Page 33 of The Lynx and the Llama
“King Rayan and Carol, as well as King Mateo and Treasure, now that you’ve spoken the words to seal your unions, you will now plant your marital trees to celebrate the joining of your souls. Just as a tree lays down its roots over time, so will you grow ever stronger together.”
Quinn handed King Rayan, Carol, King Mateo, and Treasure a small jar of soil. He then gestured at the saplings positioned to the right of the altar in pre-dug holes.
“Each of you now holds soil from the earth. This soil represents your life, all the ups and downs, laughter and heartache, hopes and dreams. Take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve been through up to this point. Think of your proudest moments and your deepest fears. Each molecule of soil represents a unique experience that led you to this point in time.
“Now give this soil to your tree together, bringing it life and health.”
King Rayan and Carol and King Mateo and Treasure added the soil to their individual saplings as hundreds of cameras flashed from the DAMNs.
“As these trees mature, your relationships will become as sturdy and reliable as the trunk of these trees. Life may bring its storms, but they will pass, and beyond, you will always find days of sunshine and joy. Just like your love, these trees will continue to thrive as they grow ever stronger.”
Quinn glanced over at Erika, who was smiling from ear to ear at him, making his heart squeeze so much so that he almost forgot where he was.
Just one more page and you can be with her, Quinn!
“It is now time to exchange the rings. The circle formed by each ring is a symbol of your love and eternal commitment to each other. May these rings remind you always of the sacred promises you’ve made to each other today in the company of your family and friends. King Rayan, please repeat after me as you place the ring on the hand of your loved one. I, King Rayan, give you, Queen Consort Carol, this ring as a symbol of my love, commitment, and the eternal vows we have made today to each other. With this ring, I thee wed.”
“I, King Rayan, give you, Queen Consort Carol, this ring as a symbol of my love, commitment, and the eternal vows we have made today to each other. With this ring, I thee wed.”
“Carol, your turn. I, Queen Consort Carol, give you, King Rayan, this ring as a symbol of my love, commitment, and the eternal vows we have made today to each other. With this ring, I thee wed.”
“I, Queen Consort Carol, give you, King Rayan, this ring as a symbol of my love, commitment, and the eternal vows we have made today to each other. With this ring, I thee wed.”
Quinn turned to King Mateo and Queen Treasure and they repeated the exchanging of rings in the same manner as King Rayan and Queen Carol.
“And now, by the power vested in me, Marathi Island in Greece, and by the online church by which I became a minister five minutes before this ceremony, I pronounce you, King Rayan, and Queen Consort Carol, and you, King Mateo and Queen Treasure, as husbands and wives, lawfully wedded before God. King Rayan and King Mateo, you may now kiss your brides!”
The kings kissed their queens, and a roar of clapping came from the guests who rose from their seats.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great honor that I officially present to you their Royal Highnesses, the Michels and the Abaras!” said Quinn once the clapping died within the crowd.
As the new couples walked down the aisle, Quinn dashed over to Erika and reached for her hand before she started down the aisle herself.
“Find me once we are done? There’s something I need to tell you.”
“I will.” She gave his hand a squeeze before walking down the aisle. Quinn followed her as her words came to the forefront of his mind.
I will.
He loved those words almost as much as he loved her, and tonight was the night he’d tell Erika he was madly, deeply in love with her.
EPILOGUE
Once the reception started, Quinn weaved in and out of the crowd, searching for Erika. He had to get to her soon, or he might lose his shit. He finally found her by the bar and tapped her shoulder.
“Quinn!” she said in a breathy tone with a smile plastered on her face. “Would you like a glass of bubbles?”
The initial looks of worry he’d seen on Erika when leaving for British Colombia seemed to melt away the minute he took the flute of Asti Spumante and a familiar spark flared within her eyes as his fingers brushed hers.
“Yes, please.”
She smiled again while taking a sip of her own.
“So, about that night at the hotel—”
Oh no! They weren’t going to talk about that night! Not yet, anyway! Not until he told her he loved her! He wrapped his palm around her upper arm before dismissing that topic altogether. She wouldn’t chicken out this time because he wasn’t going to let her.
“Erika, don’t worry about that night. In fact…”
