Shade(178)

She walked slowly toward him, wearing a lace wedding gown which hugged her body and a veil which lay on her black hair, trailing behind her and brushing the snow.

“She’s beautiful,” Lucky said reverently.

“Yes, and she’s all mine,” Shade reminded him, stepping forward to take Lily’s hand as she came to stand beside him.

Beth remained standing next to Lily.

Lucky waited until everyone retook their seats before beginning the ceremony.

“The marriage ceremony is the most sacred ritual a pastor performs. I am blessed to be able to stand here today to join Lily Cornett and John Hunter into the Holy union   of wedlock.

“Ruth 1:16-17. Entreat me not to leave you or to return from following after you. For wherever you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, will I die, and there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, if anything but death part you and me.

“This beautiful expression of love and loyalty is why Lily and John are standing here today to give their vows before family and friends—so all will know their commitment to each other.#p#分页标题#e#

“Who gives this woman in marriage?” Lucky asked.

“I do,” Beth answered with tears in her eyes.

“Shade and Lily, marriage is a sacred relationship and should not be entered into lightly. The road which has brought you here today hasn’t been an easy one. It’s been filled with many challenges and obstacles which both of you have overcome. Instead of using these challenges as excuses not to love, you have chosen to use them as a reason to love each other.

“Lily and Shade, the vows you are about to make in your own words will be a promise to keep the commitment and love you both share for each other now and forever.

“Lily, you may give your vows first.”

Lily smiled at him with such love that Shade felt tears brim in his eyes.

“Shade, I give you my heart, willingly and without reservations. I give you my promise to always love you, be the mother to your children, and to be the strong wife you deserve. I pledge my devotion and faith to you. I swear to keep all these in my heart for you through sickness and health, through our successes and our sorrows, for the rest of our lives together.”

“John,” Lucky prompted.

Shade had to clear his throat before he began.

“Lily, I promise to be your lover and friend, not only a husband. I will be your partner in this life we will share. I will be your warrior when you cannot find the strength to fight for yourself. I will be the father to your children. I give you my hand and heart to hold as we walk through life’s struggles. I will remain yours long after my body turns to dust and our names are just a memory. Together. Forever.”

A cross between a laugh and sob escaped Lily at the end of his vows. Shade used his thumbs to wipe away the happy tears coursing down her face, grinning at her and trying to hold back his own, happy to finally be tying his woman to him forever.

“What will be the symbol of the vows you have pledged to each other?” Lucky asked.

“These rings,” Shade and Lily both answered at the same time.

“These rings will serve as a reminder to the both of you and to others of your vows.

“John, place your ring on Lily’s left hand and repeat after me.

“Lily, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love.”

Shade repeated the words after he placed the wedding band on her finger.

Lucky then turned to Lily.

“Lily, place your ring on John’s left hand and repeat after me.

“John, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love.”

Lily repeated the words, placing the wedding band on his finger. When she finished, Shade gripped her hand in his.

“Lily and John, you have now exchanged rings and vows, marrying in the presence of God, your family, and friends. By the authority vested in me by the state of Kentucky, I pronounce you husband and wife.

“You may kiss the bride.” Lucky smiled as he finished the ceremony.

Shade pulled Lily closer, lowering his mouth to kiss his wife for the first time.

* * *

The freezing guests left immediately after the ceremony while drinking the cups of hot coffee or cocoa that had been waiting for them inside the church. Shade invited only Lucky and Killyama, who was the only psycho of the bitch pack able to attend, back to the clubhouse for the private reception; both had refused. Lucky had Christmas Eve service that evening, and Killyama wanted to get back to Jamestown before the weather made the roads even worse.

Lily and the other women climbed in Beth’s SUV, while Shade and Train were riding with Rider in his truck.