Page 56 of Clash of Kings

“Focus on that later. Today is for happy memories.” Kaya then smiled at Dakota. “I love that you’re wearing matching shirts. You two are perfect together.”

Kaya sounded sincere, and considering she and Rafael were wearing jeans and sweaters, she probably meant it. Dakota thanked her. If it had been Diana, she’d have pitched a fit for Dakota looking like a slob, as her mother called her style. She would have insisted Dakota wear a formal wedding dress regardless of the location.

Lydia stepped forward and handed Dakota a gorgeous bouquet of wildflowers, while Anthony tried to sneak something to Bas.

“Oh, Lydia, these are stunning. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I didn’t know what you liked, but I thought these suited you.”

“Mr. Stone?” the clerk called from behind her desk. “Are y’all ready?”

“We are.” Sebastian held out his hand for Dakota. Together, they walked into an office with his family following. The room was small and stuffy, but like his papa said, the size of the venue didn’t matter.

Carlton’s judge, Roy Holder, was performing the ceremony. He stepped around from behind his desk, and Sebastian handed over the license. Judge Holder looked it over and asked Sebastian, “Are you the couple who are looking to purchase the lodge?”

“Yes, sir. We’ve also made an offer on the surrounding property as well so we can build a home there. We feel Carlton will be a wonderful location to start our family.”

“Then I’m doubly pleased to marry the two of you. Would you like the usual vows, or have you written your own?”

Bas had asked Dakota if she wanted to say something special, but she knew her nerves would get the best of her, so they opted to go the traditional route.

“The usual, please,” Bas responded.

“Do you have rings?” the man asked.

Sebastian surprised Dakota when he said yes. They hadn’t gone shopping, so when she frowned, Bas smiled, and Anthony chuckled. That’s what Anthony had sneaked to Bas earlier.

Anthony and Lydia both had their phones out, and Dakota was glad. It might not be an elaborate wedding, but she wanted photographic evidence to look at later. The ceremony was short and sweet, but when Sebastian presented her with a platinum ring inlaid with diamonds, Dakota couldn’t stop the tears. She held out her left hand, smiling at her mate as he slipped it on. It fit perfectly. When it came time for her to slide his ring on, he handed her a matching band. After a few more words, they were pronounced husband and wife, and they kept the kiss PG-13. Sebastian’s family, now her family, cheered loudly.

Bas took her hands in his and kissed her knuckles. “I love you, Mrs. Stone.”

Dakota choked back a sob, nodding. “I love you too, Mr. Stone,” she whispered and pulled his head down for another kiss.

They took turns signing the marriage license with Rafael and Kaya signing as witnesses. Judge Holder promised he would get the license filed for them. Sebastian had given his address in Atlanta for the certified copy to be mailed, but before the judge walked off, Bas took a picture of the license to have on hand.

“Let’s get a few pictures,” Lydia suggested. She took a few of Dakota and Sebastian, then she told Kaya and Rafael to stand next to them. Kaya then took the phone so Lydia and Anthony could be in a few photos too.

The six of them filed out of the office, stopping in the lobby. Sebastian hugged her from behind as Dakota held out her hand, admiring her ring. “It’s perfect. How did you know my size?”

It was Lydia who answered. “Oh, here. This is yours.” She handed Dakota one of her silver rings. I took it with me so they could measure it.”

“I snuck that to Lydia while you were in the shower,” Bas explained.

“Sneaky. I approve.” When Kaya moved closer, Dakota held out her hand so her mother-in-law could see it.

“It is gorgeous. Just like you.” Kaya brushed Dakota’s hair off her shoulder. “Seven’s going to be sad she missed this.”

“I got it on video,” Anthony said. “I’ve already sent it to her.”

“Thanks, Tony.” Kaya held her arms open, and Anthony walked into his aunt’s embrace. Dakota was pleased to find her new family didn’t shy away from touching.

Sebastian asked his parents, “Would you like to take a ride up to the lodge? I don’t have the key, but you’ll be able to see my vision well enough, and the view is spectacular.”

“Anything you want, Son,” Rafael said. “We’re here for the duration. Your momma and I will need to find a room, but we can do that later.”

Lydia and Anthony went back to the hotel so Dakota and Sebastian could have alone time with his parents. Lydia offered to take her bouquet and put it in water. When they reached the lodge, Bas showed them around the outside, explaining what changes he wanted to make. They had scrolled through his photos on the ride up the mountain, so they also got to see what the inside currently looked like. At one point, Kaya pulled Dakota to the side.

“I just wanted to take a moment and tell you how thrilled Rafe and I are that Bas found you after all this time. The Clan couldn’t ask for a better Queen.”

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