single males. Then Bell, Christoph, and Jackson would be next followed by Rocky and Zoe then, Cassidy to Nic and Aiden—she must have been insane to agree to that one.
Kal stood patiently under the arch, wearing a black pair of tuxedo pants and no shirt or shoes. Emma was surprised to see the detailed black tattoos covering his left and right arms, which she had caught glimpses of before, and his entire chest. Caden had very similar tattoos. Hell, all the Raferty and Dryer males had varying degrees of ink all over their bodies. Wy's was truly the most spectacular of the group. Bright yellows, blues, and reds decorated both arms, shoulders, and chest.
Jace let go of her arm when Loraine waddled, which was the only way to describe the poor, heavily pregnant woman’s walk, towards them.
“Damn,” she panted, her hand rubbed at her big belly.
“You okay?” Jace growled, aware of his mate’s discomfort.
“It’s getting harder and harder to carry all this weight around,” Loraine grumbled.
“It's why Blake and I helped you to your seat,” Jace said.
“Pfft. I told you I wanted to see our daughter and daughter-to-be before the ceremony. Like usual, you refused. I took matters into my own hands.” Loraine gave a half-hearted shrug, clearly exhausted from carrying the extra weight.
“And yet, you ignored us. Swear to fuck, Loraine, if you weren’t carrying our pups, I’d spank your ass.” Jace clenched his fists at his sides, but all Emma could see was his fear.
So, it just wasn’t Kal who could be a grumpy ass. Good to know.
“After I give birth to our pups, wolf-man,” Loraine quipped.
Emma giggled when Loraine rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out at her mate.
“Use it or lose it,” he snarled.
“That train already passed. I gave you both the chance to move this.”–Loraine gestured to her belly– “Along. Both of you blew me off.”
Jace chuckled.
“Don’t even say what I know you’re dying to say. I’ll go find a bat and give it to Keeley to knock you upside the head again.”
Emma and Hayden giggled.
Blake appeared beside Loraine, giving Jace an apologetic look. “She disappeared when I went to help with the kids.”
Loraine ignoring both of her mates turned first to Hayden. “I’ve got something borrowed and blue for you. Give me your hand.” Hayden did as she asked and Loraine clasped a beautiful sapphire and diamond bracelet around her wrist. “Your dads gave this to me as a gift on our first Christmas together. Wear it with love and happiness. Something I’ve experienced from both of my mates.”
Hayden pushing her bouquet into her father’s hands before she hugged Loraine. “I’ll wear it with pride.”
When Hayden released Loraine, the pregnant woman turned to Emma. “For our second Christmas, they gave me another bracelet.” Loraine glanced up at Jace before showing Emma a tennis bracelet with mix of bright, beautiful gems. “It’s all different colors of sapphires. Notice there are 3 blue sapphires. Jace explained each stone represents our triad. I’d be honored if you wear this as your something borrowed and blue.”
“I’d be honored,” Emma sobbed.
“No ... no crying. Bodhi made me promise not to make you cry,” Loraine fussed. “Today's a happy day. Besides, your make up will run, and trust me, you don't want Bodhi's first look at your beautiful face to have black mascara tracks down your cheeks.”
“I don’t think he’d care,” Emma said.
“He wouldn’t,” Jace said leaning down to kiss Emma’s forehead before turning his attention back to his mates. “Take Loraine back to her seat, and this time, make sure her ass stays planted, Blake.”
Emma giggled again as Blake and Loraine both stuck their tongues out at him before Blake helped Loraine back to her seat.
“So, help me,” Jace grumbled.
“Give it up, dad. You know you love them both.” Hayden stated.
“With everything I am, little bit.” Jace kissed Hayden’s nose. “Couldn’t be prouder to know both my grown children have picked mates who are perfect for them in every way.”
“Awe, daddy,” Hayden cried.
“Don’t either of you cry, I won’t have it. Not on my watch.” Jace said, his voice thick with emotion. “Kal’s nodding his head. We’re ready.”
Chapter Thirteen
Emma placed her hand on Jace’s right elbow, while Hayden did the same on his left side. She curled her toes against the soft silk runner and let out a breath. Her life had been turned upside down in less than two weeks. She’d questioned herself more than once in the last few days. Was she doing the right thing? Would Cassidy be happy? Would Bodhi always be there for them?
She glanced up and spotted her mate standing at the arch, chest bare, smile on his handsome face. Emma still couldn’t believe any of this had been real. When she came up with the idea to help her friend out, she never thought she’d be included. It filled her with a bit of acceptance, but it also left her flabbergasted. She’d pinch herself if she could.
Every chair had been filled, while more stood off to the side. The sheer size of their ceremony surprised Emma. She’d figured for family members only, however half the town had to be there.
“Don’t worry about them,” Jace whispered. “Not every day a Raferty gets mated.” He slid his gaze toward Emma then winked.
“I don’t know if we have enough food,” she whispered, then mentally kicked herself for still being in planning mode.
“Don’t worry. Enjoy your moment.”
Yeah. Easy for him to say. She on the other hand, freaked-the-fuck-out. “Sure.”
Hayden gave a breathy chuckle. “It’ll be fine. Now, smile for your mate.”
Bodhi and Nico stepped forward, accepting both she and Hayden from Jace. Everything else disappeared for a few blissful moments when Jace placed her hand in Bodhi’s. The only thing in the world that mattered was him. A reassuring calm settled over her, relaxing her nerves, and quieting her mind. She allowed herself to enjoy the moment, to be in the now and accept the gifts she’d been given.
“You look amazing, pinky,” Bodhi whispered against the shell of her ear. “The dress is perfect.” He placed a kiss to her mark before lacing his fingers with hers.
“You’re looking handsome as ever,” she answered. Each of the men only wore dress pants, no shirts. It became a hard-body smorgasbord of hotness. It left her a little ... well, a lot, off balance. She’d never experienced anything of the sort before, however it seemed to fit the family.
Kalkin cleared his throat, drawing her attention to him. His large frame towered over her. The serious façade she’d cringed at more than once since she’d arrived, fell away. Here stood a man who loved his family and his pack/pride. It radiated off of him and filled her with acceptance.
“Today, we are gathered to cement the bond between mates. Nico and Hayden have been on this path for many years. They’ve taken their knocks along the way, but eventually found their footing in each other’s arms.” He glanced at Emma. “Emma Monte, you’ve come to our pack, alone. You and your sister have fought for everything you hold dear, and now, all of your sacrifice has led to the greatest reward. We embrace you as one of our own today and forever.”
Emma bit her bottom lip as it trembled. Family. For so long, she’d wondered if she’d ever be blessed with one again. If someone would see her and say, “You belong.” The corner of her mouth drew up into a half smile. She’d found her place to belong in the middle of the desert. She glanced up at Bodhi, who stared back at her. The warmth and depth of his love shone in his blue eyes.
“When you entered this mating, Hayden and Nico and Bodhi and Emma, each one of you were searching for something more. Something a family can’t give, but a
mate can. Love, companionship, a hard time.” Kalkin smirked as everyone laughed. “Your wolves and bear, knew each other before even you did. They will always be your surety even in the hardest of times. Your mating won’t always be a joy ride, but it will be one of happiness no matter the struggle.”
“Oh no,” Loraine groaned.
Emma turned. Jace and Blake were at her side. Water dripped from the edge of her chair. A clear stain appeared on her dress, getting bigger by the second. Emma’s eyes went wide. Oh my God! Loraine’s water broke. Frozen, she didn’t know what they were supposed to do. Did they say fuck it to the ceremony or did they finish?
“Just like a damn Raferty, now the little buggers are impatient!” Rapier grumbled.
Loraine laughed. “You have no idea.”
“What do we do,” she whispered.
“We finish the ceremony, little bear,” Kalkin said, pulling her attention back to him.
“But she—”
“Will be fine,” Loraine answered. “Don’t let stubborn Rafertys ruin your day.”
Emma could hear the strain in the woman’s voice, and it tore at her. A part of her wanted to stay to finish what they’d begun while the other part of her wanted to press pause and pick it back up after the twins were born.
“We’ll make this quick,” Kalkin assured Emma. “Enjoy the moment.”
She nodded. “Okay.”
“So, where was I?” Kalkin cleared his throat. “Right.” He moved his thumb along the edge of the paper. “Together, you are unbreakable. As members of this mixed pack/pride you have each and every member at your back, to encourage and help strengthen your bonds. We are united from now until forever.”
Nico and Hayden stepped forward first as Kalkin wrapped what Emma could only describe as a natural ribbon around their hands. It had petals from different desert flowers, sage and other materials adhered to it. “As the alpha of this pack/pride, may you have many mated blessings and a long life filled with pups and happiness.”
