Page 41 of Bear Creek Valentine
Aiden knew that Levi’s entire family, including both sets of Grandparents, had driven all the way from Ohio to be here. He also spotted the infamous singing bears, Hugo, Rowan, and Jace, plus Thad and Leroy and their mates. It appeared to be a good mix of friends, family, and co-workers who knew the couple well.
Knox and Levi were easy to spot in the crowd, wearing matching outfits of dark navy-blue jeans and white button-down shirts. At the moment, the couple was busy chatting with DeeDee and Sunny Tillman but waved when Aiden and Dash came into view. They joined the little group and were thoroughly scented before Levi could greet Aiden with a hug. The height difference made it awkward, but they managed all right. Both Knox and Dash growled at the close contact, and the menimmediately resumed holding their lover’s hands. Levi spoke first.
“We’re so glad you came. I think everybody we invited is here now, so make the rounds. Hopefully, we’ll have time to talk later.”
Since others were waiting to say hello, Aiden, Dash, and the Tillmans moved aside. DeeDee inclined her head toward an older gentleman who was standing alone, people-watching.
“There’s someone here I’d like you to meet. He’s an old friend of mine who I asked to perform the ceremony.”
The man smiled broadly as they approached, eyes twinkling. He appeared to be in his sixties, stocky, balding and sporting a neatly trimmed Vandyke. DeeDee began the introductions.
“This is Aiden Romero and Dash Hawthorn. Aiden is the owner ofDelicious, and Dash is building the new resort near Blakeslee. Gentlemen, this is Judge Michael Becker serving the Middle District Court in Scranton.”
Becker extended his hand to Aiden for a firm shake.
“A genuine pleasure to meet you, Aiden, and please call me Michael. My wife and I have enjoyed some of your wonderful chocolates. In fact, I was planning to stop by the shop after we’re done here if it’s open.”
The man seemed sincere, and Aiden had never rubbed elbows with a judge before.
“Thank you, Michael. I always enjoy meeting satisfied customers. Though I’m playing hooky today,Deliciousis open until early evening. I’ve added some new items recently that you might like.”
Becker then allowed Dash to scent him, not bothered in the least. Thankfully, Dash didn’t bristle, given his past unpleasant exposure to courtrooms and judges. Michael cocked his head and gave him a measured look before speaking.
“Through DeeDee, I’m aware of your charitable giving and am very impressed. She tells me you have been most generous in and around Bear Creek, especially with the shifter community. I would love to be involved with your next project if you are looking for donors, and I can put you in touch with others who have money to invest in good causes.”
Becker’s interest in, and knowledge of, Dash’s philanthropy caught him by surprise. It took a moment to find his voice.
“Thank you, Judge... er, Michael. I’ll have my Executive Assistant, Ryder Sinclair, send you information about several projects. Together, I’m sure we could make an enormous difference.”
The conversation ended abruptly as Eden announced that the ceremony was about to begin. A piece of classical music began playing softly from a boombox on the back steps, and people gathered around a small podium in a loose semicircle, leaving a center aisle from back to front. Given the brevity of the service, chairs were only provided for Levi’s Grandparents and his pregnant sister, Erin. The music segued into something a bit more lively as Judge Becker made his way to the front and turned to face the wedding party.
Levi entered first, accompanied by his proud parents. They both kissed him on the cheek and moved over to his right while he looked down the aisle at his beloved. Eden and Calvin Shaw, serving as Knox’s witnesses, ushered him toward the front and his waiting mate. They hugged him briefly and then stood to his left. The music faded into silence, and the couple faced one another, holding hands. The officiant began.
“On behalf of Knox and Levi, I wish to welcome assembled family and friends to this celebration of love. These men, already joined by age-old shifter tradition and practice, also wish to bind themselves to the laws of man, and of this state, in marriage.”
Becker paused briefly and then addressed the couple directly.
“Knox Earl McCoy. Levi Alan Green. Do you come freely and joyfully to this union?”
“We do.”
“Do you promise to love, respect, and serve one another as long as you both shall live?”
“We do.”
“Knox, please present Levi with a token of your pledge.”
Knox took the gold band from Calvin and slipped it on Levi’s finger with a satisfied growl.
Judge Becker continued.
“By the power vested in me by the state of Pennsylvania, I pronounce you married mates. You may seal this bond with a kiss.”
Knox pulled Levi to him, tilted his chin up, and gave him a chaste kiss. Only Levi and the attending shifters knew that he’d barely avoided reclaiming his mate in front of God and everybody. Becker completed the ceremony with a final pronouncement.
“My friends, may I present Knox and Levi McCoy!”
The crowd clapped and whistled as Knox swooped in for an unrehearsed toe-curling smooch—caught on camera by Levi’s sister, Rachel. When he released his mate, Levi’s face burned hot but joyful. They looked inordinately happy and relieved to have the formalities over with.
