Thomas, Courtney, Caleb, Jeremy, Miss Lily, Henry, and then Alaine. But in between, there were more than a few I hadn’t met yet. Next to Alaine I saw a familiar face, and when she smiled, I had a flashback. She was the woman who visited me in the hospital. Miss Reed. Abigail Reed. I remembered her name because she was the one who worked with Alaine to send me here. She must have been an angel.
I had a feeling all those faces glowing and smiling at me, had some part to play in our lives. Or they were somehow connected.
As we neared the front I couldn’t help but notice Lia’s bright shining face, and it made me smile. She was wearing a golden gown, and clasped tightly in her hands was a white bouquet of roses, similar to mine.
Dominic was standing on the other side of Kade. He looked handsome with his light brown hair and gleaming green eyes. His smile was wide, revealing his perfect white teeth. He was wearing a white tuxedo with a gold bow-tie and gold cummerbund, to match Lia.
But as beautiful as they were, there was only one who took my breath away. As our eyes focused onto each other, I couldn’t help but get emotional.
When we reached the front, Samuel held out his hand and turned to me. Leaning over, he kissed me gently on my cheek, and then placed my hand in Kade’s. The bond, as strong as ever, surged through us, filling me with a great want and desire. As if this moment wasn’t already magical enough.
Kade didn’t speak, but the affection in his eyes spoke louder than any word.
When the minister began the ceremony, I looked up and recognized him. He was the same person who led my parent’s funeral.
I held tight to Kade’s hands, knowing if I let go, I wouldn’t have been able to stand. He was my strength, as he had always been from the very beginning. If I could have, I would have rather been wrapped tightly in his arms.
When it was time for our vows and the exchange of rings, our voices wavered with emotion, the words simple, but true
For Kade’s ring, I’d chosen a simple white gold band, engraved on the inside with my markings. He was thankful, and his eyes pooled as I placed the ring on his finger.
The ring he gave me was also of white gold, but had three rows of diamonds which merged into a very large heart shaped diamond in the center, and on the inside, his symbol was engraved. I sobbed as he placed it on my finger.
For the remainder of the ceremony, I kept my eyes on him.
Then, the minister finally announced…“I now pronounce you man and wife. Kade,” he said with a grin, “you may kiss your bride.”
Gently holding the back of my neck he pressed his lips to mine and the guests cheered. Rose petals were thrown in the air as we finished our kiss and turned to them.
As we proceeded down the aisle we were stopped when someone stepped in our path, and I gasped as soon as I realized who it was.
“Michael!” I said, throwing my arms around him. “You came.”
“Of course I came,” he said, hugging me back. “I can’t stay for long, but since you invited me at least a dozen times, I couldn’t say no.” He gently caressed my face in his hands. “You’re a vision.”
“Thank you,” I blushed.
“Kade,” Michael said, extending his hand to him.
“Michael,” Kade nodded, shaking his hand in appreciation.
“Your parents couldn’t make it. Your father was called on a mission. I’m sorry.”
“I understand. But I am glad you came,” he answered.
Alaine came and stood next to me, her eyes fixed on a man she had never met before.
“Hi, Alaine,” his beautiful voice sang.
“Do I know you?” she asked, then glanced at me, and back at him.
“I’ve been with you your entire life, but have never had the pleasure of meeting you.”
Alaine shook her head, completely baffled, and then she turned back toward me.
“Mom, I’d like you to meet your father, my grandfather,” I slowly introduced.
She turned back toward Michael, her eyes perplexed. “My father?”
“Yes, Alaine.” His smile radiated like a beam of sunshine.
“My father?” she repeated, her eyes welled with tears.
“Yes. Michael the Archangel is your father,” I said softly.
Samuel placed his hand on her shoulder, and when she looked back at him, he nodded.
Michael held his arms open to her. “Come, Alaine,” he spoke, and she fell into his arms weeping like a child.
After a while she straightened up, wiped her tears, and faced him.
“I’m sorry. I just never thought this day would ever come,” she sniffled, looking at him in complete wonderment.
“It’s been long overdue,” he agreed.
“How did you meet Emma?”