Her hair was up with just a few curls twisted here and there to soften the look. There was no veil. Thank goodness. It would have so spoilt the look. Instead she wore a delicate tiara of diamonds that picked up the glimmer of the beading in the pretty gown. She had thought that the only way she would ever look so beautiful was by way of the magic horse but today she felt like a flower that had just bloomed and for once she really felt like a true princess. She had come from royalty and for once in her life she accepted her rightful place in the world: a princess on her way to marry her prince.
The wedding planner came to collect her, walking her down the stairs and out onto the patio.
The pool fence and tables had massive white flower arrangements tied together with soft bows that reflected the same pastels as her dress. The pool itself was covered in floating stars with candles, representing the skies they travelled in and the gazebo was stunning with the laser lighting forming the shapes that they saw before moving through the portal. Her man had thought about everything and the attention to detail was exquisite.
She felt every face turn as she stood viewing the enchanting décor. She noticed that not only family was here but that all their party friends had turned up as well. The guests went dead quiet as Cassie appeared before them. The only sound was the tweeting of birds and the flutter of their wings in the trees. She could see Kayden waiting in the gazebo and she finally grinned, the sight of him settling her nerves.
Her handsome man wore black pants with a satin white shirt under a white jacket. He looked stunning while calmly waiting for her.
Feeling more relaxed she glanced around, seeing her father intently watching her. Cassie had dreamed of this day, to be married and have her father walk her down the aisle. Well, maybe it wasn’t exactly an aisle but to have him share her special day was more than she could have ever dreamed and she shed a tear of happiness as she held out her hand to him.
He patted Aqua’s hand that he held and let her go to be with his daughter. He smiled so affectionately when he reached for her that she knew their love for each other was real too. She knew he was going to be there for her regardless of their battles in the sky.
He kissed her cheek. ‘You look even more beautiful in your own world, Cassandra. Thank you for inviting me. I think you know how much it means to me to be here, don’t you?’ He was tenderly holding her hand.
She gave him a quick hug. ‘I really wanted you to be here, Pops. I love you,’ she whispered before letting him go.
Her eyes watered and he smiled. ‘Don’t you go spoiling your beautiful face with tears today. If I don’t see anything but smiles I’ll have to steal you from them and take you home with me where I will endeavour to make you smile for the rest of your life,’ he chuckled.
She giggled at him and his humour before slipping her hand through the arm that he offered her. He pulled her closer to him.
‘You’re not nervous too are you, Pops?’
He turned and let her see the love he felt in those big dark eyes. ‘I have dared to dream since you were born, that you would want me by your side on your special day. I’m in seventh heaven, honey.’
He kissed her hand and they walked along the glistening path covered in fairy dust that led to the man she wanted to spend forever with. As they walked, Cassie’s eyes drifted to Woody, her special friend that stood with Ella, his caring smile showing how happy he was for her.
She stopped and hugged him on the way past. ‘You look beautiful, sis,’ he said and she smiled, so happy they were okay again.
Letting him go, she faced Kayden, amazed when Aldebaran put out his hand and shook Kayden’s as he wished him every happiness for the future with his daughter. They were polite, which was all Cassie could ask for.
She had never seen Kayden in a suit and he took her breath away. He was so handsome. She noticed that the tie and hanky in his jacket pocket matched her dress. The wedding planner hadn’t missed a thing to make them look just perfect together.
Saying their vows was a most enlightening moment. Kayden was so sweet and loving that it brought tears to Cassie’s eyes. How lucky she felt today, marrying such an adorable and genuine man.
When the priest announced them man and wife and said that he could kiss the bride, he pulled her back into his arms and gave her the biggest smooch. As he pulled away he smiled. Stuff the buffet! I want to eat you, he said telepathically to her and they both busted up laughing. She slapped him playfully. Nobody but the Cloud Riders knew what he had said and Cassie could hear them cracking up laughing.
‘You’ll keep,’ she grinned.
They faced the crowd and she pinched his backside. Woody saw what she did and had to stifle a laugh with a cough. Kayden couldn’t stop grinning, thinking he was so funny.