by Claire Fogel
Dad was already dressed and waiting for us downstairs, so I went into my room and peeked out the window. Amy was still out there, and I could see Kevin and Sean working in the yard too. I had no idea what they were doing. Amy had said something about a surprise she was planning for us.
It was almost time for us to put on our dresses, so I went back into Mom’s room.
“Are you two going anywhere for a honeymoon?”
She shook her head. “No, dear. We both have too many responsibilities at home to go anywhere else. Besides, I’ve always been a homebody. I love my home, I love to cook, and I’m perfectly happy to stay home with you and your father.”
I must have looked skeptical because she said, “Really, Cara. I’ve never been happier, especially now that Gaynes and his threats are history. And I have you to thank for that, dear.” She gave me a gentle hug.
“Is Dad going to be here all the time now? What about his duties in Elvenwood?”
“I think he’ll continue to do what he’s been doing; part of his time here and part in Elvenwood. He does have a whole village of people to take care of, both physically and financially, so he can’t spend all of his time here. I understand that and I don’t think I’ll mind having some time to myself regularly. You like having your father here, don’t you?”
“Are you kidding? Sitting at the kitchen table with both of you is something I always dreamed of. And seeing you two happy together is the absolute best.”
She looked at the clock. “It’s time to get into our finery, dear.” We helped each other into our dresses and heard my father calling from downstairs.
“There’s a very large automobile in front of the house, girls.”
Mom laughed. “The limo. When your father sees how comfortable it is, I’m afraid he’ll want one. He’s already hinting about learning to drive.”
I giggled. “I know.”
I went downstairs first. Seeing my handsome father in his gray suit, pale gray shirt, and silver silk tie was a feast for the eyes. His eyes lit up when he saw me in my pink and cream dress.
“Cara, you look like a fairy queen in that dress. And you’re as beautiful as ever.”
Mom came down the stairs in creamy satin, looking exquisite, her eyes fixed on my father.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen his eyes look so green, as green as the beautiful forest we both loved. He didn’t have to hide anything now. It was obvious that he was madly in love with my mother.
He just stared, finally saying, “Alicia, there are no words.”
There was a soft knock at the back door. When I opened it, I found a smiling Conor, resplendent in a light gray suit that matched his silvery eyes.
“Conor, you look wonderful.” He held his arm out, I took it and we joined my parents at the front door. He whispered, “I’ll be the envy of every young man at the wedding, Cara. You look beautiful.”
We followed my parents outside to the waiting limo, where the uniformed driver bowed and opened the doors for us. My father and Conor were both amazed at the luxury inside the limo. Mom looked over and winked at me.
The ride downtown to City Hall took all of ten minutes. When we arrived, and were helped out by the driver, I was surprised to see a small crowd of people waiting for us.
Amy ran up and handed Mom a bouquet of gardenias, and a small bouquet of pink and white miniature roses for me. She had thought of everything. Mom kissed Amy on the cheek and whispered, “Thank you, dear.”
I looked around and saw Sean and his parents, Amy’s parents, Kevin, grinning at me, Chief O’Donnell actually in a suit rather than his uniform, Arlynn and Jason, and Harry Callahan, holding a camera and taking pictures of everyone. Adam had decided to wait for us at home.
We entered City Hall and headed for Judge Stone’s office. He opened his office door and greeted us with a smile. Fortunately, his office was large enough for our friends to join us.
Mom and Dad walked to the front of the room and stood in front of him. I stood next to Mom and Conor was next to my father. Judge Stone smiled at us and began.
“We are here today, in front of witnesses, to join Alicia and Brian in the bonds of matrimony.” His eyes twinkled as he said, “I take it there are no objections.”
There weren’t any.
He looked at my father. “Please repeat after me.”
“I, Brian, take you, Alicia, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish from this day forward until death do us part.”
Judge Stone turned to my mother. “Please repeat after me.”
“I, Alicia, take you, Brian, to be my husband, . . .” Her voice shook a little.
When Mom had repeated her vows, the Judge asked softly, “Do you have a ring?”
My father reached in his breast pocket and pulled out a ring that made my mother gasp. He slid it on her ring finger as he looked into her surprised blue eyes, and said softly, “I will love you forever.”
The Judge said, “Brian, Alicia, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” He smiled at my father. “You may kiss the bride.”
My tall, handsome father actually blushed as he put his arms around my wide-eyed mother and kissed her in front of everyone. It was not a brief kiss. Everyone began to applaud.
My parents broke apart, smiling and looking embarrassed, as everyone hugged and kissed everyone else. Judge Stone shook my father’s hand and kissed Mom on the cheek, reminding them to sign the wedding register at his desk before they left.
After they signed the necessary papers, we left his office and walked outside, stopping in front of the main entrance so everyone could congratulate my parents personally.
As Mr. and Mrs. McKay were speaking to my parents, Sean found his way over to me, leaning down and kissing my uninjured cheek.
“Cara, you look more than beautiful today. Amy told me you’d taken quite a beating, but you look fantastic. Kathleen must have paid you a visit.”
I laughed. “Yeah, she spent most of the day at our house yesterday. I was afraid I’d be at my parents’ wedding looking like I’d been mugged, but Kathleen worked her magic.”
“I like your hair like that. Very sexy,” he said with a grin. I felt my face getting hot.
I said, “Thanks. I’d better say hello to everyone else. I’ll see you at home.”
Amy and her parents were talking to Mom and Dad so I joined them for a few minutes. Conor was speaking to the McKays and I saw Arlynn hanging back, looking slightly uncomfortable, so I walked over to her.
She smiled when she saw me, hugging me. “You and your mother look so beautiful. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone look as happy as your parents do today. I’m very happy for them. This was your dream, wasn’t it?”
“More than a dream, actually. For a long time, I didn’t think I’d ever have my father in my life.” I grinned. “They’re not the only ones who are happy today.”
“I’ve never been to a human wedding ceremony. I was fascinated by the vows they made to each other. That was lovely. It put tears in my eyes,” she said.
The Chief walked over to us with a big smile. “What a wonderful day this is for you and your parents. I’m glad to see that your face healed up in time. I want you to know that a lot of mouths dropped open when you and your mother got out of that limo. You’re both beautiful today.” He looked more serious. “Your father is a very lucky man.”
He put his hand out to Arlynn. “It’s nice to see you again, Arlynn. I was sorry to find that you’re not working in Alicia’s store anymore. I’ll bet her customers miss you.”
She shook his hand and frowned. “I wasn’t much of a success as a bodyguard, I’m afraid. At home, I’m a baker and I think that’s what I do best.”
He nodded, giving Arlynn a sympathetic smile. “I have to get back to the office for an hour, but I’ll see you both later.”
He left and suddenly Kevin was at my side, one arm wr
apped around my shoulders.
“Hey, short stuff. I thought I’d have to bring a bag for you to wear over your head, but you look pretty good to me.”
Arlynn started giggling, and all I could do was roll my eyes. It was Kevin, after all.
Suddenly, Harry was standing a few feet in front of us, aiming his camera. “Let me get a picture of the giant-killer and her friends,” he said, grinning.
I couldn’t help groaning. “Great. I have a new name.” Harry snapped the picture and went off to find others to photograph.
Kevin was laughing. “Giant killer?”
I just shook my head. “He was no giant, trust me. He was only a little taller than me. And I didn’t kill him. But I sincerely hope he’s still in pain.”
Hugging me, Kevin said, “You did good, babe. You’ve singlehandedly salvaged our senior year. We’re all grateful.”
“It wasn’t singlehanded. I had a lot of help from our special friend.”
“No kidding?”
“Yeah. She swooped down out of the clouds and set his SUV on fire. That was all I needed. I think she would have set him on fire if I’d asked her to.”
I looked up and saw Mom and Dad waving at me. It was time to get back in the limo and return to the house for their second wedding ceremony. Since Jason and Arlynn didn’t have a ride back, they joined us in the limo and were clearly impressed by the luxurious interior.
I don’t know how she did it, but Amy was already in the backyard by the time we got home. The tables and chairs were already set up, and she and two women from the caterer were setting out covered trays of food while Sean unloaded bottled water and cans of lemonade into metal tubs full of ice. All around the yard, there were pots and tubs of gold, bronze and white chrysanthemums, Mom’s favorite flower. Our backyard had never looked so festive.
Jason had rushed into the backyard ahead of us and we could hear his flute playing a spirited tune, which I realized was the signal the Elves were waiting for. Some of the Elves were coming from my father’s camp, and the rest had traveled from Elvenwood.
My father dashed into the house, returning a few minutes later wearing the Elven tunic and slim pants I was accustomed to, but in white, not the usual green. He joined Mom in the middle of the yard, ready to greet his people as they emerged from the forest.
Dad gestured to Conor and me and we joined them. Unlike my father, Conor remained dressed in his gray suit, Arlynn on his arm. For the occasion, Arlynn had left her green tunic and slacks at home and was wearing a simple, full-length blue dress that matched her crystal-blue eyes. They made an outrageously attractive couple, and I couldn’t help wondering when they would be wed.
Dad also waved Jason over to join me in what I guessed was our receiving line. Jason was also wearing what he called “human” clothes, black slacks and sport jacket over a white shirt. When I realized I was standing next to a boy who was, truthfully, prettier than I was, I had to laugh. Jason looked at me and whispered, “Am I forgiven, cousin?”
He was such a sweet young man, and so sorry he’d become distracted when he was supposed to be a bodyguard, I couldn’t stay mad at him.
“You’re forgiven. Thankfully, we won’t need bodyguards anymore. We can just enjoy ourselves now.”
He gave me a blinding smile and kissed my cheek. “Thank you. You are the best cousin a boy could hope for.” I took his arm as Elves began walking out of the forest toward my parents.
I loved watching my father’s proud smile as he introduced his community of Elves to my mother. Most of them had never seen my mother before and were clearly impressed by her welcoming smile and warmth. I knew most of them by sight and I was happy to welcome them to my home, remembering how welcoming they had been to me months ago.
When Ian and his parents arrived, he made a mad dash for me. I held my arms open and he ran into them. “Cara, I’m really here where you live, and I can finally meet your mother!” Looking over at my dad, he said, “Hi, Uncle Brian!”
The little boy was so excited, even my dad laughed. “Come over here, Ian, and meet my bride. Alicia, this is Cara’s special friend. Ian, you can call her Aunt Alicia.”
Ian’s eyes were big as he took in my beautiful mother in her ivory satin gown. He seemed tongue-tied, so Mom smiled, reaching out to take his hand. “Ian, Cara has told me all about you. Welcome to our home.”
Ian’s parents joined us, obviously embarrassed by their son’s mad rush to me. Dad introduced them to Mom. Doreen, Ian’s mom, told Mom what a good friend I’d been to their son, spending time with him every time I visited.
The last to arrive were the Elders of Elvenwood, the village’s oldest men. Two of them weren’t strangers; they were Sean’s grandfather and great-grandfather, both smiling as they walked up to Mom and Dad.
For a few seconds, I wondered where Adam was hiding.
The wedding ceremony would be conducted by the Elder I had met at the practice field not long ago. He was the one who told my father how proud of me they were, and how amazed my grandfather would be. Now that I’d read my grandmother’s diary, I thought I understood what he had meant.
It was early afternoon and the sun had been shining brightly when suddenly clouds rolled in, covering the sun completely. Within seconds, I heard ooh’s and ah’s as tiny lights began to glow from every tree and every bush around the entire yard. There were lights strung along our back porch, lighting up the pots of red geraniums Mom had planted. In Mom’s flower garden, the old apple tree was covered in tiny lights, as was the old garden bench that sat under it, and more lights in the rose bushes that were still blooming. This was what Kevin and Sean had been doing early this morning.
The entire back yard looked like a fairyland, totally magical, which was entirely appropriate. This was Amy’s surprise and it was wonderful!
After Mom and Dad greeted everyone, the head Elder, Henry Ferguson, led my parents into the flower garden, stopping under the old apple tree. I knew that in Elvenwood, marriages were conducted under the Joining Tree, but here, our old apple tree would serve that purpose.
Everyone hushed as Mr. Ferguson began to speak.
“Brian and Alicia, you stand before us today declaring that you are truly Mated and bound forever by Elven custom.
“Allow me to offer our traditional Elven blessing:
“Now you will feel no rain, for each will be shelter for the other.
Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other.
Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you.
May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years.
May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth.”
He looked at each of them and smiled. “Normally, I would wish that your years together be fruitful, but they already have been. You have blessed our community with an exceptional child, whom we already love as our own. We hope you will be so blessed again.”
Looking at my father, he nodded.
My father looked at Mom and said, “Forever, Alicia.”
The Elder looked at Mom and nodded.
My mother looked at Dad and said, “Forever, Brian.”
Looking out at the gathering of Elves and humans, the Elder smiled. “Please offer your warmest wishes to our Prince and his Lady, Brian and Alicia Blackthorne.”
I was the first to wrap my arms around both of them, getting tightly hugged in return. I received a kiss on each cheek from my parents before they were surrounded by our friends. I backed away and was immediately hugged by my cousin Jason who actually had tears in his eyes.
“Cara, I’ve seen quite a few wedding ceremonies under the Joining Tree, but this one means the most to me. Your father has always been like a father to me, and your mother is always warm and welcoming. Now we’re really and truly family.”
I hugged him back and s
miled. “Yes, really and truly, Jason. Now let’s go find Amy, Sean and Kevin, who made our simple backyard perfect for an Elven wedding.”
Hand in hand, we walked through the crowd, stopping to talk to everyone, giving and receiving hugs from those we knew best, until we found Amy, Kevin and Sean next to the tables set up for the food. Amy handed us both small glass plates with tiny sandwiches and fruit kabobs. Judging by the empty plates in their hands, Kevin and Sean had apparently been eating since the end of the wedding ceremony. I hoped Adam would get something to eat before my hungry friends ate it all. I hadn’t seen him yet, but I knew he was here somewhere.
Once my parents had been congratulated, the guests began to swarm the food tables where the caterer’s people were lifting the lids on all the dishes, explaining what each item was. On another table, a young man from the caterer was opening water bottles and pouring lemonade for the guests. At a smaller table, Mr. Callahan had volunteered to play bartender and was serving champagne to the human guests and any of the Elves willing to try it.
Finally, Jason excused himself. “I’ll have to leave you now, cousin. Your father asked me to play my flute. Ryan’s father, Rob, will play guitar. You can’t have a wedding without music!”
He disappeared into the crowd, and it really was a crowd. We had thought that maybe a hundred people from Elvenwood would come, but it looked like a lot more than a hundred to me. I’d never been a fan of crowds so I edged away from the groups at the food and drink tables and tried to find a quiet spot to sit down.
Chairs had been set up around the yard in groups of two and three with small tables to hold drinks. I found one that was empty near the back porch and planted myself, sighing in relief. I felt like I’d been on my feet for hours, so I slipped off my shoes and wiggled my toes in the cool grass. Heaven.
I could hear flute and guitar music from the rear of the yard. It was lovely, sounding like folk music, actually very similar to the dragon’s song.
It didn’t take long before Sean found me. He was carrying two glasses of champagne. “Mr. Callahan says this is all we get, so we’d better make the most of it.” He handed me one glass and sat down next to me.
