by Morgana Best
I became aware that tears were streaming down my face. “Why, it’s, it’s beautiful,” I stammered.
“Told you so.” Thyme was beaming from ear to ear.
Camino peered into my face. “Do you really like it?”
“I love it,” I gushed. “I’ve never seen anything so beautiful. It’s totally appropriate for a witch wedding.”
“A wedding between two Dark Witches,” Thyme reminded me, “and you’re a fire witch at that.”
The bodice was the most beautiful shade of midnight blue, and it opened onto a full tiered skirt of ruffle after ruffle of blood red flounces. The material shimmered when it moved, sending off fluorescent shafts of light. It looked for all the world like the scales of a mermaid’s tail—or so I imagined. “It’s absolutely magical,” I said.
Camino was quick to agree. “Yes, I put a spell on the material.”
“And here’s your wedding hat,” Thyme said. “Oops, I left it outside in the car.”
She presently returned carrying a midnight blue hat with a large silver buckle. “It’s a traditional witch’s hat like the ones in storybooks,” I said with a laugh. “I absolutely love it. I don’t know how I can ever thank you both. This is absolutely perfect for my wedding.”
I was overjoyed, not only at the thoughtfulness of my friends, but that this was indeed the most beautiful wedding gown I had ever seen or could ever imagine.
“Wait until Alder sees you,” Thyme said. “And you really haven’t seen him since that incident with his horrid aunt?”
“No, and I can’t wait to see him now,” I said. “We’ve been on the phone pretty much non-stop, but his aunt is just too much. Have you guys met her?” They both said they hadn’t. I pulled a face. “You just wait until the wedding. You’ll see I’m not exaggerating. You don’t think she’ll do anything to disrupt the wedding, do you?”
“Of course not,” Thyme and Camino said in unison, although they didn’t sound terribly convincing. I was concerned, but there was nothing I could do about it.
“Come on, let’s do your make up.” Thyme practically dragged me to my bedroom. Thyme was something of a make-up whiz, so I had every confidence she would do a good job on me.
“Here’s some Love Potion Number 9,” Camino said, dabbing the rose-scented potion on my wrists. “I made it myself. That reminds me; I need to buy some more Queen Elizabeth root and make some more angelica oil.”
“You look absolutely amazing.” Thyme stood back to look at her handiwork. “Alder will be gobsmacked when he sees you.”
“I can’t believe I’m getting married,” I said. “I’m scared I’ll wake up and find it’s all been a happy dream. I’m not dreaming, am I?
Thyme pinched me hard.
“Ouch!” I shrieked.
“See, you’re not dreaming.” She smirked at me. “I can’t believe you don’t know where your honeymoon will be.”
“It’s a secret,” I said. “Everything is a secret lately—Ruprecht’s secret garden, Alder’s secret aunt, Mint’s secret relationship, and my secret honeymoon. If there is anything you’re both keeping from me, you’ll have to tell me now.”
“We’re not keeping anything from you,” Camino said. “I wonder where you’ll go for the honeymoon, though? Maybe it’s an exotic location like the jungle somewhere. Maybe unchartered territory, trekking along the edge of a precipitous gorge.”
“I’m not exactly into jungles and mosquitoes and things like that,” I informed her. “Or cliff edges, for that matter.”
Unperturbed, she pushed on. “Perhaps it will be something romantic like skydiving, or perhaps he’ll take you mountain climbing. Not a big mountain of course, just a smaller one where you won’t be depleted of oxygen.”
“Well, that sounds great,” I said dryly. “I hope the honeymoon won’t be anything quite so death-defying.”
Thyme put down her make-up brush. “Make-up is all done, time to get to Ruprecht’s.”
Camino looked at her watch. “We’re actually running a little late.”
I jumped up, startling Hawthorn and Willow. “Late!” I shrieked.
Thyme put a hand on my shoulder. “Brides are always fashionably late. Let’s get you to the wedding.”
Camino, Mint, and Thyme were my three bridesmaids. We were getting dressed at Ruprecht’s, given that the wedding was in his no-longer-secret garden.
The short drive to Ruprecht’s was something of a blur. I was grateful that the day was sunny, the skies bright blue, and barely a cloud was to be seen. Still, anxiety was gnawing away at the pit of my stomach.
Thyme shot me a look. “It’s just pre-wedding nerves.”
I shook my head. “I don’t think so. I don’t have any second thoughts or anything like that. I can’t wait to marry Alder. I just have some sort of a weird premonition.”
“Huh! Pre-wedding nerves,” Thyme muttered.
Every time I arrived at Glinda’s, Ruprecht’s antique and book store, I felt as though I were in a Harry Potter movie. It had an otherworldly, magical quality about it.
The door to Glinda’s swung open and Ruprecht was on the other side.
He embraced me. “My dear girl,” he said, wiping a tear from his eye. “As Plato said about love, ‘Like a child whose teeth are just starting to grow and its gums are entirely painful and itchy—that is precisely how the soul feels when it begins to grow wings. The soul swells up and aches and tingles as it grows them.’” He clutched his chest.
“Err, yes. Thank you. I think.” I smiled widely, wondering what on earth he meant.
Ruprecht ushered us inside. “Mint is waiting for you. She’s terribly excited. Well off you go, ladies, time to get ready!”
When we reached the huge bedroom that was to be our changing room, I gasped when I saw Mint. This was the first time I had seen the bridesmaids’ dresses. Far from looking like a Dalek or the Tenth Doctor, Mint was a vision of beauty. She was wearing a moss green dress, and her hat, while not one of those silly hats the British Royal Family wear which secretly tickle me, was a witch’s hat.
“You look radiant, Amelia,” Mint said.
“And you look beautiful,” I gushed. “What a gorgeous dress.”
Mint smiled. “Camino made them too.”
I rounded on Camino and gave her yet another hug.
Camino and Thyme helped me into my dress. To my enormous relief, Camino changed out of her giant rabbit onesie and donned a bridesmaid’s dress.
“Wait until Ruprecht sees you in that lovely dress,” Thyme said with a twinkle in her eye.
I rounded on Camino. “You and Ruprecht haven’t been secretly dating or anything, have you?”
A look of utter shock flashed across her face. “Why, no! Why would you say that?”
I sighed. “Secrets. They seem to be everywhere lately.”
“Well, that’s not one of them,” Camino said firmly, although Thyme winked at me behind her back.
When my dress was on and my hat was in place, the anxiety suddenly returned and hit me with full force. I stood there, trembling. “Now I’ve got those nerves,” I said. “What will I do? I think I might faint.”
“You’re going to go out there and marry Alder,” Thyme said firmly. “Come on, let’s go and see the celebrant. Oh, and Alder,” she added with a giggle.
The three of them ushered me into the garden. It was an exquisite scene, decorated with fairy lights, and even the wild birds were picking seeds from the huge tea cup bird feeders. It was truly magical in every sense of the word.
When I saw Alder’s back, a thrill of excitement ran through me.
He turned around and saw me, and his whole face lit up. It was as if I floated towards him. I barely took in the happy faces of the well-wishers, and barely saw the angry face of his aunt. At least, that’s how I wanted my walk down the aisle to go.
I became so flustered at seeing my groom in his suit that I tripped over the skirt of my dress, almost impaling myself on Mint’s hat. Luckily, I was able to pull my
self up and stumble towards Alder without losing an eye.
As soon as I reached Alder, he took my hand firmly. Currents of electricity ran up my arm, as they always did at his touch.
The wedding celebrant addressed the crowd. I could scarcely hear what she was saying, only that although it was a Handfasting, she was a qualified celebrant and so this marriage would be legal. I fought a strange urge to giggle.
The celebrant called the elements, Fire, Water, Air, and Earth to bless our union, and I held my breath, wondering how Bertha would react.
“Now,” the celebrant continued, “if there is any person present who can show any just cause or has any objection…”
“Yes! I object!”
The voice was that of Bertha Bunyons.
“I object!” she screamed again.
Chapter 7
The celebrant could not have been more startled. Clearly, this had never happened to her before. “You object?” she asked. “What specifically is your objection?”
“I object to the remake of Point Break,” Bertha screeched.
A nervous giggle went up through the crowd. I thought my hearing had gone back to normal after the cake explosion a week earlier, but surely I had heard her wrong.
“Would you please state your objection again?” the clearly confused marriage celebrant asked.
“Are you deaf? You asked if anyone had any objections, and I said I objected to the remake of Point Break. Isn’t it obvious? Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves are the only possible men to play those roles.”
The marriage celebrant shook her head. “No, not that sort of objection, I meant other objections…” She had no chance to explain, because Bertha screeched again.
“Yes, I have other objections! I also object to the original Point Break saying the ending was filmed at Bells Beach when it most certainly was not. I’ve been to Bells Beach and it’s nothing like the one in the film.”
The marriage celebrant wiped her brow with one hand. “Madam, I wanted to know if anyone had any objections to the wedding of Amelia Spelled and Alder Vervain.”
“Why didn’t you say so?” Bertha snapped. “I object, but no one will listen to me. It’s an unsavoury relationship between two unsavoury people, but there is nothing illegal about it. It’s morally wrong, of course. I know Alder wishes I hadn’t come. I’m sure he thinks I’ve ruined everything by coming to the wedding. I think he hates me.” With that, she finally sat down.
Alder gave my hand a little squeeze. “This will be a funny story to tell our grandchildren,” he whispered in my ear.
I chuckled. I wasn’t going to let that dreadful woman spoil my wedding.
Thankfully, Bertha remained silent for the rest of the wedding service. Camino had told me to take it all in and enjoy every second because it would be over so quickly. I had doubted her words at the time, because the service was planned to be long and indeed it was, but it passed in a blur. It seemed like no time at all before we came to the blessing of the rings and the ring exchange.
For the Handfasting, we had ribbons and cords in colours of gold, red, and white. Alder and I had braided the ribbons and cords over a week earlier, saying spells for the happiness for our marriage as we did.
When it came time for the vows, Alder went first. “Amelia,” he said, and his voice cracked, though only loud enough for me to hear. “I knew I wanted to marry you from the moment you accidentally flashed me your Captain America knickers.”
The crowd laughed. Everyone besides Bertha, that is, who tutted and turned up her nose.
“The fact you always burn cakes and you snore only made my desire to marry you stronger.”
By now I was blushing furiously and Alder was looking very pleased with himself.
“I promise to buy you new knickers—Wonder Woman, for example. Or Spider-Man. I promise to eat those burnt cakes, even though they are terrible. And I promise to kick you out of bed for snoring only once a week. Maybe twice. You are the strange, wonderful, magical, smart, and brilliant love of my life. I am so thrilled to call myself your husband, to wear your ring, and to grow old with you.”
Everyone said, “Aww,” with the exception of Bertha, who muttered, “Buy her new underwear? Honestly. It’s an utter disgrace.”
Now it was time for my vows and I was torn between slapping Alder and bursting into tears. I really didn’t know if I was angry at him or thrilled, but when I looked deep into his twinkling eyes, I felt nothing but love.
“Dearest Alder,” I began, and the tips of his ears went pink. He smiled and nodded, encouraging me to go on. “I’ve always wanted to marry someone strong, understanding, and incredibly handsome. But since he never turned up, I’ve decided to marry you instead.”
Alder rolled his eyes, but he was beaming all the same.
“Thank you for being my best friend, my North Star, and my partner in crime. I cannot wait to spend the rest of our lives causing all sorts of mayhem together. The world really does not know what’s coming.”
And just like that, it was over, and Alder’s lips were on mine.
I turned around and everyone was on their feet cheering. I didn’t even notice Bertha’s face. Everything seemed so surreal. I couldn’t believe I was married to Alder.
The wedding reception was also in Ruprecht’s garden. I knew that, but in my excitement I had assumed the tables would be set up later. I noticed fancy metal gates opening and through them caught a glimpse of tables all brightly decorated with ribbons and roses, and tiny little lights that shimmered and glimmered. “There’s another secret garden?” I asked Ruprecht, who was enveloping me a tight hug.
“No, that’s just part of this secret garden,” he said. “Let the wedding reception begin!”
Alder took my hand and escorted me into the reception area. The Alice in Wonderland theme continued. Giant clocks and playing cards alternated with bizarrely large tea cups and brightly coloured potted flowers. It was not yet spring, but the purple wisteria wove its way around the iron arbours, and the pungent scent of star jasmine permeated the air. Kookaburras laughed in the stringy bark trees above us.
As I passed Prudence, I took her hand. “Thanks so much for planning this wedding. You’ve done an amazing job. It’s incredible.”
“I’m glad Alder’s terrible aunt didn’t speak up again.” She paled. “Oh, I’m so sorry for calling her terrible. I’m sure she’s a nice person.”
Alder chuckled. “No, she’s not nice at all. I could have killed her when she spoke up.”
Prudence laughed. “Come with me.” She escorted us in the direction of the bride and bridegroom’s table.
Just before we reached it, Bertha stomped over to us. I held my breath.
Bertha glared at me. “Congratulations, Mr and Mrs Vervain.” Her teeth were clenched.
“My surname is still Spelled,” I informed her.
“How modern of you,” she spat.
She grabbed Alder in a bear hug. “I really am very pleased for you,” she said.
Alder looked puzzled, and patted her awkwardly on her back. She was still clutching him, her arms around his middle. “I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t ruin your wedding service.”
“That’s all right; that’s all right,” Alder said. He and I exchanged glances. I wasn’t buying her act, and I wondered about the woman’s agenda. Every time I saw her, an uneasy feeling descended upon me like a dark cloud. I was sure she intended to ruin our wedding reception, but how?
Bertha finally released Alder and turned away, and bumped into our caterer, Damon Stark. I was sure I saw something akin to anger flash across his face, but he soon recovered. “Mrs Bunyons,” he said.
“It’s you!” she snapped before hurrying off.
“Do those two know each other?” I asked Alder.
It was Prudence who answered. “Mrs Bunyons used to live part time in Bayberry Creek, and let’s just say she didn’t make any friends here. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when she left for good years ago.”
/> “I didn’t realise she was such an entrenched member of the community here,” I said.
Prudence shook her head. “She wasn’t a member of the community. She had a small farm down by the creek out of town and rarely came into town. She did all her shopping anywhere but Bayberry Creek. She mainly lived in Sydney and just used her place here as a getaway.”
Alder abruptly changed the subject, no doubt suspecting I wouldn’t be pleased that he wasn’t the one to provide the information.
Person after person walked over to offer their congratulations. Maeve McKenzie walked over and enveloped us both in tight hugs. “It was such a beautiful service,” she said. A heady yet delightful fragrance of lavender wafted from her in waves.
Marina Mercer hurried over. “Such a lovely wedding.”
Alder shot her weak smile. He had a problem with Marina, although it wasn’t really her fault. Her grandmother, Nama, was the one who thwarted the plan of the witch who wanted to separate my grandparents for eternity. In return, my grandmother had promised Nama that her descendants could request one yearly spell at Halloween from my grandmother’s descendants. So far, I’d had to do two Halloween spells and both had put me in grave danger. I wondered what Marina would request this Halloween.
Marina was still talking. “I’ll have to leave straight after the reception, I’m sorry to say, to catch my flight back to Melbourne.” With that, she pecked us both on the cheek before hurrying away.
My stomach rumbled and I wondered when I could sit down to eat. I selected a poached green almond from a passing waiter.
Thyme ran over to me. “It’s Alder’s aunt,” she shrieked. “Bertha Bunyons has been poisoned.”
I pulled a face. “The food is fine! I’m sure she’s just complaining again.”
Thyme shook her head. “No, she’s literally been poisoned. With poison. Deadly poison.”
My breath caught in my throat. “What do you mean ‘deadly’?”
“She’s dead.”
Chapter 8
We hurried after Thyme to where a crowd had gathered. I pushed past the onlookers to see Bertha Bunyons lying on the ground.
