Page 37 of Beauty and the Grendel

I watched as Harlow and her father swayed to the music, their faces etched with love and tenderness. They exchanged whispered words, and I could see the tears streaming down Harlow’s cheeks as she rested her head on her father’s shoulder.

The guests applauded as the dance came to a close, and Harlow and I made our way to the head table. Mason, ever the charismatic best man, clinked his glass, calling for attention.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, a mischievous glint in his eye, “I think it’s time for a toast to the happy couple. Griiq, my friend, you’ve come a long way from the misunderstood monster I first met. And Harlow, you’ve proven that love really can conquer all. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness, adventure, and maybe even a little bit of trouble.”

The guests laughed and raised their glasses, echoing Mason’s sentiment. I wrapped my arm around Harlow’s waist, pulling her close as we sipped our champagne.

“And now,” Mason continued, “I believe it’s time for the bride and groom to cut the cake. Let’s see if Griiq can manage to feed Harlow without making a mess!”

I rolled my eyes at Mason’s teasing, but I couldn’t help but smile as Harlow and I approached the towering wedding cake. We grasped the knife together, our hands intertwined as we made the first cut.

I carefully lifted a small piece of cake, bringing it to Harlow’s lips. She took a delicate bite, her eyes closing in bliss as she savored the rich flavors. “Mmm, it’s perfect,” she murmured.

Not to be outdone, Harlow swiped a dollop of frosting on her finger and smeared it across my nose, giggling as she did so. I feigned indignation, but I couldn’t resist the urge to pull her in for a kiss, the sweet taste of frosting mingling with the champagne on our lips.

As we lost ourselves in the moment, the ballroom erupted in cheers and laughter, a testament to the love and support that surrounded us. This was just the beginning of our happily ever after, and I knew that with Harlow by my side, we could face anything that life had in store for us.

Chapter 25

Harlow

The warm sunlight kissed my skin as I crouched in the garden, camera in hand, trying to capture the perfect moment. Griiq chased after Demitri and Carolina, their giggles and squeals of delight filling the air. My heart swelled with love and pride as I watched my husband, once feared as a monster, now the most devoted father imaginable.

“Mommy, mommy!” Carolina called out, running towards me with her arms outstretched. Her ash curls bounced with each step, her green eyes sparkling with joy. I set my camera down just in time to catch her in a tight embrace.

“My little princess,” I cooed, peppering her chubby cheeks with kisses. “Are you having fun with daddy and Demitri?”

“Yes!” she exclaimed, pointing at Griiq and Demitri, who were now engaged in a playful wrestling match on the grass. “Daddy’s a big teddy bear!”

I laughed, marveling at how far we’d come. The castle, once a dark and foreboding place, now radiated warmth and love. The gardens, once overgrown and neglected, burst with vibrant colors and life.

“Harlow, my love,” Griiq called out, walking towards us with Demitri perched on his broad shoulders. His eyes, once filled with pain and loneliness, now shone with pure adoration. “I think it’s time for a family photo, don’t you?”

“Absolutely,” I agreed, setting Carolina down and reaching for my camera. “Alright, everyone, gather round!”

Griiq set Demitri down, and the children scampered over to us. I positioned them in front of a blooming rose bush, their smiles wide and genuine. Griiq wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me close.

“Okay, on the count of three,” I said, setting the timer on my camera. “One, two, three... smile!”

The camera clicked, immortalizing the moment. I rushed over to check the photo, my heart melting at the sight of our little family, so full of love and happiness.

“It’s perfect,” Griiq whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to my temple. “Just like our life together.”

I leaned into his embrace, my eyes misting with tears of joy. “I couldn’t agree more,” I murmured, watching as Demitri and Carolina chased after a butterfly, their laughter echoing through the garden.

In that moment, I realized that every struggle, every obstacle we’d faced, had been worth it. The love we shared, the family we’d created, was a testament to the power of resilience, forgiveness, and unwavering devotion.

As I stood at the podium, the bright lights of the auditorium illuminated my face with an accomplished sense of pride. Eager listeners, their faces filled with anticipation and curiosity. I took a deep breath, my gaze scanning the crowd until it landed on Griiq, sitting in the front row with Demitri and Carolina on either side of him. His eyes sparkled with love and support, giving me the courage to begin.

“Thank you all for coming today,” I began, my voice steady and clear. “I’m here to share with you a story of love, acceptance, and the power of understanding. It’s a story that began with fear and prejudice, but ended with a love that transcends all boundaries.”

As I spoke, the audience leaned forward, hanging onto my every word. I told them of my first encounter with Griiq, the misunderstood monster, and how our relationship had blossomed despite the odds. I spoke of the challenges we’d faced, the community’ fear and mistrust, and how we’d overcome them together.

“But our story doesn’t end there,” I continued, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. “In fact, it’s just the beginning. Since our wedding, Griiq has become an integral part of our community, using his unique abilities and knowledge to aid in environmental conservation efforts.”

I clicked to the next slide, revealing a photograph of Griiq surrounded by a group of volunteers, planting saplings in a once-barren field. “Together, we’ve worked to restore the natural beauty of our surroundings, creating habitats for wildlife and ensuring a greener future for generations to come.”

The audience murmured in approval, their eyes wide with admiration. I could see the shift in their perception, the realization that Griiq was not the monster they’d once believed him to be, but a caring, compassionate being with a heart full of love.

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