by Elle A. Rose
*
“Smile!”
We turn and plaster fake smiles on our faces for the ever-growing annoying photographer, again. I decided to have pictures taken as the other half of my gift to the new couple and our new extended family. It is a risk, especially with the humans who will walk away with a matching photo album as the bride and groom—look where it got me with Lance and Dominick—but I think it will be worth it. My face falls from the phony smile, and I give a sigh of relief once the little bothersome man moves on to the next group. Glancing back to my mother and father, I give them an apologetic grin and say, “I know what you’re thinking, but now Lisa will have a few pictures to remember all of them and they will have a few lasting memories of Lisa too.” As I finish my statement, Christopher comes up behind me. Slipping his arm around my waist, he pulls me close and kisses me on the cheek.
“I’m not sure if I can say thank you enough, sis, for all that you have done today. I doubt if I’ve ever seen Lisa so happy.”
We all turn and gaze at the blushing bride. She is standing in a group with her family. On her left side, she and her mother clasp hands and on the other side, she holds her four year old niece on her hip. Her nephew, Eric, is clinging to the front of her dress. “I’m glad she is able to share this with all of her family.” A look of distress comes over Christopher’s face. It does not stay long, but as he brings his eyes back towards me, I find worry in his green eyes.
“What did you tell them? It’s been years since she disappeared. What will they think when she disappears again? Are you going to or do you want me to delete their memory?”
Shaking my head, I sigh. “Truthfully, I still haven’t decided how to handle the aftermath of this. I would rather not wipe their memories completely, hence the photographer. But I do think I may need to alter some of the timeline of the wedding. When I contacted them I explained that Lisa didn’t go away by choice—which in some ways was true. They’d put so much money into finding her, I felt awful. I shared with them, which was true in some ways, that it had to do with Nathan-Robert, and for their and her safety, she had to disappear. I stated that I was a close friend of hers now and she was happy and safe. I also explained how she was getting married, and wanted nothing more than to have them present. I tried to make it clear that what I was doing was a huge breach, but I thought it would be worth it if they all had a chance to see each other one last time. They, of course, were worried about the breach and her safety, but I promised them that I would make sure they would arrive securely without anyone knowing. Swapping information with them like, where to go and what sizes I would need to order for their attire, the plan slowly moved into motion. I’m sorry I didn’t say anything before, yet, I really wanted it to be a secret. I’m thinking that once this is over, I’ll just alter their memories. I’ll leave intact the whole premise of Nathan being a danger to her, but just that. Perhaps, she and you were married before she had to disappear. That way, they can still share in the photo album and at least have some memories of today.
Lisa has heard my plan too. Looking at my family, their faces show happiness and shock. I am not sure if I should be offended that they are possibly stunned that I came up with the plan. Frowning, I start to pull from Christopher’s grasp when he burst out in a rather loud laugh. Pulling me tighter to him, he kisses me once again on my cheek. This time it is wet and sloppy, he knows I hate those.
“Amber, I have no idea what we are going to do with you.”
My parents join him in the laughter, and the shock slowly dissolves from their faces as well. I lift my hand to wipe the wetness from Christopher’s kiss from my cheek. From my left side, I perceive the sounds of Dominick coming to join our group. As he approaches, he gently slides his arm around my waist too. Christopher takes the cue and gives him a small nod as he releases me.
“The DJ wants to know if you’re ready for the first dance with your bride,” Dominick states.
Lisa of course hears this too. She turns from her group. Christopher’s and her eyes meet and they begin to walk towards each other without saying another word.
Meeting in the middle of the dance floor—Isaac, Dominick, the Ruggford boys, and Ryan put it together last night while we were doing a final count on everything. Isaac would have put it together faster by himself, but as always, we are trying to keep our human facade going. The large floor consists of nothing more than wood planks pieced together. On one side of the massive floor, the DJ is assembled and on the other side, the caterer is setup. There are a few tables and chairs off to the far right side for those who do not want to stand and munch. The rest is all dance floor—they embrace just as the music starts. I figured Christopher would have put his foot down about not having classical music played for their first dance, but like a few other times, he surprised us with a yes. This was one of them. Instead they are dancing to Love is Forever, by Billy Ocean. Watching the happy couple move gracefully across the floor, I think of the night Christopher proposed. They were just as content then as they are now. Lisa seems to fit so comfortably in Christopher’s arms. She is the missing piece of the puzzle, and I am truly happy to see that it is finally coming together for my brother.
Joining in the applause as the happy couple kisses, and the first song comes to an end, the DJ swiftly changes songs and invites others to join them on the dance floor. Dominick, who has been standing silently next to me, reaches for my hand and guides me to the floor, along with my parents, Lisa’s parents, sister and her husband. Placing my right hand in Dominick’s left, I take comfort in feeling his large warm right hand come to rest on the small of my back. He draws me near, and I am brought to eye level with the thick vein in his neck. I refuse to let that distract me. Dragging my eyes from his neck to his striking gray eyes, my breath once again catches in my throat. The way the light is hitting his eyes, not only is there gray, but hints of blue and silver lures me in. Dominick finds me staring with most likely my mouth hanging open, and he grins, before kissing the tip of my nose ever so lightly. Somehow I am able to break the trance long enough to breathe in the scent of his sweet breath as he pulls his lips away. A light rumble stirs in Dominick’s chest. I do not know if it was from him trying to keep from laughing at me gawking or if he is nervous, but he should have no reason to be nervous.
“Tell me what you’re thinking, Amber.”
Blinking a few times, I clear my throat and say, “I was just analyzing the effect of the light on your eyes, and how wonderfully handsome you look in this tux. I still have trouble believing that you want to be with me.”
“Hmm, funny, I should be the one telling you that. I’m an idiot. Have I told you at all today how stunning you look? Spectacular won’t even do. I’m the one who is in shock that I have you in my life. That I’m able to hold you like this.” He pauses and his grip tightens ever so lightly. “Amber, you could have any man you want, but somehow you chose me. To say that I’m lucky also wouldn’t be the proper word of the day. And still here you stand, gazing at me as if I am the only man in this world that exists. I really do not think I or anyone else in my shoes could ever ask for anything more.”
“My sentiments, exactly. There has always been a void in my chest. Something that I never thought would be filled. Yet, as time has gone on, you have filled that void. You’ve made me feel less of a monster.”
“Amber, I’ve told you before, you are far from being a monster. You are one of the most thoughtful, caring people I have ever met. Every morning that I wake up and see your smiling face, I feel the need to pinch myself to make sure that I’m not dreaming. No matter how much time goes by, I will never get over that feeling.”
Stopping mid dance, he takes a deep breath. I give him a quizzical stare as he releases me. Reaching into his pocket, Dominick pulls out a small green velvet box. I was so in-tuned to what we were talking about, that I am just noticing that the music has stopped playing. My gaze has not left Dominick or the small box in his hand, but I sense everyo
ne is watching us.
Dominick begins to kneel. As he comes to a stop, he rests his massive frame on one knee. Because of how tall he is, he does not need to look up very far to see me.
“Amber, I’ve wracked my brain trying to think of something sweet and sincere to say right now, but nothing seems to come close to the way I feel when you look at me. There are so many other men that would kill for what I have. You are an amazing woman and I am nothing but in awe of the fact that I have you in my life. Amber Harris,” He pauses and opens the lid to the small box. Dropping my eyes from his handsome face, I discover a three diamond setting ring in the box. My sight shifts back to Dominick’s gaze. “Will you do me the honor of being my wife?”
Dominick has once again left me speechless. Out of all the things that I expected to go on today, this was not one of them. Before I answer him out loud there is something I must know, something most of our guests cannot be privy too. “Does this still hold, even if I never plan to make you a vampire?”
“Yes, I’m okay with spending my lifetime with you. I respect and understand your choice.”
Gazing at him, I believe he means every word he has spoken. I also see the unspoken words as well. He truly loves me. I should not hesitate. My answer should be yes with no questions before or after it, but is this really what is best? I learned a long time ago that just because it is what the heart wants, it is not always best for the soul. Somehow, he is different from Lance. I have never seen those needs in him as I did his grandfather. I also know this is something that I want. I am worried that because I do want it, it is going to fall apart once I finally get it fully in my grasp. My life has had a way of always getting the last laugh when it comes to the things that I would like to see happen and the things that actually end up happening. Taking a small breath, I need not waste anymore time. I do not want him to think I am debating if I want to be with him because that answer is yes; it will always be yes. I have a feeling that my mouth will betray me soon by saying yes, while the fact that I am considering what he will be giving up to be with me. He is still so young, and I can still make it possible for him to live a happy life with some sweet human girl. Save, can I really give what we have up? Will my heart allow me to go on once he is no longer in my life? In response to my questions, a very small voice speaks out loud. As I figured it was going to happen if I did not make up my mind soon. My lips have once again spoken before I could fully calculate my answer. “Yes, Dominick, I will marry you.” Although the words were not loud, the crowd that stood around us for those five seconds while I thought erupts into loud clapping and someone whistles.
Standing up, Dominick pulls me into an embrace. At the same moment, a firm hand pushes on the middle of my back. It is Christopher. “Don’t want you falling backwards in front of all these guests,” my brother whispers.
As Dominick’s lips come closer, he murmurs, “For a second there, I thought you were going to tell me no.”
Giving me a brilliant smile, his warmness encases me as we somehow become closer. As his lips lightly brush mine, Dominick’s hand comes up to hold the back of my neck. Behind me, Christopher’s hand pushes a little harder against my back, but I am unable to think of anything else as I am engulfed with Dominick’s scent and his…
19
Red
