Fate (Drift Series Book 4) (6 page)

The preacher led us into the process, going through the formalities. After we took our vows to one another, the preacher mentioned that Shade had something she wanted to share with me. I was a little put off with this part because I had no idea that I needed to prepare something to say. I needed to think fast because Shade pulled out a small piece of paper and began to read from it.

She cleared her throat and with a nervous voice and shaking hands, she read her thoughts about me out loud so everyone could hear.

“Leo, I can remember you being this shy young…boy,” we both made eye contact as she paused and giggled a bit, “sitting in class, afraid to make eye contact with me, turning away from me every time our eyes met. Little did I know that you would become everything I have ever wanted in someone. You are strong, confident, and fearless. When I am with you, I feel safe. Like nothing in the world, no matter what that may be, can get to me when you’re by my side. I feel peace when I hear your voice and strength when I am in your embrace. I know if I am ever lost, you’ll always be the one who finds me.” She smiled at me and cleared her throat some more as she continued.

“You once told me that anything is possible,” she reached up and pulled at the necklace that was around her neck.

It was, of course, the little space rock I gave her when we first got together. With how radiant she looked, I didn’t even notice she was wearing it around her neck.

“You were right. The fact that we are standing here today, joining as one, is proof positive of that statement. Anything is possible for us. There is no end unless be both give in. I need you to be here, therefore, I know you always will be. I love you with all my heart, Leo Cutler. I am your second chance.”

Shade smiled and folded up the paper, reaching behind her, giving it to Sandra. Her touching sentiments nearly left me speechless. I needed to think quickly though as the preacher turned to me and asked if I had anything to say to Shade.

I paused for a second, trying to think on my feet, and turned to the crowd and said, “I’m already starting out as a bad husband. I didn’t realize I needed to prepare something to read to her.” The people chuckled a bit as I continued. “But, I’ll just speak from the heart. I hope that will do.” I turned to face Shade.

“I, too, remember sitting in class with you. I was shy. Afraid of how I felt about you. So intimidated by your beauty. You refer to me as your strength, your safety, but it is you who has saved me. You have brought to me what no other soul could ever do; a life, a reason to push forward and face the obstacles that are in our way, a reason to love. You are the woman that has soothed the savage beast. In that effect is the reflection of your strength.”

I knew I wasn’t supposed to do this yet, but I reached over and pulled up her veil.

“On our first date, we stood at the fountain in the Gardens of Zeus and flipped a coin into the water. We never told each other what we wished for, but today, I will tell you that my wish came true. I wished to be with you forever.”

Shade’s eyes welled up and she quickly released one hand from her bouquet to wipe her tears before it ruined her makeup.

“At that time, we also shared our first kiss. Today, we get to share another first kiss…the first kiss of many in the rest of our lives together. I have risked it all for you, just as you have for me. Because of that, I will always come back to you…always. I love you Shade, more than you could ever know and I promise to watch over you, as long as you promise to watch over me. Thank you for this second chance.”

I leaned in and kissed her. Again, I knew I wasn’t supposed to do this move yet, but I couldn’t help myself. When we broke from our kiss, we looked around a little sheepishly. I noticed that both of our mothers were wiping tears from their eyes while giggling at our spontaneity at the same time.

The preacher reeled us back in with our swapping of I do’s and requested the ring bearer do his duty. Shade and I reached down and untied our rings, first me placing her ring on her finger, than her placing my ring on mine. The preacher gave me permission to kiss the bride, again, and of course I followed suit.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Leo and Shade Cutler.” He professed as everyone clapped. The music came back on as the two of us held hands and smiled at our guests. We slowly walked down the aisle together. A few men, like Mr. Criner, Meredith’s father, reached out and shook my hand. We came across Mr. Veitoni and he nearly tackled the two of us as he kissed us both on either side of my cheeks and offered us a free meal at his restaurant whenever we wanted to cash it in for celebration of our union.

Once we got away from the wedding area, we were directed by the wedding planner where we needed to walk next. She pointed us in the direction of the reception area under the tent. The groomsmen and bridesmaids had joined hands and were walking behind us as we strolled.

“Well, you’re my wife. What a trip.”

“Yes, yes I am. Boy did you get lucky.” She teased and we laughed.

“I sure did. Now let’s go have some cake that I won’t enjoy.” I joked back.

“Don’t worry babe, I will.” She stuck it to me again as we got directed to sit in the middle of the head table.

What an amazing day this truly was for me. I couldn’t believe I had somehow gotten here. In this moment it was time to appreciate our day in the sun before I worried about what lay before us upon the horizon.

CHAPTER 6

RECEPTION

Once the wedding party gathered at the head table and sat down, the guests began to pile in to take their seats at each of the scattered tables. A three tiered wedding cake sat directly in front of Shade and me. At the very top of it I noticed the little bride and groom figures reeked of irony. The bride had angel wings sprouting from her back while the groom had little devil horns and black wings coming from his back side.

“Very funny…very funny.” I pointed to the top of it.

“I thought you might like that, lackey.” She kissed me playfully.

The chatter in the room and among our head table was rising. Everyone was having a jubilant time. Richard came up and congratulated us. Before he walked away he placed two fingers at his eyes; then pointed them at me as if to say that he was watching me. Then he winked and flashed a smile. Everyone at our head table took a moment to offer their admiration while the food was being served.

Naturally, I couldn’t taste a damn thing, but it still didn’t stop me from taking in the enjoyment of watching the others who were gobbling up the catering. When the food was done, Anne walked up and took off a couple levels of the cake and ordered Shade and I to stand in order to cut it. Scruffy was urging me to shove it in Shade’s face when I pulled her piece, but I stayed respectful and gently placed it in her mouth.

“You big wuss.” Scruffy called me out.

When Shade pulled her piece up to my lips, I expected the same courtesy from her, but I should have known better. Without hesitation, she crammed that thing all over my face and mouth. People laughed like crazy, especially Scruffy.

“I see the way it is. Okay, okay…payback is a…you know what.” I pointed at my wife who was laughing uncontrollably. I was handed a tissue to clean up with and did my best to hide my shame for being a sucker.

While the cake was being consumed, Scruffy tapped on his champagne glass and stood.

“Excuse me for a moment folks…attention!” Everyone quieted down to hear what the best man had to say as he held up his champagne glass.

“Today is truly a glorious day. Today, a vivacious and beautiful soul, took in a pitiful, clingy vagabond…”

People started to chuckle and I had to interrupt, “Wait, what is this…a wedding reception or a roast?” I kidded my brother.

Scruffy smiled, “Hang on, I’m not finished yet. As I was saying, this poor retched soul has finally found a home with one of the most honest and sincere human beings I have ever met.” Shade and Sandra both ooh’d and awed along with some of the other people in the gathering.

Then Scruffy dropped the bomb as only he can, “Shade…you’re darn lucky Leo found you or who knows where you might have ended up.” He smiled in arrogance.

People, as well as myself, started bellowing out in laughter.

“Mark Spears!” Sandra and Shade both yelled at him in shock.

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding. Seriously though, I have seen this relationship develop since day one. If there was truly ever a couple who were meant to be together, it is you two. You are perfect for one another. As I told Leo before the wedding, in a short span of time, our family has grown. Not only have I gained a brother, but I also have gained a sister. I couldn’t have asked for a better one. I love the two of you and I wish you nothing but peace, happiness and all the thrills that life has to offer. Best wishes.” He raised his glass, as did the rest of us, and we all took a sip and people started clapping as Scruffy sat back down.

“Now…go out and make me an uncle for goodness sake!” He yelled and laughter reigned supreme once again.

Everyone, including myself of course, thanked Scruffy for his awkward but kind words. Shade went over and kissed his cheek and gave him a big hug. At this time, the guests at the wedding came up to the head table and congratulated us one by one.

Once that was over, the DJ requested for Shade and I to hit the dance floor for the first dance of the evening. A very nice slow song played as we danced together alone. Shade knew I couldn’t dance worth a heck and told me to do my best and move when she moved. We joked that she was the one leading during our dance. After a minute or two, the DJ instructed for people to come on out and join us. I felt so much better when bodies surrounded us because I was pretty uncomfortable out there on an island like we were.

After the song was over, I could hardly wait to get back to my seat, but as the next song came on, Anne requested I dance with her so Richard could dance with his daughter. As a matter of fact, I was out there for about six straight songs, dancing with my mother, Sandra, Shade again, and even Scruffy during a fast song. I felt out of place, but that didn’t matter because I was having the best time of my life. Then, it got even better.

While Scruffy and I were essentially jogging in place next to one another during a fast paced song, he leaned in to tell me to watch what he was about to do. So, I obliged. Scruffy walked over to the DJ and leaned in to tell him something. Right after that, Scruff walked away from him and approached Sandra. At the time he approached her, the DJ cut the music and announced over the PA system to keep our voices down and our eyes on the center of the dance floor where Scruffy and Sandra were standing.

I was far enough away from the couple that I couldn’t hear what Mark was telling Sandra. It didn’t take long for me to figure out what the conversation was about though. Scruffy reached into his pocket and dropped down to one knee, asking his beautiful girlfriend to marry him as he held up a ring. When she smiled said yes, Scruffy placed the ring on her finger and then hopped up and picked her up off the ground in an embrace. Twirling her completely around. The crowd cheered as Scruffy kissed his now fiancée and placed her back on the ground.

“Just like Mark to make someone else’s day about him!” I shouted out to my brother. Everyone laughed.

“You should know me by now.” He called back to me as he continued to hug Sandra.

Shade ran up and hugged the two of them and I followed suit. Wishing my brother and soon to be sister a heart-felt order of congratulations. The night's festivities got all the more festive and celebratory after that. It was more than a perfect night. I didn’t want it to end, but with all good things, they must.

As people started to filter out, congratulating us once again, as well as Sandra and Scruffy now, Shade and I decided to get out of our festive attire and get into something a little more casual.

Once we changed, only a few of us remained besides the cleanup crew and the DJ who was breaking down his equipment. Unsure of where Shade and I were both going to be staying for the night because we were told to not worry about that by our families, we approached them with curious intent.

It was Shade’s father who spoke with us first as, Sheriff Taylor, Anne, Benjamin, Amanda, Scruff, and Sandra surrounded us just outside the reception tent.

“I realize you are anxious to spend the rest of your lives together, but can I ask for one more night with my daughter, Leo?” Richard requested.

All though I wanted to be able to spend an evening with her without sneaking around for a change, I could respect where he was coming from and honored his wishes. Besides, I have the rest of my life to be with her now. For however long that may last. “Of course, sir. I understand.”

Richard thanked me and smiled then reached out his hand, he was holding some kind of portfolio and he handed it to Shade.

“Here sweetheart, every one of us chipped in on a little something for you and Leo for your honeymoon.”

Shade took the item from her father and opened it.

“Besides, it will give us time to put on the finishing touches on your new home,” Anne said as everyone smiled.

“Our new what?” I looked to them.

Sheriff Taylor spoke up. “The final wedding gift we have to offer. Along with getting your wedding prepped, Richard and everyone else here, when they could spare their time, got together and purchased a small plot of land with a tiny wood cabin on it. It was a steal of a deal because the place needed a ton of work, so that’s what we’ve been doing. Now, it still needs a lot of work, and still will when the two of you return, but we felt a newly married couple should have something of their own to return to each day.”

“Leo, this is a one week trip, fully paid for, at a place on the Virgin Islands. We leave tomorrow morning.” Shade then she reached in the portfolio and pulled another object out, “and the deed to that home here in Mountainside.”

The two of us were completely knocked out of our socks by the kindness and generosity, yet again, shown by the people who care for us, who truly care for us. I couldn’t even speak. Thank goodness Shade could for the both of us.

“Thank you all so much, this is so unbelievable. There is no way we could ever repay you all for this.” Shade hugged everyone, one by one, as I shook hands and hugged everyone as well.

“There is one way you could repay us.” Amanda chimed in.

In an instant we all hushed and turned to look at her.

“Win, Leo. Do whatever you need to do to beat that bastard that is holding you hostage—us hostage. Win…Leo.” Amanda finished.

I looked at my mother with sincerity and nodded in misguided certainty at her proclamation.

“Protect our daughter, son. Keep her safe, do what you promised, to the best of your abilities, come back to her…for her,” Anne added.

Again, I nodded, before sinking my head. Shade reached over and rubbed my back.

“Enough of that, this is a time to celebrate, not stress. The two of you have to get a good night's rest. You have a big day tomorrow. I am almost jealous.” Sandra reminded us that we have an awesome honeymoon to head out to in the morning.

“Sounds good to me. Live in the now,” Scruffy said, pulling Sandra to him.

With that, we started to head out to our vehicles. When we turned around to leave, we recognized two very familiar figures standing in the distance. It was Argento and Elysia, wearing very human clothing instead of their traditional angelic garb.

“Argento…Elysia? Is everything okay?” I called to them.

“Everything is just fine my friends. There is no reason to fret about our presence, we are here to have a short word with the newlyweds, as well as give our well wishes…nothing more. Then we’ll be on our way,” Argento said.

Shade and I looked to our families for approval to stick around for a few minutes more, realizing they were all pretty worn out from a long day and were eager to get home. Luckily, Sheriff Taylor understood that as well.

“Tell you what, I’ll stay behind folks and see that Shade and Leo get home. Go on home, we’ll be there shortly.”

“Thank you, Sam,” Richard added as we all bid each other a good evening.

As soon as everyone took off, Shade and I approached the angelic duo while Sheriff Taylor waited up by his vehicle for us to finish.

“Are we sure everything is all right?” I questioned them again, unsure of their true motives.

“Everything is fine, Leo,” Elysia said and we shared a tender glance at one another.

“We just wanted to give you our blessings and wish you good fortune on your journey through life together. We are with the two of you, no matter what.” Argento commented.

“No matter what?” I asked.

“No matter what.” Elysia finished.

“Any advice for us from the two of you?” Shade requested.

“Love one another, be courageous, and live with great resolve. Never let go of your bond together. If you do that, you
will
overcome anything that comes your way.”

Both of us simply smiled in reply.

“That’s all we wanted to say to you both.” Argento continued.

“That’s it?” I kidded the usually long winded pair.

“That is it, remember, we are always here for the both of you. Right when you’ll need us the most, we’ll be there. Never forget that.” He concluded.

“Thank you.” I extended my hand for Argento to shake and he complied.

“Thank you,” Shade added.

The two bowed and turned around.

“Oh, there is just one more thing…I almost forgot.” Argento stopped and turned back to us.

Shade and I looked at one another like that meant trouble, but when he turned around holding a small, blue-eyed meowing black kitten, the quick moment of worry flew right out the window. At least when it came to Shade it did.

“It looks just like Shadow!” She squealed and took the kitten right out of Argento’s hand.

“Well, we figured since the two of you were cheated out of Shadow because of me, we thought that maybe we could try and make it up to you by giving you this as our wedding gift to you.” Argento smiled at Shade who was cooing all over the kitten. She had already fell in love with it.

“Is it a boy or a girl?” Shade asked.

“A boy.” Argento replied.

I had a wee bit of skepticism about this little fella. “This isn’t another angel in disguise or something of that sort, is it? Keeping tabs on me?”