Page 91 of Kissed By Songs of Lilies

"If he gets out of line, we can always turn him back into a frog," Magnolia threatened, waggling her eyebrows.

We all laughed, and I realized something.

Forrest was right. Grown-ups could laugh. And that moment I had longed for so desperately with my sisters was here. It was different than I had imagined, but it was even better because it was real.

I kicked off my shoes, lifted my train, and began my procession.

The beach was packed with our guests, including fae from every court. Of course, there were no humans in attendance other than my sisters. They had been invited, but it was just too soon.

I heard Briar gasp, "My stars."

I looked back at her, but she merely pointed ahead with wonder on her face.

As I gazed out over the water, my breath caught. Dozens and dozens of human ships were floating off the coast of the island. Closer than they had ever dared travel before. Closer than the fae had ever dared allow.

Bright colorful flags were being flown, and I could see people out on the deck, waving and smiling. I was so happy I could feel tears pricking the corner of my eyes.

Then I set my eyes forward. It was afternoon, and the sun was high in the sky, and I could see my beloved waiting for me in the lapping shallow waves. He looked happy. His cheeks were fuller now, and his smile was genuine. He spotted me for the first time in my dress, and his eyes filled with mirth. "Little sparrow," he mouthed.

I blew him a kiss, and I could feel the faintest of sea breezes pulling it toward him. I smiled.

All of the music fell away, and only the violin continued as I made my way slowly down the sandy aisle to him. That walk defied time; seconds felt like a lifetime. I stepped into the shallowest part of the water, letting the little waves lap at my ankles.

When I reached him, our eyes locked for one intense moment. He took my hands in his, and my heart galloped. I could hardly believe he would finally be mine.

We both looked up at our officiant, Harry. We could have chosen someone more ancient or more esteemed, but we wanted Harry. We trusted him. Not only was he Forrest's oldest friend, he was our biggest supporter.

He blessed us and our marriage.

Then it was Forrest’s turn to speak. "My love, as we stand here today, I am reminded of the incredible journey it took to get here. I promise to walk with you in sunshine and storms. Whatever life may bring. Georgia, I love you, and today, I offer you my hand, my heart, and my name."

He leaned close and breathed his true name in my ear, "Cian."

He pulled back, and I smiled up at him. Even in a fae marriage, true names were not always exchanged. It was the ultimate show of trust and love. It was a beautiful name and full of meaning. Cian meant "enduring."

Now it was my turn. I felt butterflies ignite in my stomach, speaking in front of so many people. But I took a deep breath and let them all fall away. I focused my eyes and heart on him until it felt as if we were alone on the beach.

"My beloved, today, I stand before you with all my heart. With you, I've found my home, my strength, and my joy. I promise to laugh with you in the sunshine and stand by you in storms. I love you now and always."

"And so you are bound," said Harry.

I waited for his kiss, but something unexpected happened. Silky, cool tendrils of seawater wrapped gently around my legs and then swirled around my body. I looked down and saw I was wearing a wedding dress made from the ocean’s water.

I flashed Forrest a panicked look.

But he smiled softly. "The island has chosen you too."

I looked back at the crowd of fae spectators, and they were all bowing, curtsying, or kneeling… to me.

"My queen," he whispered before wrapping his arms around my waist and leaning down. My breath quickened in anticipation, and my lips parted easily for him. That kiss was electric. It was the pain of being apart and the joy of being together. It was filled with promises and dreams, a passionate vow of forever.

That kiss was everything.

CHAPTER 46

The Stolen Bride

EPILOGUE

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