Chapter 402

I woke to the enticing scent of dark roast coffee. I stretched and realized I had slept more than I thought I would that previous night. The smell of coffee grew stronger, and I felt steam on my nose.

Opening my eyes, I saw Amy standing over me, waving a mug under my nose. “Wakey wakey,” she crooned. “It’s your wedding day. Victor expects to see you at the chapel in two hours.”

I reached for the mug and took a sip. The coffee was laced with dark chocolate almond milk and a touch of steamed heavy cream.

“Mmm, thanks, Amy. It’s just the way I like it,” I said. “This is such a treat.” I stretched again and took another sip.

“Enjoy it, but don’t dawdle in bed,” Amy put her makeup bag on the nightstand. “You need to get in the shower and wash your hair. Anna will be here to help us soon.”

After waiting for this day to come for so long, I was both ecstatic and a little nervous that something would go wrong.

“Is it really going to happen?” I asked my best friend. “Am I really going to be his wife?”

“Darn straight, you are,” Amy said. “Now drink your coffee, get out of bed, and wash your hair. Anna and I have two hours to make you gorgeous.”

The coffee was delicious, and the mug was soon empty.

After your shower, you can have some breakfast while your hair starts to dry on the balcony.

“Good, I don’t want my stomach growling as I walk

down the aisle.” I climbed from the bed and into the shower.

When I was finished showering, I wrapped myself in my bathrobe and sat on the balcony with an egg and cheese muffin that Anna had brought to me.

It was just enough to satisfy my hunger without feeling full. By the time the sandwich was gone, my hair was no longer dripping wet.

“Let’s get started on your hair,” Anna said. She used a product to tame my naturally curly hair, a round brush, and a blow dryer with a diffuser.

Anna was more talented with hair than Jennifer had been. Before long, my hair looked great, styled in a complicated updo that left tendrils surrounding my face.

Then she started on my makeup while Amy did my nails.

I was becoming too excited to sit still much longer.

“Hold still, Daisy,” Amy said. “Or your makeup is going to be crooked, and you’ll look like a clown as you walk down the aisle.”

I giggled nervously but tried to hold still and cooperate as Anna completed my makeup.

“There, what do you think?” Anna said as she held up a large hand mirror.

I checked myself out front and back and declared that I looked fantastic.

“I’ve never used this peachy shade of blush before,” I said.

“It will go well with your coloring and your white gown,” Anna explained. “Now, let’s get you into that gown. We have a half hour to get to the chapel.”

Amy helped Anna get the white silk gown over my head without ruining my hair and makeup.

The dress had an A-line skirt with a fitted bodice and an off-the-shoulder neckline. The white silk material had silver sequins and lace sewn around the edges of the neckline and the hem.

The same sequins and small diamond stars were sprinkled over the waist-length veil.

“You look amazing,” Amy assured me. “Wait till Victor sees you.”

We both had happy tears in our eyes. After the years of being outcasts, our lives have become better than we could have imagined.

“We better get going, Miss,” Anna reminded us.

I blinked back my tears before they ruined my makeup and nodded. “Let’s go.”

We arrived at the chapel a few minutes early. Alex was waiting just outside the doors. He signaled I was ready, and soft music began to play.

Amy went in first, walking slowly and carrying a bouquet of pink roses that matched her dress.

Then, it was my turn to walk up the aisle.

“You look beautiful, honey,” Alex said and gave me his arm.

We entered the chapel, and I gasped at the white roses and candles that seemed to be everywhere. They made the chapel even more magical.

I was halfway up the aisle when I saw Victor waiting for me on the dais. He wore a white tie with a morning coat. A huge smile bloomed on his handsome face when he saw me.

I looked around behind me before Alex helped me step up next to my groom and saw everyone I loved was there. It made the day more memorable.

Victor took my hand, and we stood together before the priestess.

I handed Amy my bouquet and smiled at Justin, standing to Victor’s right.

This was happening! I was getting married to my fated mate!

I focused my attention on the priestess and helped to chant the ancient prayers for the Goddess's blessing for a union of peace, love, and fruitfulness.

Then it was time for Victor and I to speak from our hearts.

Victor spoke first. “Daisy, I have loved you since the moment I first saw you lying unconscious on the side of the road. I didn't know who you were, but my heart knew your heart.”

“Since then, you’ve taught me how to care about others, and that love is real. Because of all you’ve taught me, I promise to be the mate you need and to love you forever.”

I wiped away a single tear and spoke next.

“Victor, I never knew the happiness I feel today was possible for me. I believed in love, but I never thought it would find me. But you did find me, and your love changed me too.”

I began to adlib. “I didn’t know who you were either that day when you saved my life. But my heart knew your heart, too. We belong together …forever.”

After the priestess declared us joined in matrimony, Victor turned to me, his eyes shining with love, and gave me the first kiss of our married life.

The chapel filled with cheers as we turned and walked together down the aisle.

We greeted our guests in a reception line at Juniper Acres with Alex, Cassidy, Lana, Harry, Amy, and Justin. It took over an hour to welcome every guest who entered the tented reception area at the rear of the grounds.

The roasted meat and side dishes were plentiful and delicious. And there was plenty of soda, tea, coffee, beer, and wine to go around.

After the three-tier cake was cut, a DJ provided good music that got everyone dancing.

As the day wore on, the guests began to leave. By the time darkness came, Victor and I were alone.

We went to our new bedroom, and Victor helped me out of the wedding dress.

“We really did it,” Victor said as he took me in his arms. “I love you, Daisy Klein.”

“I love you too,” I said.

We made love for hours, tenderly and passionately. The act of love and desire sealed our vows for eternity.

Later that evening, we lay in each other's arms, wide awake and thinking about the future.

Our wedding made us believe anything was possible. The future was ours to shape into whatever we wanted.

We began to discuss our careers, leisure time, and starting a family. Anything and everything was possible.

“I want to try for a baby while I go to work for the Public Defender’s office,” I said. “It might take a little time to happen. I’ll take six months off after the baby is born and then hire a nanny.”

“Okay, making a baby sounds good to me,” Victor said. “As long as it’s not an only child.”

I grinned. “In two or three years, we’ll try again.”

Victor kissed me. “It’s almost dawn, and I still don’t think I could sleep.”

“Let’s go for a run,” I suggested. “We haven’t let our wolves explore the grounds yet.”

Victor took my hand. “Let’s go.”

“Too bad we don’t have a balcony,” I giggled.

“There’s a porch roof outside the bathroom window,” Victor suggested.

“That should do.” I led the way to the bathroom and opened the window near the garden tub.

We went onto the porch roof and shifted. Our wolves then leaped to the ground, and we explored Juniper Acres with Adam and Diana.

After a short time, the first hints of dawn showed in the eastern sky.

We ran to the top of the hill to watch the sun come up, knowing we had a future as bright as that sunrise ahead of us.