Page 243 of Beast and Remedy
“Well, actually…” She swallows. A long chilly breath leaves her lips, and she concentrates, the visible breath diminishing. “We were hoping if it wasn’t too much to ask, we could stay here so you and Vi could help with the delivery.”
Stunned, I blink and look at my friend as he shrugs. “I want the best treatment for Tove, and that would be with someone of your…skills. And your wife’s.”
I touch my chest, dipping my chin with humility. “It would be our honor to help you welcome your child into this world.”
Tove lights up. “Thank you endlessly, Beau.”
“Yes, thank you,” Jerrick adds.
“Do I get my name added to the coveted baby name list?” I tease, and Jerrick scowls as his wife snorts.
Someone clears their throat, and I turn, taking in the Alorian priest tapping his foot. Veering back to my friends, I say, “We’ll save that discussion for later.” I wink as Jerrick shakes his head and Tove beams.
I step away and offer the priest my crown. He takes it and places next to the goblet and Vi’s tiara as the music swells, a crescendo growing and tugging me to the ballroom’s entrance.
I scan the crowd, recognizing face after face, my magic twinkling in my mind.
The lingering guests enter, and the guards and staff usher everyone in as the music reaches its end. Silence takes over the room.
I bend my legs, ensuring to not lock them, and hope it’ll help dissipate the flood of nerves erupting in my stomach.
But goose bumps prickle up my spine as my future wife fills the doorway, and I almost sink to my knees right then.
She and Bernie walk arm in arm, the details of her wedding gown growing more distinct.
The weaving of gold caresses every inch of the fabric. The bodice has a strapless neckline and hugs her waist, and a full skirt billows out around her. Roses as red as her beautiful wavy tresses are sewn throughout the dress, blending immaculately with the beige and warm hues, and its train trails after her, lifted and carried by Jules and Christine.
Her gaze holds mine, anchoring both of us to this moment. And somehow, she still blossoms every day I’m with her, my love for her everlasting and forever growing.
Her grin widens the closer she travels to me, Bernie finally coming to a stop and placing her hand in mine. He takes his seat beside Tove and Jerrick as Vi fills my attention.
Her hands tremble, and I squeeze them twice.
“Hi,” I breathe.
“Hi,” she whispers back.
The priest’s words fade as does the world as I hold her close, the two of us taking turns squeezing the other in small bursts of two. Everything blurs, from reciting our vows to drinking the wine and placing the crowns on our heads.
The only thing bringing me back is the Alorian priest saying, “You are now husband and wife.”
My lips crash against hers and she returns my efforts fervently, greedily, passionately as music fills the room and applause breaks out.
But I don’t notice. All I care about is the woman before me, choosing forever withme.
Even the countless best wishes, dances, drinks, and toasts do not stick in my mind. The only ongoing image is Vi’s beautiful face. Her emerald-green eyes, gorgeous untamable red waves, and the pure love radiating from her.
Every glance, touch, and kiss linger, leaving me always wanting more, even as I scan her from head to toe in our chambers after the celebrations have concluded. She wears my doublet over her gown, her red waves slipping from the hairstyle my sister and Jules surely wrestled with her in achieving.
I rub the parchment of my letter, eagerly wanting to show her the other surprise I have. But she catches me off guard when she rises from the white velvet chaise and pulls a wrapped item from our wardrobe.
“I got you a gift,” she says when she twists back.
I almost laugh as I rise, passing her and crouching under our bed. Between the bedside table and the mattress, I pull out my own gift and twist to her. “As did I.”
We meet at the edge of the bed, sitting with our presents.
“Together?” she asks.
