"With this ring I thee wed. Please accept this as a symbol of my eternal love. Viper the day we met I knew that my life would never be the same. You swept me off my feet and stole my heart." Hope smiled as she teased him about the way he'd absconded with her, and Viper grinned back. "You showed me the stars and gave me a love worth fighting for. Without you in my life I might continue to go on, but the stars would cease to twinkle as brightly. You have filled a void in my heart that I never knew existed till I met you. I promise to love, honor and cherish you for as long as we both shall live." Her vow was simple and beautiful and it meant the world to him.
This wasn't part of a traditional Anguis ceremony and yet Viper cherished it the most. The mating bond brought them together, but the expression of Hope's love was why she stayed. Viper picked up the small ring, the simple symbol of eternity, and placed it on Hope's finger.
"Hope please accept this ring as a symbol of my eternal amare. When I met you I knew that you were mine. But I had no clue that you would teach me the true meaning of strength, bravery and unbridled passion. You also taught me how to hope when all hope seemed lost. I promise to protect you although you do a pretty good job on your own. And I promise you my undying amare."
With those words Viper reached down and pulled his tearful Hope into his arms and kissed her deeply.
This was a new thing for the Anguis to witness, but the cheer that went up from the crowd said they approved.
The cheering was almost as loud when Hope shoved a piece of dessert into Viper's face then took off running as she giggled. It was her hysterical laughter that got her caught in the end as Viper chased her down. He couldn't help but laugh as he spun her around in his arms, smashing his confection covered mouth against hers.
Hope licked his lips as she opened up for him, giving and returning his passion. Viper never imagined when he traveled a galaxy away on a rescue mission that he'd be the one to find salvation. He never fathomed that he'd find Hope.
Epilogue
Tara stood in the infirmary examining Ophidian's injury. It was healing nicely despite the fact the man insisted on overdoing. Her fingers moved tentatively over his scarred chest. He had come so close to death.
"Have you made a decision to return to Earth or not?" Ophidian asked as he looked at the small dark haired female.
"Viper said I could contact Hope and even visit at any point." She looked up at Ophidian. Tara should've been happy at the prospect of returning to her planet, yet her smile seemed to say otherwise. "So I don't really know why I shouldn't go back home."
Ophidian could only think of single reason Tara should stay, but it was a big one.