Night's Promise(104)

After escorting Sheree’s father into the vestibule, Derek walked toward the front of the church. His family was already there, half of them seated on the groom’s side, half on the bride’s. He frowned when he saw Edna and Pearl sitting in the back row. Damn, those two always meant trouble.

His mother smiled at him from the front row. Clad in a long green gown, she looked as beautiful as always. He paused to give her a hug before joining the priest and Logan, who were waiting for him in front of the altar.

Father Lanzoni was of medium height, with warm hazel eyes and wavy black hair going gray at the temples. He was one of the oldest vampires in existence, but, like the other vampires in the room, he was shielding his true nature from Sheree’s parents.

The priest smiled fondly at Derek. “Good evening, my son.”

“Father.” Derek shook the priest’s hand, and then Logan’s.

“Thank you for allowing me to officiate at your marriage,” the priest said.

“Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

“I wouldn’t miss it,” he said, smiling. “It’s always a happy time when I can join two people in love.”

Derek looked toward the vestibule as Vince escorted Sheree’s mother to her seat.

And then Sheree was there, looking more beautiful than he had ever seen her as she walked down the aisle at her father’s side.

Heart pounding with excitement, Sheree glanced quickly at her surroundings. As Mara had promised, it was a beautiful old church. The altar and the pews were carved from oak. Moonlight shone through the stained glass window above the altar. Candlelight filled the chapel with a warm golden glow, lighting the faces of the wooden statues, but it was Derek who drew her gaze and held it. The man had been born to wear a tux. It emphasized his broad shoulders and long legs, complemented the color of his hair and eyes.

Father Lanzoni smiled at Sheree and Derek, then lifted his gaze to their guests. “We are here tonight to celebrate the joining together of these young people. Who gives this woman in marriage?”

“Her mother and I do,” Brian said. Squeezing his daughter’s hand, he kissed her cheek, then placed her hand in Derek’s.

“My children,” the priest said, his voice low and yet filled with authority. “You have come here this night to exchange your vows in the presence of this company. The secret of a long and happy marriage rests with the two of you. You have only to remember to put your loved one first and your own desires second. Treat your loved one as you would be treated. Never forget the way you feel this night and I promise that the love and devotion you have for one another will grow stronger with each passing day.

“I will pronounce the words that bind you together legally, but the true joining must take place in your own hearts, your own souls.

“Sheree Westerbrooke, do you take Derek Blackwood, here present, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love and to cherish, for now and ever more?”

For now and for ever more, not until death do you part. “I do.”

“Derek Blackwood, do you take Sheree Westerbrooke, here present, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and to cherish, for now and ever more?”

“I do.”

“Then, by the power vested in me, I pronounce you, Derek and Sheree, husband and wife, lawfully and legally wed. Derek, you may kiss your bride.”

Very carefully, Derek lifted her veil, then drew her into his arms. “I love you, wife,” he murmured. “Are you still angry with me?”

“Not as much as I was. Kiss me.”

He kissed her gently at first, and then with greater passion, until the guests burst into applause.

Leaning forward, Father Lanzoni whispered, “Save some for later, my son.”

“Yes, later,” Derek promised, catching his bride’s gaze with his own.





Mara had laid out a feast fit for a king. In addition to salmon and lobster and all the trimmings, there was a beautiful cake and a champagne fountain, as well as several bottles of red wine. Sheree couldn’t help thinking all that food was a terrible extravagance, since only her parents and Abbey Marie were able to enjoy it.

The lights were low. Soft music played in the background.

Brian Westerbrooke mingled with the other guests, obviously impressed by Mara’s home in Northern California and the many expensive paintings and antiques, yet completely at ease with those around him.

Her mother was polite and friendly, if a little standoffish. Sheree wondered if, somehow, her mother sensed that the people she was mingling with weren’t people at all.

The Cordova men all toasted the bride and groom.

Edna and Pearl wished them well.

Kathy, Savannah, and Abbey welcomed her into the family.