I was about to begin a brand new journey.
THE NEXT MONTH WAS EXTREMELY BUSY.
Alex lived and began his healing process, and after a few weeks, he was up and walking. Courtney and Caleb returned home and were overjoyed to see me and Kade alive, but were also heartbroken over the loss of James and Malachi. They had become close to James the last few weeks before they left.
The workers continued day and night, taking shifts to finish the renovations on the house, and after only a few short weeks, it was looking even more charming than before.
The wedding planning was in full force. Alaine had made arrangements to fly Jeremy and Lia up for the wedding, and was also busy finding the perfect flowers, centerpieces, cake, and formal attire for the whole party. I wanted the ceremony to be simple, just Kade and I, because if we had a wedding party there would be no one sitting in the seats.
Alaine suggested at least one person should stand with us, like a best-man and maid-of-honor. So, I chose Lia. When I called her, she screamed and then started bawling over the phone. Half the time I didn’t understand what she was saying, but I knew she was ecstatic. In a few short weeks I’d see their faces again.
I told Alaine she could make most of the decisions without me. I didn’t really care about all the details, or how frilly it was, and since she was such a stickler for detail, I let her have the reins. The only thing I wanted to be a part of was choosing my wedding dress. For that, I chose a simple but elegant design, and then she took all my measurements and called them into the designer who would hand sew it.
As far as invitations went, there weren’t too many people on the list, but I did have a secret list of my own. Michael told me to call on him if I ever needed, so I sent up a dozen verbal requests for him and Kade’s parents to attend the wedding. I wasn’t sure if they would come, or even if they wanted to, but I extended the invitation to them anyway. I knew this outward celebration was only a mortal tradition, but thought it would be a nice surprise for Alaine.
Every moment I was alone, I called my wings. Each time I practiced, it became easier and easier until it came to the point there was no more pain. I would extend them and fold them back behind my back, exercises to try and to get control over them, and they seemed to respond perfectly to my thoughts. The only thing I hadn’t done was fly, and I was looking forward to that moment.
Samuel also helped me with my gift of strength. He taught me how to train my gift not to react without my consent. It took some time, but I finally got it under control.
Kade stayed down in his room because the pull of the bond was becoming much too hard for us to resist, especially when we were alone. My heart ached the moment he left, but I knew in a short time, he would forever be mine. That fact made resisting just a little easier.
The day before the wedding, Lia and Jeremy flew into Fairbanks airport, so I went with Dom and Kade to pick them up. On the way back, Dom drove, Kade rode shotgun, and me, Lia, and Jeremy sat in the back.
Lia grabbed my hand. “I am so excited for you. Oh my God. I can’t believe you’re getting married,” she squealed.
“I know. This has all been like a dream,” I breathed.
“We both knew you were going to get married first. It’s not like me and Jeremy have people fighting to be with us,” she laughed, and Jeremy rolled his eyes. “By the way, how is Caleb?”
“He’s good,” I replied. “And, he can’t wait to see you.”
“Really?” Her face lit up and she actually clapped.
“Yep, and Courtney is excited to see you too, Jeremy.”
His eyes widened and he began nodding. “Yeah, she’s really cool. It will be nice to see her again.”
“Oh, don’t even act like your insides aren’t throwing a party right now, Jeremy,” Lia giggled.
“I’m excited, alright. I just don’t go around like a toddler, clapping my hands and squealing.”
“Whatever,” she exhaled. Lia leaned over to me and whispered. “I knew you and Kade were meant for each other. You read my email didn’t you? I told you. Best friends intuition.” She nodded, tapping the side of her head.
“Yeah, you did,” I acknowledged. Kade’s head slightly turned to the side and I could see a smile on his face.
“So what ever happened to Ethon?” she asked. Kade and Dom quickly glanced at each other. I didn’t tell her Ethon died because Lia would never understand. It was best to keep her out of the affairs of the paranormal, and give her the simplest answer.
“He’s gone and won’t be coming back,” I answered.
“Well, it’s probably for the best. He was a cool guy and all, but you ended up with your soul mate,” she said matter-of-factly.