An Event to Remember

Yes, I was nervous. Yes, I was pampered and deliriously happy. Thanks to Blaire, Claudia and my daughters, I have nothing to worry about, 'And plenty to look forward to!' Tia is practically dancing in my head. She senses something and she won't share. Grandmother is here, by my side.

It's almost like a slumber party the way we are getting ready. Nails done last night, check. Hair by Blaire, check. She put extensions in my hair so that I can have a french braid hairstyle. We even stayed up late last night telling wild ghost stories. Pizza for early lunch, so we can drink to our hearts' content. Champagne everywhere!

The Council members have come with mates and families. The Ohio Tribe and New River packs have come, Alphas and Gammas with mates and some of the younger generation to help in the kitchen. Blaire still says that she has a surprise.

The dress is perfect, my hair is perfect, the weather is blessed by the Fae and my man is waiting. My side is a little sparse, but the Council members and their families try to make more noise than the packs on Edward's side. Danielle is sitting with her mother in elegant, bright gold dresses. Jenny in a gold and blue pantsuit.

Still, Edward and I will make our promises to each other. We had already marked each other, which binds our souls. We made love, to bind our bodies. The vows spoken to each other today will bind our hearts. Today we will be complete.

Edward walks down the aisle, followed by Keith and Claudia, who stand with him. Then Natalie and Leo walk down the aisle and separate to each side. Blaire and Andrew walk down the aisle and stand on my side. My grandmother walks with me, arm in arm. She looks beautiful in her cream halter dress, her tattoo over her left arm and shoulder and around to the center of her back where the Celtic vine ends in a balanced set of scales. I thought her tattoo was very fitting for who she is.

I never knew cats to obey the rules, but our cats are not normal. We tied our wedding bands on ribbons around the cats' necks and they followed Grandmother and me down the aisle. Yes, they went to their respective owners and delivered the ring for the other.

"I was stunned when my eyes met yours, and then I was knocked for a loop." Edward starts his vows , making everyone laugh. I can't remember the rest. We speak from the heart and from the reactions of the crowd, everyone felt the love we feel for each other and know that we have voiced nothing but truth.

After the ceremony, I step out to greet everyone and notice more guests arriving.

'They're here!' Tia is beside herself with excitement. Grandmother Meghan waves to the new arrivals. Grandmother's tattoo calls out to me. I look more closely and see that the Celtic vine is the same one as seen as the halo on the Cross of Saint Christopher in Ireland.

I see a similar vine on several of our new guests, all on the left side. "Come, my grandpup. Meet your family."

"And the other side of your family, as well," Councillor Jamirul Mao is with another gathering of men with red hair and blue eyes.

"I have promised to be civil today with all guests here today, and on my word to the Goddess I and my people will honor that," the tallest of the Lycans comes forth, "but pray tell me we do not sit next to them." He indicates the Druids standing with Jamirul.

"That is not a problem, my Lord. Allow me to show you to your table," Blaire swoops in with a finesse worthy of her Warrior Princess days in Louisiana. She turns to me, over her shoulder and whispers, "Surprise!"

"And you and your families will be over this way," graciously, Jamirul takes his cue from Blaire and leads the Druids away from the Lycans. "We will all have time to reunite with the bride over the week-end."

"As long as THAT lot doesn't take aim at our niece! We'll no' lose her agin!" This time, the middle-sized Druid stepped forward "I am the Eldest of the Gilhoughleys. My brothers and I want to be a part of your life, and it starts today."

"Our reunion starts on a happy day, then. Only happiness is welcome." I mind link everyone present, including the Lycans. I know I have everyone's attention when I see them all pause. "People all around me tell me how special and powerful I am. If you love me, as you all say you do, you will put aside your differences for this one day, my wedding to my mate, my love, Edward." I take a pause. "Thank you, everyone, for being here. I will make time to see everyone."

'Well done, pup.You have inherited your grandmother's political acuity, and your mother's passion.' I feel his eyes. When I look up, the head of the Lycan committee is raising his glass at me.

Edward. too, sees the exchange. 'You earn respect and love wherever you go. That is how you are powerful. You share your love and it comes back to you tenfold.'

'With the love of family, I become stronger. My family is growing. The more people in our family, the stronger we are. Serena and Sol said that we will need our strength. Therefore, we need our families.'

"I'm glad you're getting the gist of obscure prophecies." Serena walks up to me and hugs me. 'Thank you for inviting us,' she mind links me.

"I told you that you are stronger than you know." Sol smiles brightly at me. "Welcome to the fold, love."

"Please, stay a while and meet your subjects," I incline my hand to indicate the party in progress, which seems to have stopped.... completely.

"We have paused time just to give our blessings to you in private," Serena assures me.

"Tell Edward that we're sorry we can't stay longer."

"We do not want to out-shine you on your special day." Sol let his warm glow surround me. "And tell those damned uncles of yours to stop drunk cursing each other!"

I laugh and the spell is broken. Serena and Sol are no longer there and I am laughing with a new drink in my hand. I mind link Edward and let him know what happened. He steps to my side and takes my hand, squeezing it. 'They're right. This is our day, but I'm thankful that They blessed us by visiting you.'