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For a long moment, Negal looked undecided, but then he took his drink, pushed to his feet, and leveled his gaze at her. "Don't forget. The first dance is mine."
Margo crossed her arms over her chest. "Did I promise you a dance? Or better yet, did you ask me if I wanted to dance with you? I know that you are military, and you might be used to issuing orders, but I'm not under your command, and if you want anything from me, the word please should be included in your request. "
He frowned. "Would you please reserve the first dance for me?"
"That's better."
"Is that a 'yes'?"
She was tempted to tell him that it was a maybe, but she wasn't into playing games, and she wanted to feel his arms around her again.
"Yes, I'll save the first dance for you, but I'm not making any promises about the rest of the night."
"Understood." Negal bowed to her. "Thank you."
35
WENDY
Wendy stood a few feet away from the entrance to the dining hall with her mother and Stella flanking her and her bridesmaids standing in formation before her.
She was breaking the clan's tradition of the bride and groom not being accompanied by their parents, but her situation was unique, and she hoped her new family would be understanding.
She'd just found her mother and having her by her side as she walked down the aisle was a wish she hadn't even dared to dream about, and now that it was a reality, she wasn't willing to give it up for anything short of not having a wedding at all.
Fortunately, no one had said anything when she'd explained how she wanted the ceremony to proceed.
Vlad had been accompanied by Vrog and Richard as he'd made his way to the altar, and Wendy hoped this hadn't elicited any disapproving looks from the attendees. Bowen, her mother's mate, served as one of the groomsmen.
When the music started, her eight bridesmaids entered first, four rows of two ladies each, wearing silver-colored calf-length gowns.
Their dresses were very different from hers, which was also sleeveless but fitted through the torso. The bodice was covered in lace overlay and transitioned to a wide, voluminous skirt, where layers of tulle cascaded down to the ground, creating a cloud-like effect.
Subtle embellishments of delicate beads and tiny, shimmering sequins were scattered across the dress, catching the light and adding a hint of sparkle without being too much.
Once the bridesmaids joined the eight groomsmen and the music changed to the traditional bridal song, Margaret and Stella threaded their arms through Wendy's, and the three of them walked in, using the measured strides they had practiced.
At the altar, Vlad stood a head taller than all his groomsmen, with only his father matching his impressive height. His raven black hair was slicked back, and his smile was so broad that it made his handsome face glow.
Or was the glow coming from his eyes? One blue and one green, they were both beautiful, but not as beautiful as the soul behind them.
Vlad was one of a kind, made of goodness and love, of kindness and warmth, and she was the luckiest girl on the planet to be loved by a rare jewel like him.
When he turned a little to the side, revealing the goddess standing on the dais behind him, it occurred to Wendy that the glow might have been emanating from Annani. Still, she was sure that at least some of it was coming from Vlad.
Upon reaching the podium, her mother and Stella let go of her arms and joined Vrog and Richard. Vlad extended his hand to her, and when she took it, both of them faced the goddess and bowed their heads.
Annani lifted her glowing arms, and when the crowd hushed down, she lowered them and smiled.
"Welcome, my children, to yet another happy occasion, the joining of Wendy and Vlad. Two young souls who found each other against overwhelming odds and who stand before you as a symbol of the resilience of love.
"In the tapestry of life, every thread of joy, challenge, and triumph contributes to the masterpiece of our existence. Wendy and Vlad's journey to this moment has been woven with threads both dark and bright, painting a picture of strength and commitment. Their story is a testament to the fact that love, in its purest form, transcends the barriers of past pains and the shadows of doubt.
"It is not often that we see two people so uniquely suited to support and understand one another. Wendy and Vlad's relationship was born from a complex weave of emotions and experiences and has blossomed into a partnership defined by mutual respect, understanding, and an unbreakable bond. Through trials and tribulations, they have learned the power of forgiveness, the strength found in vulnerability, and the courage it takes to trust again."
The goddess turned her gaze to the two of them. "Wendy, you are proof that it is possible to move beyond the scars of the past and embrace a future filled with hope and love. Vlad, with your kindness and your capacity for forgiveness, you embody the beauty of true acceptance and the transformative power of believing in someone, even when they struggle to believe in themselves.
"Today, as you pledge your lives to each other, you remind us of the profound impact of love and the miraculous ways it can heal and unite. Your joining is a beacon of hope for all who believe that out of the ashes of doubt and fear, the phoenix of love can rise brighter, stronger, and more beautiful than ever before.
